Garland is a city that is more associated with good living, instead of being a true travel destination. But, its recognition is deserved. In 2008, it was ranked among Money magazine’s top 100 places to live. It then went on to gather more plaudits over the years, being recognized as one of the best-run cities and best places to raise a family. Don’t worry about accommodations as there are plenty of places to stay in Garland and with Dallas being next door, travelers can also book a stay at hotels with free parking. As recently as this year, it was named the “3rd best city for living the American Dream in 2017”. Shattering the myth that it lacks as a travel destination, here is our list of the best things to do in Garland, Texas.
1. Sip wine and learn how to make art at Painting with a Twist
Do you want to be able to create some wonderful masterpieces one day? If the answer is yes, then book a painting party at Painting with a Twist. During these painting parties, guests are guided by the artist entertainers on how to create their own pieces of art. You are treated to a wonderful art class while enjoying their favorite wines and snacks.
Painting with a Twist does these events regularly but they also offer a space for other occasions like birthday parties and team-building activities.
Painting with a Twist
Address: 330 N 6th St #F, Garland, TX 75040, United States
Website: Painting with a Twist
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
2. Have some family bonding time at Jumping World
If you’re wondering what to do in Garland, TX, with the whole family, then look no further. From the name itself, Jumping World provides family bonding moments through its various jumping attractions. It has tumbling lanes where visitors can jump around and perform flips. Basketball fans will love the slamdunk arena as visitors can perform those amazing jumps and flips they see in the NBA.
The dodgeball court is great for more competitive visitors as it pits teams against one another in a fun game of dodgeball with a trampoline twist. The ninja warrior course is also a great place for competitive visitors as it tests their parkour abilities and is a great place to experience for fans of that show.
Jumping World
Address: 4445 Saturn Rd Ste B, Garland, TX 75041, United States
Website: Jumping World
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 9pm; Fri: 1pm - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
3. Skate to your heart's content at Texas Skatium
Boasting a 35,000-square-foot (3,251-square-meter) facility, Texas Skatium offers not only a fun place to go skating but also a great venue to hold special occasions like birthday parties. It has a state-of-the-art sound system, magnificent music, and great lighting to ensure that all visitors have a nice time throughout.
There are also a number of bounce houses and inflatables available for additional fun. For visitors looking to buy some skates, Texas Skatium also sells a variety of skates and skate accessories.
Texas Skatium
Address: 2020 Rowlett Rd, Garland, TX 75043, United States
Website: Texas Skatium
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 6pm; Tue - Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri: 7pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 1pm (closed on Mon)
4. Learn more about the city at the Garland Landmark Museum
Housed in the former Santa Fe depot, the Garland Landmark Museum offers visitors a journey through time, from 1850 to the present. The museum collects, preserves and displays all of the city’s historical artefacts from early settlers, such as old newspapers, farm tools, clothes and other everyday items, that provided a glimpse of how the town folk lived their lives.
Garland Landmark Museum
Address: 393 N 6th St, Garland, TX 75040, USA
Website: Garland Landmark Museum
5. Fit in with the locals at the Resistol Hat Plant
No visit to Texas is complete without getting an authentic cowboy hat. Instead of just purchasing one off the rack, head down to the Resistol Hat Plant. Visitors will be able to see how these iconic hats have been made, since the 1930s. The tour takes you through each process of the plant and will last about an hour. You’ll better appreciate the hats as you get your own at their onsite souvenir store.
Resistol Hat Plant
Address: 601 Marion Dr, Garland, TX 75042, USA
Website: Resistol Hat Plant
6. Visit the Rowlett Creek Preserve to commune with nature
Rowlett Creek Preserve is one of Garland’s best parks, with gazebos, lush trails and picnic areas, great for a sweet date or family outing. It’s perfectly fine if you want to have a lazy day, but try one of the trails and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city. There are also decent biking trails for your fix of off-road adventure. With all of these magnificent sights and activities, Rowlett Creek Preserve is one of the best places to go in Garland.
Rowlett Creek Preserve
Address: 2525 Castle Dr, Garland, TX 75040, USA
Website: Rowlett Creek Preserve
7. Enjoy an outdoor picnic at Spring Creek Park
If you have a young family, Spring Creek Park makes for a great option. The park has a playground, picnic spots, and a fishing pier, that is more suited for those with young children. There is also a relatively easy 0.8 mile (1.3 km) walking trail, that takes you to some of the local flora and fauna, some of which are over 300 years old.
Spring Creek Park
Address: 15012 Brown Rd, Tomball, TX 77377, USA
Website: Spring Creek Park
8. Shop till you drop at Firewheel Town Center
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, Firewheel Town Center is a whopping 1,004,000 square foot (93,300 square metre), open-air shopping mall, with more than 125 shops, ranging from women’s apparel to sporting goods. Should you get bored or hungry, there are dining options, such as Houlihan’s and TGI Friday’s, along with an 18-screen cinema, including an IMAX theatre, screening all the latest blockbusters.
Firewheel Town Center
Address: 245 Cedar Sage Dr, Garland, TX 75040, USA
Website: Firewheel Town Center
9. Spend a family day at Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
If you’re in Garland for the summer, cool off at the Hawaiian Falls Waterpark, which is one of the top-rated parks in Texas. This water themed park has over 10 rides, from exciting slides like the Rush and Hawaiian Halfpipe to relaxing areas, like Waikiki Beach and Kona Kooler. Whether you’re coming with friends or family, this is a fun way to escape the scorching summer heat.
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
Address: 4550 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX 75040, USA
Website: Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
10. If your kids never stop running…take them to the Urban Air Trampoline Park
Let them jump to their heart’s content at the Urban Air Trampoline Park. There are huge trampolines to accommodate all that bouncing around, amongst other on-site attractions, to bring a little challenge to the experience. There are dodgeball courts, the Slam Dunk Zone and Warrior Obstacle Course, to name a few. Adults are, of course, welcome to join, as trampoline parks are one of most effective ways in letting off steam.
Urban Air Trampoline Park
Address: 3046 Lavon Dr #129, Garland, TX 75040, USA
Website: Urban Air Trampoline Park
11. Try their local beer from Lakewood Brewery
Founder Wim Bens loved craft beer so much he left his old job to start the Lakewood Brewing Company, in 2011. All the beers here are brewed on site, with free tours available on weekends, for visitors who want to find out how they are made. The brewery has its own beer garden, an impressive 4,000 square foot (372 square metre) venue, that offers more than 25 beers and can hold up to 200 guests.
Lakewood Brewing Company
Address: 2302 Executive Dr, Garland, TX 75041, USA
Website: Lakewood Brewing Company
12. Go fishing at Lake Ray Hubbard
If you’re in the mood for some water activities, head to Lake Ray Hubbard. One of North Texas’ largest lakes, the lake is an idyllic spot for fishing, water skiing and even windsurfing. One of the most popular attractions here is Rockwall Harbour, a waterfront entertainment centre, offering great dining options, live music and walkways to enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Rockwall Harbor – Lake Ray Hubbard
Address: Rockwall, TX 75032, USA
Website: Rockwall Harbor – Lake Ray Hubbard
13. Play a round of 18 at Firewheel Golf Park
Alternatively, you can opt for a round of 18, at the Firewheel Golf Park. Opened in 1983, the park spreads over 600 acres (243 hectares), featuring three courses: the Old Course, Bridges Course and Lakes Course. The courses are ranked by difficulty. The park has a saying: “If the Bridges Course has teeth, the Lakes Course has fangs”.
Firewheel Golf Park
Address: 600 W Campbell Rd, Garland, TX 75044, USA
Website: Firewheel Golf Park
Escape the city
While you won’t see Garland featured on travel brochures anytime soon, it certainly isn’t lacking in attractions. If anything, those looking to escape the overcrowdedness of urban cities will find Garland’s popularity (or lack thereof), very attractive.