Summer is here, and with it comes sunny weather and the chance to explore. Neighbors might be itching to get out, craving a relaxing day or simply looking for something to do with the kids. Whatever the circumstance, one need not look far. The neighborhood is our oyster. Here are some ideas and suggestions to inspire summertime shenanigans. 

Dougherty’s Pharmacy 

12835 Preston Road, 214-373-5300

Step back in time to the good ol’ days by placing an order at the soda fountain at Dougherty’s. Try a modern take on the classic with a s’mores shake, or stick to the basics with a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Bernie’s 

6211 W. Northwest Highway, 214-702-9339

At Bernie’s, it’s possible to enjoy cocktails and small bites and actually hear the person talking to you. A membership is needed to enter this private club in Preston Tower, but presenting a driver’s license is all that’s required to get one. 

Eataly 

8687 N. Central Expressway, 469-759-2800

Take a trip to Italy without leaving the neighborhood. Find everything needed to make an authentic Italian meal: fresh produce, antipasti, pasta, sauce, freshly baked bread, wine and sweet treats. Prefer not to cook? Let the pros handle it.

Escape the Room 

11661 Preston Road, 972-338-4510

When the clock starts, a group has 60 minutes to solve riddles and puzzles to break out of the room. Venture to the Wild West for a bank heist, become a secret agent and complete the mission, or find the way out of an archaeological dig.

Forestwood Antique Mall 

5333 Forest Lane, 972-661-0001

Take home a piece of history with an item purchased at Forestwood Antique Mall. One of the oldest of its kind in the city, it boasts about 100 sellers offering everything from furniture, collectibles and old books to vintage costumes and fine jewelry. 

Halcyon Days Salon & Spa

400 NorthPark Center, 214-346-0731

Treat yourself with a trip to Halcyon Days, a spa named after the mythological bird that nests on calm seas around the time of the winter solstice. 

Preston Hollow Dance 

3720 Walnut Hill Lane, 214-351-1690

Bust a move at Preston Hollow Dance. Instructors help kids and adults alike master jazz, ballet, hip hop or contemporary styles.

North Haven Gardens 

7700 Northaven Road, 214-363-5316

Start the weekend project with a trip to North Haven Gardens. Pick up everything necessary for an herb, vegetable or flower garden, and get all tips and tricks from the experts.

Northaven Trail 

Northaven Road and west side of Inwood Road 

Northaven Trail runs right through our neighborhood. It’s even being expanded across the highway to connect to more of our city’s trails. 

Woodlands American Grill 

6073 Forest Lane, 972-239-2024

Dine at Woodlands, right in the heart of the neighborhood. Enjoy elegant classics like crab cake eggs benedict or the market place omelet, or try the Preston Hollow Plate, which comes with everything everyone wants: eggs, applewood bacon, Parmesan-truffle potatoes, Texas toast and fresh fruit.

Dallas Chocolate Classes

1626 Banbury Lane, Carrollton, TX, 214-289-5419

Chocoholics, rejoice! Take a two-hour class alone or with a friend and learn to make a chocolatey dessert from a professional chocolatier and pastry chef. The possibilities aren’t endless, but they are all delicious: French tigré mini cakes, chocolate bouchon sponge cakes, chocolate mousse and chocolate tartlets, to name a few. Classes are held online and in person. 

Dallas Contemporary 

161 Glass St., 214-821-2522

The Dallas Contemporary museum, which had its original exhibition space on Swiss Avenue, showcases contemporary art by Texas and out-of-state artists. Now located in the Design District, it rotates eight exhibitions by emerging and established artists each year.

Highland Park Village 

47 Highland Park Village, 214-443-9898

Go on a shopping spree at the high-end shops in Highland Park Village, just minutes from the neighborhood. If refreshments are on the agenda, stop by one of the many restaurants, bakeries or coffee shops for some sustenance. 

K1 Speed

677 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX,

469-327-8642 

Have a need for speed? Cruise over to K1 in nearby Richardson for indoor go-kart racing. Juniors must be 48 inches tall to drive, and adults must be 58 inches tall.

1 race = $24, 2 races = $40, 3 races = $55, Speedpass (two races, t-shirt and membership) = $55

Meyerson Symphony Center 

2301 Flora St., 214-305-6217

Experience fine arts at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, located Downtown. In a performance, one may hear compositions by titans of the classical genre, among them Mozart, Handel and Mendelssohn. This month, the center is hosting Troupe Vertigo: Circus, Dance, Theater. 

Studio Arts Dallas 

10051 Shoreview Road

Embrace your creative side with summer art classes at Studio Arts Dallas. From June 14-Aug. 8, take in-person or Zoom lessons to develop skills in whichever medium strikes a fancy – drawing and painting, illustrating or clay.

The Cookery

1130 Dragon St. #180 

Flex culinary muscles at The Cookery. During a three-hour cooking class, learn to make a three-course meal. Instruction is offered on a variety of cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Tuscan and Parisian. And no one gets thirsty because drinks, selected to pair well with the food, are available. 

The Perot Museum 

2201 N. Field St., 214-428-5555 

Experience all exhibit halls of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science after it closes at Thursdays on Tap. Adults who are at least 21 years old can spend evenings listening to live music and enjoying drinks and food from food trucks.

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park 

14902 Preston Road #1100, 469-232-1214 

This is not like the typical backyard trampoline. This is a building filled with a ropes course, a warrior obstacle course, a battle beam, climbing walls and yes, trampolines. It’s a great place to let the kids burn off energy.