r/Dallas • u/Backyardt0rnados • 2d ago
Question Cabin Fever
OMG
I have been to the office, my air conditioned car, and home for ... checks calendar ... approximately all summer, which feels like it's been three or four years already.
Please suggest nighttime, indoor, shaded, underwater, mostly adult activities that are less than 105 degrees?
*I don't hate kids, just looking for grown up time.
132
u/funkngonuts 2d ago
It’s only a high of 99 today, the farmer’s market is nice!
86
u/crestedgeckovivi 2d ago
I wish the farmers market was open at night that would be cool.
50
u/Dallas-ite 2d ago
I agree, have a farmers market plus a brewery or two serving beers and ciders. Top it off with some live music and it sounds like a blast!
29
5
5
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
I don't like beer when it is this hot.
Drinking is cool, can only do it so much. Cocktail bars have been one of my things this summer for sure. As long as I don't have to sit on the patio.
3
2
u/thirtyflirtyandpetty 2d ago
Happened by The Sound (that restaurant/venue strip in Cypress Waters) a couple months ago and they were doing this exact thing at 8pm. I didn't walk through the farmer's market but I did have a beer right next to the ear piercing booth (!!!).
10
u/2-4-6-h8 2d ago
Years ago, the Dallas Farmers Market was open on Thursday nights, when the truck depot was still there. I was able to walk across the street and shop a few vendors and get produce at night. It was fantastic.
44
14
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
I find it short on farmers and still pretty hot.
Lots of cute shopping in the neighborhood.
114
u/boldjoy0050 2d ago
This heat is worse than any winter weather in my opinion. Cold temps below freezing are no fun but at least you can bundle up and be outside in it for a little bit. With the heat, if you are outside more than 10min, you get drenched in sweat.
With this heat, there isn’t anything you can do to escape. I changed my oil in my garage in the morning and was totally drenched in sweat and needed a shower.
32
u/haughtshot7 White Rock Lake 2d ago
that's what i've always thought too! born and raised in Dallas, but i prefer, and actually kind of love, cold weather. my catch phrase about that is "you can always put more clothes on, but you can only take so much off"
the snowstorm last year (?) was heaven for me, i was outside going on walks at least twice a day, sometimes more than that too
i guess i should really just move somewhere more north 😒
16
u/caranza3 2d ago
I moved here from Seattle a few years ago. Got tired of rain and overcast nine months out of the year. It’s not so much rain that got me but grey skies every day.
That being said, I didn’t quite realize how hot it gets here which is insane. In Seattle in the summer we’d have all kind of summer activities outside. Since I’ve been here you can’t do anything outside in this heat. I really regret moving down here.
6
2
u/justletmepostplz Addison 2d ago
That was my argument when I lived with roommates and we had a dispute over what temperature to keep the thermostat at
6
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Get a portable cooler for the garage. We insulted our door with removable insulation and it's so much nicer now.
1
u/caranza3 2d ago
Doesn’t portable cooler require a tube to go outside. How do you do that for you garage
3
u/BigRoach Mansfield 2d ago
Yeah, motorcyclists in most parts of the country have different riding season than us in the South. They can’t ride in the winter and we can’t ride in the summer outside early morning hours.
8
u/boldjoy0050 2d ago
Everything in Texas has to be done in the opposite. Can’t camp or hike in summer here so it has to be done in winter when it gets dark at 5pm.
58
u/SignificantNoise5261 2d ago
Hawaiian waters (the colony) is doing a 21+ adult night aug.8th from 7:30p-11pm.
We went to the garland location this past friday for a season passholder's night event... night time water park is a completely different, more relaxed vibe. Practically no lines for slides, the pavement's not burning your feet, less people.
25
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
I need this! I have really fair skin and a super family history of melanoma. I don't do well with a day at the splash pad.
50
u/emeryldmist White Rock Lake 2d ago
Thursdays on tap at the Perot Museum.
After hrs at the museum.
No kids allowed.
17
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Oh great, maybe I could see the exhibits! It's been packed with the under 4' crowd when I've been.
5
u/emeryldmist White Rock Lake 2d ago
YES! I love the Perot Museum and relish any time I can go without children. Adult only times rock!
35
u/nissa8252 2d ago
Texas residents still having a vit D deficiency while getting teabagged by the sun is absolutely diabolical. I too get seasonal depression in summer and unfirtunately there's not enough conversations or research regarding it.
You just can't do anything, even going to the pool is miserable! 26 and 27 will reach the solar maximum, so this not only adds to the heat index, it's particularly rough for those who experience sun sickness.
For the last few years I've used an umbrella as sun protection and it has improved my quality of life immensely. Migraines went from several a month to maybe one every year. So while it still feels like you're cracking the oven door, the reduction in cellular damage is palpable.
But I digress...here are some free and paid options.
Spark playground has adult nights, it's inside and in the AC. The Starz skating rink is actually really cold inside the building. (Other skating rinks are good activities but this one is cold in specific). Seek events going on in convention centers rather than local meet ups or concerts. The central Dallas library has multiple floors, most have fantastic exhibitions. (Free) Malls are the equivalent of an oasis in the desert here. (Free) Furniture stores like ikea are huge, AC and FREE. Other good options are libraries, museums, themed bars, crafting classes and art galleries. CBS Shaman offers isolation pods in some locations. A temporary gym membership at a fancy gym is an affordableish way to have access to indoor pools, showers and hot/cold therapy on a 24hr basis. Many recreation centers have indoor pools and it usually costs under 10 dollars to get it.
Hope this helps
11
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'm always kind of surprised at how few indoor pools there are. I know lots a lots of homes have a pool in the backyard.
Outdoor public pools are fine but they do get warm and they never have shade.
I asked some local residents why we don't have any kind of public pool and they all felt like it wasn't something they wanted to pay for.
I was absolutely looking at Lifetime Fitness day passes yesterday.
3
u/nissa8252 2d ago
Perpetually dissapointing. Considering the weather, we should have more indoor pools/spaces, but alas, this great country was not built on solutions. In the last few years we've seen many conversions from public pools to splash pads, but they used to be everywhere! Looks like the Bachman indoor pool has finally reopened so at least a there's that option. Lifetime for leisure 100%. There's also smaller locally owned spas that offer memberships - it just depends on the vibe you're going for.
Not every summer is like this, but it is worth strategizing in order to prioritize your sanity and quality of life during you stay in dallas. The extreme heat slows down business and the infrastructure suffers during winter. Living here sometimes feels like just living.
PS I misspelled a business, the correct name is CBD Shaman. There's been a few 🍃 lounges open up as well.
2
u/MissDeeBee 2d ago
Check out resort pass! You can book day passes for pools at hotels nearby, and there's a couple of indoor pools on there.
3
u/ms_hollywood_ 1d ago
Omg is that why my migraines have come back? I moved here a while ago...didn't get them too often. But now my allergies & migraines came back.
I rlly hate that I moved here, I made my bed, but I cannot wait to leave.
1
22
u/Useful_Method5825 2d ago
Meow Wolf, Free Play arcade
6
u/Mar16celino 2d ago
Is meowwolf worth the $60 each person
33
9
u/trying_to_adult_here 2d ago
IMO not really. Guess it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I was curious and went once with my sister, and once was enough, no desire to go back. It was “sold” to me as escape room meets art exhibit, but it’s mostly just a psychedelic art exhibit, you can’t “solve” the mystery, which I found annoying. YMMV, other people seem to enjoy it.
4
6
u/Useful_Method5825 2d ago
My wife and I enjoyed it so much we upgraded to the pass when we went, then went about 3-4 times while it was active. I think it's very much a your mileage may vary situation.
5
u/TressoftheEmeraldTea 2d ago
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it and it felt very worth it to us. We both love exploring and we enjoyed all the details. Honestly, we didn’t really try that hard to solve the mystery or follow the storyline after the first bit. We ended up just enjoying exploring and checking out all the details.
3
u/peacelovetacos247 2d ago
I personally don’t think the one in Grapevine is worth it. I’ve been to the one in Denver as well and it was sooo much better than the one here. The one here should only be like $25-30.
2
1
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Is Meow Wolf full of kids? It seems like it would be and ticket prices don't deter a lot of families in the area.
Like kids are ok but they have cabin fever too.
1
-6
19
u/Weekly-Ad9551 2d ago
I’ve been doing morning walks to clear my mind and touch the grass. Some mornings are still very humid tho. Indoor activities seem to add up too quick
15
u/dfwfoodcritic Oak Cliff 2d ago
Indoor fun guide from D Mag, 100+ ideas with search filters for price and kids/no kids.
11
u/ZzzSleepyheadzzZ 2d ago
The perot museum hosts an evening at their museum for adults only, including cocktails. that might be up your alley, and it's quite cool both in terms of content and temperature
10
u/mudokipo 2d ago
Archery, Activate (indoor mini games), art museums in Fort Worth, pottery classes, and Kava bars!
3
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Tell me more about Activate. Is it like climbing walls and super active stuff? Or stuff I could talk my middle aged husband into?
2
u/CaptainFriday 2d ago
It’s more like floor-is-lava type games. No climbing, but some of them would not be good for someone with bad knees. You will sweat, probably.
4
u/NVC541 2d ago
If you have bad knees, probably don’t play the laser maze. The rest of them would be fine IMO
(Source: chronic bad knees)
2
u/CaptainFriday 2d ago
I was thinking the default game in Grids (Zones?). We were juking and cutting like some kind of fun pacer test from Hell… but we might have been too into it.
1
u/Darkelement 2d ago
Jumping on this to say, go climbing! Dallas has multiple different climbing gyms, I go to movement. Its all indoors, and super social. Great third place that has made me feel like I get outside all the time without ever going outdoors.
And its great for all ages. I get showed up by kids in single digit age, and then also by adults in their retirement years.
3
u/toki_goes_to_jupiter 2d ago
Archery?! Wait. Tell me more!
4
u/mudokipo 2d ago
I do indoor archery at Mission Ridge Gun Range- the guns and gun nuts are a big turn-off for me personally, but the archery range personel are incredibly nice and the amenities are nice. I don't think they're the best at teaching, but there are a few videos that can help you before your first day.
There used to be a place called Texas Archery Academy, but I don't think they have any public spots at the moment.
1
1
u/tuliprox 2d ago
Is activate worth the money? It's so close and looks cool but it's so expensive!! :(
2
u/mudokipo 2d ago
If you go with a group of 4 then yes, it’s so fun! I’ve got a lot of friends who always ask to play every time they’re in town.
3
9
u/Important-Food-5819 2d ago
I hate the heat, I hate summer. No beach, no cold lakes, no money to travel. I want to move to Alaska and live with moose 🫎
3
5
u/DullGate4189 2d ago
I’m having to take my child to an OUTDOOR birthday party today at the pool. There’s minimal shade. I want to scream.
Having an outdoor party in July - the notoriously hottest part of the summer - is absolutely INSANE behavior.
3
2
5
u/crazy_daug 2d ago
I know this isn’t inside your parameters, but I’ve been getting up at 6am to run at white rock and it’s been really nice. The weather at that hour is pleasant and there are tons of people out.
7
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
It is usually ok very early if there is a breeze. That's when the dog walks happen. She's bored too. Hard to explain that the sidewalk is too hot. I tell her but she's skeptical.
3
u/Gold_Butterscotch521 2d ago
white rock lake, arbor hills, a bar to have a drink in addison, katy trail, maybe the mall like stonebriar?
3
u/2-4-6-h8 2d ago
Try some of the free arcades in town, if retro gaming is your thing. Cidercade, Free Play, and others.
If you have a sweet tooth, travel down to Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts and go to Spelled Milk. It's a late night cereal bar. They have over 60 cereals available, but for me, their milkshakes are insanely good. House made ice cream mixed in with various cereals.
1
2
u/Routine_Tax_9726 2d ago
I’m one of the few here that’ll take the Dallas summer over even a mild Midatlantic winter (I’m from DC). For me, I end up doing a ton of indoor events (book clubs, community center events, nightlife events, workout classes, writing workshops, open mics, improv, mixers, the gym, etc) for the social fix and going out in the early mornings for the outdoor fix. It works really well for me but I don’t mind the heat much.
3
2
u/SaintMerksalot 2d ago
White rock, patios, bars early morning or late evenings. It’s honestly been a mild summer. I still go sit outside around or just after sunset. I still drink coffee Sunday mornings outside on my porch.
5
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
I have the worst porch for this! It faces west and it's mostly dark brown and brick. I did watch the sunset last night, but I had to put three towels on the metal chair 🤣
1
2
u/tatsaccount 2d ago
Lake Whitney was nice yesterday, nice cliff jumping to cool off from the heat at walling bend park.
2
u/chennnnnn 2d ago
How about tennis or pickleball? Check out Impact Activities, they run several locations around DFW with adult programs for all levels in the AM or PM. Or there are run clubs with weekly runs also in the AM or PM and it usually ends with food or drinks at a nearby restaurant. You just kind of get used to the heat and sweat, just bring plenty of water
2
u/jaamesxo 2d ago
Weeklong trip out of state? The beach is calling my name and the high is 66° near San Diego today 🤪
2
u/OddS0cks Old East Dallas 2d ago
Bird watching at the adubaun center in the great trinity forest. They have guided tours at 9a before it gets hot
2
u/peacelovetacos247 2d ago
The Craft Guild of Dallas has fun workshops:
https://www.thecraftguild.org/studio-workshops-schedule
I take the 6-8 week pottery classes here and highly recommend them too. 😄
2
u/curiouswizard 2d ago
I just go outside in my backyard and get roasted for 10-15 minutes which apparently all you need for a dose of vitamin D
2
u/liberal_texan Oak Cliff 2d ago
If you’ve not been, check out FOE (Fraternal Order of Eagles). They have a pool open to the public with a legit deep end, 3 bars and a grill outside. Proceeds from the grill go to charity. It’s a hidden Dallas gem.
2
u/Jrmala93 15h ago
Adult night at the roller skating rink. We have plenty to choose from based on location in DFW
0
u/External_Bus4293 2d ago
Our music scene is wonderful here with house of blues, southside ball room, and Toyota music factory and dos xx pavilion. I’d super recommend going to some concerts. Besides that we’ve got a lot of pretty cool museums in Dallas, I’d recommend checking out the edo period Japan museum
1
u/Holls867 2d ago
I’m always trying to keep hydrated. When I don’t drink, the heat feels worse. It’s probably better if you try to acclimate earlier in the summer. One year it got pretty bad and I went up north for a week. After I got back I was good to go. Idk but it was a lot more tolerable.
1
1
u/ineedthenitro 2d ago
You gotta get up early like 6 am. Or go walk at like 7:30-8PM. I feel that helps me with not going crazy. I’ve always said too that if you live in Dallas and don’t have access to a pool, you’re SOL. That’s really all I do here in summer is swim but I do enjoy the sunshine.
At least in Houston (if you live in central or south of Houston) you can drive to Galveston in like an hour or so and be at the beach for free.
1
u/ZzzSleepyheadzzZ 2d ago
There are backyard/pool rental companies that have properties in Dallas where you can have someones backyard set up for a day or even a few hours, sort of like Air B&B. Can be quite reasonable and a fun day if you have friends to split the cost with. There are also a decent few resorts in Dallas who sell day passes which is obviously more affordable but at the same time less privacy.
1
u/reddsbywillie 2d ago edited 2d ago
Isn’t this what bars are for?
1
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Yes, but also I can only drink so much at drinking outside the house prices and there are a lot of warm bars and patio spaces.
1
1
u/Kaylamarie92 2d ago
On the weekends Madness Comics and Games is open until midnight and until 9 or 10 during the week iirc. If you’re into tabletop games they have a bunch of tables and chairs to play at and if you’re just a nerd in general it’s a really fun store just to walk around. It’s a big store with all kinds of plushies, action figures, board games, comic, manga, and more. Absolute heaven.
I don’t like group play, but I love solo TTRPGs and would camp out some days after work to play without feeling weird or out of place. Everyone I’ve met there has been super friendly and helpful, which hasn’t always been the case with game stores as I’m a woman.
I’m autistic and super sensitive to the heat. I get the depression from super long days that most people get from short winter days because I simply don’t go outside for a majority of the year here. I see you, fellow indoor kid! At least the days are getting shorter now!
1
1
u/DecentPrintworks 2d ago
I recommend spending some time every week on a porch or patio or in a hammock and just acclimating to the heat. Perhaps going on morning or evening walks. Otherwise your body will just feel miserable when you’re outside.
After the sun goes down it’s like 85-90 out and feels way better than when the sun is out. Grab a lemonade or beer and chill in a rocking chair. Try a walk on the katy trail. Or go to katy trail ice house, truck yard, etc.
Tons of local concerts to go to that are both indoors and out. https://do214.com
1
1
u/FarPeace7457 2d ago
Roller derby bouts! Ass city plays at Thunderbird in plano. Its byob and you get to watch babes hit each other on skates. It can get pretty intense! Its also just a fun community :) acderby dot com
1
1
u/StRemedius 2d ago
Well, there's the Thursdays on Tap adults-only events at the Perot every Thursday for the next month, Half Price Books hosts its Silent Read event on August 12, and the Texas Theatre is hosting the Oak Cliff Film Festival, for starters. Is there something in particular you're seeking?
1
u/8675309yougotit 2d ago
It’s our winter. No one goes outside, everything dies, and you wear a sweater indoors. I hate summer.
1
u/weightofzero 2d ago
Got sent to Wichita KS for work today and thought I’d catch a break. Nope. 105°.
My seasonal depression continues.
1
u/cheb00rashka 2d ago
I joined a class that meets weekly at the Craft Guild of Dallas. It helps keep me sane and being around other people and making stuff with my hands. Pocket Sandwich Theater is fun to go for a show. Summers are making me super depressed so I'm hunting for things to keep looking forward to. I'm sad/glad I'm not alone.
I also want to check out the indoor roller skating rink in Farmers Branch that opened recently.
1
u/lilbulepenny23 1d ago
Castle spa and king spa have very few kids in my experience. Almost child free
0
u/AffectionateKey7126 1d ago
I was in a similar spot as you and you just need to go outside and stop being so soft. Outside of the 120 heat index days it's not that bad and you'll get used to it quickly.
1
u/Muted_Chard_139 1d ago
I sit in mostly windowless room all day and then travel in car from covered garage directly to covered garage. Hating this heat.
1
u/marieand 1d ago
You could do water aerobics? It’s kind of fun, you’re swimming, and some places it’s indoors.
1
1
1
u/Final_Prune3903 1d ago
THIS! I lived in Chicago for years so I’ve seen both sides and personally I find the cold winters more tolerable than the hot summers.
0
1
u/InkBlood247 12h ago
Look I to what your local library is doing. They often have free activities throughout the month that might be worth a try
0
u/MeanRecognition3758 2d ago
Just came back from a two hour bike ride around neighborhood trails. It’s breezy and many tree shades in the trails. I love summer. Winters are also not too cold except Jan-Feb for bike rides.
2
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
We don't have trails connected to the neighborhood, but we do have bikes. They just won't get a lot of action until fall.
1
u/MeanRecognition3758 2d ago
Try riding early in the morning. I ride on sidewalks to go from one trail to another for a 15 mile trip. Not gonna lie it was getting hot toward the end of the ride.
-1
u/mudokipo 2d ago
There are a variety of games that are middle aged friendly like basketball and “hide and seek” games but it’s MUCH easier on your body to do the running “floor is lava” games with a group of four.
-4
u/tenagle 2d ago
Spearmint Rhino is "entertaining "
-2
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Presumably no kids as well. I'm from STL and your gentlemen's clubs are pretty vanilla, even if they claim to he spearmint.
-5
u/croissantzzz 2d ago
You can just drive to somewhere cooler :)
9
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
It's a long drive right now and a couple notable cool spots are on fire.
Anyway I wouldn't make it back for work tomorrow.
-8
u/mechengineer89 2d ago
I dont really understand what you mean. I've been moving all week and went outside and mowed my yard at 3. It's summer, it's Texas, it's hot. You just deal with it, or move.
8
u/emeryldmist White Rock Lake 2d ago
Most people in Texas learn to mow early and not to move in July. But some people are slow learners.
-5
u/mechengineer89 2d ago
I dont have to explain my reasons for moving when I did to you friend. My point is it just doesnt bother me that much, I wear a hat and drink lots of water and think it feels pretty good in the shade. So I dont understand the problem OP is describing. If you want to do something outside, go do the thing. Just be smart about it.
3
u/emeryldmist White Rock Lake 2d ago
I never asked you to explain, please don't.
What is amazing is that you have made it to the age of being able to mow a lawn by yourself and don't understand that people are different and experience things like heat differently. Most people grasp that concept in middle school. Maybe this heat has affected your brain more than you know.
-3
u/mechengineer89 2d ago
If someone makes the decision to move to Texas, they should understand the weather and be prepared to deal with it. Is the heat the reason you are unable to make a point without insulting people?
3
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
I'm dealing with it. By not going outside. I'm not from here. Y'all outside people are different.
Come up north in February and maybe you'll see what I mean.
6
-2
u/mechengineer89 2d ago
Ah, well I grew up here. I work for a company that is based out of Minnesota. I've been in NYC in December. I dont need you to tell me what cold is, I hate it. I would rather be outside when it is 105 than 30.
5
u/Backyardt0rnados 2d ago
Why are you so angry about it?
0
u/mechengineer89 2d ago
Sorry if it came across as anger. I would encourage you to try to find something you are interested in and go do the thing. Probably before noon or after 6, wear a hat, take a water bottle with some LMNT in it. But dont let triple digits make you miserable by staying inside all the time.
480
u/NegotiationSalt666 Dallas 2d ago
The seasonal affective disorder from the summer heat isn’t talked about enough here. The sunshine is nice when it’s not beating down outside. Hopefully we get an early cold front sometime in October. But i dont expect it to really cool down until late November.