Here’s a tidbit for you–July is Parks and Recreation Month! Who knew, right? A whole month dedicated to all the fun stuff that happens at our local parks and rec centers. Agencies all over the country are cooking up all sorts of cool events in celebration of…well, parks and recreation. Check out these fun, outdoor activities in DFW area that are perfect for you and the family.

Come on in! The water’s fine at the Tom Muehenbeck Rec Center. Photo: City of Plano

You know what’s great about summer? You can stay out late during the week and you don’t have to worry about it being a school night. Come to the Family Swim and Luau on Thursday night at Tom Muehenbeck Recreation Center in Plano and you’ll have baths taken care of as well. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their luau best for a night of swimming and family fun. And don’t worry about dinner. Your admission ticket gets you a burger, chips, drink and ice cream. Registration is required for everyone and admission tickets must be purchased in advance at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center.

Cheers! Photo: Shakespeare Dallas

For something a little bit different check out Shakespeare Dallas’ production of ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ at the Amphitheatre in Samuell-Grand Park this Wednesday through Friday. The comedy is about mistaken identities and getting flustered in front of the opposite sex. Some of you might think a Shakespeare-like show is way over the heads of most kids, but you’d be surprised at how fun and engaging they can be. Sure, very small children should probably stay at home, but the rowdy acting, flashy staging and the outdoor setting make for a very fun evening. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and enjoy the breeze on the hill.

Catch some music under the stars at Friday on the Green at Magnolia Green Park. The monthly (April through October) concert series features food trucks, an artisan market, live music and this month they’ll also be screening four independent short films from the Lone Star Film Society. For the tinies there will be free face painting and a Play Zone where kids can borrow toys, games and balls from a community chest. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pets for this free, neighborhood gathering.

Celebrate Farmers Branch Historical Park’s 30th Birthday with a look at the stars. Photo: Farmers Branch Historical Park

Farmers Branch Historical Park is holding their own event under the stars this Friday to celebrate their 30th Anniversary.  Members of the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas will be at the park with a variety of telescopes available for viewing Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, the moon, and just plain star gazing. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes.  Bring your own picnic and enjoy a sweet treat provided by the nice folks at the park.

Take your kids to see the kids at Fritz Park Petting Farm. Photo: City of Irving

Gather up the littles and head over to Fritz Park in Irving for their free Petting Farm. The farm is a peaceful setting where kids can get an up close view of cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and even peacocks. Best of all it’s in clean, well-shaded area. Keep in mind, this is SMALL petting farm, but it’s big enough to satisfy young animal lovers and the perfect activity to get in before nap time. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday until the end of July.

Heat got you down? Pretend it’s December and chill out at Addison Summer Series: Christmas in July this Saturday night at Beckerd Park in Addison. You and the family can bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, and listen to live music. Later, after it gets dark, break out the hot cocoa and your parka and enjoy a screening of of ‘Polar Express’ under the stars. Santa will be there so you can snap a picture of him on vacation. It’s a free event so the price is definitely right on this one!