By Jessica L. Taulbee

The Colony, located just north of Dallas, is the ideal summer getaway, with lots of fun in the sun for all ages. Pack your belongings, gather the family, and prepare for the perfect Texas summer vacation. Relax in stunning outdoor settings, stay cool indoors with world-class entertainment and activities, dine at a great variety of restaurants, and shop till you drop at limitless retail stores. The weather is finally warming up, the kids are out of school, and The Colony has endless summer fun in store for the entire family.

Slip, Slide, and Splash Your Way to Summer Adventures

Beat the summer heat and get your feet wet, or your body soaked, at Hidden Cove Park and Marina, situated on the banks of scenic Lewisville Lake.Discover over 470 acres of green space to explore and endless activities. Rent a paddleboard and quietly reflect as you glide along the gentle waters of the lake or take a class and learn how to hang ten with surfing lessons from DFW Surf. Whether you’re a day-tripper or looking for a fun weekend get-away, Hidden Cove has it all.

If surfing isn’t exciting enough, head to Sam’s Dock and rent a thrilling motorized watercraft. Choose from a variety of water sports equipment including wave runners, pontoon boats, ski boats and even tubing and kneeboards. You will find fun for every age group. Enjoy a unique perspective of Lewisville Lake whether you’re on a boat or being pulled behind it!

When the crew gets hungry, head on-site to Rockin’ S, featuring a floating deck atop Lewisville Lake with a menu offering pork shank pig wings, green chili burgers and more packed into an experience you won’t soon forget. With so many exciting options, one day at Hidden Cove just won’t be enough!

Need more fun? No problem! Head to beautiful Stewart Creek Park where you’ll find a wealth of amenities for visitors to enjoy. Relax on an exquisite beach, play horseshoe or beach volleyball, hike the Shoreline Trail, and stay a night or two in the camping areas. A little exercise on paddleboard or in a kayak is a great idea, and kids have multiple playgrounds to enjoy. Launch your watercraft on the ramp, cast your line from the pier to see what’s biting, and build a sandcastle on the beach for some unforgettable memories.

Feel like a big Kahuna and head over to the recently renovated Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Slip, slide, and splash your way through endless water attractions for young and old alike to enjoy. Embrace the “Aloha Spirit” in an atmosphere that emulates the 60’s Hawaiian surf culture as you hang loose in the lazy river or enjoy the thrilling twists and turns of one of the many adrenaline-charged water slides. Take a break from the excitement with a visit to the gift shop or tiki bar for everything from snacks and souvenirs to refreshing frozen cocktails. Don’t forget your sunblock!!

Fantastic Family-Friendly Attractions

Pleasing every family member with diverse entertainment options is easy in The Colony. They’ve got you covered when it comes to family-friendly adventures, one-of-a-kind events, unique indoor attractions, and excitement.

There’s a new gaming technology in town, and The Colony is the first city in the United States to have it! Immersive gaming is the latest and greatest, and you want to pass it up. Head out for hours of fun at Electric Gamebox at Grandscape, the first UK group gaming venue in North Texas! Choose your adventure as you enter an interactive digital room that features projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and 360-degree surround sound. 

Hyper-immerse yourself and up to five of your closest friends in a variety of game options like the challenging Psychedelic Mansion offering a peek into a “real” CIA training program. Search for other life forms with a “Ticket to Mars” or try to survive the scrutiny of extra-terrestrials in the “Alien Aptitude Test.” Return to earth after your travels because it’s “virtually” impossible to miss out on more fun!

Head to Topgolf for lunch and embark in an experience that is truly above par. No A-game needed here, as the sand traps are few! Caddies will deliver your food and drink, while you enjoy shooting balls from multi-level climate-controlled bays. When you finish your Arnold Palmers and put away your clubs, be sure to score a “hole-in-one" with a trip to Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

Get behind the wheel and imagine you are Motorsport legend Mario Andretti as you race around the multi-level track. Allow your adrenaline to surge with excitement as you accelerate around hairpin turns, straight to victory lane.

Swing through the ropes course, partake in a game of laser tag with the family, dust off your bowling skills, play around in the arcade, and try out the Virtual Reality adventure that’s sure to blow your mind. It’s easy to spend an entire day and beat the heat in an entertainment oasis like this. When you get hungry, there’s no need to leave. Order some lunch at the café right on site without interrupting the fun!

Wrap up your day of fun nearby with 360-degree views from a climate-controlled gondola ride on the Grandscape Wheel. The wheel in the sky keeps on turning and after a day full of adventure, this relaxing ride is just the ticket. For more relaxing activities, get in touch with your creative side at Dallas Silk Art making one-of-a-kind creations with water marbling workshops. Cool down with a craft cocktail at Galaxy Theaters while watching a newly released movie on a large-format screen from the comfort of a recliner. In addition, if you plan your trip for the 4th of July weekend, don’t miss Liberty by the Lake, The Colony’s biggest Independence Day celebration featuring an outdoor music festival, live entertainment, and patriotic fireworks; all for free!

A Shopper’s Paradise Awaits!

Think big when you embark on a shopping excursion in The Colony. Get ready to experience the largest shopping emporiums in the country! SCHEELS, the World’s Largest Sports Store, and Nebraska Furniture Mart, or NFM, the nation’s largest home furnishings store, both have massive amounts of products that will have you hooked for an entire day. SCHEELS has everything that any athlete or sports fan can imagine, from baseball attire and gunsmith services to a TREK bike shop and the Dallas Cowboys Fan Shop, they’ve got it covered.

Shopping for the home? Look no further. Explore the Texas-sized, 100-acre home furnishings haven, NFM. You’ll find a vast selection of electronics, appliances, outdoor furniture and accessories, workout equipment, furniture, and so much more. Friendly professionals will guide you in making your home one step closer to your dream. Check out their monthly events for free family activities, the latest tech demos, and celebrity guest appearances.

Spend a Night or Two Out on the Town

If the warm summer nights in Texas are calling your name, The Colony will definitely answer! When the sun goes down, jazz up the night with a visit to Windmills, a brewery and restaurant with an indoor jazz lounge featuring artists from across the globe. If jazz isn’t your scene, try Puttery’s take on adults-only mini golf. The 21-or-older venue features immersive, high-tech gameplay alongside inventive craft cocktails to enjoy while practicing your putting game.

A popular hangout, Truck Yard doesn’t disappoint! If winning nights are your thing, this come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground is a sure bet. The Limin’ Lounge tiki bar located on site, features private poker and karaoke rooms for rent. Not a singer but want the concert vibes? Discover music memorabilia and encore-worthy food at Rock & Brews or catch a live performance at Lava Cantina.

There is no doubt that a summer vacation in The Colony translates into a summer you will never be able to forget, with a pleasant combination of sunshine, family interaction, and delightful entertainment, both inside and outside, for all ages. The Colony is indeed just about as close to perfection as it gets when it comes to any spectacular city, so book your getaway today.