Things to Do in DeSoto, TX with Kids
DeSoto opened a brand-new 75,000-square-foot Aquatic and Recreation Center in April 2026, has one of the only nationally recognized covered BMX tracks in the DFW metro, and puts the library, theater, rec center, and outdoor amphitheater together in one walkable Town Center complex.
Part of the DFW Family Activities Hub covering all 67 DFW suburbs.
What DeSoto Families Actually Do Here
DeSoto is a Southwest Dallas County community with a surprisingly strong recreation infrastructure for its size. The 2026 opening of the ARC at McCowan Park added a world-class aquatic and recreation facility to a city that already had a nationally recognized covered BMX track, five youth sports leagues, and a Town Center that puts community life in one walkable spot. See the full DeSoto relocation guide →
Brand-New ARC at McCowan Park
DeSoto's $53 million, 75,000-square-foot Aquatic and Recreation Center opened April 2026 with an 8-lane competition pool, zero-entry leisure pool, full-court gymnasium, indoor track, and pickleball courts.
National-Level Covered BMX Track
DeSoto BMX is a 60,000-square-foot covered racing facility with a national-level track design, hosting year-round competitions across all skill levels in an Olympic-recognized sport.
Town Center Community Hub
The DeSoto Town Center at Hampton and Pleasant Run Roads puts the library, Corner Theatre, rec center, civic center, and outdoor amphitheater together in one walkable complex, making community life accessible for families new to the area.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
DeSoto maintains 22 parks, trails, and recreational facilities spanning 494 acres. The parks system includes community parks with athletic fields, neighborhood pocket parks within walking distance of most homes, regional parks anchored by athletic complexes, and a trail system connecting neighborhoods to the Town Center.
Grimes Park
One of DeSoto's larger regional parks and the venue for the Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration, which draws more than 10,000 attendees each June. Active park with open fields and facilities for community events. Good for groups and large family outings; ample parking for major events.
Curtistene S. McCowan Park
A regional athletic complex at 1400 S. Uhl Road designated for football, with a premier field used by the school district, three additional game fields with raised bleachers, and lighted fields for evening games. Home to the new ARC at McCowan Park opened April 2026. Concessions and a concrete parking lot on-site.
Ernie Roberts Park
A community park and the central trailhead for the Roy Orr Trail, providing parking, a restroom, and a drinking fountain at the midpoint of the trail corridor. Good starting point for families trying the trail for the first time, with easy access from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Roy Orr Trail
A 3.6-mile, 8-foot wide concrete trail running along Ten Mile Creek through the center of the city, connecting neighborhoods to the DeSoto Town Center, Murphy Hills Park, and Ernie Roberts Park. Runs from Westmoreland just south of Wintergreen to near Beltline at I-35. Flat and stroller-accessible; popular with walkers and cyclists.
Paul S. Dryer Preserve at Windmill Hill
A nature preserve offering a less-developed natural experience than the paved Roy Orr Trail. Good for families who want a natural trail walk with wildlife habitat. Quieter and less trafficked; bring water since no formal amenities are on-site.
Briarwood Park
A neighborhood park with a pond that provides a calm outdoor gathering spot in the residential core of the city. Good for fishing with younger kids and informal family outings. Low-traffic and easy to access by bike or foot from surrounding neighborhoods.
Moseley Park
A community park serving the southern part of DeSoto with athletic fields and open greenspace for team practices and informal play. A good practice venue for youth sports teams outside of official game schedules.
Trail System Highlight
Roy Orr Trail, 3.6 miles of 8-foot wide concrete trail along Ten Mile Creek, connecting neighborhoods to the DeSoto Town Center and three parks. Flat, stroller-accessible, and fully paved. The most used recreational trail in DeSoto for families with young children and everyday walkers and cyclists.
Relocation Tip
Start with a morning walk on the Roy Orr Trail from Ernie Roberts Park and end at the DeSoto Town Center for a coffee. It gives you a quick read on the neighborhood feel and the community's daily rhythm in under two hours. From there, drop into the ARC at McCowan Park to see the new facility, which opened in April 2026 and is already a gathering point for DeSoto families.
Youth Sports Leagues & Facilities
DeSoto Parks and Recreation oversees five youth sports programs covering soccer, baseball, basketball, girls softball, and BMX. The nationally accredited DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department (DPARD) has earned both local and national awards for its programming quality. The April 2026 opening of the ARC at McCowan Park added competition-grade aquatic and court facilities to the city's sports portfolio.
Soccer
League: DeSoto Soccer Association (DSA)
Ages: Youth recreational; multiple age divisions
Season: Fall season starts in September; spring season starts in March; 10 games per season on weekends and some weekday evenings. DSA is a member of North Texas State Soccer Association (NTSSA), formed in 1979.
Baseball
League: DeSoto Baseball Organization
Ages: Ages 3-14, boys and girls; multiple age divisions including tee ball through travel
Season: Spring season primarily; focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and citizenship. Contact the city at youthsports@desototexas.gov for registration.
Basketball
League: DeSoto Youth Basketball League
Ages: Ages 5-14; multiple age divisions
Season: Winter/spring sessions; focuses on skill development, teamwork, and recreational play. Games held at DeSoto Recreation Center and ARC gymnasium. Contact youthsports@desototexas.gov.
Girls Softball
League: DeSoto Youth Girls Softball
Ages: Ages 3-17; recreational league focused on fundamentals, skill development, and good sportsmanship
Season: Spring season; contact the city athletics office at youthsports@desototexas.gov for current registration.
DeSoto BMX
Facility: DeSoto BMX Track
Ages: All ages and skill levels; from first-timers to national competitors
Season: Year-round competitions; 60,000 sq ft covered facility with national-level track design. One of the best BMX facilities in the DFW metro; an Olympic-recognized sport with strong youth development programs.
Multi-Sport (i9 Sports)
League: i9 Sports DeSoto
Ages: Ages 3 and up
Season: Year-round; flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading in shorter-format seasons. A good option for younger kids or families testing out a sport before committing to a full recreational league.
ARC at McCowan Park
DeSoto's new 75,000-square-foot Aquatic and Recreation Center opened April 2026. It features an 8-lane competition pool, a zero-entry leisure pool, a full-court gymnasium with an indoor track, fitness and strength zones, pickleball courts, and modern meeting spaces. Memberships available; visit desototexas.gov/658 for current hours and membership rates. Cashless facility.
Thinking About DeSoto for DeSoto ISD & Youth Sports?
Start with the full DeSoto relocation guide: schools, neighborhoods, market data, and what life here actually looks like for families.
Family Entertainment & Attractions
DeSoto's entertainment draws are anchored by the brand-new ARC facility, the DeSoto BMX Track, and the Town Center complex. The city is also well-positioned for quick access to Grand Prairie and South Dallas entertainment corridors about 15-20 minutes away.
ARC at McCowan Park
Recreation Center / Aquatics · DeSoto's flagship new facility, opened April 2026. Competition pool, leisure pool, gymnasium, indoor track, fitness zones, and pickleball. The most significant recreation investment in DeSoto in decades. Memberships available for both residents and non-residents.
DeSoto BMX Track
BMX Racing / Family Sport · A 60,000-square-foot covered racing facility with a national-level track design, hosting year-round competitions from beginner to elite. One of the few facilities of this caliber in the DFW area; family-friendly spectating even for non-participants.
DeSoto Town Center
Community Hub · At 211 E. Pleasant Run Road, the Town Center puts the DeSoto Recreation Center, Corner Theatre, Public Library, Civic Center, and Outdoor Amphitheater in one walkable complex. The outdoor amphitheater hosts community events and performances throughout the year.
Corner Theatre at DeSoto Town Center
Community Theater · A performing arts venue inside DeSoto Town Center hosting local productions, youth theater, and special performances. A good first-theater experience for younger kids without needing to drive to Dallas.
DeSoto Public Library
Library / Community Resource · Inside the Town Center complex, DeSoto's public library offers children's programs, storytimes, summer reading challenges, and teen programming. Free access; a reliable option for younger children's educational entertainment year-round.
Grand Prairie Attractions (15 min)
Day Trip · Grand Prairie is about 15-20 minutes from DeSoto and adds Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Lone Star Park horse racing, and Theatre at Grand Prairie to the regional entertainment menu. A natural day-trip from DeSoto for families who want larger-scale entertainment without a full commute.
Day Trip from DeSoto
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie (about 15 minutes northwest) is one of the largest indoor waterparks in North Texas, open year-round with a wave pool, water slides, and a kids' zone. A worthwhile upgrade from the ARC leisure pool when the weather turns in November.
Family-Friendly Dining
DeSoto's dining scene is centered around the Hampton Road and Pleasant Run Road corridors near the Town Center, with Mexican food, Texas BBQ, and American comfort food dominating the options. The city has fewer sit-down dining choices than some larger DFW suburbs, but the restaurants that exist are local favorites with strong community followings.
Best sit-down Mexican
DeSoto's most-reviewed restaurant on TripAdvisor; known for brisket and chicken rellenos smothered in ranchero sauce. A community staple with a quaint, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere.
Best sit-down Italian
DeSoto's top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor (4.2 stars); generous portions of pasta and Italian classics. Known for providing two meals from a single order; good value for family dinners.
Best Mexican for families
Standout for Mexican spinach enchiladas and Hawaiian chicken; friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere for families. One of the better-reviewed Mexican spots in DeSoto.
Best Texas BBQ
Family-owned Texas BBQ with ribs, catfish, and shrimp baskets. A local institution with a loyal following; the kind of BBQ spot that becomes a post-game weekend habit for sports families.
Best tortilla soup
Local Mexican spot known specifically for the best tortilla soup in the area, per longtime regulars. Affordable, no-frills, and described by locals as a genuine community blessing.
Best steak night
Reliable steakhouse with a full menu including a solid kids selection; consistently visited by DeSoto families for slightly more special weeknight or weekend dinners. On Beckley at I-35.
Best family comfort food
Southern comfort food that handles the widest range of ages in a single visit; pancakes to fried chicken. A reliable choice for extended family dinners where everyone needs a different thing.
Best breakfast after sports
DeSoto's most-reviewed breakfast spot on TripAdvisor (4.3 stars); fast, affordable, and reliably excellent for post-morning-game breakfasts when the family is hungry and no one wants to wait.
Best Chinese in DeSoto
The highest-rated restaurant in DeSoto on TripAdvisor (4.5 stars) with a loyal following among locals who describe it as the best Chinese in the South Dallas corridor.
Best bakery treat
A local bakery and cafe with pies, cookies, and comfort food dishes. A good one-stop for grabbing something sweet for the family on a weekend morning or after a library run.
Most dining in DeSoto clusters along Hampton Road and Pleasant Run Road near the Town Center, and along the I-35 corridor at Beckley Avenue.
Shopping & Retail Districts
DeSoto doesn't have a regional mall, but its Hampton Road and Pleasant Run corridors provide solid everyday retail coverage, and the ongoing Town Center redevelopment is bringing more mixed-use commercial space to the heart of the city.
DeSoto Town Center Corridor
The Hampton and Pleasant Run Roads intersection area, anchored by the Town Center development. Ongoing redevelopment is transforming Hampton Road into a multimodal urban street with new retail and dining, adding options close to the community facilities complex. The area currently hosts national chains, local restaurants, and service businesses.
Best for: combining errands with a Town Center stop at the library or recreation facilities in a single trip.
Pleasant Run Road Corridor
The primary east-west retail corridor including Pleasant Run Shopping Center, grocery options, and national chains. Covers most weekly household needs within the city and provides easy access to restaurants along the same route.
Best for: weekly grocery runs, quick errands, and casual weeknight dining in a single pass.
Best Southwest Regional Access
DeSoto sits in the Best Southwest corridor alongside Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster. Larger-format retail needs that aren't met in DeSoto directly are easily handled at Hillside Village in Cedar Hill (about 10 minutes west) or along the I-35 and US-67 corridors.
Best for: major purchases and full shopping days when DeSoto's local retail isn't enough for a specific need.
Annual Events & Community Calendar
DeSoto runs eight signature city events throughout the year, including one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in Southwest Dallas County. Most events are low or no cost and open to all residents and visitors.
Spring
Easter Eggstravaganza
A community Easter celebration with egg hunts and family activities, one of the city's most popular spring events for families with young children. Check the city calendar at desototexas.gov for the confirmed date each spring.
Spring
Crawfish Event
An annual crawfish boil and community gathering with live music, vendors, games, and family-friendly entertainment. A uniquely South Texas tradition that has become a DeSoto community staple. Check the events calendar for location and date each year.
June
Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration
An annual Juneteenth celebration held at Grimes Park in partnership with Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster, drawing more than 10,000 attendees. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; check the city events page for the confirmed date and lineup each year. One of the largest Juneteenth events in Southwest Dallas County.
July 4
July 4th Fireworks Celebration
DeSoto's annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, held each July 4th. Live entertainment (check the city events page for this year's lineup), family activities, and a fireworks show. Free admission and parking. Check desototexas.gov for the confirmed venue each year.
September/October
Best Southwest Hispanic Heritage Festival
An annual community celebration of Hispanic heritage in partnership with Best Southwest cities. Cultural programming, food, entertainment, and family activities. Held annually during National Hispanic Heritage Month; check desototexas.gov for the confirmed date and venue each year.
October
October Fun Fest
A fall community festival with family games, activities, and entertainment. A popular autumn outing for DeSoto families; check the city's events calendar for the confirmed date and location each October.
Year-Round
Daddy and Daughter Dance / Mother and Son Dance
Two annual parent-child dances organized by DeSoto Parks and Recreation, typically held in late winter or spring. Both are popular community events and typically sell out; check the city calendar for registration dates well in advance.
December
Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
DeSoto's signature holiday event featuring a community parade, kids activities, food, local vendors, and the official lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Held annually in December at the Town Center area; check the city events calendar for the confirmed date each year.
Full calendar: DeSoto official events page
Upcoming Events in DeSoto
What's happening in the next 60 days, updated weekly.
Viva! El Paso
Event details →Viva! El Paso
Event details →Viva! El Paso
Event details →Viva! El Paso
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →UniverSoul Circus
Event details →Last updated: 2026-07-20 · Source: Eventbrite
Indoor Activities for Kids
With the April 2026 opening of the ARC at McCowan Park, DeSoto added the biggest indoor recreation upgrade in the city's history. Combined with the Town Center facilities, DeSoto has a solid indoor activity set for families during summer heat months and rainy days.
ARC at McCowan Park
Type: Aquatic and Recreation Center · Ages: All ages
Opened April 2026. Zero-entry leisure pool, 8-lane competition pool, full-court gymnasium, indoor track, fitness zones, and pickleball courts. The anchor indoor activity for DeSoto families in summer. Cashless; memberships available at desototexas.gov/658.
DeSoto BMX Track (Covered)
Type: Covered BMX Facility · Ages: All skill levels
A 60,000-square-foot covered facility means year-round racing regardless of weather. Open for competitions and open ride sessions; beginner programs available for kids getting started. One of the best year-round outdoor-sport alternatives for active families.
DeSoto Recreation Center
Type: Recreation Center · Ages: All ages
Located inside the Town Center at 211 E. Pleasant Run Road. Fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and youth programming. Summer camps available for school-age children. Memberships available for DeSoto residents.
Corner Theatre at Town Center
Type: Community Theater · Ages: All ages
Live performances and productions inside the DeSoto Town Center complex. Programs range from youth theater to adult productions; a good introduction to live performance for younger children without a trip to Dallas.
DeSoto Public Library
Type: Library · Ages: All ages; children's and teen sections
Year-round programming including storytimes, summer reading challenges, and after-school activities. Inside the Town Center at 211 E. Pleasant Run Road. Free to all with a library card; an underutilized but genuinely good resource for families new to the area.
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Grand Prairie)
Type: Indoor Waterpark (nearby) · Ages: All ages
About 15-20 minutes northwest of DeSoto in Grand Prairie; one of the largest indoor waterparks in North Texas, open year-round with a wave pool, water slides, and a dedicated kids' zone. Admission fees apply; worth it for a full day when DeSoto's pool season ends.
Summer Heat Pro Tip
DeSoto's summer strategy changed significantly in April 2026 when the ARC opened. For July and August heat days, DeSoto families now have the ARC's zero-entry leisure pool as their first option, with the covered DeSoto BMX Track as a surprising second choice since the structure blocks direct sun. Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is the backup when the ARC is at capacity on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families considering DeSoto.
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DeSoto has made significant investments in family recreation infrastructure that make it a stronger option than its size and price point would suggest. The April 2026 opening of the 75,000-square-foot ARC at McCowan Park, a nationally recognized covered BMX track, five youth sports programs, and a Town Center that concentrates community life in one walkable complex all add up to a city punching above its weight for active families. DeSoto ISD serves the community with strong academics and athletics, and the Best Southwest partnership with Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster creates a regional community feel. Families who value sports infrastructure, community events, and outdoor access without North DFW price tags often find DeSoto genuinely appealing.
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DeSoto Parks and Recreation oversees five youth sports programs: DeSoto Soccer Association (ages youth recreational, spring and fall), DeSoto Baseball Organization (ages 3-14), Youth Basketball League (ages 5-14), Youth Girls Softball (ages 3-17), and DeSoto BMX (all ages, year-round). The nationally accredited DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department also partners with i9 Sports for multi-sport options for ages 3 and up. Contact the city at youthsports@desototexas.gov or visit desototexas.gov/710 for current registration windows and league details.
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Yes. The ARC at McCowan Park (opened April 2026) has an indoor competition pool, zero-entry leisure pool, full gymnasium, and fitness facilities that handle rainy day activity for all ages. The DeSoto Town Center adds the Corner Theatre, the public library, and the Recreation Center to the same walkable complex. The covered DeSoto BMX Track also operates year-round regardless of weather. For families who want more options, Grand Prairie's Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is about 15-20 minutes away and open year-round.
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Yes. The ARC at McCowan Park opened in April 2026 as DeSoto's primary aquatic facility, with a zero-entry leisure pool for family swimming, an 8-lane competition pool for swim meets and serious training, and children's play features. The ARC operates year-round as an indoor facility. Memberships are available for both residents and non-residents; visit desototexas.gov/658 or desototexas.gov/944 for current hours, rates, and membership options. The facility is cashless.
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DeSoto and Duncanville are neighboring Southwest Dallas County communities with similar price ranges and community-oriented lifestyles. DeSoto's primary differentiator is the new ARC at McCowan Park, which opened in April 2026 and represents a major investment in recreation infrastructure, plus the nationally recognized covered DeSoto BMX Track. Duncanville has its own strong parks system and athletic programs. Both cities serve families well and share regional community partnerships through the Best Southwest corridor. School district is the more typical deciding factor between the two: DeSoto ISD and Duncanville ISD both serve their respective communities, and families often choose based on school campus assignment and specific neighborhood rather than meaningful differences in recreation options.
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DeSoto is known for its strong community event culture anchored by the Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration (10,000-plus attendees each June), the nationally recognized covered DeSoto BMX Track, and a Town Center that puts the library, theater, and rec center in one place. The April 2026 opening of the ARC at McCowan Park elevated DeSoto's recreation profile significantly and reflects the city's ongoing investment in quality-of-life infrastructure for its residents. Families who appreciate a tight-knit community with real athletic facilities, a diverse events calendar, and Southwest Dallas County access tend to find DeSoto a good long-term fit. Read the full DeSoto relocation guide for schools, market data, and neighborhood details.
Ready to Find Your Family's Home in DeSoto?
Kristen Carpentier is a DFW family relocation specialist and DeSoto ISD area expert, TREC #760457.
Kristen Carpentier · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · (602) 405-4115 · eXp Realty · TREC #760457