Things to Do in Southlake, TX with Kids

Parks, Trails & Green Space

Southlake maintains over 1,100 acres of parkland and open space across roughly 20 parks and recreation areas, including one of North Texas' most distinctive natural preserves and a flagship community park that sets the standard for suburban amenity planning.

Family Entertainment & Attractions

Southlake packs a remarkable variety of family entertainment options for a city of 32,000, from a state-of-the-art indoor recreation center to an outdoor Town Square that doubles as one of DFW's best year-round event venues.

Shopping & Retail Districts

Southlake's retail landscape is anchored by one of the most successful open-air lifestyle centers in Texas, with neighborhood options that handle everyday needs without a trip to the big center.

Upcoming Events in Southlake

What's happening in the next 60 days, updated weekly.

Last updated: 2026-07-20 · Source: Eventbrite

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families considering Southlake.

• Is Southlake a good place to raise a family?
  Southlake consistently ranks among the best cities in Texas for families, anchored by Carroll ISD, one of the most recognized school districts in the state for academics and athletics. The city offers 1,100+ acres of parkland, a walkable Town Square that doubles as a community gathering hub, strong youth sports infrastructure built around the Dragon brand, and low crime rates. Families who move here often cite the sense of community pride as something they didn't expect but can't imagine living without.
• What youth sports leagues are in Southlake, TX?
  Southlake's youth sports scene is built around the Dragon brand, with most leagues feeding into Carroll ISD's athletics pipeline. Dragon Youth Soccer (DYS) serves PreK through 3rd grade; Grapevine–Southlake Soccer Association covers recreational soccer for ages 3–18; Dragon Youth Baseball Association serves ages 3–18 with home games at Bicentennial Park; Southlake Carroll Lacrosse Association serves boys K–12 and Lady Dragon Lacrosse serves girls K–12; the 19-court Southlake Tennis Center (17 outdoor + 2 indoor climate-controlled) runs year-round clinics and junior programs; Champions Club at The Marq provides structured swim lessons for all ages; and city-managed Recreation Basketball runs in winter. Carroll ISD also sponsors cross country, track, golf, and numerous other sports at the school level.
• Are there things to do in Southlake on a rainy day?
  Plenty. Urban Air Adventure Park is the go-to for high-energy kids; EVO Entertainment in Town Square covers bowling, laser tag, and gaming under one roof; Harkins Theatres Southlake 14 offers 14 screens including a Cine Capri large-format option. The Southlake Public Library hosts 450+ programs per year including STEAM activities for children and teens. For something that still feels active, The Marq's Champions Club indoor pool, with its lazy river and water slides, is open rain or shine.
• What parks in Southlake have splash pads?
  Bicentennial Park is Southlake's confirmed splash pad location, featuring the iconic stone dragon water feature, water sprays from the dragon's nostrils and flows down alongside the body, forming a stream kids love to play in. The splash pad opens May 15 and runs through September 30, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. (daily May 15 through Labor Day; Friday–Sunday only through September 30). For additional water play, Champions Club at The Marq has an indoor zero-entry tot pool with children's slides and an outdoor splash pad with spray features, both available to members year-round.
• How does Southlake compare to Flower Mound for family activities?
  Both are excellent family suburbs with different personalities. Flower Mound has Lake Grapevine access, 64 miles of trails, and a nature-forward park system that wins for raw outdoor adventure. Southlake's advantage is its Town Square, a walkable mixed-use district that serves as the city's living room, and its unmatched school identity: Carroll ISD Dragon culture is embedded in everything from youth sports to community events. Southlake also trends more upscale in dining and retail. Families who want trails and lake access lean Flower Mound; families who want a walkable social hub and a prestige ISD tend to choose Southlake. See the full Southlake relocation guide for a deeper comparison.
• What is Southlake known for from a family lifestyle standpoint?
  Three things define Southlake. First, Carroll ISD, the Dragon brand creates a community identity that's rare; families rally around sports, academics, and school events in a way that genuinely bonds neighborhoods together. Second, Southlake Town Square, a 130-acre walkable development that gives the city a true downtown feel, with dining, shopping, events, and city hall all within walking distance. Third, the balance of prestige and livability, Southlake consistently delivers high-quality parks, facilities, and services that justify its reputation as one of DFW's most coveted addresses for families.
• What is the best park in Southlake TX for kids?
  Bicentennial Park is the top choice for most families, it has the dragon splash pad, a large playground (Liberty Park), the Southlake Tennis Center, baseball fields used by Dragon Youth Baseball, synthetic turf multipurpose fields, and direct access to The Marq Champions Club. For a more nature-focused outing, Bob Jones Nature Center offers more than 700 acres of Cross Timbers habitat with 20+ miles of trails, excellent for older kids who are ready for a real trail hike or bike ride. For a low-key neighborhood morning, Lonesome Dove Park has a stocked fishing pond and shaded playground that works well for younger kids.
• Does Southlake have a splash pad?
  Yes. Bicentennial Park has Southlake's public splash pad, featuring the iconic stone dragon water feature, water sprays from the dragon's nostrils and flows down the body, creating a stream kids play in. The splash pad opens May 15 and runs through September 30, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. (daily May 15 through Labor Day; Friday–Sunday only through September 30). Champions Club at The Marq also has an outdoor splash pad with spray features as part of its aquatics complex, available to members.
• Are there free things to do in Southlake with kids?
  Several. Bicentennial Park's splash pad, playgrounds, and trail access are free and open daily. Bob Jones Nature Center's trail network is free to access, just park and walk. The Southlake Public Library offers free STEAM programs, storytime, and events for children and teens throughout the year. Southlake Town Square's outdoor spaces, events lawn, and seasonal events like Home for the Holidays are free to attend. Carroll Dragons home football games at Dragon Stadium are ticketed but often available through the school's events calendar for a nominal fee.
• What are the best indoor activities in Southlake when it's hot?
  Southlake's summers are hot, and the indoor options are solid for a city its size. Champions Club at The Marq is the top choice, indoor pool, lazy river, water slides, and a zero-entry tot pool, all climate-controlled. Urban Air Adventure Park has trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses for kids who need to burn energy. EVO Entertainment in Town Square covers bowling, laser tag, and gaming. Harkins Theatres Southlake 14 has 14 screens including a Cine Capri large-format option. The Southlake Public Library runs 450+ programs per year, including indoor STEAM workshops for kids and teens.
• Is Southlake Town Square kid-friendly?
  Very much so. Town Square is designed as a walkable outdoor district, not a traditional enclosed mall, so it works for strollers and kids running between shops comfortably. The central events lawn hosts family-oriented events throughout the year, Art in the Square, outdoor movies, Stars & Stripes, and the holiday market. EVO Entertainment and Harkins Theatres are located inside the Square. Most of the dining options (Mi Cocina, Shake Shack, Brio, Malai Kitchen, Postino) are family-welcoming with space and kids' menu options. Parking is available in surrounding garages and surface lots, expect it to be busier on weekend evenings.