15 Lakes in Dallas for Swimming & Family Fun

Stephanie W. said:  One of the largest and most popular lakes near Dallas, Lake Lavon has 5 beaches, 16 parks, and over 200 picnic areas. It is even home to a horseback riding trail! Pontoons, ski boats, fishing boats, and wave runners are all available for rent. If you're looking for the swimming beaches, head toward Mallard, Ticky Creek, East Fork, Avalon or Pebble Beach parks.

Swimming open April-September

Stephanie W. said:  Lake Lewisville is one of the largest lakes near Dallas, and many city parks around it offer great swimming beaches and other water activities including boat rentals, fishing, and camping. Little Elm Park Beach has the best sand and is set back in a cove, making it a little more private. It has a snack bar and grill, along with parking nearby. Check out Lake Park, Stewart Creek Park, Hidden Cove Park, Copperas Branch Park and Willow Grove Park as well for swimming and more family fun on the lake!

christadiserio said:  Burger's Lake is a one-acre, spring-fed lake surrounded by a 30-acre park featuring slides, diving boards and a trapeze that kids can swing on into the lake! There are two sandy beach areas, hundreds of picnic areas, charcoal grills, and lifeguards on duty.

Stephanie W. said:  What better way to take advantage of a day off than to spend it at a state park? Swim, boat and fish at Joe Pool Lake, explore bike and foot trails, even tour an old Texas farm. Geocaching is another popular activity at the park, and a great adventure for families. If you'd like to try an overnight retreat, check out one of the park's 350 campsites!

Stephanie W. said:  Lake Ray Roberts is one of the beautiful lakes near Dallas, and of the many parks at Lake Ray Roberts, the Isle Du Bois has a swim beach, child's fishing pond, and several hiking and biking trails! It is one of the largest and most popular summer parks on the lake due to its shaded campsites and great fishing pier. Families can also enjoy boating on Ray Roberts, or take a trip down the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River which connects to Lake Lewisville. Pontoons, canoes and kayaks are available for rent by the hour at the Marina. It's the perfect spot for a DFW family day trip, located about an hour north of the metroplex!

Stephanie W. said:  Lake Grapevine might offer the the most outdoor water activities for families of all the lakes in Dallas-Fort Worth! There are miles of running, walking, biking and hiking trails, numerous parks, fishing, skiing, sailing and more! Boating is especially popular, with several boat ramps located around the lake and rentals at the marinas. As for swimming, there are two designated swimming areas. Vineyard’s Campgrounds is only available to those who are staying on the campgrounds, but Meadowmere Park is open to the public and has a nice sandy beach with a large playground right on the water.

Stephanie W. said:  Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and another on the list of favorite lakes near Dallas. Located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, Lake Texoma has many different beaches for swimming, a charming Bed and Breakfast, even a 1800's style pirate ship tour! It boasts a large wildlife refuge, which is a great place for photography, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Eisenhower State Park, Lake Texoma State Park, and Island View Park all offer great swimming beaches, and plenty to do for a fun day trip or weekend getaway!

Stephanie W. said:  This popular lake in Dallas is an urban oasis, with a 9-mile running and biking trail around the lake, as well as several playgrounds, picnic areas, bird-watching areas, and kayaks available for rent. Added features include the Dallas Arboretum which sits on the lake! You and your kids will love getting fresh air, some exercise, and checking out wildlife around the lake.

Stephanie W. said:  Enjoy a small town atmosphere with plenty of family fun on the water, including swimming and picnicking at the City Beach Park, or fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing and paddle boating on the lake! You can also rent bikes, take a walk or go horseback riding around the Acton Nature Center trails, and enjoy the many parks, restaurants and events around town.