If you’re a college student in Dallas and haven’t been to the Katy Trail Ice House yet, what are you even doing? This place is a total vibe. A few friends and I came here on a sunny Saturday afternoon after walking part of the Katy Trail, and it was everything we needed and more.

First off, the patio is massive—like, seriously huge—and it’s always packed with people just enjoying the day. You’ll see everything from groups of friends hanging out, to dogs lounging under picnic tables, to runners cooling off with a beer. It’s super laid-back and has that perfect mix of energy and relaxation.

The drinks? Solid. Ice-cold beers served in frosty schooners (you’ll want to take a picture of it—it’s basically a rite of passage), plus a decent selection of cocktails if that’s more your thing. We grabbed a table under the shade trees, ordered a round, and just chilled for hours.

Food-wise, it’s exactly what you’d want from a Texas beer garden—burgers, nachos, wings. Nothing fancy, but hits the spot. The pulled pork sandwich was fire and the queso didn’t last more than five minutes at our table.

Honestly, it’s the perfect pregame spot, post-class hangout, or just a place to people-watch and soak up some sun. Good music, great crowd, and that classic Dallas mix of casual and cool. If you're looking for a place to unwind and have a great time with friends, Katy Trail Ice House is the move.

We spent the day at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, and I can honestly say it was one of the best family outings we’ve had in a long time. From the moment we walked up to the building—this modern architectural marvel that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie—my kids were buzzing with excitement, and it only got better from there.

Each floor of the museum has its own theme, and the hands-on exhibits kept my kids fully engaged the entire time. They raced virtual cheetahs, built their own robots, and even experienced what it feels like to be in an earthquake (don’t worry—it’s just a simulator, but it felt real enough!). The dinosaur floor was a huge hit with my little ones. Seeing the towering fossils and watching paleontologists at work through the glass windows was like stepping into Jurassic Park.

The children’s area downstairs was a lifesaver. It’s thoughtfully designed with water play stations, soft spaces for toddlers, and interactive exhibits that made science feel like pure fun. I was impressed by how educational everything was while still being completely kid-friendly. We easily spent a few hours there without anyone getting bored—which, if you're a parent, you know is saying something!

The staff was friendly and helpful, the museum was clean and well-organized, and there’s even a café with surprisingly good food (my kids devoured the mac and cheese). By the end of the visit, we were all exhausted in the best way.

If you're in Dallas with children, I can’t recommend the Perot Museum enough. It's a perfect mix of fun and learning, and it’s one of those places that your kids will be talking about for days afterward. We’re already planning our next visit!