Whether you’re looking to jump start a summer fitness routine, try out a new sport, or find the perfect camp for your little Dallasite, the city’s ample recreation centers offer a variety of programs–from ballroom dancing to kids’ summer camps. We’ve highlighted summer programs that are perfect for every member of the family.
Ridgewood/Belcher Recreation Center
Neighborhood: Lakewood
Located near White Rock Lake off Northwest Highway, Ridgewood/Belcher Recreation Center was named for its neighborhood namesake and former Dallas Park Board member Virginia Belcher.
Shake It Off
Shake, move, and groove to the rhythm of Latin beats during Zumba. The dynamic programming will help you forget it’s a workout. The classes, which are open to those 18 and older, are on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Tennis
Kick start a new sport or hobby during tennis camps held throughout June and July. Learn how to serve, volley, backhand, and charge the net. This is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy.
Lake Highlands North Recreation Center
Neighborhood: Northeast Dallas
Located near scenic White Rock Lake, Lake Highlands North Recreation Center is adjacent to 29 acres of park land, featuring a pool, lake, picnic pavilion, fitness center, access to trails, and a Kids Fun Zone.
Strength Training Boot Camp
Jump-start your summer fitness with a strength training boot camp for ages 16 and up. Each Saturday workout specializes in the use of resistance to induce muscular tightening. Build strength, anaerobic endurance, and muscle tone.
Dance!
Choose from a variety of dance programs from Hula for ages 6 and up to more traditional ballroom dance for adults 18 and over. Explore classic styles like Fox Trot, Tango, Waltz, and Rhumba.
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Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center
Neighborhood: Southeast Dallas
One of Dallas’ newest rec centers, Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center opened in January 2015 after undergoing major renovations. Located in the heart of Southeast Dallas, PORC offers affordable recreation and leisure activates, a newly renovated playground, tennis court, fitness center, and boasts the claim as the only rec center with an indoor soccer gymnasium
Sports Fundamentals
Perfect for the sports enthusiast in your family, ages 8 to 16, PORC’s sports program teaches the basics of a variety of sports in a fun and positive environment. Learn soccer, basketball, hockey, and more in this twice-a-week program.
Fun & Fitness
PORC’s therapeutic gym games combine fun and fitness with an array of games that children will enjoy while getting some exercise, too. Sign up your kids ages 6 and over for this Saturday play time.
Neighborhood: Northwest Dallas
A unique recreation center that serves the surrounding neighborhood with a specialization on persons with disabilities, the Bachman Recreation Center has offered a variety of programs for all abilities for the past 30 years. The center features access to trails, nearby fishing, playgrounds, fitness center, a pool, and more.
Summer Camp
Children ages 5 to 12 can participate in an eight-week summer camp offering exciting, fun, and safe activities to keep your child active and learning all summer long. They will enjoy programs like arts and crafts, field trips, sports, nature programs, and more.
Self Defense
Drop in for a self-defense course for kids and teens. Participants learn the basics of the essential tools for self-defense and respect while enhancing speed, power, balance, and fitness.
Neighborhood: Northwest Dallas
The center opened in 1960 at the corner of Midway Road and Walnut Hill Road. Thanks to the help of Dallas realtor and active resident Ann Kelman, the rec center offers a kitchen, baseball field, meeting rooms, playgrounds, and more for North Dallas residents to enjoy.
Hip, Hip Hooray!
Three cheers for summer. Cheer Development camps, held throughout the summer, teach boys and girls ages 2 to 6 basic components such as tumbling, dance, jumps, and stunting.
Zen Summer
Practice yoga and enjoy the full-body benefits of relaxation, strength training, toning, and stretching. Yoga classes, for those 18 and older, are held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Throwback Fun
Teens will enjoy a throwback favorite during Dodgeball. Kids 14 and over will learn speed, agility, and coordination.
Campbell Green Recreation Center
Neighborhood: Far North Dallas
From Mommy & Me classes to preschool sports and fitness classes, Campbell Green Recreation Center in Far North Dallas just south of the George Bush Turnpike is a fully equipped center with a gymnasium, kitchen, fitness center, a scenic park with access to athletic fields, and a playground.
Soccer for Tots & Children
Your budding soccer stars will love the Pre-Soccer, Soccer 1, and Soccer 2 programs. Designed to help develop fundamental soccer skills, they’ll learn dribbling, passing, and shooting. If your little one is just starting to learn to play, sign up for Mommy or Daddy & Me Soccer for children 2 to 3 years old.
Kidd Springs Recreation Center
Neighborhood: North Oak Cliff
Located in Oak Cliff, Kidd Springs Recreation Center was originally owned by Colonel James K. Kidd. Near the historic spring-fed lake where many Dallas residents learned to swim, the Kidd Springs Rec Center has a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the lake, as well as softball fields, a butterfly garden, and programs for all ages.
Express Yourself
Perfect for your creative, bold kiddo, Creative Dance allows young children ages 3 to 6 to explore their expressive side as they strut, sway, and swing to the beat of the music. The class is offered at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays.
On Target
Is your kid looking for something a little bit different to do this summer? Kidd Springs Recreation Center is hosting a Level 1 and Level 2 Archery Program for children 8 to 13 years old.
Larry Johnson Recreation Center
Neighborhood: Southeast Dallas
NBA professional basketball player and Dallas native Larry Johnson donated $1 million to create the Larry Johnson Recreation Center in 1996. Now featuring a playground, gymnasium, fitness center, and more, the program is a staple for area kids and adults.
Summer Camp
Get your kids outside and active this summer at the Larry Johnson Recreation Center Summer Camp. Kids ages 5 to 12 years old will participate in arts classes, field trips, sports, nature programs, and more.
Budding Chefs
From eating veggies to getting their protein, start good habits early. Let your little cooks learn about healthy food practices and safe kitchen skills while working with a specialized instructor in the rec center’s kitchen.
Neighborhood: West Dallas
Originally the North Hampton Center, this West Dallas recreation center was renamed to honor Mattie Nash and Myrtle Davis, both active members of the community. The recreation center is located on Hampton Road near Singleton and offers baseball fields, tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, playground, and gymnasium.
Learn To Lead
The Nash-Davis Recreation Center offers young adults the unique opportunity to learn to lead through the Teen Leadership Program. Through problem solving, communication, and interpersonal relationship building, teens explore leadership through the lens of activities like sports, games, and fitness.
MyFi Fitness
Your child will enjoy daily fitness while having a great time. MyFi Fitness is a designed to provide at least one hour of physical activity each day, allowing your child to learn how to make healthy food choices and enjoy fitness.
