Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In DFW

It's official, summertime is coming to a close. No need to fret if you're not getting away for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, there are plenty of things happening around town to celebrate the occasion. From tubing and sailing to aerial obstacle courses and music fests, here are five ways to end summer with a bang.
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
1820 Dowdy Ferry Road
Dallas, TX 75217
(214) 391-1000
www.trinitytreetops.com

Those looking for an exhilarating adventure will enjoy trekking through the treetops of this recently opened seven-acre aerial playground. The park is the brainchild of Brad and Judy Lee, owners of the Southern Cross Ranch, an event facility located within the park. Here, visitors can channel their inner Indiana Jones while they traverse on 12 zip lines through six elevated obstacle courses— equipped with ladders, rope bridges, cargo nets, tight ropes and other elements to keep everyone challenged. The three-hour aerial adventure starts at $34.95 for kids ages 6-9, $39.95 for ages 10-15 and $44.95 for adults. For an additional fee, visitors can mosey over to the ranch where they'll find everything from a petting zoo and bounce houses to pedal boats and a rock climbing wall. The park is open daily from May 24 through Labor Day, and on special occasions throughout the year.

Sail With Scott
2055 Summer Lee Drive
Rockwall, TX 75032
(855) 724-5948
www.sailwithscott.com

If your Labor Day weekend includes getting out on the lake, then perhaps sailing around Lake Ray Hubbard on a 40-foot catamaran or a 57-foot power boat will be ideal. You can charter one of the boats for your own party or you can take one of the shared rides that are offered at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and at 9 p.m. daily. The cruises are all BYOB, so be sure to bring along your favorite beverages and a picnic, or order something from one of the restaurants at the harbor. The price for 90-minute cruises range from $25 on the Harbor Lights power boat to $30 on the Seawolf catamaran. Additional discounts are offered for kids, seniors and members of the military.

Related: Best DFW Day Trips For Under $100

Hillbilly Haven Campground
10801 Interstate 20 West
Millsap, TX 76066
(817) 341-4009
www.hillbillyhaven.net

If a tranquil sailing cruise isn't stimulating enough, then how about tubing down the Brazos River? Hillbilly Haven, located only 45 minutes west of Fort Worth— offers complete river tubing packages for $17 per person. And you'll even get a ride back up when you're finished. Other amenities at the site include canoe rentals, fishing and camping. There's also live music and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights. Don't worry about reservations, visitors can go with the flow daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

ClearFork Music Festival
Panther Island Pavilion
395 Purcey St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 698-0700
www.clearforkfest.com

Date: August 30, 2014 at 12:15 p.m.

Panther Island, with its array of water activities and weekly events, has turned out to be Fort Worth's hottest outdoor venue this summer. There are various activities going on here throughout the Labor Day weekend, but the biggest event taking place will be the ClearFork Music Festival happening all day on Saturday. This family-friendly festival will feature musical acts from across the country, as well as art installations, craft beer, food trucks and fireworks. Some of the groups appearing include The Black Angels, The Bright Light Social Hour, Holy Moly, Panic Volcanic and The Royal Savages. Even better, you can groove to the music while you're floating around the river on a tube.

Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival
1951 L Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 952-2128
www.bedfordbluesbbq.com

Date: August 29–31, 2014

Tasty southern BBQ and a stellar line-up of legendary blues musicians like Robert Cray and Shemekia Copeland make for a smashing way to spend Labor Day weekend. This annual blues fest is so popular that it draws over 20,000 people from around the country. Festival goers can expect an array of vendors selling everything from artisan wares to food and beverages. Also highlighting the festivities are several BBQ cook-off competitions where cue connoisseurs can vote and feast on samples from a variety of pit-masters for an additional fee.

Related: Turn Your Backyard Into A Party Paradise For Labor Day

Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.