10 Best Things To Do Near Irving, Texas (Dallas County)

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Near Irving, Texas (Dallas County)

Looking for a laid-back spot in the Dallas–Fort Worth area that still has plenty to do? Irving, Texas might surprise you. Tucked between Dallas and DFW Airport, this city gives you big-city access without the big-city stress. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family, or just passing through, here are 10 great things to do in and around Irving, TX that are easy, fun, and very “North Texas.”

1. Stroll the Mandalay Canal & Las Colinas Urban Center

If you only have time for one thing in Irving, make it the Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas. Picture this: cobblestone walkways, arched bridges, and calm water winding between sleek office towers and restaurants. It feels a little like a quiet European canal tucked inside a modern business district.
  • Take a peaceful walk along the water.
  • Grab coffee or a glass of wine at a canal-side cafĂ©.
  • Stop for photos on the bridges (especially at sunset).
The Las Colinas Urban Center is also packed with restaurants and bars, so you can turn a quick stroll into an easy date night or a relaxed family outing.

2. Ride a Gondola on Lake Carolyn

Yes, you read that right. You can ride an honest-to-goodness gondola in Irving. On Lake Carolyn, right next to the Mandalay Canal, you can book a private gondola ride that feels straight out of Venice. Some boats even include dinner or dessert. Why it’s fun:
  • Romantic option for couples (especially at night with all the city lights).
  • Family-friendly rides are available too.
  • Calm, smooth water – no sea legs needed.
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or even just a “we made it to Friday,” this is a very memorable way to do it.

3. Catch a Show at the Toyota Music Factory

If you love live entertainment, the Toyota Music Factory in Irving is a must. This massive entertainment complex has:
  • A large concert venue for big-name artists and tours.
  • Smaller bars with live music and comedy.
  • Tons of restaurants, from casual tacos to sit-down dinners.
You can:
  • See a concert, then walk right out to grab late-night food.
  • Catch a movie at the nearby theater.
  • Just wander around, people-watch, and enjoy the energy.
If you’re planning a trip to Irving, TX, it’s worth checking the event calendar here in advance. You might be able to time your visit with a favorite band or comedian.

4. Explore the Mustangs of Las Colinas & the Irving Arts Center

One of the most famous sights in Irving is the Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture. In front of the Williams Square Plaza, you’ll see nine bronze mustangs charging through a granite stream. It’s one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world and a very cool photo stop, especially for kids and horse lovers. Then, just a short drive away:
  • Head to the Irving Arts Center for free art galleries.
  • Check out rotating exhibits from local and national artists.
  • Catch a play, children’s performance, or small concert if your timing works out.
If you enjoy a bit of culture with your travel, this combo makes for a relaxed, inexpensive afternoon.

5. Relax (or Work) at the Irving Convention Center Area

Even if you’re not in town for a conference, the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas area is worth a visit. Surrounded by modern hotels, restaurants, and green spaces, this part of Irving is:
  • Great for a walk between meetings if you’re here for business.
  • Easy to navigate if you’re staying nearby without a car.
  • A central base to explore the rest of Las Colinas, Lake Carolyn, and the Toyota Music Factory.
Many travelers first discover Irving through a work trip. If that’s you, don’t just stay in your room. Step outside after your meetings – you’ll find more to do within a few blocks than you might expect.

6. Visit the Irving Archives & Museum and Heritage Park

Curious what Irving was like before the glass towers and canals? The Irving Archives & Museum offers an easy-to-digest look at local history, including:
  • Interactive exhibits about life in early Irving.
  • Stories from the city’s railroad and farming days.
  • Rotating displays focused on community life and culture.
Then head over to Heritage Park, where you can see:
  • Historic homes and buildings from Irving’s early years.
  • An old train depot and a classic water tower.
  • Simple, shaded grounds perfect for a slow stroll.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a good way to sneak in a bit of learning between playground stops and pool time.

7. Get Outside at Campion Trail and Local Parks

When you’re in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, it’s easy to spend all your time indoors. But Irving has some nice outdoor spots if you want to stretch your legs. The star of the show is the Campion Trail, a paved multi-use trail that winds through different parts of the city. You can:
  • Walk, jog, or bike for a few miles.
  • Enjoy river views and open green space.
  • Take a break from traffic and shopping centers.
Other good parks in Irving include:
  • Cimarron Park – with sports fields and a pool.
  • Sam Houston Trail Park – popular for biking and running.
  • Thomas Jefferson Park – a simple neighborhood park for kids to burn off energy.
If you visit in spring or fall, early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant outside. In summer, aim for shade and cooler times of the day – Texas heat is no joke.

8. Take a Short Trip to Downtown Dallas

One of the best things about Irving’s location in Dallas County is how close it is to downtown Dallas. In about a 20–25 minute drive (traffic depending), you can:
  • Visit Dealey Plaza and The Sixth Floor Museum at the former Texas School Book Depository.
  • Wander around Klyde Warren Park – a city park built over a freeway.
  • Check out the Dallas World Aquarium, which feels like a tropical jungle indoors.
  • Walk the Dallas Arts District, home to several major museums.
If you prefer not to drive, look into the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) options from Irving’s Las Colinas area. It’s a handy way to visit downtown without worrying about parking.

9. Explore Grapevine and the DFW Airport Area

Since Irving sits right next to DFW International Airport, you’re also just a quick hop away from Grapevine, another charming North Texas city. In nearby Grapevine, you can:
  • Visit the historic Grapevine Main Street with its shops and wineries.
  • Take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad (kids especially love this).
  • Check out seasonal events like Christmas lights and festivals.
If you’re on a long layover at DFW and staying at a nearby hotel in Irving, a quick Uber or Lyft ride to Grapevine or Las Colinas can turn a boring day into a mini vacation.

10. Eat Your Way Through Irving’s Diverse Food Scene

Irving might not shout about its food scene the way some cities do, but it quietly offers a huge variety of flavors. You’ll find:
  • Tex-Mex spots with sizzling fajitas and giant bowls of queso.
  • Authentic Indian restaurants, especially near the MacArthur Blvd area.
  • Middle Eastern bakeries and kebab shops.
  • Classic Texas barbecue, burger joints, and fried chicken.
One simple way to explore? Pick a different neighborhood for each meal:
  • Las Colinas for trendy spots and happy hours.
  • Old Irving for more local, family-run places.
  • Areas near the airport for international flavors and quick bites.
If you’re the type who plans trips around food (you’re not alone), Irving, Texas, is a fun place to eat your way across cultures without driving too far.

Planning Your Visit to Irving, TX

Here are a few quick tips to make your time in Irving, Texas easier:
  • Getting around: A car is helpful, but rideshare apps are widely used. Many main attractions in Las Colinas are close together.
  • Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (late September–November) usually offer the most comfortable weather.
  • Where to stay: Las Colinas has plenty of hotels close to the canal, Lake Carolyn, and Toyota Music Factory.
Irving makes a great base for exploring Dallas County and the larger Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex while still feeling a bit calmer and easier to navigate.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Things To Do in Irving

Irving is one of those places where the more time you spend, the more little gems you find – from quiet coffee shops to lakeside walking paths and neighborhood restaurants. Have you been to Irving, Texas or Dallas County recently?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Which restaurant or park would you recommend to first-time visitors?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments – they help other travelers plan better trips. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a visit to the Dallas–Fort Worth area. It might just help them discover that Irving is more than just a stop between the airport and downtown.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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