Head Out with Your Herd

As members of the Alumni Network, we can all agree on our love for SMU, but many of us also fell in love with the city of Dallas and all that Big D has to offer. If you’re from Dallas, or never left after graduation, then you know as a resident and an alum that you’re never at a loss for things to do or ways to reconnect with classmates and create impromptu mini reunions at any time of the year! The warm summer weather presents the perfect time to meet-up and head out with your fellow Mustangs and reminisce about how falling in love with SMU meant falling in love with all things Dallas too. Whether it’s hiking or biking, aquariums or botanical gardens, museums or art galleries there’s something for everyone on this list of things to do with your herd this summer!

  • Peace, quiet and tranquility are all things you’ll find at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Enjoy one of the 19 named gardens as you become one with nature.

  • Take a break from the sun and spend a day at the Dallas Museum of Art for free! This art museum offers many different exhibits and if you’re really feeling artistic check out one of the art programs they offer where you can create your own artwork.

  • Take a trip to this museum and learn more about nature and science from history and today’s time as well. Experience one of the many exhibits, including Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall or see one of the fun 3D films.

  • Take a nice stroll through this park in the heart of Dallas, and don’t forget to try one of the food trucks or bring your dog to the dog park!

  • We’ve all seen this tower, but how many of us have had the experience of seeing the view of Dallas from the top? Take a trip to the Reunion Tower and see Dallas like you never have before.

  • Take a journey under the sea by exploring the Dallas World Aquarium. Fish, stingrays, and sea horses are just a few things you’ll see here. Be sure to explore one of the exhibits as well!

  • White Rock Lake is far from short of amenities. Whether you're interested in kayaking; running, walking or biking on the trail; watching birds; or relaxing at one of the picnic areas, White Rock Lake has it all!

  • Need some fresh air? Take a walk along the Katy Trail! This trail is centrally located and offers 3.5 miles for you to walk, run, or bike. Afterward, be sure to stop at the Katy Trail Ice House for a drink!

  • SMU campus

    SMU campus

    What better thing to do with your herd than walk the campus of SMU where it all began? Depending on when you graduated, many things may have changed, but nothing will ever beat sitting in front of Dallas Hall in the summer.

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  • Need a breath of fresh air? Try walking the 5-mile trail at the Trinity River Audubon Center just south of downtown Dallas. This center is home to the largest urban hardwood forest in America. Don’t forget to stop by the butterfly garden as well!

  • Who wants to add some excitement in their life this summer? It’s time to take a trip to Trinity Forest Adventure Park. This park has obstacle courses, zip lines and outdoor laser tag.

  • Dallas Farmers Market

    Unleash your inner foodie at the Dallas Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh produce, various vendors and many different restaurants as well. The farmer’s market is a great place to go solo or with family and friends.