The northern Texas city of Rockwall is an incredible place that lives up to its name! This suburb of Dallas has dozens of parks, a beautiful freshwater lake with a harbor that hosts fun activities all summer long, and hiking trails galore.

Even better, it has a mysterious rock wall that has sparked debates for over a century, mainly located on private land. However, efforts are underway to make at least one part open to the public. You can see reallocated portions at the Rockwall County Historical Museum.

Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly adventure, an adrenaline-fueled escapade, or a night out on the town, you’ll find it in Rockwall, Texas.

For a more intense experience, you can also check out one of the Urban Trampoline Parks, the Bowlerama, or find out what’s happening at the Rockwall Indoor Sports Expo before seeing one of the many Summer Musicals they have lined up at the Rockwall Performing Arts Center.

Free Things to Do in Rockwall, Texas

1. Harry Myers Park

Credit: Play Rockwall

Harry Myers Park offers fun for the whole family, including the kids and your pups. This well-reviewed park sits on a beautiful expanse of land and has 4.9 stars on Google.

There is a swimming pool and splash pad, a dog park, a kid zone with three playgrounds, a community building, walking trails, a Disk Golf course, three ponds (fishing allowed), and pavilions with grills and open space to play. Don’t forget your sunscreen, swimsuit, fishing poles, and frisbees!

You also have the option to rent one of the pavilions for a party. While the park itself is free, the pool does require a small fee. People who frequent the park have mentioned that dogs are occasionally left off-leash but that it’s the perfect place to take the kids on a hot summer day.

Address: 815 E Washington St, Rockwall, TX 75087

Phone Number: 972-771-7740

Hours of Operation: Park - Daily from 5 AM to 11 PM

Splash Pad - Daily from 8 AM to 9 PM

Website: https://playrockwall.com/harry-myers-park/

Cost: Park/Splash Pad/Disc Golf - Free

Pool - Free under age 2, $5 per family of six or less

Additional Costs: Fishing requires a Texas Fishing License, found here.

2. Lake Ray Hubbard, SH 66 Boat Ramp

Credit: Facebook / Peter Husser

Lake Ray Hubbard is a 21,671-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of 40 feet. If you already have your fishing gear and a Texas fishing license, you can enjoy this lake for free. You’ll find white and hybrid bass, largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and white crappie.

Anglers rate this lake as a great place to fish, night or day, and it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is also a boat-friendly lake with seven launch points, one of which is located in Rockwall and operated by the city. There is no launch fee.

If you’re looking for fishing cover or structure, try the area along the Interstate 30 bridge or the SH 66 bridge near the Rockwall launch ramp! Interested in tips and tricks? Check out this website!

Address: 1120 West Rusk, Rockwall, Texas 75087

Hours of Operation: Lake - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Boat Launch - Daily from 5 AM to 10 PM

Website: https://playrockwall.com/sh-66-boat-ramp/

Cost: Free

Additional Costs: Fishing requires a Texas Fishing License, found here.

3. The Trails at Squabble Creek

Credit: Play Rockwall

Whether you’re looking to hike on foot or take your mountain bike out for an adventure, the highly-rated trails at Squabble Creek offer five sectioned miles of terrain with unique wooden bridges built to maximize your workout.

The Mountain bike trails are part of the DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association). Even better, each section of the single-track loops is rated beginner to expert, so you’ll easily be able to pick the right one for you and your family. Be sure to check the Facebook page to find out whether or not it’s open for the day. They close down when it’s extra muddy for the safety of all hikers and bikers. The profile picture is updated daily to reflect conditions.

If you’re interested in seeing a ride thru before going, watch this video by Duke’s Outfitters.

Address: 1401 Dickson Ln, Rockwall, TX 75087

Hours of Operation: Daily from 5 AM to 10 PM

Website: https://playrockwall.com/squabble-creek-mountain-bike-trail/

Cost: Free

Related Read: 30 Top Treehouse Rentals in Texas

4. Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum

Credit: Gail Copus Spann / Facebook

If you’re a history buff and like museums full of authentic information about local places, the Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum has made it their mission to preserve some of the interesting historical happenings within the area. Located in Henry Myers Park, this museum is the best place to see portions of the wall from which the city got its name.

While all portions of the wall in their original locations are on private property, a three-foot-tall section has been assembled near the entrance. What makes this wall so mysterious? It looks manmade, but according to scientists and geologists, it is a natural structure. The debate has sparked many theories, including a mention of aliens.

The museum itself is the 1850 Manson-LaMoreaux-Hartman House. You’ll see many period pieces throughout the property, including original cypress bead-board walls and a quilt made by one of the owners.

Address: 901 E Washington, Rockwall, TX 75087

Phone Number: 927-722-1507

Website: https://rchfonline.org/museum/

Hours of Operation:

• Tuesdays - Fridays from 1 PM to 5 PM
• Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Closed Sundays and Mondays

Cost: Free

Additional Costs: General Store Memorabilia and Tiered Voluntary Membership

Related Read: 20 Best State Parks In Texas

Fun Things to Do in Rockwall, Texas

5. Shenaniganz Entertainment Center

Credit: Shenaniganz / Facebook

Great for the whole family, the Shenaniganz Entertainment Center offers everything from ax throwing to bowling, an arcade, a flip and spin bumper car experience, and virtual reality games. They also have Laser Tag!You can dine at Rozie’s Grill inside the complex or have a drink in the Z Lounge. If you go, be sure to try the cheesecake for dessert! If you’re a fan of Karaoke, they also offer a chance to croon to your favorite tunes on Thursday nights starting at 6 PM.

You can reserve portions for birthday parties, Christmas parties, or corporate get-togethers, making it the perfect choice for all-in-one fun together as a family or with coworkers. The prices are reasonable, and the reviews are great!

Check out the Shenaniganz Facebook Page for the latest updates.

Address: 1290 E Interstate 30, Rockwall, Texas 75087

Phone Number: 972-722-1133

Website: https://shenaniganz.com

Hours of Operation:

• Monday from 2 PM to 11 PM
• Tuesday - Thursday from 12 PM to 11 PM
• Friday from 12 PM to 12 AM
• Saturday from 10 AM to 12 AM
• Sunday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM

Cost: $99 for Unlimited Summer Fun  |  $12.99 for a Single Day Pass (valid for children under 8)  |  $5 First Monday of the Month Special

Additional Costs: The price of activities varies. Please visit their website for more information.

6. Blase Family Farm

Credit: Blase Family Farms / Facebook

Blase Family Farm is a pick your own blueberries and pumpkins adventure perfect for the whole family. You can visit their honey hives to learn all about pollinators, pick bushels of blueberries in May, June, and July, or head over in October to find the perfect pumpkin and go on a hayride! As a seasonal business, you’ll want to keep an eye on when they’re open. It varies yearly due to peak harvest times.

You’ll also find delicious homemade popsicles available in Blueberry, Strawberry, and Lemonade, as well as flavored fudge that people can’t get enough of in some very interesting flavors such as Orange Cream and Chocolate Pecan! They even have jams and jellies, homemade soap, and Lemon Blueberry Bread.

The Blase family recommends bringing a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and cold water for your day of picking blueberries. They’ll provide the bags and pails you need to carry your haul.

Address: 1232 E Fork, Rockwall, TX 75087

Phone Number: 972-772-3645

Website: https://blasefamilyfarm.com

Hours of Operation: Seasonal - Check the website for information

Entry Cost: Free

Additional Costs: The price of Blueberries and Pumpkins vary and are based on weight

7. Lunch and Shopping at The Harbor (Rockwall Harbor)

Credit: Nelo Hotsuma / Flickr

Rockwall has a gorgeous harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard, complete with a lighthouse and two dozen restaurants and shops. You can dine out for lunch at some local favorites and eat handmade tamales at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine. If an American Pub is more your style, the Rodeo Goat offers juicy burgers with French fries that are crisp and salty. You can also choose between The Oar House (Italian seafood), Sideways BBQ, Heirloom (American), or Dodie’s Cajun Restaurant, all of which offer phenomenal food at great prices.

Once you’ve eaten, take a stroll along the lake’s edge and watch the ships sail the massive lake. This is perfect for kids of all ages and couples out on a nice date. Then, head to the shopping mall for a fun shopping experience with some top brand stores. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many treat shops! You can’t go wrong with Twisty Treats for soft-serve yogurt, Tiff’s Treats for warm gooey cookies, or Rocky Mountain Chocolate for coffee and chocolate.

Address: 2059 Summer Lee Dr, Rockwall, TX 75032

Website: https://www.harborrockwall.com

Hours of Operation: Daily, hours vary by restaurant/shop

Cost: Free

Additional Costs: Lunch and Shopping, $$

Related Read: 15 Best Beaches in Texas for Families

8. Escapology Escape Rooms

Credit: Groupon

Inside Shenaniganz is one of the top-rated Escape Room experiences in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area. They have six games to choose from, with varying difficulties, allowing you to pick the best one for your family or friends. It’s a very popular experience, so be sure to call and book early!

You can save the world in Antidote (6.5/10 difficulty, also available in Kids Mode), solve a classic murder mystery in Budapest Express (8.5/10 difficulty), find long lost treasure in Lost City (7.5/10 difficulty), absolve the innocent in Th3 Cod3 (7.5/10 difficulty), escape a sunken ship in Under Pressure (9/10 difficulty), and stay out of jail in Mansion Murders (9/10 difficulty).

Don’t worry if it’s your first time and you get stuck! The Control Center is happy to provide a clue or two to help you on your way to beating the 60-minute clock for each experience.

Address: 1290 I-30 Frontage Rd, Rockwall, Texas 75087

Phone Number: 972-722-1133

Website: https://www.escapology.com/en/dallas-rockwall-tx

Hours of Operation:

• Monday 5 PM to 10 PM
• Tuesday 2 PM to 10 PM
• Wednesday & Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM
• Friday 2 PM to 11 PM
• Saturday 12 PM to 11 PM
• Sunday 2 PM to 10 PM

Cost: $15 per person on Tuesdays  |  $131.80 for a group of 6-8 at all other times

Additional Costs: None, though it’s inside Shenaniganz, which has a lot of fun activities!

9. Urban Air Adventure Park

Credit: Urban Air Adventure Park (Rockwall) / Facebook

Perfect for birthday parties, daily fun, or just an afternoon of delight, the Urban Air Adventure Park caters to kids of all ages, even those who are just kids at heart! The staff is very friendly, and the wait lines are short. Even better, parent passes are 50% off. This indoor trampoline park also offers dodgeball and fitness classes for a fun twist on hitting the gym.

They have an Adventure Hub obstacle course, a Rock Wall, a Drop Zone, a Rope Course, Spin Bumper Cars, amazing Virtual Reality experiences, a Warrior Course, and the fan-favorite Wipe Out. Be sure to check the height requirements for each before hyping the kids up for a day of fun!

Don’t forget to sign the waiver before you go!

Address: 5757 State Highway 205, Rockwall, Texas 75032

Phone Number: 469-912-3117

Website: https://www.urbanair.com/texas-rockwall/

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Thursday from 4 PM to 8 PM
• Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM
• Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM

Cost: See breakdown below

• $32.99 Platinum Pass All Access
• $25.99 Ultimate Pass (does not include Spin Zone or Virtual Reality)
• $20.99 Deluxe Pass (does not include Spin Zone, Virtual Reality, Sky Rider, Ropes Course, or Climbing Walls)
• $15.49 for Trampolines Only
• $11.99 for Deluxe Pass for children under 5
• Parent Pass - 50% off whichever pass is purchased for children (max of two discounted tickets)

Additional Costs: $3.49 Urban Air socks (required for each attendee)

Related Read: 25 BEST Things To Do in Dallas, TX With Kids

10. JungleTrek

Credit: JungleTrek Rockwall / Facebook

Looking for a rock wall experience in Rockwall? JungleTrek offers climbing walls, rope obstacle courses, zip lines, and more! Whether you’re taking the family out for an indoor treetop exploration or looking for a new venue for company conferences, this is the place to go. They also offer family, teen, and corporate team building!

This family-owned business makes sure that everyone succeeds and will cheer right along while kids do their best to beat the obstacle courses. They’ll even offer a helping hand when it’s needed. With friendly staff, a clean venue, and safety features galore, parents can rest assured the kids will have clean, safe fun. Children must be at least five years of age and weigh over 45 lbs.

The venue isn’t large, but there is plenty to do, making it perfect for an afternoon of fun. Not only do they offer birthday parties, but they also have a Parent’s Night Out!

Address: 1505 Airport Rd Suite 100, Rockwall, Texas 75087

Phone Number: 469-745-6068

Website: https://www.jungletrekrockwall.com

Hours of Operation:

• Monday & Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday - Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM
• Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM

Cost: See breakdown below

• $15 for one hour
• $18 for 1.5 hours
• Seasonal specials available

11. Rockwall Summer Musicals

Credit: Rockwall Summer Musicals / Facebook

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, you won’t want to miss the Rockwall Summer Musicals. With over ten years of performances and two musicals per summer, theatre-goers return each year to see the local talent! Their Broadway-level productions bring fans from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and every patron has walked away astounded with the quality.

They offer afternoon and evening performances, with their current 2022 lineup including Singing in the Rain and The Sound of Music. Previous performances include Into the Woods, Mary Poppins, West Side Story, The King & I, Peter Pan, and Oklahoma!

They’ve recently moved to a new venue, The Rockwall Performing Arts Center, and are very excited for audiences to see the new setup. You can buy tickets here.

Interested in being more involved? Feel free to audition for one of their shows!

Address: 1201 T L Townsend Drive, Rockwall, TX 75087

Phone Number: 972-771-3700

Website: https://www.rockwallsummermusicals.org

Hours of Operation: Varies per performance

Cost: $20-$25 per ticket

Things to Do at Night in Rockwall, Texas

12. Sail with Scott

Credit: Sail with Scott / Facebook

Looking for evening fun and a once-in-a-lifetime date night? Climb aboard the Seawolf with former Rockwall Mayor Mr. Scott on Lake Ray Hubbard for a sunset or moonlight cruise! Not only is he charming, but his staff is phenomenal, and his boat is gorgeous.

The Seawolf is a 40-foot-long sailing catamaran with a capacity of 49, hand-built by Scott himself. You can bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol, when age-appropriate, and use one of the many seating areas along the deck to dine. Afterward, head to the bow for picture-perfect photo opportunities. The cruises vary between 1 to 1.5 hours, with ambient music and an upbeat tour guide. On Fridays, you’ll be able to see fireworks during the sunset cruise. Children are always welcome, but keep in mind that Friday and Saturday nights are romantic evenings for couples.

The boat docks by the Lighthouse at Rockwall Harbor.

Address: 2055 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, Texas, 75032

Phone Number: 855-724-5984

Website: https://sailwithscott.com

Hours of Operation: Cruises are available Friday through Wednesday at various hours. Check the website for times and dates as well as availability.

Cost: Sunset Cruise (1.5 hours): $35 per person, with 12% gratuity for the crew

Moonlight Cruise (1 hour): $25 per person with 12% gratuity for the crew

13. RetroCade

Credit: RetroCade / Facebook

Just a 15-minute drive across Lake Ray Hubbard to Rowlett, RetroCade is the perfect evening out to enjoy your favorite childhood arcade games. Not only is the food great, but there are over 80 retro arcade games available, all of which are in good repair and ready for hours of fun. There are plenty of multiplayer games, too.

With a sports bar, restaurant, and unlimited access to the games, it’s great for impromptu parties or date nights. This place is popular enough that you need to call ahead and reserve a table! Children are welcome, but it’s best to take them during the late afternoon through evening.

They offer drink specials, Taco Tuesdays, and all your bar food favorites throughout the rest of the week!

Address: 6320 Dalrock Rd Suite 100, Rowlett, Texas 75088

Phone Number: 972-463-1268

Website: https://retrocadeoftexas.com/

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Thursday 4 PM to 10 PM
• Friday 4 PM to 1 AM
• Saturday 12 PM to 1 AM
• Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM

Cost: $10 Unlimited Play

Additional Costs: Food and Drinks, $

14. Painting with a Twist

Credit: Painting with a Twist (Rockwall, TX) / Facebook

Whether you’re looking for a girls’ night, a date night, or just an adult evening out, Painting with a Twist will help you make some colorful memories! Even better, they host trivia nights and paint your pet nights, too. You can even sign up for a virtual class or pick up an at-home paint kit.

The staff is phenomenal, and everyone who goes has fun. Be sure to check their website for theme nights and see what paintings they have planned. The instructors are always ready and willing to help, and you’ll go home with a fantastic souvenir of your night out in Rockwall and a new painting technique you can use for other projects!

Keep in mind their evening classes are for ages 18+, and alcohol is BYOB.

Address: 513 E Interstate 30, Rockwall, Texas 75087

Phone Number: 469-314-8110

Website: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/rockwall/

Hours of Operation: Open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary, though most evening classes start between 7:30 and 8 PM.

Cost: $39 for Canvas  |  $49 for Wood Plank Board

15. Devil’s Bowl Speedway

Credit: Devil's Bowl Speedway / Facebook

Another short jaunt over Lake Ray Hubbard, Devil’s Bowl Speedway is an experience you don’t want to miss if you love racing. Event-goers say it’s like NASCAR, but at a fraction of the price. This is real Texas dirt track racing at its finest!

The seating allows everyone to see the action, and if you reserve your spot early enough, you might even score a pit ticket. They run races weekly on Saturday nights with packed stands and good food. You can also see a stock car show mid-week or hit up a sprint car event on a Friday night. Follow your favorite driver and stay up to date on when they’ll grace the track. For a full schedule, click here.

Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and get ready for the loud roar of the crowd and cars!

Address: 1711 Lawson Road, Mesquite, TX 75181

Phone Number: 972-222-2421

Website: https://devilsbowl.com

Hours of Operation: Varies, check the schedule for exact dates and times

Cost: See breakdown below

• Weekly Races
  • $12 for 16-59
  • $10 for ages 13-15, 60+, or Military
  • Free for 12 and under
  • $35 for Pit Passes
• Regional Series Events
  • $20 for 16-59
  • $10 for ages 13-15, 60+ or Military
  • Free for 12 and under
  • $35 for Pit Passes
• National Series Events
  • $25 for 16-59
  • $15 for ages 13-15, 60+ or Military
  • Free for 12 and under
  • $35 for Pit Passes

Additional Costs: Food and Souvenirs