20 Best Things to Do in Rowlett, TX

Blake Walsh

Apr 17, 2023 • 11 min read

Michael Kebede / shutterstock.com

This Texas city is nestled on the coast of Lake Ray Hubbard.

Rowlett, Texas, features a developing upscale community and promising tourism scene.

The city lies east of Dallas County and is part of Rockwell County’s western area.

Rowlett gets its name from Rowlett Creek, which leads out to Lake Ray Hubbard, an attraction featuring over 30 miles of splendid shorelines.

Though often overlooked, the city offers an economical urban lifestyle and a variety of enjoyable recreational lakeside activities.

The George Bush Turnpike and DART Blue Line make it easily accessible for business trips or vacation stays.

In Rowlett, you’ll find a cohesive community hosting various public events, an array of shopping opportunities, lovely lakeside parks, and lots of amusement and kid-friendly attractions.

Here are the best things you can do in Rowlett, TX:

Spend Family Time at Lakes of Springfield Park

Daytime view of Lakes of Springfield Park — Michael Kebede / Shutterstock.com

One of Rowlett’s downtown parks your family can enjoy is Lakes of Springfield Park.

This public park sits on a 117-acre space offering an array of outdoor and sports activities for everyone.

Go for an outdoor barbecue picnic at the tables or use the pavilions for family lunch.

Close view of Lakes of Springfield Park's water — Michael Kebede / Shutterstock.com

Hike or bike on the trails, and you’ll catch a few herons, cranes, or gulls on the ponds.

You can pass by Rowlett Creek and spot some ducks and geese.

Play a soccer, football, or baseball game on the sports fields, or work up some sweat with the outdoor exercise equipment.

Other amenities available at the park include the disc golf course, playground for kids, a radio-controlled airfield, restrooms, and parking access for the disabled.

Take the Dogs to Scentral Dog Park

Why can’t dogs have some fun, too?

Bring your four-legged buddy to Scentral Dog Park, the city’s first dog park.

Generous efforts and donations from the Sachse Park Pals helped established this park.

Whether your furry family member is a large 30-pound plus canine or a tiny, timid pooch, the park offers wide spaces for your dogs to run about.

The park also has abundant trees, shaded spots, benches, and grassy areas you can relax.

You can also find a central plaza inside the park where restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

Get a Fresh Catch at Paddle Point Creek Trail

Located on Lake Ray Hubbard, you can access the Paddle Point Creek Trail entrance just off Miller Road.

This 6.4-mile paddle trail offers a sweeping view of the scenic lake, and you’ll surely catch sight of Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles in the area.

If you paddle up north, you’ll also find a large population of long-legged egrets.

Enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the vast open lake waters or travel along the banks lined with shading trees.

The lake trail is also a great fishing spot where you’ll find schools of black, sand, and hybrid bass with other species like catfish, perch, and carp.

Spot a few animals in the area like coyotes, skunks, raccoons, and squirrels.

Shop Fresh Produce at the Local Farmers Market

Get the freshest goods in Rowlett at the Local Farmers Market.

The market is open during the spring season from April to July every Thursday afternoon to the evening at the Village of Rowlett Downtown.

Grab choice meats, dairy, fresh eggs, farm-to-market vegetables, honey, and more from lines of local vendors.

You’ll catch the crafts market every other week featuring local artists selling handmade items.

Drop by the stalls, and you might find something appealing to your tastes.

Bring the Kids to the Kid Fish! and Cardboard Boat Regatta Events

Let your kids become fishermen for a day and join a cardboard boat race at the annual Kid Fish! and Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Held at the Community Park, these events run consecutively and are sure to give a fun time to little ones.

Before the Kid Fish event, its organizers release pounds of catfish into the pond.

Your kids will have time to practice catch and release during the event.

Winners will receive awards according to age group, so everyone will have the chance to have a great catch and have some snacks, too.

Make sure you bring your kids’ fishing gear and supplies.

After Kid Fish!, kids can practice their skills and creativity in making their cardboard boats with supplies provided before the Cardboard Boat Regatta event.

Participants will launch their boats to race across the Community Park pond, and prizes await the winners.

Enjoy a Cruise at Rockwall Harbor

Scenic sunset over Rockwall Harbor — Nova Photo Works / Shutterstock.com

If you want something uniquely relaxing to do near Rowlett, you can book a cruise on Lake Ray Hubbard at Rockwall Harbor.

It's 14 minutes away from Rowlett.

Climb aboard the DFW Boat Ride fleets and enjoy the public boat ride on Harbor Lights, a 57-foot motor vessel, or the Sapphire Moon, a 52’ double deck boat.

You’ll feel safe, thanks to assistance from the experienced captains and crew on your boat tour.

You can also join private charter cruises or have your private events at the enclosed main deck area.

Sailboats docked at Rockwall Harbor — lisacecilia / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the view of sunny blue skies and Lake Ray Hubbard’s waters or see the stunning sunset followed by a starry evening sky.

The cruise lasts between an hour to an hour and a half.

Guests can also bring beers, wines, and picnics.

Make sure you arrive 20 minutes before your trip to ensure prompt departures.

Enjoy a Golf Game at Waterview Golf Club

Play like a champion golfer at the premier Waterview Golf Club.

The premier 72-par golf course offers a lush, gently rolling fairway with the finest greens.

The course features challenges for golfers of varying levels and excellent practice facilities.

These facilities include a three-hole practice course, large putting green, chipping green, and driving range, all designed to improve your game.

Take advantage of individual or group golf coaching programs to up your golfing skills.

After a tee game, finish off with a sumptuous lunch or dinner at the Bar and Restaurant.

Otherwise, grab some custom merchandise and apparel at the Pro Shop.

Have Great Pool Fun at Wet Zone Water Park

The Wet Zone Water Park in downtown Pecan Grove Park is a beautiful attraction that brings a splash of fun for the family.

Enjoy and plunge in the pools or zoom your way down the slides.

The family water park also hosts a movie night perfect for bringing the whole family.

Catch movies while you’re on floats or sitting on the poolside chair with a sandwich dinner meal included in the rate.

You can also join the swimming classes and programs created for varying age groups and levels.

You can also rent the water park for special functions and events.

Choose your desired spots in the park, whether you want the lap pool or the main one.

Explore Calming Nature at Rowlett Nature Trail

Experience the peaceful natural surrounding at Rowlett Nature Trail.

The trail offers a 1.3-mile hiking and biking path that meanders along Rowlett Creek and ends in a riverside nature park at Lake Ray Hubbard.

Your nature trek starts at an isolated parking area off East Miller Road on a doubletrack gravel path.

You’ll pass through several benches where you can rest for breaks behind a local neighborhood in the middle of scenic woodlands.

The trail offers you a quiet respite for solitude and opportunities for birdwatching and catching wildlife.

Settle in for a picnic at the tables amid the large native trees and pond area.

Let Kids Play at the Kids Kingdom

Located in Pecan Grove Park, Kids Kingdom is one colorful and lively playground attraction in the city.

If you’re traveling with energetic little ones, they’ll have hours of fun playing at the swings, sand area, and tunnels.

The dinosaur skeleton and giant blue robot are favorite highlights of the Kids Kingdom.

Your little ones can run, slide and jump around the wooden castle designed with many walkways, stairs, and obstacles.

The park also features a zip line and a tot lot where kids can peek inside the playhouse and ride the mini train.

When your little ones run out of energy and get hungry, you can head to the picnic area and enjoy some snacks.

Savor Mexican Fare at Amelia's Cocina Mexicana

Have a taste of fresh and authentic Mexican fare and specialties at Amelia's Cocina Mexicana.

It's the only family-oriented Mexican restaurant in downtown Rowlett.

You can enjoy the vibrant ambiance and generous food servings at affordable prices.

Try Mexican classics like fajitas, tacos, and tamales, then drink some Cerveza.

Order a filling Huevos a la Mexicana or the Huevos Divorciados for breakfast.

Otherwise, get your fill of taquitos or gorditas for lunch, and have a savory dinner of queso flameado and taco salad.

Likewise, there’s always room for a sopapilla dessert after a hearty meal.

You can also enjoy their Happy Hour from Tuesday to Friday.

Catch their Tequila Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and Thirsty Thursday.

Then, sip mimosas and bloody Marys on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Enjoy Recreational Fun at Rowlett Bowl-a-rama

If you’re looking for a local amusement stop in the city, Rowlett Bowl-a-rama is a top pick.

Bring your family and friends for hours of bowling fun and amusement.

Rowlett Bowl-a-rama features 26 bowling lanes built with bumpers, child-friendly ramps, and bowling balls.

Join the glow bowling every Friday And Saturday night, or show your exceptional bowling skills by signing up at the leagues.

The private party room is available for rent if you're celebrating a private event.

Enjoy yourself at the Splits, the bowling center’s full bar and restaurant, which serves various excellent and fresh in-house food.

The Splits Sports Grill & Bar also features billiards tables and large TVs to keep you updated on the big games.

Play Unlimited Arcade Games at Retrocade

Do arcade games make you feel nostalgic?

Then, the kid in you will surely get excited when you visit Retrocade in downtown Rowlett.

You won’t get enough of over 80 retro arcade games and pinball machines in this incredible amusement center.

Try their unlimited daily play if you still have your arcade gaming skills.

Retrocade also offers weekday food specials like quesadillas, street tacos, cheese sticks, and chicken sandwiches.

Grab a bite of the Retro Burger, Retro Cheesburger, or Retro Hotdog and choose from over a hundred beverage options on the menu.

Have a Picnic at Katy Railroad Park

Craving a laid-back outing in one of Rowlett's parks?

You can never go wrong with a stop at Katy Railroad Park.

This public park spans 16 acres.

It comes with a basketball court, an outdoor fitness area, and uncovered picnic tables.

For the little ones, there's a play area onsite.

There are also multiple hiking and biking trails dwindling down the park that you can take advantage of.

Head over to Lawning Lane to get to Katy Railroad Park.

Have Fun with Your Furry Loved One at Barks, Brews, and Brats

Rowlett has a special festival that celebrates dogs and beer at the same time.

This is the annual Barks, Brews, and Brats.

This event gathers some of the best draft beer companies in the city for outdoor fun at Scentral Dog Park.

Vendor booths include puppy memorabilia and goods, so you may want to check them out.

While nursing a beer, listen to live music and watch as your dog runs free in the night air.

And the best part is that the event is free for everyone!

Barks, Brews, and Brats takes place in Herfurth Park on Centennial Drive every May.

Start planning your—and your dog's—itinerary as soon as now!

Get Your Own Craft Beer at Bankhead Brewing Company

Nothing quite acquaints your tastes and senses of Rowlett's culture than Bankhead Brewing Company.

This brewpub takes pride in its artisanal and locally-made beer.

Its history takes root on the 1916 Bankhead Highway, which was among the first transcontinental highways of its kind.

Years later, this brewpub takes on American innovation as it once did for the Bankhead Highway.

Bankhead Brewing Company offers beer on-tap filling growlers and crowlers.

Alongside its usual beverage collection, the site's menu also includes wood-fired pizzas.

If you're ready for a craft beer-tasting adventure, you can find this place on Main Street.

Host Your Next Party at Coyle House

If you're in Rowlett for a historical adventure, Coyle House is a notable spot for a visit.

This historic building spans about 2,000 square feet.

Its origins go way back to 1918, and you can find it within the rustic atmosphere of the facility.

The home comes with multiple rooms and other structures within its pristine grounds.

Coyle House is also open for private party rentals.

So, whether you've got a birthday or a corporate gala coming up, you can trust that this venue is an ideal space for your most special celebrations.

You can find this elegant home within Pecan Grove Park on Main Street.

Go on a Castle Tour of Magic Fun House Castle

At Rowlett, magic is real, and you have every reason to experience it.

Magic Fun House Castle is open year-round for this very reason.

This tourist attraction welcomes not only kids but also adults fascinated by magic.

It offers castle tours, magical performances, and even a gift shop with a wide collection of trinkets and magical products.

There's also a spooky gallery and mystic services you shouldn't miss out on.

Prepare for an enchanting time at Magic Fun House Castle on Rowlett Road.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Experience Loads of Entertainment at Shenaniganz

Just a few minutes' drive from Rowlett, you can find the Shenaniganz at Rockwall in east Dallas.

You'll find it in Rockwall, Texas, 14 minutes from Rowlett.

This amusement center opened in 2008 and offers fun things to do with your family and friends.

You can enjoy hours of bowling with 24 lanes available, test your wits in the escape rooms, ride the bumper cars or have a laser tag challenge.

There’s also a space for ax throwing and pool tables while kids can have their own time at the indoor playground and bounce houses at the kids' zone.

You can enjoy tasty food at Rozie’s Grill with stone-hearth pizzas and grilled cheeses on the menu.

Rozie’s Sports Bar is a great place to hang out with your friends, catch a game or enjoy choices of tap and bottled beers, unique wines and martinis, and decadent drinks.

Spend a Lazy Day at John Paul Jones Park

This park is a scenic lakeside attraction overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard.

John Paul Jones Park in nearby Garland, Texas, is a perfect place to relax and frolic around.

It's six minutes from Rowlett.

This charming park is a delightful spot to watch the sunrise, spend a day unwinding, or stroll the wooded areas.

The 7.5-acre developed park area features a short 0.5-mile concrete trail, fishing piers, and a Chaha boat ramp to launch your kayaks, canoes and boats for fishing and water activities.

Enjoy a barbecue picnic with grills available at the picnic areas on a lakefront view.

Other amenities at the park include a gazebo, shelters, restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking.