Summer 2025 in Dallas has been blissfully decent so far. Compare it to the last three years in a row, when Dallas hit 100 degrees in June, including the brutal 2022 when Dallas hit 100 on June 11. Dallas has yet to hit 100 and it's already mid-July.
But now the high 90s are creeping upon us and the Climate Prediction Center is predicting above-average temperatures for the next two weeks. Weather is wreaking its revenge.
There's only one thing to do when the weather turns hot: a roundup of cold things. Fortunately, we've already covered waterparks, pools, and the best frozen drinks. But this list is different: It consists of cold things that are new and unusual: from a brand new amusement park attraction to a cafe serving buzzy soft-serve to a lakeside hang, we've got six of the hottest new cool things in Dallas right now.
Splash Island
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington just debuted a splashy new attraction called Splash Island. It's a massive new family water playground with more than 100 interactive water features such as water cannons, water wheels, dumping buckets, and spray hoses. At 58,000 square feet, it is now the biggest attraction at the park, replacing two previous attractions (bye, Splashwater Beach and Surf Rider), featuring a multi-level, 50-foot treehouse play structure with 17 water slides including plenty of drops and twists; a huge splash pad; and a gigantic tipping bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water on guests every 6-8 minutes.
Rockin’ S Bar and Grill
Cajun seafood spot recently opened in Grand Prairie, on the Lynn Creek Marina at Joe Pool Lake; the restaurant and bar floats on the lake and provides next-level views. Enjoy their seaside atmosphere with wood plank ceiling, wood flooring and walls, and nautical decor, as you share nachos, onion rings, fried pickles, and a pound of peel n’ eat shrimp with cocktail dipping sauce for $24. They have a full bar with $12 cocktails — including colorful and frozen options. This is the fifth Rockin’ S restaurant, joining Granbury, Graham (west of Fort Worth), and two in Grapevine, all in marina locations.
WorldSprings Cold Plunge
Dallas' mineral hot springs experience has launched a Cold Plunge Challenge, running every Thursday in July from 12-1 pm. Guests are challenged to stay in WorldSprings’ 55-degree cold plunge for one minute. Those who complete it receive a small prize, although all are encouraged to enjoy the cold plunge for its immediate relief and long-lasting benefits. Cold plunges are known to support circulation, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and boost focus. WorldSprings' cold plunges are kept operating year-around, part of the facility's 46 mineral and freshwater pools and saunas, whose temperatures range from the mid 80s to the low 100s.
Matcha soft-serve at Matcha Cafe Maiko Matcha Cafe Maiko
Uncle Louie G's Italian Ice & Ice Cream
Now open at 7522 Campbell Rd. #115 in Dallas, where it's scooping Italian ice and ice cream with a real authentic East Coast vibe. DFW has always been big on shaved ice, but shaved ice differs from Italian ice both in texture and ingredients. Italian ice is smooth and creamy, like sorbet, and is made by churning ingredients — water, fruit, sugar — just as you churn ice cream. (Shaved ice is a block of ice that's shaved, then flavored with syrup.) Their ice cream is "premium" with 14 percent butterfat (Haagen Dazs is 14 to 16 percent). They have nearly 50 flavors of Italian ice and 34 flavors of ice cream, some with a Northeast slant like Spumoni, Maple Walnut, and Black Razzberry.
Glacial facials at Woodhouse Spas
Select Woodhouse Spas have introduced two advanced facial services called Glacial FX that are cold as ice. Glacial Gloss is a full 50-minute facial ($275-$285), and Glacial Glide is a 25-minute standalone treatment or add-on to other services ($200-$210). Both use patented cryo technology to brighten and perk up dull and dehydrated skin, and to help reduce conditions like redness, melasma, and inflammation. Relax on a heated table as an icy wand glides all over your face; after the initial shock of cold, it feels like a popsicle being melted and soothed into the skin — minus the stickiness. Currently available at Woodhouse Spas in Plano and Fort Worth; not yet at Dallas or Highland Village locations.
Matcha Cafe Maiko
Dessert and tea chain has opened in a Frisco shopping strip at 9244 Prestmont Pl. #207, with a focus on matcha, the Japanese green tea powder that's so very buzzy lately. Their menu features teas and frozen desserts including soft-serve and shaved ice. The reason we are here today is the soft serve, which comes in two options: matcha green tea or vanilla, which can be ordered individually or as a swirl. They also make their own waffle cones daily. Founded in Honolulu in 2016, Matcha Cafe Maiko has grown to 22 locations across the U.S., including one in San Antonio.
---
Stephanie Allmon Merry contributed to this story.
