Activity	Description
Irving’s Heritage Crossing	Museum district with historical and cultural sites
Tour Pioneer Plaza in Downtown Irving	Monuments and memorials to early settlers
Attend an Event at The Pavilion	Music Factory for concerts and shows
Play a Round of Golf	Multiple championship golf courses
Explore TX Adventure Park	Outdoor fun with zip lines and obstacle courses
See the Mustangs of Las Colinas	Iconic mustang statue exhibit
Tour Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters	Visit the football team’s training facility
Check Out Irving Arts Center	Cultural hub with museum, theater, and galleries
Hike the Campion Trails	Over 8-mile network of scenic trails
Swim at T.W. Richardson Grove Park	Swimming lake with water sports
Learn at the Irving Archives & Museum	Displays Irving’s history and culture
Catch a Concert at Toyota Music Factory	Outdoor amphitheater for major concerts
Dine at Diverse Restaurants	Wide range of dining options

From museums celebrating Texas music legends to championship golf courses, Irving provides diverse activities for all interests. Here are the top 12 things to do in Irving, Texas:

Spend a Day Exploring Irving’s Heritage Crossing

Name and Location: Heritage Crossing is an outdoor shopping center located in Irving, Texas. It is located off Highway 183 and Esters Road.

History and Significance: Heritage Crossing opened in 2003 on a former industrial site. It was developed to provide Irving residents with a unique outdoor shopping and dining destination. The center is designed to look like a historic Texas town.

What to Expect: Heritage Crossing features over 20 shops and restaurants with a old town Texas theme. Key attractions include a movie theater, ice cream parlor, candy store, and several boutiques. There are also green spaces, fountains, and benches ideal for taking a break.

Visitor Information: Heritage Crossing is open 7 days a week. Stores are typically open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sundays. The center has free parking. Pets are welcome.

Irving’s Heritage Crossing is a museum district containing eight fascinating attractions all within walking distance for an immersive experience. Must-see stops include the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center with exhibits on Irving history, the Ruth Paine House Museum reliving 1963 when Lee Harvey Oswald stayed with Paine, and the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum showcasing iconic sculptures.

Other highlights are the Irving Archives & Museum, the Irving African American Museum, and the Texas Musicians Museum honoring Texan musicians like ZZ Top. You’ll come away with a deep understanding of Irving’s intriguing past.

Tour Pioneer Plaza in Downtown Irving

Name and Location: Pioneer Plaza is a public park located in downtown Irving, Texas. It is located between Main Street and Delaware Street.

History and Significance: Pioneer Plaza opened in 1996 to commemorate Irving’s pioneering heritage. It features larger-than-life bronze statues depicting a cattle drive. The statues were designed by artist Robert Summers.

What to Expect: Pioneer Plaza is a 0.5 acre park with beautifully landscaped greenery. Visitors can walk among the bronze longhorn steers and cattle drive statues. Plaques provide details on Irving’s pioneer history. There are benches, shade trees, and a waterfall.

Visitor Information: Pioneer Plaza is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Admission is free. It’s easily accessible by DART light rail at the Irving Convention Center Station.

Located in the heart of downtown Irving, Pioneer Plaza contains monuments and memorials honoring the city’s early settlers and founders. Marvel at the 12-foot-tall bronze bull statues in tribute to Irving’s cattle ranching roots.

Other highlights are replicas of Irving’s first church and train depot, a pioneer family statue, and a memorial honoring victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, constructed with fragments from the site. Pioneer Plaza captures Irving’s Western heritage.

Attend an Event at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Name and Location: The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory is an indoor concert venue located in Irving, Texas. It is part of the Toyota Music Factory complex.

History and Significance: The Pavilion opened in 2017 as part of the new Toyota Music Factory development. With a capacity of 8,000, it hosts major concerts and live entertainment.

What to Expect: The Pavilion features state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and amenities. Concert-goers can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping on-site. The calendar includes shows across genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, and country.

Visitor Information: Show tickets can be purchased online. Parking is available in the Toyota Music Factory garages for a fee. The DART Las Colinas Station is a short walk away.

For concerts, comedy shows, and live entertainment, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory is Irving’s premier indoor venue. Catch national touring acts like the Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, and Jerry Seinfeld grace the stage. The 5,000-person capacity provides an intimate viewing experience.

Enjoy pre-show drinks and meals at one of the complex’s adjacent restaurants like Lockhart Smokehouse or Salt & Straw Ice Cream. The Pavilion offers stellar entertainment in Irving.

Play a Round of Golf

Name and Location: Irving is home to several high quality golf courses including Tierra Verde Golf Club, Las Colinas Country Club, and Hackberry Creek Country Club.

History and Significance: As a popular Dallas suburb, Irving has long catered to golfers. Its courses offer scenic play and challenging rounds. Many have received honors and are championship caliber.

What to Expect: Irving golf courses offer 18 hole regulation play on meticulously maintained greens and fairways. Most also have pro shops, driving ranges, equipment rentals, lessons, and dining options. Fees vary by course.

Visitor Information: Courses require bookings and have dress codes. Closest airport is DFW International. Check individual course websites for policies and amenities.

With a whopping eight golf courses, Irving is a golfer’s dream destination. Tee off at the championship Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas featuring the challenging Byron Nelson layout. Unwind amid nature at scenic settings like Rockwood Golf Club orPlantation Golf Club.

Several more affordable daily-fee courses also exist like Highlands Golf Course or The Lakes Course at Las Colinas Country Club. Irving has top-notch golf courses to satisfy any player.

Explore TX Adventure Park

Name and Location: TX Adventure Park is an outdoor recreation park located in Irving, Texas. It is located off Highway 114 near the intersection with Rochelle Road.

History and Significance: TX Adventure Park opened in 2018 as the first attraction of its kind in North Texas. It was created to provide outdoor adventure and team building activities.

What to Expect: TX Adventure Park offers zip lining, aerial obstacle courses, climbing walls, and more. There are courses for all skill levels including kids. Safety gear is required.

Visitor Information: The park is open on weekends year round and Wednesdays during summer. Tickets start at $39. Parking is free. Waivers must be signed. Reservations recommended.

For family-friendly outdoor fun, TX Adventure Park spans 100 acres and contains activities like zip lines, aerial obstacle courses, tubing slides, mini-golf, and more.

Soar over the park on zip lines up to 400-feet long, swing through over 70 elements on the tree-based obstacle course, or race down the 700-foot dual tubing slide. Their mini-golf course celebrates Texas landmarks. TX Adventure Park guarantees a full day of adventure.

See the Mustangs of Las Colinas

Name and Location: The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a famous statue exhibit located in Williams Square in Irving, Texas. It is visible from Highway 114.

History and Significance: The Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture was installed in 1984. It features 9 mustangs appearing to be running and splashing through a stream. It has become a symbol for Irving.

What to Expect: Visitors can walk around the statues and reflecting pond free of charge. The mustangs look incredible during the day, at night when illuminated, or in fog from the pond. Great for photos.

Visitor Information: The exhibit is always open and can be viewed from the sidewalk. Paid parking is available in Williams Square. DART buses stop nearby.

No trip to Irving is complete without seeing the iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture exhibit. These nine regal mustang statues seem to be running and leaping through a fountain basin against the backdrop of an office tower.

The statues are best viewed at night when illuminated, creating beautiful reflections in the water. Located in the Williams Square development, this landmark public art installation has become a symbol of Irving.

Tour Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters

Name and Location: The Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters is located in Frisco, Texas. It houses the team’s practice facilities, stadium, and corporate offices.

History and Significance: The complex opened in 2016 and is considered one of the most advanced sports training facilities in the world. It cements the Cowboys as an iconic Texas football team.

What to Expect: Guided tours allow visitors to see the locker rooms, field, media center, gyms, health facilities, and more. The centerpiece is The Star, a 12,000 seat stadium.

Visitor Information: Tours must be booked in advance online and cost $32 for adults. Parking is free. The center is 20 miles north of Irving in Frisco.

Football fans will love touring the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, dubbed The Star. This huge campus includes the Ford Center athletic complex that houses the Cowboys training facility, locker room, and indoor field.

Fans can watch practices for free in certain areas. Also browse the pro shop’s giant selection of Cowboys memorabilia or enjoy a meal while overlooking the outdoor practice fields at one of several onsite eateries.

Check Out Irving Arts Center

Name and Location: The Irving Arts Center is located in Irving, Texas. It is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd near Las Colinas.

History and Significance: Founded in 1981, the Irving Arts Center supports performing and visual arts. It provides galleries, theaters, studios, and event spaces.

What to Expect: Visitors can view art exhibits, attend concerts and plays, enjoy festivals, take art classes, shop the gift store, and dine at the café. Classes offered for all ages.

Visitor Information: The center is open Tues-Sat. Admission is free, some events ticketed. Metered parking is available on site. Closest DART Station is Las Colinas Urban Center.

As the premier cultural hub, the Irving Arts Center contains a museum, theater, art galleries, classrooms, and event spaces across its sprawling glass and brick complex. See contemporary exhibits from regional artists or catch a musical, dance, or comedy show in the state-of-the-art performance hall.

Sign up for art classes in jewelry-making, pottery, painting, and more at the center’s studios as well. The Irving Arts Center is the go-to spot for creativity.

Hike the Campion Trails

Name and Location: The Campion Trails are located in Irving, Texas. Trailheads are located on Rochelle Road and Northgate Drive.

History and Significance: The Campion Trails consist of 8 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. They offer access to nature in an urban area.

What to Expect: Packed dirt trails wind through woodlands along the river. There are some gently rolling hills. Benches are available for resting. Mountain biking is permitted.

Visitor Information: The trails are open daily from 5am to 11pm. No fee or permit required. Parking available at trailheads. Bring water and bug spray. Dogs allowed on leashes.

Explore Irving’s scenic natural side along the over 8-mile Campion Trail network spanning through Irving. The paved, multi-use paths are perfect for walking, jogging, cycling or in-line skating past wetlands, streams, and woodlands.

One highlight is the unique wildflower habitat at the Britain Way Prairie Preserve best experienced in spring. The trails also connect Irving neighborhoods to schools and parks for both recreation and transportation.

Swim & Sunbathe at T.W. Richardson Grove Park

Name and Location: T.W. Richardson Grove Park is located in Irving, Texas. It is located at 999 E. California Crossing Road.

History and Significance: The park opened in 1975 and is named for Irving’s first elected mayor. It provides access to swimming, boating, and outdoor recreation.

What to Expect: The park has a swimming beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, fishing docks, and boat ramps. Visitors can swim, boat, picnic, jog, and enjoy nature.

Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am to 11pm. Entrance fee is $5-10. Swimming beach open in summer. Boat rentals available.

This park contains a picturesque eight-acre swimming lake during summer perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboards, kayaking, and sunbathing on the sandy beach. Kids will love the floating lily pad playground and water basketball hoops.

Other amenities include sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, a walking trail encircling the lake, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Families flock to T.W. Richardson Grove for its scenic aquatics.

Learn at the Irving Archives & Museum

Name and Location: The Irving Archives & Museum is located in Irving, Texas. It is located at 801 W. Irving Blvd near downtown.

History and Significance: Founded in 1973, the museum preserves Irving’s heritage. It provides exhibits, programs, and research archives.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore Irving history through permanent exhibits and rotating displays. Family activities offered. Research library on-site.

Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sat, closed major holidays. Free admission, fees for some programs. Free parking lot onsite. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

For an in-depth look at Irving’s past the Irving Archives & Museum utilizes engaging displays and multimedia exhibits to chronicle the city from farm town to bustling hub.

Interesting artifacts, hands-on children’s activities, vintage clothing displays, and a 1920s era Doctor’s office vignette make the learning highly interactive. Visitors come away with a meaningful understanding of how Irving has progressed over generations.

Catch a Concert at Toyota Music Factory

Name and Location: The Toyota Music Factory is a concert and entertainment complex located in Irving, Texas. It is located at 300 W Las Colinas Blvd.

History and Significance: Opened in 2017, it features multiple live music venues under one roof. Concerts span genres like rock, country, pop, and more.

What to Expect: The Pavilion is the main 8,000 seat concert hall. Other venues include Texas Lottery Plaza and the outdoor amphitheater. Great food and drink onsite.

Visitor Information: Show tickets should be purchased in advance online. Onsite parking available for a fee. The DART Las Colinas Station is walkable.

In addition to the Pavilion indoor concert venue, the Toyota Music Factory complex contains an outdoor amphitheater that hosts major national concerts in a festival-like setting. Recent acts include Kenny Chesney, Pitbull, Halsey, and the pandemic-postponed 2020 Van’s Warped Tour.

Grab some tasty Texas BBQ from the onsite Hard Eight before the show. The outdoor Toyota Music Factory amphitheater provides a lively entertainment district.

Dine at Diverse Restaurants

Name and Location: Irving is home to hundreds of local, national, and international restaurants located throughout the city.

History and Significance: As a major Dallas suburb, Irving has attracted a highly diverse dining scene. Cuisines like Mexican, Asian, BBQ, Italian, and more are found here.

What to Expect: Irving offers something for all tastes – family dining, fast casual, fine dining, food trucks, and specialty cuisines. Great for trying new foods.

Visitor Information: Check restaurant websites for locations, menus, hours and reservations. Many clustered in Las Colinas, Heritage Crossing, and along Highway 114.

Irving dining options range from downhome Texas joints like Red Hot & Blue Barbeque to Asian flavors at Namo Thai Fusion to upscale cuisine at The Ranch at Las Colinas. Must-try local spots include the seafood and po’ boys at Lena’s Gumbo Pot and the chicken and waffles at Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que.

Irving also hosts several major international restaurant chains, so visitors will have their choice of diverse, quality eateries.

Conclusion

From world-class museums and attractions to relaxing outdoor recreation, Irving, Texas offers visitors the best of distinctive Texas culture coupled with family-friendly entertainment. Learn about Irving’s fascinating history then catch a national music act or pro football team practice.

The city provides locally loved restaurants, championship golf, hiking trails, and unique experiences like the iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas statues. Irving truly encapsulates that famous Texas hospitality and pride.