The City of Dallas has announced its Mayor’s Summer of Safety 2026 lineup, a collection of free and low-cost programs spanning libraries, parks, aquatics, public safety, and sports access for residents of all ages.

The programs run through early August at locations across Dallas and include summer meals for children and teens, reading prizes, recreation camps, teen passes, swim programs, and youth sports ticket access, according to the city.

Free Meals And Library Prizes

The Dallas Public Library’s SMART Summer challenge runs May 30 through August 8.

Children ages 0 to 18 can earn a free book for every 10 days of reading, up to three times during the summer. Children can also earn food coupons by completing discovery and creative activities while supplies last, according to the city.

Children who log 30 days of reading and complete 10 discovery activities and 10 creative activities by August 8 will enter a grand prize drawing. The library system is also offering a new Super Reader activity badge this summer.

Adults 18 and older can also participate. Adults can earn free books after logging 15 days of reading and may qualify for additional prizes by completing activities.

The library system will also provide free summer meals for children and teens ages 1 to 18 from June 1 through August 7 at 18 library locations, including the Central Library.

The meals are offered in partnership with Education Potential Verified and funded through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. No proof of need or pre-registration is required, according to the city.

Camps, Pools, And Outdoor Programs

Dallas Park and Recreation will offer several youth programs this summer, including Discover Dallas, a free camp for Dallas residents ages 5 to 12.

The camp includes crafts, sports, swimming, life skills activities, enrichment programs, and field trips, according to the city.

Adventure Camp at Samuell Farm in Mesquite will serve youth ages 7 to 15 with outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, archery, fishing, survival skills, and nature photography.

The city will also offer a Counselor in Training program for youth ages 13 to 17 at Kiest, Martin Weiss, and Pleasant Oaks recreation centers. The program costs $35 per week.

Dallas Park and Recreation operates 42 recreation centers across the city. Dallas Aquatics offers swim lessons for all ages, Teach A Child To Swim scholarships, seasonal jobs, and low-cost lifeguard and water safety instructor training.

Teen Passes And Sports Tickets

The Teen All-Access Pass will return in July, giving Dallas youth free admission to several venues, including Bahama Beach Waterpark, the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Arboretum, Trinity River Audubon Center, Southern Skates Roller Rink, and the Perot Museum.

New partners for 2026 include the State Fair of Texas, Dave and Buster’s, and Dallas Love Field, according to the city. Passes will be available at Dallas recreation centers.

The Dallas Police Activities League will also offer athletic, educational, and recreational programs for youth ages 8 to 18. The program includes martial arts, basketball, and summer camp.

The Mayor’s Youth Sports Ticket Program will provide Dallas residents ages 12 to 17 with free tickets to professional, collegiate, and amateur sporting events. Each youth ticket includes one chaperone ticket.

The program, launched in 2022 by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson in partnership with the Dallas Sports Commission, has distributed more than 15,000 tickets. The program offers access to more than 20 events, including Dallas Trinity FC matches, NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway, and the Concacaf Gold Cup.

“Professional sports bind us together as a city… These athletes inspire civic pride and teach our youth the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. That’s why I am proud to partner with the Dallas Sports Commission to offer more of our city’s youth the chance to witness the excitement of Dallas sports firsthand,” Johnson said.