NorthPark Center was not the first enclosed, air-conditioned mall in existence, but when it opened in 1965, it was the largest climate-controlled retail space in the U.S. That air-conditioning is as appreciated now as it was then, as the heat of summer sends everyone in search of indoor activities.

In another post, I explain the concept of “notshopping” which I define as using a space primarily intended for retail sales for its entertainment value and as a third space, no purchase necessary. And in my opinion, there’s no better place in Dallas (and maybe in the entire southern United States) to go “notshopping” than NorthPark. 

So get yourself to NorthPark Center. 

But what is there to DO there?

Get in some steps for the day while people-watching and window shopping. That’s easy enough to do at any shopping center, indoors or out. But it’s just the beginning at NorthPark.

Look at, and truly see the art.

The art collection here is extensive, and in some respects, mind-boggling. With over 50 works on display, most from Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger’s collection, the mall is like a university-level course in modern art appreciation. 

Because of Ad Astra, the towering red-orange steel sculpture in the NorthCourt (between Nordstom and Macy’s), the art of Mark di Suvero has become familiar to most Dallasites even when experienced in other locations. That kind of familiarity–artists you recognize without even knowing it–was surely part of Raymond and Patsy Nasher’s plan when they began sharing their personal collection of art with the public at NorthPark. 

To better appreciate the individual works and depth of the collection, pick up a self-guided art tour map at the mall concierge near Neiman Marcus on Level One, and visit each one at your leisure.

Canstruction is an annual community event at NorthPark. The familiar Travelin’ Man sculpture from Deep Ellum was modeled here using canned food.

Embrace and support the community. 

In addition to the museum-level “permanent” collection, the mall hosts community-centered exhibits as well. From a playhouse contest raising money for CASA, to art made of canned goods, to fashions made from flowers, these displays will surprise and delight you.

Discover even more fun.

You can also experience landscaping as art in this horticultural heaven. Judy Cunningham, the center’s long-time landscape consultant (who passed away in 2021) once called it a “non-botanical, botanical garden.”

From August 9-25 you can peep at luxury cars at the annual NorthPark Auto Show.

If you’re bringing kids with you, stop at Bookmarks, which isn’t a store but a branch of the Dallas Public Library. Check out books, play games and puzzles, or enjoy multiple storytime sessions and other activities five days a week. Bookmarks is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

All of this can occupy you for a few hours even if you don’t set foot in a single store. But if you do pop into a store, perhaps that store should be Eataly. You can easily spend another hour or two just exploring this Italian food wonderland. If you can imagine any product of Italian origin, you can probably find it in the three-story, 48,000 square foot marketplace.

Won’t this be an expensive day?

Even in this oh-so-Dallas playground for the affluent, you can entertain yourself with zero hit to your budget.  To maximize your enjoyment without spending a penny, bring your own snacks and drinks. Don’t go overboard here–as in, don’t bring a rolling cooler or a full-size DIY charcuterie board. But pack a sandwich or a light lunch, some snacks, and your water bottle or other (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice. Eat it in the fancy food court or in one of the many seating areas throughout the mall.

If you want to spend a full day and don’t want to schlep around a bag of food, that’s doable. If a snack will do, the gelato at Eataly, a candy bar from Kate Weiser, or a chocolate chip cookie (plus coffee) from La La Land Kind cafe are all worthy treats that won’t break the bank.

Leila Pizza, La Madeleine, Shake Shack, and several other quick bite restaurants offer affordable lunches.

LaLa Land Kind Cafe

If your day doesn’t have to be a buy-nothing day, you can spend another couple of hours at the movies. The AMC NorthPark 15 has a long and varied “Now Showing” list as well as state-of-the-art screen and sound equipment (IMAX, Dolby) to optimize your movie-going experience. Expect to spend around $15 for a movie ticket. (Shave a few dollars off that if you see a matinee, go on a Tuesday, or are over 60.)

It’s not as difficult as you might imagine to have a budget-friendly outing here.

So get yourself to NorthPark this summer.

If your goal is to escape boredom and the scorching heat, NorthPark is a pretty fine destination. Shopping here is great, but “nonshopping” might be even better, whether you spend one hour here or ten.