27 Things To Do in Dallas With Kids (& the Greater Dallas Area)

Dallas is a big city with a huge Texan personality. This versatile city will cater to whatever interests your kids have, however diverse they may be. Natural wonders, museums, water parks, and various outdoor activities are all within and around the city.

Your tiny baby and the active toddler are covered, and so is your curious tween and the hard-to-please teenager. In the jam-packed gems Dallas keeps for her visitors, parents are not forgotten either.

Here are 27 things to do in Dallas with kids that we know your family will love…whether you call Dallas home or you’re just dropping by.

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COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN DALLAS

Best Family Friendly Hotel. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dallas Richardson/University Area is a centrally located and inexpensive option that also works great for families. You'll also find free bikes, free parking, and an outdoor swimming pool!

Best Downtown Rooftop Pool Option. Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas is located in the heart of downtown and all that it has to offer, while still affordably priced. This location is just a few minutes walk to the Dallas World Aquarium. It's also rated super for families, but with its amazing rooftop pool views, it would be great for couples or a trip with friends too!

Best Luxury Option. Hotel Crescent Court is located in Uptown Dallas, an upscale and centrally-located location. This gorgeous hotel touts "undeniable charm that is quintessentially Texan." At this modern hotel, you'll find French doors opening to a private balcony in each gue

DALLAS ZOO

The Dallas Zoo is the grandest and oldest zoo in Texas, and it's a place that we guarantee your kids will love. It is spread out among 106 acres and keeps more than 2,000 animals.

Bring your kids and interact with animals in their natural environments. Encounter giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, and more. A lucky few even get to feed a giraffe!

The younger crowd will enjoy a ride on a mini-train and an enchanting merry-go-round before going to the petting farm.

Details:  650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203 | Website

Discount Tickets: Dallas CityPASS®: Save 37% at 4 Top Attractions including the Dallas Zoo

DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM

Dallas World Aquarium is found in the historic West End District of Dallas. It is a privately owned water wonderland housed in a massive repurposed warehouse.

Find your way to a 20,000-gallon glass walk-through exhibit filled with sharks, stingrays, electric eels, piranhas, and more. Wave at penguins, giant river otters, sloths, and many others. Explore big aviaries and discover different exotic birds flying around.

You are sure to make a new animal best friend when you visit Dallas World Aquarium.

Details: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202 | Website

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DALLAS ARBORETUM 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens consists of 66 acres of beautifully manicured gardens where you get to learn about different plant life. It is every horticulturist's idea of heaven on earth.

Allow the kids to run wild beside the beautiful flowers, ornamental shrubs, gnarly trees, and rare exotic plants.

Find your way to the Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden and watch their faces light up. Grab a scavenger map and find treasures hidden in this 8-acre sanctuary filled with water features, a two-story treehouse, a treetop canopy walk and just let loose.

Details: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 | Website

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 

The impressive 180,000-square-foot Perot Museum of Nature and Science is found on the outer periphery of the Arts District. The museum features five interactive displays that analyze everything from the earth to outer space to geology, paleontology, and engineering.

A little complicated? Relax. There is a children's museum where you will find a dinosaur dig, an earthquake simulator, and a hallway of gems to dazzle your mind. The science buff in the family and the curious of mind will have a blast here.

Kids will also love the outdoor play area, or the theater that has kid-friendly activities lined up just for you.

Details: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201 | Website

Discount Tickets: Dallas CityPASS®: Save 37% at 4 Top Attractions including Perot Museum

KLYDE WARREN PARK

Your child-friendly visit to Dallas is incomplete without a stopover at Klyde Warren Park. This 5.2-acre linear park is considered one of Dallas' upscale community meeting spots.

You will find an enchanting butterfly grassland with unique spaces and play areas designed for children. Make your way up a climbing tower and a climbing wall. After they use up all their energy, grab lunch or a snack from one of the food trucks that line up here.

With some proper planning, you can participate in holiday events, family movie screenings, and live concerts.

Details: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201 | Website

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REUNION TOWER GEO DECK

You will find GeO-Deck in the heart of downtown Dallas, at Reunion Tower. Reunion Tower is 561 feet tall, and the Deck, also known as "the ball," is found at 470 feet.

Conquer your fear of heights while you enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. The 360-degree views go on for miles and miles in all directions, and are extra special at dusk when the sun is setting. Don't forget to take advantage of the free digital photos!

There are other family-friendly activities on the deck like yoga, art classes, and more.

Details: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207 | Website

Discount Tickets: Dallas CityPASS®: Save 37% at 4 Top Attractions including the GeO-Deck

NATIONAL VIDEOGAME MUSEUM

The National Videogame Museum is found inside the Frisco Discovery Center. The National Videogame Museum (NVM) is every retro gamer's dream, as it is devoted to the video game industry's history.

You will encounter a mind-blowing exhibition of video game memorabilia, like the biggest working Pong game in the world. The best part is that the games are not just for show -- because you get to play them! Go head to head with your kids and friends at classics like Space Invaders or Donkey Kong.

This is one place no kid, big or small, will want to leave.

Details: 8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 | Website

WATER PARK MADNESS

Dallas is bound to have the water park of your dreams! Take shelter from the relenting sun in Dallas by visiting a waterpark. A lot of wet fun awaits as you cool off and zip down a watery slide.

Do not miss these two water parks on your next visit to Dallas.

Read More: TOP 13 AMAZING INDOOR WATER PARK DALLAS YOU’LL WANT TO CHECK OUT!

KING SPA AND WATERPARK

King Spa & Waterpark meets the needs of both adults and children. It is a  family-friendly Korean bathhouse. You can take advantage of a therapeutic soak, steam, do a few laps, eat or even spend the night.

The more active can try out the whirlpool, while the younger ones enjoy the kiddie pool. Scream as you go down a water slide that is 30 feet long or enjoy the lazy river.

When you have worked up an appetite, visit the food court for tacos, pizza, burgers, and Korean delicacies. Conclude your visit with a movie just right for families.

Details: 2154 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75229 | Website

EPIC WATERS INDOOR WATERPARK

Epic Waters is an indoor waterpark found in nearby Grand Prairie, TX. The waterpark offers you 80,000 square feet of water fun that will not be soon forgotten.

Go up the water park's slide tower and glide down any of the 11 water slides. Play water games, like basketball at one end of the pool, or swim at the opposite end. Younger kids have a shallow pool, and the braver ones can try surfing or boogie boarding in the surf simulator.

Wind down with any of the dining options around, or try your hand at the in-house arcade. Whatever you decide, there is no chance of a dull moment here.

Details: 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 | Website

TRINITY FOREST ADVENTURE PARK 

Trinity Forest Adventure Park is a 7-acre, over-the-ground expedition park in Dallas, TX. The adventure park consists of high ropes courses for people with different abilities.

The thrill-seekers and new climbers will have healthy fun as they go up and down trees. Head for the wobble bridges, cargo nets, zip lines, ropes, and ladders and test your balance and bravery.

Everyone gets to face their fears and push their limits as they swing, soar, scramble, climb and crawl their way through.

Details: 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, TX 75217 | Website

DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER

Dallas Children’s Theater has been bringing smiles to children and their families since 1984. The theater offers a season of plays and a theater academy to instill an appreciation of literature, performing arts and art.

The children, tomorrow's artists, and patrons get entertained and educated with magical stories, histories, and biographies with a theatrical twist. All this happens in the comfort of an excellent airy space that will leave everyone happy and refreshed.

All the productions at DCT promote social values and moral integrity to the listeners. You will all be inspired to use your creative gifts.

Details: 5938 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75231 | Website

CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE

Cedar Ridge Preserve, once called Dallas Nature Center, is like finding a slice of Hill Country in Dallas. The preserve is only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and stares down from an elevation of 755 feet.

Cedar Ridge Preserve is spread on 600 acres of natural habitat. Take a hike on any of the nine miles of trails. Discover native trees, fields, and wildflowers. The butterfly gardens are something from fantasy, and birdwatching is a popular pastime here.

Pack your lunch and make use of the picnic areas while you discuss all the wild mammals, insects, birds, and reptiles you have seen.

Details: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249 | Website

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS

Six Flags Over Texas is all about wholesome family fun. The amusement park is found between Dallas and Fort Worth. There is something for kids of all ages and sizes, from gentle adventures to hair-raising rides.

Six Flags Over Texas offers you a wide choice of activities with 40 thrilling rides, many live shows, and flavorful food and nibbles around every corner.

Your spine will tingle, your adrenaline will be all over the place, and your heart will be in a frenzy as you have nothing but mad fun here.

Details: 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011 | Website

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

The Dallas Museum of Art was established in 1903 in downtown Dallas. The DMA is 370,000 square feet, and is home to a history that goes back 5,000 years.

There is a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages: from the baby to the toddler, the preschooler, and the tween/teen.

Check out legends like Pollock, Money, Picasso, and more. Listen to a lecture, participate in a concert, or participate in art-making exercises. Enjoy the storytime sessions and when it all gets too much, take a break in the designated play area.

Admission to The Dallas Museum of Art is free.

Details: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201 | Website

MEDIEVAL TIMES DALLAS

Medieval Times adds an extraordinary detail to the downtown skyline, because the Dallas Castle stands out and refuses to blend in. You are promised legit fun from days of old, back when queens, kings, and brave knights ruled.

Park your car for free around the castle and take a stroll to the drawbridge and castle passageway. Look for turtles in the beautiful moat. Once you get to the Hall of Arms, admire the full suits of armor while standing in line.

Cheer yourself hoarse as knights put on a show for you. There will be skilled swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, jousting on horseback, falconry, and much more. All this while you enjoy a four-course meal fit for a king.

A side effect to all this fun is swordplay using your cooking sticks, utensils, and brooms when you go back home.

Details: 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207 | Website

MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY

The McKinney Avenue Trolley, or The M-Line, includes air-conditioned and heated vintage trolleys. The trolleys start on McKinney Plaza and travel through Downtown Dallas.

The M-Line provides a new experience that is safe, snug, timely, and valuable public transportation free of charge. It also allows dogs on board, so you get to bring everybody along for the ride.

You can even host a small event aboard a chartered trolley.

TEXAS HORSE PARK

Texas Horse Park will get you off the beaten path as you scour the mysterious charms within the Trinity Forest by horseback. No experience is required.

You will appreciate the sights and sounds of nature from the back of your horse. The lush pastures and tree-lined trails will soothe your soul, and the locusts and birds will serenade you and yours.

 Trail rides are for those ages 9 and up, but don't fret. Those under age 9 get pony rides or riding lessons.

Details: 811 Pemberton Hill Rd Bldg. 2, Dallas, TX 75217 | Website

FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM

Frontiers of Flight Museum is a family-friendly spot where you get to explore the steps made in aviation as man continues to aim for higher, faster, and further.

Listen to tales of aviation and space flight as you explore more than 30 aircraft and space vehicles on site. The Wright Flier, Flying Pancake, and the Apollo 7 spacecraft should not be missed.

Excite the kids' imagination in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as they learn about spacecraft design, space survival, aerodynamics, and other disciplines.

Details: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209 | Website

PLAY STREET MUSEUM 

Play Street Museum is a kid-friendly museum with an indoor play area deliberately designed to stimulate a child’s sense of freedom, adventure, and creativity.

Discover educational presentations and activities in a place specifically created just for kids. Watch as your child navigates the areas that hold their interest and passion.

The Play Street Museum also hosts private events like birthday parties, family reunions, and more.

Details: 7130 Skillman St #150, Dallas, TX 75231 | Website

SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM AT DEALEY PLAZA

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in historical Texas chronicles the untimely assassination and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

You will explore the social and political background of the 1960s. See the aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination, and reflect upon the infinite impact on the country and world.

You also get to connect the past to the present in an enjoyable and interactive teaching moment.

Discount Tickets: JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour OR Dallas CityPASS®: Save 37% at 4 Top Attractions including the Sixth Floor Museum OR JFK Assassination Walking Tour

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF DALLAS

The African American Museum is dedicated to saving and displaying African Americans' unique artistic, cultural, and historical paraphernalia. This one-of-a-kind museum boasts the most prominent African American collections in the U.S.

Expose yourself and your child to this family-friendly rarity for a priceless learning opportunity. Begin with the upper floors and enjoy activities for kids that emphasize art, song, entertainment, and African American artists’ successes.

Find your way to the exhibit where you get to take the driver’s seat of a fancy 1940’s Buick Supermodel that will have everyone talking for ages.

Details: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 | Website

GALLERIA DALLAS ICE RINK & XD RIDE 

The Galleria is a spacious, family-friendly space that promises fun activities for an entire weekend or longer.

Top on the list of activities is ice skating and the XD ride. The ice rink provides a welcome break from the Dallas heat and is perfect for you to show off your skating skills. Grab your kid's hands and watch their faces light up as you take hundreds of exciting spins and spills.

The XD ride is a 7D simulation ride that will give the whole family big Texan fun. You will enjoy an exhilarating blend of adventures, from falling, flying, to moving, seeing, and hearing when you take a seat at the XD ride.

When they eventually agree to leave, you can shop at the mall where you will enjoy remarkable foods and beverages.

Details: 13350 Dallas Pkwy suite 420, Dallas, TX 75240 | Website

MUSEUM OF GEOMETRIC AND MADI ART

The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art offers unparalleled fun learning experiences to all visitors.

The museum offers creative workshops for all ages who appreciate color, design, space, shapes, etc. Learn during docent-led tours are available on request. Explore art from all over the world in the museum's permanent collection.

You will enjoy music exhibitions, salons, tours, and more, free of charge.

Details: 3109 Carlisle St, Dallas, TX 75204 | Website

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS & BUTTERFLY HOUSE 

The Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House is a community garden that extends over 7.5 acres. It is regarded as an organic treasure for the locals and visitors.

At the Butterfly House, you will interact with hundreds of dazzling butterflies in various stages of development. Get the kids interested in botany as you take nature walks, try your hand at organic gardening, or play in the gardens.

Find your way to the snake sanctuary and meet venomous and non-venomous snakes. Your visit is not complete until you take any of the three train rides through three small towns.

Details: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210 | Website

THE CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

Uncover the magic of color at the 60,000-square foot, family-friendly Crayola Experience. This colorful family destination is in Plano, Texas, at Willowbend Shops. The Crayola Experience guarantees a lifetime of family memories.

Enjoy various hands-on, creative exercises and a day full of fun. Explore art and technology as you experience color in ways you never imagined!

Go on an amazing, whimsical voyage with extraordinary experiences, such as starring in your own coloring page, name and dress your Crayola crayon, and a live crayon manufacturing show!

Details: 6121 W Park Blvd Suite A100, Plano, TX 75093 | Website

THE NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame celebrates famous women past and present. The women represent different backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. Every little girl will see herself in them.

Explore the interactive galleries that show more than 4,000 artifacts from the museum's permanent collection. Meet 750 remarkable women, and learn values like bravery, resilience, and hard work.

Take a break in any of the two theaters, before grabbing some memorabilia at the gift shop on your way out.

Details: 1720 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX 76107 | Website

DREAMSCAPE IMMERSIVE

Do you want to go on a fantastical voyage into another realm? Take your kids, and then make  Dreamscape Immersive your next stop.

 Found on the second floor of NorthPark Center, Dreamscape Immersive is a combination of a cinema and a theme park ride like you have never seen before.

 You interact as a full-body avatar in a virtual, full sensory 3D domain with a clever technology play. Get your blood pumping in an alien zoo or reunite a family of whales in a scuba diving expedition!

Details: 8687 N Central Expy Suite 2232, Dallas, TX 75225 | Website

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO TEXAS

• YOUR TEXAS VACATION
• FREE DALLAS: 29 Awesome & Free Things To Do In Dallas, Texas
• TEXAS RESORTS: 17 Amazing Resorts in Texas Perfect for Pampering
• KID-FRIENDLY GETAWAYS: 11 Amazing Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways In Texas
• HOUSTON WITH KIDS: 22 Amazingly Fun Things To Do In Houston With Kids

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