When you think of Dallas, what comes to mind? Something about guns, trucks, and a J.R. character, right? Push all those visions aside for a moment! While there are still urban cowboys and socialites around, there are so many fun things to do in Dallas with kids.
The thriving metropolis of downtown Dallas awaits your family with open arms and a big as Texas smile. From the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to Klyde Warren Park, kids activities in Dallas abound! There is so much for the whole family to enjoy.
Fun Things to do in Dallas with Kids
1. The Dallas Arts District
Dallas has several world-class art museums in the downtown arts district, but these two are particularly kid friendly. The Nasher Sculpture Center is home to a premier collection of modern sculpture by world famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, and De Kooning. The beautiful, outdoor sculpture garden is perfect for families to explore at a casual pace. Enjoy free admission and a full day of family programming on the first Saturday of every month.
At the Dallas Museum of Art, pick your favorite Arturo Family Gallery Guide and let the fun begin! Each guide will lead you through the perfect dose of art for the whole family centered around a particular theme (music, dogs, cats, swimming, or modern mysteries). With free admission and excellent family programming, this is the perfect place to introduce your kids to the art of enjoying…well, art.
2. Klyde Warren Park
Take advantage of this park’s central location and free activities after a morning in the Dallas Arts District. Klyde Warren Park is an urban green space constructed on top of the eight lane highway running through downtown Dallas.
Eat at Relish, a counter-service spot with great burgers, or one of several food trucks lining the park. Check out Jenga or ping-pong paddles, catch a science experiment at the Children’s Park Amphitheater, or let the kids roam free in the play area.
Want more Texas fun? Check out our Top 5 Texas Weekend Getaways for Families and the Top Ten Things to do in Texas.
3. Texas Horse Park at the Trinity River
It wouldn’t be a proper tour of Dallas without a little horseback riding. Luckily, it’s easy enough to jump in the saddle just south of downtown. River Ranch, a local educational charity, offers trail rides at the Texas Horse Park. The park is over 300 acres in the Trinity Forest. Trail rides are accessible to beginner riders starting at age 9, while pony rides and a petting zoo will delight the younger kids in your crew.
4. Dallas Children’s Theater
Combine the magic of stories come to life with the comfort of settling into a dark, cool room for a bit, and you get happy, refreshed families every time. The Dallas Children’s Theater has been producing shows for children and families since 1984. Family-friendly originals and literary classics grace the marquee, all of which are meant to inspire children to embrace their creative gifts.
5. Sandy Lake Park
When you need to balance the polish of the downtown scene with some old-fashioned theme park fun, head up to Sandy Lake Park. Thrill the kids when you set them loose to enjoy classic fairground rides, mini-golf, paddle boats, pony rides, an arcade, and a great big swimming pool.
6. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a seemingly never ending collection of gardens, water features, enchanting walkways, and hidden corners. Enjoy the quiet pleasure of getting lost in a garden. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep the kids busy too!
When adventure calls, head to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, where families can explore nature and science to their heart’s content through exhibits on alternative energy, topiary gardens, and so much more.
7. Medieval Times Dallas
Don your crown and holler for your knight in shining armor! Travel back in time to enjoy one of the classic things to do in Dallas with kids. Medieval Times produces an energetic, rowdy (but clean!) dinner show full of fine horsemanship, jousting, and choreographed combat.
Purchase your Medieval Times Dallas tickets via TripAdvisor. As a Trip Advisor affiliate Trekaroo receives a small commission to help fund our small business and you get the lowest rates guaranteed.
There isn’t a bad seat in the house – they even have booster seats for the littlest spectators in the kingdom. With captivating visuals and sound effects, this show is a ton of fun for everyone.
8. Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo dedicates over 100 acres to lush, spacious wildlife habitats, including the “Best Africa Exhibit in the United States” according to The Zoo Book: A Guide to America’s Best. Hop on the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari Monorail to see five African habitats not accessible by foot.
Get eye to eye with a hippo at the brand new Hippo outpost, feed a giraffe, and even catch a live animal show. Both “Wonders of the Wild” and “The Cheetah Encounter” are great for families. The tiniest tots can play, get wet, and feed some friendly creatures at the Children’s Petting Zoo.
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9. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Create your own virtual bird species, experience an earthquake, or race a cheetah at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in downtown Dallas. Each of the 11 permanent exhibits, from the science of athletics to the expanding universe, integrates technology to make the exhibit interactive and accessible.
When it’s time for a break, catch a movie in the theater or grab a treat at the cafe. The building itself is architecturally impressive, with amazing views from the top of the escalator.
10. Dallas World Aquarium
Get your passports out because you are headed for an engaging power walk around the world! The aquatic creatures of the Orinoco River, South Africa, Mexico, and Borneo are creeping and crawling around every bend at the Dallas World Aquarium.
You won’t miss a thing as long as you look up, down, and all around as you wind your way through each of these unique environments. Don’t forget about the rotating feedings and species talks every half hour throughout the entire day. Spoiler alert…there’s a big, beautiful manatee somewhere!
Where to Eat in Dallas with Kids
One of the essential things to do in Dallas with kids is sampling some good old-fashioned Dallas BBQ. Fortunately, one of the most revered BBQ spots in the country, Pecan Lodge BBQ, is very kid-friendly. It’s a quick stand in line and then make a mess to your heart’s content kind of place. Go early, they run out!
The LOT serves Mexican/Southwestern munchies and pounded chicken specialties in a beer garden with a sandy play space for the kids. It’s close to the Arboretum and White Rock lake, the perfect locale for laid-back refreshments after an afternoon outside. Downtown, Campisi’s is an Italian institution, offering both pizza and pasta dishes, with seats outside overlooking the Giant Eyeball.
Where to Stay in Dallas with Kids
If you are looking for a fun family resort that is still close to downtown Dallas, look no further than the Hilton Anatole. It’s a huge, self-contained property with lots of space to socialize and people-watch. There are multiple restaurants and bars, shops, a large art collection, and the Jade Waters water park.
If leaving your car in the garage and walking around downtown is more your style, the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown is perfect. Rooms are sleek and contemporary and the location is within walking distance to many attractions on this list.
Day Trips from Dallas with Kids
Arlington, Texas
Six Flags over Texas, AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), and the Texas Rangers’ Park reside just 30 minutes west in Arlington, Texas. Launch an action-packed day at any one of those spots! Six Flags has especially fun programming and decorations during Halloween and the Holidays, and a couple of splash-tacular water rides to keep you cool during the summer months.
Waco, Texas
An hour and a half south of Dallas, sits the once-sleepy-turned-bustling little town of Waco, Texas. Bustling thanks to Chip and Joanna from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper”. The big draw for kids and families here is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Take a guided tour to examine the remains of a herd of mammoths exactly as they were found. Kids will be psyched to walk away with a new Junior Ranger badge.
If you have time, tour The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum or the Dr. Pepper Museum. Wrap up the day with a bite at Chip and Jo’s Magnolia Table or a stroll through their store at The Silos. We have a full guide on things to do in Waco.
All photos by Tarlie Harris unless otherwise specified.
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