Things to do in Dallas with Kids

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut and don’t know what to do with your children? Sometimes going to the park or Chuck E Cheese just isn’t going to cut it. I’ve gathered the Complete List of Things to Do in Dallas with kids to share with you. There is a little bit of everything in the list from learning about aircraft to jumping the day away. No matter what it is, this list will help you change up your routine and try something new and fun in Dallas and surrounding areas.

iFly

If you want to do something totally different that your kids will never forget, take them to iFly. We recently had a family members birthday who was turning 9 there and they had the time of their lives. At iFly, whoever is flying will get suited up, get a 5 minute brief then taken into the tunnel to fly. There is an instructor inside with them to make sure they can handle it. It’s something that my nieces and nephews talk to me about all the time because they loved it so much. It can be on the pricey side, so this might be done for a special occasion.

iFly is located at 8380 State Highway 121, Frisco

Medieval Times

Surrender to an age of bravery and honor and witness epic battles of steel and steed during their ALL-NEW SHOW. From ringside seats, discover a feast of the eyes and appetite with more action, more fun & more excitement than ever before.

As you thrill to a rousing live jousting tournament, marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry, Medieval Times serves a four-course meal fit for royalty.  If you’re bringing your whole family, the show can get pricey. Check their website for specials often to snag a good deal. We started taking our boys as young as two and a half years old, when they were old enough to sit in a chair and pay attention for short periods of time. The show is very dramatic and fun to watch with bright lights and loud noises. 

Medieval Times is located at 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas.

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science

By far one of my favorite things to do in Dallas is visit the Perot Museum. It is not only interactive, there is something for everybody. No matter what age, everybody will have a good time. They have traveling exhibits that are always fun to see. Plan on spending a majority of the day at the museum. There is so much to see that you won’t get through it in just an hour or two. There is a cafe at the museum owned by Wolfgang Puck, so you won’t go hungry and the food is good.  

Tammy from Three Different Directions says, “Even if you only walk through the exhibit halls without doing all the activities you can spend hours in the facility, so plan your day accordingly.” I couldn’t choose my favorite thing to do there so I wrote about all of them. Here are 60 Reasons to Visit the Perot Museum  – by for one of the best kids activities in Dallas.

The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Every summer on Saturday night tons of visitors pack the Arena to witness exhilarating rodeo events like bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and roping, all interspersed with the amusing antics of rodeo clowns. Young visitors can also enjoy face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and delicious barbecue. Visiting the rodeo is a childhood staple in Texas. Kids love to watch the animals and participate in games. It’s a fun experience for all ages. 

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is located at 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

North Texas’ largest water park features 50 acres of rides & slides & a 1-million-gallon wave pool. Spending my summer days at Hurricane Harbor (what use to be Wet n’ Wild) was some of my favorite memories as a child. Don’t let your kids miss out on all the fun such as the lazy river, the black hole and wave pool! If you plan to visit often, the season pass is the way to go.

Hurricane Harbor is located at 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006

Snap a Picture with the Dallas B&G

Have you seen the letters B and G located throughout Dallas’ hot spots? Dallas’ latest campaign is all about getting you to finish out the word BIG. Next time you see those letters, jump in the middle with the kids and complete the word. Don’t forget to snap a picture (be creative!) and upload it to your facebook, twitter or instagram account with #DallasBIG

Top Golf

This is a great place to take your kids because not only can they participate but you can too! If you opt out of hitting a few rounds, you can always have a drink and some grub while watching your littles perfect their game. We love having family get-togethers here because we can rent multiple bays and keep everybody distracted and happy all at the same time. 

Top Golf has multiple locations throughout the metroplex. The Dallas location is at 8787 Park Lane, Dallas Texas.

Great Wolf Lodge

Splash the day away in over 80,000 square feet of water-packed excitement, including jaw-dropping slides for thrill seekers or zero-depth entry areas for little ones. Outside the water park, the fun continues. Grab a wand and battle a dragon in MagiQuest or get an ice cream-themed manicure in Scooops Kid Spa before gathering your family in our Grand Lobby for nightly fireside Story Time, the perfect ending to a Great Wolf day.

Great Wolf Lodge is located at 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine

Bishop Arts Theatre Center

The Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) is building a legacy as an important link in Dallas’ cultural history.  It is a charming building near the Bishop Arts District that offers comfortable seating for theatergoers with the privacy of balcony suites, truly an intimate theater experience.

They also offer camps and enrichment programs for youth. The Bishop Arts Theatre Center is located at 215 South Tyler St, Dallas. 

Ride the M-Line Trolley

The M-Line air conditioned and heated restored vintage trolleys operate normally 365 days a year, providing safe, clean, reliable, and convenient public transportation free of charge (except chargers) in Dallas’ vibrant Uptown Neighborhood. While the ride is technically “free”, donations are highly suggested to help keep the line running. The M-Line provide service 365 days a year with 3 cars running on most days. Riding the entire route takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Carrie took her kids there and made a day of it, you can read about her experience with the M-Line Trolley here.

Dallas Firefighters Museum

The Dallas Firefighter’s Museum is a firefighter-managed and operated museum that preserves the past and educates for the future. The museum is inclusive to the entire community from young to old.

The fire station was built in 1907 as home to Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3. All materials for the station came from Dallas or surrounding areas in Texas. The mission of the Dallas Firefighters Museum is to provide the City of Dallas a well-attended historical and educational asset.  The Museum will teach fire safety, honor fallen heroes of the Department and preserve firefighting heritage. The museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 9am-4pm.

The Dallas Firefighters Museum is located at 3801 Parry Avenue, Dallas

Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum

The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, was designed to connect children with nature. Education is a central focus of our mission, which is why we are delighted to be able to teach life and Earth science to both school children and their teachers as well as families. Enjoy 8 acres of fun overlooking the beautiful White Rock Lake.

With over 20 individual kid friendly activities, the children’s garden features The Texas Skywalk, The Moody Oasis, a Walk in the Clouds, and more. I took my nephew to the Children’s Garden and he LOVED it.It was so fun to see him run around and be able to play with everything there.

Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden is located 8525 Garland Road, Dallas

Urban Air Indoor Trampoline Park

If you want to wear your kids out and let them have the best time possible, Urban Air is a great place to visit. There are multiple locations throughout DFW, most locations have more than just trampolines. Some of our favorites have huge jungle gyms, ropes course, basketball hoops and more. It’s the ultimate playland for kids of all ages in Dallas. 

Urban Air offers monthly memberships, daily rate and even toddler time so you can bring your little one and feel confident that they will get lots of play time with others their age. 

Nickelrama

Most games range from 1 to 6 nickels with only a few exceptions. They have everything from ticket games, video arcade games, pin balls, air hockey, alley rollers, and simulators. We even have newer updated versions of the “classics”! Admission costs $4.95 for everybody 3 and older. 

Nickelrama has two locations – 1238 Belt Line Road #300, Garland and at 3046 Lavon Drive, Garland

Dallas Zoo

Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo was the first Zoo in the southwest. The Dallas Zoo is the “hottest” Zoo in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, maintaining more than 70 species of venomous reptiles. March 2012 marked the highest attendance in the 125-year history of the Zoo and 2013 set an all-time attendance record for the fourth consecutive year, with 915,971 guests visiting Texas’ largest and oldest zoo. 

Learn more about your favorite Dallas Zoo animals from the zoologists who care for them. Dallas Zoo is home to nine reticulated giraffes. Get up close with these gentle giants at our giraffe feeding platform on the Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge. Get up-close with nearly two dozen species of birds from around the globe in this unique, interactive aviary. Head to the Wild Encounters Stage to get up close with a variety of animals, like fascinating reptiles, free-flighted birds, porcupines, and much more. Grab a seat in the amphitheater, and get ready to discover the Wonders of the Wild! The zoologists will introduce you to amazing animals from around the world, like a charming capybara, precocious penguins, high-flying birds of prey, and more.

The Zoo is open every day except December 25. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during spring and summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during fall and winter. The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 South R L Thornton Freeway, Dallas

Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

The Children’s Aquarium is BACK and bringing out the kid in everyone with new interactive and hands-on exhibits, special events and family activities. Children’s Aquarium has been designed with kids in mind. With eye-level, interactive zones and exhibits, everyone can enjoy and learn something new about our aquatic friends from around the world.  Swim on over to learn about aquatic animals from all around the world and right here in Texas. Get your hands wet with our touch tanks and fall in love with the wonders of the underwater world. Expect to be amazed by our hands-on/hands-wet interactive and eye-level exhibits covering life in the oceans, rivers and lakes around the world and across the state. Pet and feed stingrays. Help the Archer Fish eat. 

Open daily from 9am-5pm, admission is $15 and under depending on age. The Dallas Children’s Aquarium is located at 1462 First Avenue, Dallas

Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Experience unique attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, our mind-bending Mirror Maze, our challenging LaseRace, our sweet Candy Factory, and meet the stars at Louis Tussauds Palace of Wax. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! began as a newspaper cartoon crafted on a slow news day in 1918 and has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon that includes books, television series, and more. Now, dozens of Ripley’s Odditoriums around the world feature a mindboggling number of unbelievable exhibits, people, animals, stories, art, and more. With each Odditorium different from the last, there’s always more to see at Ripley’s!

Ripley’s Believe it or Not is located at 601 East Palace Parkway, Grand Prairie

Dallas Library – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

1515 Young Street, Dallas

Dallas has tons and tons of libraries but there is something about the library downtown that makes it my favorite. The Children’s Center on the 2nd floor is full of books and fun for kids. The creation of the Children’s Center within the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library is the realization of a dream for the children of Dallas. Completely funded by donations from many generous benefactors, it reflects the Dallas Public Library’s commitment to share in the challenge to ensure a nation of literate and informed citizens of tomorrow.

Dallas World Aquarium

1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas

Although it’s called an aquarium, the Dallas World Aquarium is really a zoo. When entering, you feel as if you’re walking into a rain forest. There are tons of different animals to look at such as monkeys, sloths, birds and fish.  Arena from The Nerd’s Wife took her family and said, “the best part was when we actually got to the aquarium. The shark tank alone was worth the price of admission.”

White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is one big playground, with plenty of room to run and natural features that any kid can turn into a playground. But there are several “official” playgrounds dotting the park. Make a day of it and try to hit them all!

Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

1515 South Harwood Street, Dallas

Dallas Heritage Village is home to the largest and finest collection of 19th century pioneer and Victorian homes and commercial buildings in Texas. These buildings, moved from throughout North Central Texas to Dallas’ first city park, line the tree-shaded 20-acre setting of Dallas Heritage Village. Stroll the grounds and discover what life was like over 100 years ago for ordinary Texans. Have you ever wondered what life was like in early Dallas? Take a step back in time as students become Dallas History Detectives to explore the mysteries and wonders of life in early Dallas. During your self-guided visit, you may meet characters dressed in period costumes such as Mrs. de Léon in the Depot’s Section House, Mrs. Freeman at the Shotgun House, the wagon master working with Nip and Tuck (our Mammoth Jack donkeys), or Mrs. Kennedy at the Farmstead.

Fritz Park Petting Zoo

312 E. Vilbig, Irving

This free petting zoo within the Fritz community park in Irving is a great hidden gem only open during the months of June and July, weather permitting. The petting farm is a place where children of all ages can see animals up close and actually touch and pet them. This experience would otherwise not be available to many people residing in urban areas. The petting farm provides a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy the animals in a clean, well-shaded environment. A variety of animals, such as cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, deer, turkeys, rabbits and even peacocks, reside at the farm.

Six Flags Over Texas

2201 Road to Six Flags Street East, Arlington

They’re well-known for thrills and serious coasters but we also have plenty family rides of that moms, dads and kids can all experience together. If you plan on going more than twice a year, it’s the cheapest to buy a season pass for your family. Season Pass holders get lots of perks such as free parking and bring a friend days. There are lots of rides and activities for little ones. Don’t miss out on holiday in the park.

Adventure Landing

17717 Coit Rd, Dallas

Adventure Landing offers affordable family fun with several convenient locations. When looking for fun things to do or a place to host your next group outing or birthday party, choose Adventure Landing, entertaining millions of families for 15 years!

Legoland Discovery Center

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine Mills, Grapevine

A day trip with the kids is always fun but can be stressful. Before leaving the house, make sure you have a game plan. I took my niece and nephew and was not prepared. You must bring socks for all kids. They won’t let you in other wise. Thankfully, someone in line had bought a large pack and let us have 2 pair. We waited in line quite a while and that could have been squashed if we had just bought tickets online. We had such a fun time once we were inside! I would say that you will stay at least 2-3 hours.  Don’t miss my list of 10 things you must do when visiting Legoland.

Dallas Summer Musicals

909 First Avenue, Dallas

The best way to enjoy a Dallas Summer Musicals season is to purchase a subscription package at the beginning of the season. Each summer the Dallas Summer Musicals brings the best shows to Dallas! It’s a great way to introduce your kid’s to theater.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose

Take the scenic route and head to Fossil Rim for the day. Once there, you will wind along the 9½ mile Scenic Wildlife Drive, observing numerous exotic and endangered species. Fossil Rim offers the special experience to see, smell and even touch nature. The natural world and free roaming wildlife dominate the hilly landscape. It’s refreshing and invigorating.  Fossil Rim is the first facility of its kind to have been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Kid Mania

7252 Chase Oaks Boulevard, Plano

KidMania is the best family fun center in North Texas for daily play, kids birthday parties, fundraising events and group outings! Located in Plano, KidMania is a safe and secure venue with more than 16,000 sq.ft. of frolicking fun for the whole family – kids AND parents! Featuring a huge (but safe) two-story playground maze, (ManiaMaze) with 5 slides, bungee walls, cave, tunnels zip-lines and climbing nets, an isolated toddler-only playground.

Galleria Ice Skating

13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas

Once you step on the ice at the Galleria you’ll discover it’s truly the most unique ice skating experience around. With hundreds of stores, shoppers and restaurants to surround you, we put you in the center of it all. So take a lesson, have a party, or just go for a spin.

Texas Discovery Gardens

Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Dallas

Texas Discovery Gardens is where children and adults discover and learn to sustain the natural world. It’s their dream for each visitor who comes through our doors to leave with the knowledge and desire to emulate our sustainable practices at home. But most importantly, they’ve reached more than 8,000 students this year through our interactive EarthKeepers programs. Educational programming in nature like theirs is vital to the health of children.

Dallas Children’s Theater

5938 Skillman Street, Dallas

Every season at Dallas Children’s Theater features 11 spectacular plays based on the most beloved stories and characters of childhood. Not only can you watch all of these plays, but DCT offers classes for your little ones too.

Klyde Warren Park

2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas

The child-size amphitheatre and storytelling tree will be a treasured spot in the children’s park and playground. And, there will be squeals of delight when your children discover that the whimsical caterpillar fountain turns into a beautiful butterfly as the water jets outward like wings.  Families can add the park to their list of favorite, free activities in Dallas.

Dallas Arboretum

8525 Garland Road, Dallas

The Rory Meyers Children Park isn’t the only thing that kids can enjoy at the Arboretum.  Not only is there tons of space for your kids to run around but there is so much to see. There is a reason to come back each season. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and make it a day!

In-Sync Exotics

3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie

This is one of my favorite activities to share with people because many people don’t know about it! This wild animal rescue center has lots of large exotic cats for you to come and visit. Head to In-Sync Exotics on the weekends for a self guided tour of the facility. Admission rates are a requested donation and are tax deductible. All money goes towards cats’ care.

Splash Parks

DFW Metroplex

We all know when it gets hot in Texas, it gets HOT! Nothing beats a day at the splash park and we have lots of them in the DFW area. Out of curiosity – which one is your favorite?

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

Addison Airport (ADS), 4572 Claire Chennault Street, Addison

The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to promoting aviation studies and to perpetuating America’s aviation heritage; the museum fulfills its mission by restoring, operating, maintaining and displaying historically-significant, vintage aircraft, and by collecting materials related to the history of aviation. Most visitors opt to enjoy the museum’s collections on a self-guided basis by reading the informative signs near each aircraft or display; however, formal museum-guided tours are also available by appointment.

Eat cookies at Pokey-O’s

3034 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Located conveniently at Mockingbird and 75, Pokey-O’s is a great place to stop and eat sweets. I noshed on many cookies during my years at SMU and share the goodness with as many people as possible. My favorite thing to order is the ice cream cookie sandwich.

 

Heard Natural Science Museum

1 Nature Place, McKinney

The Heard’s purpose is threefold: education, conservation, and preservation. In keeping with Miss Heard’s vision, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation through education. The emphasis of the Heard’s education programs is children; however, the Heard also offers programs that will interest visitors of any age.

Trinity River Audubon Center

6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas

Discover Together is an opportunity for families to Hang out at TRAC and create great memories together. Their workshops are designed for beginners and families with children between the ages of 5 and 13.  Workshops are open to all types of families, including grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

 Pick Apples & Peaches at Henrietta Creek Orchard

14255 Old Denton Rd, Roanoke

This orchard has over 500 hybrid dwarf apple trees and about 300 peach trees. There is also a pizza garden that includes tomatoes, peppers, garlic and other herbs. They offer preserves, jellies, salsa, honey and fruit butters for sale in the Apple House. Check Ripe Now for current products.

Sea Life Grapevine

3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine

SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium transports you into an amazing underwater world. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. Be sure to buy your tickets online before you go and you will save 25%.

Sandy Lake Amusement Park

1800 Sandy Lake Road, Carrollton

Sandy Lake Amusement Park is family owned and operated. The park is designed with a variety of entertainment while providing a place to get together for fellowship, not lost in a crowd. The Sandy Lake Park family offers just the right combination of location, professional services, and great food to make your group outing something truly special. Be sure to check their upcoming events to see what is going on at the park.

GeoDeck at Reunion Tower

300 Reunion Boulevard East, Dallas

Ranked in The Dallas Morning News: Guide “Top 10 Jaunts of 2013,” a visit to the Reunion Tower isn’t just about seeing what’s below from hundreds of feet in the air. It’s about expanding your horizons. The GeO-Deck has something for everyone – the foodies, the fashionistas, adventure seekers or sightseers. Think you’ve seen it all? Experience the interactive Halo today, and change your view forever.

Visit the Old Red Museum

100 South Houston Street, Dallas

Dedicated to inspire and educate visitors about the rich and varied cultural, economic, political and social history of the Dallas County Area, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture serves as a symbol of Dallas heritage. The space is stimulating for any kind of visitor, including students, local Dallasites or anyone looking to learn more about the history of Dallas County. There is always something new to discover!

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch

11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point

Located one hour north of Dallas, Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch offers you the opportunity to experience rare and endangered exotic wildlife in a unique and personal setting. A Safari Tram, bucket train rides & outdoor dining areas help make Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch your next wild adventure! Open to the Public Days are every Saturday and Sunday March through November.

Museum of the American Railroad

6455 Page Street, Frisco

The museum collects artifacts and archival material from the railroad industry to exhibit and interpret their significance in American life and culture. Exhibits and general programs are provided year-round.  Educational programs are available to local schools and universities through study trips, in-class programming & outreach, and online resources.

Celebration Station

4040 Towne Crossing Blvd, Mesquite

This place has it all. From arcade games, bumper boats, batting cages, go karts, laser tag and more. Your kids won’t get bored here with so many different choices to choose from. Celebration Station is great for the whole family. I would recommend bringing kids 4 and up.

Summit Climbing, Yoga and Fitness

2389 Midway Road, Carrollton

If you’re looking to get your older kid into a new hobby, check out Summit Climbing. They have classes almost every hour throughout the day. They even offer Winter Break Camp for Kids. It’s a great way to introduce a new sport to your little ones.

Bookmarks in North Park Center

8687 North Central Expressway, Suite 1514, Dallas

Don’t miss this Children’s Library for ages 0-12 located at North Park Center. They offer free Wifi and Children’s Early Learning Computers (for children 12 and under only) and Regular Storytime for Children. They have events almost daily.

 Tour the Southfork Ranch

3700 Hogge Drive, Parker

Southfork continues to welcome visitors from around the world, who come to see where “Dallas” was filmed and to experience the lifestyle made famous by the Ewings. Southfork is open daily, ‘year round for guided tours of the ranch made famous by “Dallas”. Tour the famed Ewing Mansion and re-live exciting moments from the series in the “Dallas Legends” exhibit, featuring an exciting array of memorabilia from the series. See the gun that shot J.R., Lucy’s Wedding Dress, the “Dallas” Family Tree, and Jock’s Lincoln Continental.

Sci-Tech Discovery Center

8004 Dallas Parkway, Frisco

The Sci-Tech Discovery Center provides dynamic educational experiences that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the active exploration of science, math and technology. Sci-Tech’s Storytime Adventures are interactive, STEM-based educational programs for children ages 3-5. Participants will take part in storytime, perform science-related projects, conduct experiments, and create themed take-home crafts! These events do require preregistration so reserve your spot today through Bookeo or through Sci-Tech staff in the Explore Store!

What other activities in the Dallas area would you suggest? Leave a comment so we can add it to the list!