Dallas is known to be one of Texas’s largest cities, and with that being said, there is an unlimited amount of events and activities for families to enjoy on any given day. From spending time at one of the largest indoor water parks to getting a birds-eye view of the city, you and your family are sure to find something to do and not be disappointed. We have compiled a list of our top ten family activities in and around Dallas to check out if you haven’t already. So pack your bag, grab some snacks and get ready to have a great day!
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.
Dallas, TX 75201
Klyde Warren Park is situated at the top of Woodall Rodgers Freeway, offering fun for the whole family. The children’s park is open daily from 9 am – 8 pm, till 11 pm Fri & Sat), and it’s cleaned frequently. There is a fenced-in dog park on the East Lawn for your family dog to enjoy, and on any given day, there is a free fitness class going on at the park to get your blood pumping. If relaxing is more your thing, don’t worry; there are picnic tables and food trucks to grab lunch and enjoy a lovely afternoon or evening out. klydewarrenpark.org
Dallas Zoo
650 S R L Thornton Fwy.
Dallas, TX 75203
The Dallas Zoo is known to have one of the best African exhibits in the country; it’s located on 36 acres and is home to over 2000 animals. You’ll find a beautifully decorated arena that houses six African habitats. Get an up-close experience with some gentle giants on the giraffe feeding platform, making your trip to the zoo one to remember. And before you leave, take a ride on the T-Rex Express mini-train or the Endangered Species Carousel. dallaszoo.com
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N Field St.
Dallas, TX 75201
Located in the heart of Dallas, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science provides an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages with its 11 permanent exhibit halls. The Perot Museum is a natural history and science museum with exhibits on paleontology, geology, sports, and space exploration. It consists of two campuses: the primary campus located in Victory Park and a secondary campus in Fair Park. If you have children ages five and under, make sure you check out the Moody Family Children’s Museum located on the lower level. perotmuseum.org
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
Just minutes from downtown on the shore of White Rock Lake, on 66 acres, you’ll find the Dallas Arboretum with 11 lush display gardens that offer seasonal color all year long. Hidden in this fantastic place, you will also find the amazing Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. This designated area aids in teaching life and Earth science to children. Explore walking under waterfalls, tracking animal prints, and soaking in magnificent scenes on Texas’s Skywalk. dallasarboretum.org
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
705 S Main St.
Grapevine, TX 76051
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction in Grapevine, offering visitors a step back into another era of life and leisure. Throughout the year, The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels in authentic 1920s Victorian coaches along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. Throughout the year, the railroad offers unique events the whole family will love, like Thomas the Tank Engine, a Harry Potter themes ride, a Halloween event, and more. grapevinetexasusa.com/grapevine-vintage-railroad
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
2970 Epic Place
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Experience a crashing wave of fun at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in Texas. You’ll find Epic Water just southwest of Dallas in Grand Prairie, TX. This 80,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor family entertainment destination is open year-round. Your family will have a splashing good time on water slides, tube rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, indoor pools, and much more. epicwatersgp.com
Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051
Great Wolf Lodge, located in Grapevine, TX, is a family hot spot. This is a family resort like no other, from the fantastic indoor waterpark to the one-of-a-kind themed rooms. Not only do they have an exceptional indoor water park filled with slides and more, but there is also an arcade, a mining adventure, a ropes course, and so much more to keep the kids busy for hours. greatwolf.com/grapevine
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood St.
Dallas, TX 75201
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in America, and it’s located in the nation’s largest arts district in downtown Dallas. The museum has a stunning collection with more than 22,000 pieces spanning the third millennium BC to the present day. They offer many family programs like Virtual First Tuesdays geared for kids five and under, Open Studio Kits, and Free Family Fun days. Check out their website for days and times for all these fun events. dma.org
Reunion Tower
300 Reunion Blvd E.
Dallas, TX 75207
Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower offers visitors the only indoor/outdoor observation deck in the city with unique views of the city’s breathtaking skyline. Go 470 feet up to get a panoramic view of Dallas, and while you’re up there, grab lunch in the sky. reuniontower.com
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
6701 W Parker Rd.
Plano, TX 75093
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200 acres park located just north of Dallas in Plano, TX. Families can explore paved and unpaved hiking trails and biking trails or spend the afternoon playing on the playground. They can also enjoy spectacular views from the observation tower. plano.gov/1397/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve
When it comes to family fun and bonding, Dallas doesn’t disappoint. It offers quite a wide range of options from hiking, sporting, picnics, and much more.
