We might, just might have made it through the crazy February weather in North Texas, which means those of us living in the metroplex will be lucky to enjoy spring weather for a month or two before the summer heat arrives. Now is the time to get out and enjoy all that Big D has to offer. We’ve picked our top 12 spots for the best things to do with kids in Dallas, so keep reading to see them all.
***Some of these spots might still have COVID restrictions, so be sure to check the website before planning your adventure!
This article is sponsored by Little Tikes®, which offers a variety of toys that’ll turn your backyard into a springtime playground. From water and outdoor kids’ toys to playhouses, ride-on cars and so much more, children two to six years old will be entertained for hours. To learn more about Little Tikes®’ products, visit littletikes.com.
Wander Through the Dallas Arboretum
Quite possibly the most lovely spot in all of DFW, the world-renowned Dallas Arboretum is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Calling over 66 acres in East Dallas home, this outdoor museum is a breath of fresh air for anyone who visits. There are rotation exhibits like Dallas Blooms, Autumn at the Arboretum, the Cool Thursday Concert Series, and the very popular 12 Days of Christmas. Kids will love Rory Meyer’s Children Garden, where you’ll find 17 living galleries created specifically for kids.
Insider Tip: Unless you have a membership, it’s a fairly pricey day. Be sure to buy tickets online, invest in membership or brave the Texas summer heat, when admission is only $1.
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
Online: dallasarboretum.org
Go to the Top of Reunion Tower
One of the most iconic buildings in the Dallas skyline is Reunion Tower, and the GeO-Deck offers jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Dallas and its surrounding areas. Wander the glassed-in open-air observation deck. Get interactive with large touch screens, and check out the famous JFK assassination spot—Dealey Plaza—with one of the zooming cameras. As a bonus, Reunion Tower is located near DART’s Union Station, so you can ride the train in for the day!
300 Reunion Blvd E.
Dallas TX 7520
Online: reuniontower.com
Explore AT&T Discovery District
Downtown Dallas is having a renaissance, and AT&T headquarters is a big part of that. The Discovery District has two restaurants, an AT&T experience store, the Globe (an interactive light and sound experience), a 104-foot media wall that wraps around headquarters, and a lush plaza that has a tree-lined outdoor seating and is home to “Golden Boy,” AT&T’s iconic century-old statue.
208 S. Akard St.
Dallas, TX 75202
Online: discoverydistrict.att.com
Spend a Day at the Dallas Zoo
The oldest zoo in Texas offers 106 acres of outdoor fun! From the Children’s Zoo with a splash creek to the Giants of the Savannah exhibit, you can spend a whole day here, and you might not see everything. Feed the giraffes, play on the elephant statues, walk the gorilla trail, watch the hippos swim and wander through the reptile house. There are numerous family programs throughout the day including shows at Wonders of the Wild amphitheater and getting up close and personal during a Wild Encounter. Popular year-round events like Safari Nights and Dallas Zoo lights make this a great place for families. Don't forget to ride the carousel before you leave!
650 S.R.L. Thorton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203
Online: dallaszoo.com
Go Hiking at the Trinity River Audubon Center
This hidden outdoor gem is just 10 miles away from downtown Dallas. With five miles of hiking trails, a nature exhibit chronicling the history of the Great Trinity Forest, a gift shop and even a bullfrog named Jeremiah, this LEED-certified center is a great way to learn about the natural landscape of Dallas. Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch, and enjoy the 120 acres of space. Be on the lookout for native birds, otters, beavers and other critters.
6500 Great Trinity Forest Blvd.
Dallas, Tx 75217
Online: trinityriver.audubon.org
Visit Fair Park
Even when it isn't Texas State Fair season, there's plenty to see at Fair Park. Take in the largest public collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States, visit the African American Museum, Children's Aquarium at Fair Park and Texas Discovery Gardens before taking a short drive over to Deep Ellum for food and incredible wall art.
Play in Klyde Warren Park
Located in the heart of Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a gathering place for both Dallas residents and visitors alike. The 5.6-acre park is built over Woodall Rogers Freeway and offers sweeping views of the Dallas skyline. Food trucks line up daily, the Dallas Museum of Art is across the street, and from the stretch of lawn to the playground that has a climbing web and water features, a few hours will go by in a flash. You can often find dancers or musicians performing on the stage, there are outdoor movie nights on the weekends, fitness classes during the week and even a dog park. Mi Cocina, a popular Tex-Mex local chain, is set to open in the adjourning restaurant space, and the organization in charge of the park is currently working on several improvements, including expanding the children’s park, installing a new fountain and adding a 1.7-acre expansion.
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
Online: klydewarrenpark.org
Ride the Trolley
Thought San Francisco had the monopoly on trolley rides? Think again and then grab a ride on the M Line Trolley from Uptown to the heart of the Arts District. It’s a 365-free-to-all ride that yes, comes with air conditioning for those crazy hot summer days. Park near or walk to any of the frequent stops in Uptown and be on the way.
Online: mata.org
Learn Cool New Things at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is five floors of WOW, so choose wisely. You can challenge a T-Rex to a foot race, create an earthquake beneath your feet, view jaw-dropping crystals and gems, or take your littlest ones to the Children’s Musem, where they’ll be able to play in a Farmer’s Market, dig for dino bones, or climb the iconic Dallas skyline. Be sure to leave extra time to hang out in the water zone and frog park, which is at the front of the museum, but best left as the last stop.
2201 N. Field St.
Dallas, TS 75201
Online: perotmuseum.org
Go Shopping at NorthPark Center
It wouldn’t be Dallas if you didn’t explore NorthPark! A high-end mall, NorthPark has not only designer shopping but also Bread Winners Cafe and Bakery, which overlooks a lovely green space in the middle. There is a movie theater, LEGO and Disney stores, Bookmarks, a branch of the Dallas public library system, an indoor fountain that is the home of ducks and turtles, and even fine art like a few Andy Warhols and fantastic sculptures. The trains at NorthPark a must for the holiday season!
8687 North Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75225
Online: northparkcenter.com
Explore the West End
This historical district in Dallas has seen a renaissance in recent years. If you've got older kids, pay a visit to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Older kids will also like the Sixth Floor Museum, along with Dealey Plaza and the grassy knoll—the area in Dallas where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Younger members of the family will enjoy the Dallas World Aquarium, and everyone will love the Museum of Illusions. Grab some grub at Burger IM and finish with a treat at Kokopelli Candy. There's also a new park where families can rest and enjoy the sunshine.
—Gabby Cullen
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