Family Fun Things to Do in Dallas
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Dallas has something special to offer to every family visiting the city. From amusement parks and museums to outdoor activities and cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids in and around the city. For those looking for a great way to spend time and make lasting memories with their kids, here are just a few of Dallas’s many attractions.
Dallas has so much to offer families looking for a great time. From adventure-filled outdoor activities to educational excursions and thrilling attractions, this Texan city is packed full of activities that will bring the whole family joy. Here are some ideas for fun family experiences in Dallas you won’t want to miss out on.
Family Outdoor Adventures in Dallas
Home to iconic landmarks like Reunion Tower and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Dallas is a great place for exploring nature with your loved ones. Take a hike down the Katy Trail, check out the gardens at the Arboretum, or take an adventurous zip line ride through the trees at Trinity Forest Adventure Park.
When it comes to family fun, Dallas has it all. From museums and parks to playgrounds and zoos, the city offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to start. Here are some of the city’s best attractions to help you get the most out of your time in Dallas.
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
1820 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
The Trinity Forest is an outdoor haven located in Dallas, Texas. With a wide variety of activities and attractions, it’s the perfect place to take the kids for a day of fun. From zip-lining through the trees to finding hidden treasure in the scavenger hunt, your little ones will be entertained for hours.
The park also offers educational classes for visitors to learn about the nature around them and even get involved in conservation efforts. For those who want a more adrenaline-filled adventure, the aerial obstacle course is sure to get their hearts racing. Whether you’re looking for a great family outing or just some time in nature, Trinity Forest Adventure Park has something for everyone.
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Klyde Warren Park is a fun, family-friendly destination for the young and the young at heart! The park is an oasis of green and recreation in the heart of the city. With over 5 acres of lush gardens, walking trails, playgrounds, interactive art installations, and various other amenities, there’s something for every member of your family to enjoy.
Whether you want to relax and take some time to appreciate nature’s beauty, or get active by playing with your kids in the park, Klyde Warren Park offers something for everyone. The park also features weekly events such as live music performances and educational programs, making it easy to find something interesting to do each week. So bring the whole family down to Klyde Warren Park — you won’t be disappointed!
Katy Trail
2850 N Houston St, Dallas, Tx 75201
Katy Trail is a much-loved spot for families in the Dallas area, providing a safe and beautiful place for kids to get some exercise and fresh air. Plenty of activities are on offer along the trail, making it perfect for an afternoon adventure or a full day of exploration. Kids can ride their bikes or rollerblade, while those looking for something more leisurely can take a peaceful walk and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. Adventurous kids can even go fishing in the nearby lake in the summer.
The Katy Trail also offers educational opportunities for curious minds. Visitors young and old can learn about the history of the land and its Native American heritage, as well as appreciate the stunning views. With so many things to discover, visiting Katy Trail is sure to make memories that will last a lifetime!
White Rock Lake Park
E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
On the eastern side of Dallas, White Rock Lake Park is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family. Sprawling across 9,000 acres of rolling hills, this park has numerous trails and open spaces, ideal for biking and hiking with the kids. Or grab a paddle boat or canoe and explore the lakeside, discovering hidden gems and stunning views.
White Rock Lake Park is also a great place for bird-watching. Over 315 species of birds call this park home, including raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds. A walk around the lake could allow your family to spot several types of wildlife, from bald eagles, to coyotes, beavers, and more.
For visitors who like to stay active, the park also offers plenty of recreational activities, from fishing and horseback riding to tennis courts, baseball fields, and a public beach. With its vast expanses of nature and ample variety of activities, White Rock Lake Park is an excellent place to explore with the entire family.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a beautiful and serene place to take your family for a day of exploration and discovery. With spectacular views over White Rock Lake, this 66-acre urban oasis is home to some of the most vibrant flora in North Texas. Children can participate in educational activities such as learning about plants and wildlife, participating in hands-on gardening demonstrations, or visiting the on-site bee hives.
There are also interactive art installations and exhibits, including the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which features interactive science displays. They can also explore different themed gardens, from romantic roses to lush rainforests, with countless opportunities for fun and education. Whether you’re looking for a picnic lunch spot or an educational outing for the kids, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is truly an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Located just 30 minutes outside downtown Dallas, the Fort Worth Zoo offers visitors a chance to see hundreds of exotic species up close. Home to over 7,000 animals from around the world, this sprawling zoo offers unique opportunities for learning and exploration that you won’t find anywhere else. Take a guided tram tour to view animals in their habitats or explore individually to discover new species and learn more about them. Interactive exhibits offer hands-on experiences such as feeding giraffes and petting stingrays.
Daily shows and events are designed to educate children on wildlife and conservation. With its commitment to providing education and entertainment, Fort Worth Zoo is the perfect place to take the family for a fun and thoughtful day out.
Dallas Museums & Educational Attractions
Dallas is also home to lots of interesting sites perfect for learning something new as a family. Check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum to learn more about the history and culture of this vibrant city.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
The Sixth Floor Museum is an educational and historical museum dedicated to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is filled with artifacts and memorabilia that help tell the story of one of the nation’s most tragic historical moments. It is a place of reflection and remembrance and also serves as a great place for families to visit and learn about this important event in our nation’s history.
Not only does the museum provide visitors with an in-depth look into President Kennedy’s life, it also provides interactive programs designed for children and their families. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as making a commemorative bookmark or a replica of the famous “We Can Do It” poster. In addition, there are engaging presentations and conversations led by renowned historians and other experts that can bring the events of November 22, 1963, alive for children in a relatable and age-appropriate way.
For parents looking to take their kids on an educational journey that can be both informative and meaningful, the Sixth Floor Museum is a must-visit destination. Your children will gain a new understanding of American politics and history and learn about resilience, courage, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas is a great place to take the kids for an educational and engaging day out. The museum focuses on the natural world, with interactive exhibits and activities designed to get kids thinking about what they’re seeing. The dinosaur fossil area is always a hit, as well as the hands-on science section where you can try to build robots or explore the effects of climate change.
No matter how old your kids are, there is something for everyone here. Younger children will love playing with the animal puppets and finding new ways to interact with the exhibits. Older children can appreciate the natural history sections, or even take part in cool virtual reality experiences. Whatever your family chooses to do, you’ll have a day filled with discovery, learning and fun.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a great place to take the kids to learn about our nation’s history. The sprawling museum has plenty of interactive exhibits and activities that will keep kids engaged for hours. They can take part in hands-on activities such as designing their own Oval Office, learning about the world when Bush was president, and exploring how politics work today.
Plus, the four-acre park offers plenty of outdoor activities, from a butterfly garden to bird watching. For those looking for something more educational, there are regular programs by the library staff about various current events and topics. Whatever your family’s interests, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has something the whole group will enjoy.
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with the family. Located near downtown Dallas, this living history village features 19th and early 20th-century buildings and artifacts that will transport your family back in time. Kids can explore period homes such as the Victorian-era barn, blacksmith’s shop, and more. Guided tours can provide further insight into the lives of those who lived there.
Special events throughout the year will bring the village to life with live music, hands-on activities, and more. From learning about stagecoach rides to cooking over an open fire, the possibilities for fun and exploration are endless. Whether looking for a historical adventure or spending a leisurely afternoon together, Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park will surely delight kids of all ages.
Theme Parks & Thrilling Experiences
Get your adrenaline pumping with family-friendly activities like G-Force Karts or Headrush, an exciting virtual reality experience. From arcades to laser tag, there are plenty of ways for the family to have a blast together in Dallas!
Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Road To Six Flags St E, Arlington, TX 76011
Six Flags Over Texas is a classic theme park offering everything from roller coasters to a water park. If you’re looking for something tamer, Zero Gravity offers 32 thrill rides perfect for families looking for an adventure but not quite ready for full-on roller coaster rides.
Those searching for an adrenaline rush should visit Six Flags Over Texas. With eight major roller coasters, this theme park has something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can also participate in various shows and interactive experiences.
This theme park boasts over 100 rides, attractions, and live shows, making it one of the most diverse entertainment facilities in the area. Come to Six Flags to take on high-speed coasters like Titan and New Texas Giant, or gather the whole family together for interactive shows and educational exhibits. There’s something for every age here—even toddlers will find fun in the kiddie section.
California Dreaming
If you’re looking for a unique day out with the kids in the Dallas area, why not take them to California Dreaming? This interactive outdoor play space is sure to be an unforgettable experience that your family won’t soon forget. There’s something for everyone here: an expansive playground, trampolines, basketball hoops, a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, and even a mini golf course.
It’s all located on 20 acres of scenic land, making it a perfect place to explore nature alongside thrilling recreational activities. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy the café on site for a delicious meal after. California Dreaming has everything you need to make memories your family will cherish forever.
Sea Life Aquarium
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051
For families looking for an educational and fun experience, the Sea Life Aquarium in Dallas is a great destination. Not only does it offer activities designed to help children learn about ocean life in a fun and interactive way, but it also provides a chance for youngsters to get up close and personal with some of their favorite sea creatures.
Explore the tanks filled with colorful fish, majestic stingrays, and curious turtles as you learn more about these amazing creatures. The knowledgeable staff can answer any questions your kids might have while they participate in activities like “touch pools” or behind-the-scenes tours where you can see what goes on in the aquarium daily. Whatever type of adventure you seek, something here will bring joy and amazement to everyone in your family.
Dallas Zoo
650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
Dallas Zoo is a wonderful family destination and one of the most popular kid-friendly attractions in and around Dallas. With plenty of extraordinary animals to observe, educational activities to partake in, and close to a hundred different species of wildlife, it’s no surprise that kids love it.
From endangered African elephants to majestic Bengal tigers, the Dallas Zoo has something for everyone. Whether your child is keen on learning about wildlife conservation or likes to admire exotic creatures, the Dallas Zoo offers an unforgettable experience. Plus, the interactive exhibits throughout the park, such as the Red River Hogs exhibit, allow families to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s residents.
Aside from its incredible array of wildlife, the Dallas Zoo also boasts a unique Children’s Adventure Garden. This sensory-filled garden features everything from waterfalls and ponds to butterflies, frogs, and petting areas, so there’s sure to be something that your little ones enjoy. The zoo even offers a variety of educational programs designed to help children learn more about their natural world.
Families looking for an exciting day trip or weekend activity need look no further than the Dallas Zoo. With lots of fun and educational opportunities available, both adults and children can leave with a greater appreciation for nature and its inhabitants.