Dallas, Texas, is a very popular destination for tourists, both bachelors and families. Although Dallas has many options to offer for singles, it is the perfect place to visit with family and kids. From outdoor activities to unique attractions, this city has something to entertain people of all ages. There are several arts and museums, amusement parks, natural attractions, and movie theaters to keep your vacation interesting and enjoyable.
Outdoor attractions can be enjoyed best during summer, so this is the perfect time of the year to plan a vacation to Dallas with your kids and family. And if you are not sure which places to visit in Dallas, we are here to help you. We have made a list of the best and most attractive places in Dallas to visit with your kids and family.
Check out the coolest places on our radar in Dallas, Texas, before you can plan your next vacation so that you do not miss any attraction in this city.
Nature and Animal Attractions
Dallas has many places for kids and family, where you can get a closer look at wonderful creatures of nature, both land ones and sea. You can take your kids here and make them learn more about animals. Even adults can have a wonderful time in these places, as it is never too late to learn. Check out these cool places which will take you close to nature and its unique creatures.
The Dallas World Aquarium 
The Dallas World Aquarium is much more than a simple aquarium for show. It takes you closer to nature and in close contact with several animals, birds, and other creatures. It has a rainforest exhibit with beautiful tropical birds, like cocks-of-the-rock and toucans. Other mesmerizing creatures found here include sloths and endangered species like Orinoco crocodiles, Antillean manatees, giant river otters, etc.
The aquarium hosts many conservation projects to protect animal species under danger. They have several exhibits that you and your kids will love. Their aquarium houses many species of flora and fauna, like red mushroom anemones, colt coral, pot-bellied seahorse, zebra angelfish, and many more. The Dallas World Aquarium remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Admission fee is up to $21 for adults.
Dallas Zoo 
Widely considered as the largest zoological arena in Texas, the Dallas Zoo has thousands of animals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures to visit. Apart from entertainment, the zoo takes care of animal conservation and is also involved in education and research about the environment and its creatures. It also hosts events, some of which are Animal Bio-engineering, Sensory Friendly Day, Safari Nights Presented by Reliant, Teen Science Café, Garden Safari, Summer Safari, etc.
The Dallas Zoo was founded in 1888 and has been protecting and conserving plants and animals since then. You and your kids will love to visit the exhibits, learn more about the animals, and perhaps give a hand in the preservation of nature. You can eat, shop, and play with your kids and family here. The zoo remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, and charges up to $17 for admission. Pack a picnic, enjoy your day in close contact with nature, and have loads of family fun here.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 
One of the most magnificent outdoor attractions in Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum has more than 66 acres of beautiful gardens showcasing exquisite flowers, trees, and plans. It is set on White Rock Lake and is a perfect destination to enjoy a day out with your kids and family. There are several events and activities held in this place, in which both children and adults can participate.
The botanical garden remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM and has several events lined up every day. It also hosts summer camps for kids, which would be a perfect educational and interactive experience for them. You can catch a glimpse of exotic and wild flowers, participate in Easter egg hunting, and also see fine arts and crafts in an exhibition. So, do not forget to spend some time at this place when you are in Dallas.
Museums and Educational Arenas
Vacations are not just for fun and forgetfulness. What is better than an educational experience while you are enjoying a family holiday? It is not just the children who learn. Adults can also find many learning opportunities while they take their kids out to such a place. Check out these museums and educational arenas in Dallas that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science 
Located in Victory Park, the Perot museum of Nature and Science has several exhibits and activities that instills curiosity in children and make adults learn several things too. It has been called the “world of wonder” and rightly so. There are many hands-on experiences and lessons that schoolchildren and adults with both enjoy. From dinosaur fossils and skeletons to cool scientific experiments, this place has it all.
Some of the permanent exhibits in this museum include Sports Hall, Children’s Museum, Being Human Hall, Engineering and Innovation Hall, Discovering Life Hall, Energy Hall, Gems and Minerals Hall, Dynamic Earth Hall, Life Then and Now Hall, Hall of Birds, etc. They also hold film screenings for the visitors. The museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM; visitor information can be found on the website.
African American Museum of Dallas 
It is never too early to teach your kids about the rich heritage of America, to teach them to be inclusive and open-minded. And what is better to accomplish this than to take them to the African American Museum of Dallas? Here you will not only get the feel of a museum, but also experience meaningful things in the form of historic exhibits about black history. There are four galleries full of African American art and also a research library.
This urban center in Fair Park houses antique masterpieces, Folk Art, decorative arts, period rooms, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary arts. Exhibitions are also held here regularly, to help visitors learn more about unique aspects of black history and how it reflects on the present society. The museum normally remains open from 11 AM to 5 PM; check out their website for details of upcoming events before you plan your visit.
Frontiers of Flight Museum 
This place is perfect if you want to learn more about aviation and its history in the world. From the Wright Brothers to today’s most advanced flying vehicles, you can find a glimpse of everything here. Check out the Flying Pancake, Apollo 7 spacecraft, and over 35,000 artifacts related to aviation. All this and more are displayed in 13 historical galleries in this museum.
They also have a Living History program and a STEM education program, about which you can learn more if you visit this place. Explore how mankind has been taking giant strides in the field of aviation and have an educational experience with your entire family here. The museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday through Saturday and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday. Admission costs up to $10 and free parking is available at the museum.
Amusement Parks and Entertainment Options
Dallas is full of awesome amusement parks and entertainment centers that have something to offer to people of all ages. From crazy rides to thrilling shows, you can decide how to spend your day and keep up the high spirit of vacation going. Check out these parks, play areas, and entertainment options that Dallas offers for kids and family.
Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags over Texas is an amusement park that not only amuses kids but has a number of things for adults to do as well. Here you will find thrilling rides, roller coasters, and fun activities for your kids. There are several events held in the park throughout the year, which you can check out on their website. Apart from fun and entertainment, you can also grab delicious food here and relax as your kids run around and enjoy themselves.
The park generally remains open from 10.30 AM to 10 PM, but you can check the schedule on their website to find out the operating hours on a particular day. Tickets are different for different plans, and you can also buy season passes if you really love the place. Apart from kids’ rides, adult rides, and family rides, you can catch live entertainment here.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Grand Prairie 
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is an amalgamation of many different entertainment options under the same roof. You have magic, mirrors, shows, wax statues, and many more other things here. This place will mesmerize kids, adults, teenagers, and everyone alike. They have a state-of-the-art 7D moving theater called the Odditorium, which will be a unique experience for all.
Apart from that, you will find a Mirror Maze, a LaseRace, and a Candy Factory. For more wow moments, check out their wax statues at the Louis Tussauds Palace of Wax. You can have one-of-a-kind experiences here, like pose with your favorite celebrities, walk through the spinning vortex tunnel, and even look at a shrunken head. Visit this weirdly wonderful place at the East Palace Parkway and have a gala time with your entire family.
iT’Z Family Food and Fun 
This place has been serving visitors all year long with fun, frolic, and entertainment. It has three locations in Texas, and all of them are full of cool things to do for both children and adults. There is a bowling alley, a gaming arcade, pizza buffet, a rock climbing arena, bumper cars, and many more things. Gear up for endless fun when you visit this place.
You can book a party here, buy annual passes for unlimited fun, and also check out their weekly specials. Parents can find a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with their kids here. The game room remains open from 11 AM to 11 PM on Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM to 1 AM on Friday, and 10 AM to 1 AM on Saturday. For buffet prices and ticket deals, check their website.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad 
If trains rides are something that excites you and your kids, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad is the place to be. You can visit this place in Historic Downtown Grapevine to ride a magnificent 1920’s Victorian coach along the Cotton Belt Route that starts from the Grapevine and continues until the Fort Worth Stockyards. The ride is conducted most weekends throughout the year.
This place also holds special events throughout the year, like North Pole Express, Day Out With Thomas, Kiss Me I’m Irish Express, Jazz Wine Trains, Witches Brew Train, Trick ‘r Treat Trains, Seasonal & Holiday Trains, etc. Admission charges range between $17 and $36 for different events. You can also buy Unlimited Carnival Rides packages and have fun on the train ride multiple times.
JumpStreet – Dallas 
JumpStreet – Dallas is the best place to visit for some indoor fun and crazy adventure with your kids. Here you can find over 20,000 square feet of cool activities like bull ride, obstacle course, snow slide, foam pit, mazes, and so much more. There are also wall to wall trampolines, dodge balls, a play area for kids and toddlers, and also an area to host birthday parties and events.
Ticket prices go up to $25 for an entire day of fun. Group events can be way more fun in this place, which has been called the “Best Indoor Kid’s Birthday Party” venue in Texas. You can also avail rewards and discounts for various activities here, and join your kids on a day of fun that they will never forget. If you are planning a vacation to Dallas, make sure you do not miss out on this place and enjoy all its perks with the rest of your family.
Dallas Children’s Theater 
The Dallas Children’s Theater is an ideal family arts center where kids and families can have the time of their lives. Here, you can catch plays as greatly performed as Broadway, and experience a lot more entertainment options while you’re at it. They have been indulging in storytelling since 35 years and awing people’s imaginations with their brilliant shows.
If you’re in Dallas, you should definitely catch a show here with your children and have a time of your lives. They also hold acting lessons for kids and give them a taste of the world of fantasy and imagination. You can check their website for show schedules and timings. You can also interact with the educators and attend teacher workshops and drama shop.
iFly Dallas 
iFly Dallas is a flying arena that will provide a unique experience to visitors, both young and adult. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure on your vacation, put this place on your calendar and you won’t regret it for a second. An extraordinary experience to have here is to float on a smooth cushion of air and enjoy the flying sensation without a million cables being attached to your body.
Here you will get the feel of flying without jumping off a cliff or being tied to a parachute. The flying experience is extremely enervating and super safe for anyone willing to undergo the experience. There are programs like boy scouts, field trips, and many other things which are held here. You can also plan events and hold group activities in this place. You can also dabble with technology and virtual reality experiences in iFly Dallas. The timings and prices can be found on the website.
There are several other places to visit in Dallas, both indoors and outdoors. Some of them you can check out are Adventure Landing Dallas, Dave & Buster’s, Sandy Lake Park, Bahama Beach, Celebration Station, Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Check out all these places before planning your vacation to Dallas and enjoy cool things to do with your family and kids in this city.