The great city of Dallas, Texas, anchors one of the nation’s biggest metropolitan areas and makes a fine destination for family getaways, given its abundance and variety of kid-friendly Dallas activities and attractions.
Want to know what to do in Dallas with kids? This hub of North Texas includes world-class museums, among the nation’s biggest and best zoos, aquariums, amusement parks and extensive urban green spaces, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. And let’s not forget Dallas’ renowned barbecue scene — a must-try for any foodie family!
Dallas has a little something for everybody, with plenty of destinations and experiences that are equally appreciated by grown-ups and kids alike. Read on for a roundup of some of the very best things to do with kids in Dallas, presented in no particular order:
1. Dallas Zoo
- Address: 650 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
This oldest and biggest zoo in Texas—just a few miles south of Downtown Dallas and open every day except Christmas Day—ranks among the top attractions in the city. It certainly has all-ages appeal, with 2,000-plus animals of 400-plus species the beautifully beastly centerpiece. Here you’ll find the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, the Endangered Species Carousel, the Conservation Railway Mini-Train and other kid-focused attractions, plus special activities such as Backstage Safari and Wild Adventures Camp.
2. Dallas World Aquarium
- Address: 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75203
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
As much a zoo as an aquarium, host to both terrestrial and aquatic life, this West End Historic District attraction showcases everything from anacondas, harpy eagles and crocodiles to jellyfish, penguins, moray eels and sharks. All the more reason to visit: Dallas World Aquarium’s Cloud Forest Trek hosts the only three-toed sloths on display in the country!
3. SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine
- Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
A showstopper highlight of the huge Grapevine Mills shopping mall in Grapevine, Texas, SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine is another go-to destination in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. At this aquarium, you can get up-close looks at astonishing critters, which include sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, sea jellies, caimans—and even an albino reticulated python! Installations include interactive rockpools, the 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, and Rainforest Adventure.
4. Perot Museum of Nature & Science
- Address: 2201 N. Field St, Dallas, TX
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
One of the nation's great natural-history and science museums, the Perot Museum of Nature & Science is a top family attraction in Downtown Dallas. Its 60,000 square feet and five floors include no fewer than 11 permanent exhibits, including the perennially crowd-pleasing T. Boone Pickens Life Then & Now Hall, lorded over by the giant fossil skeletons of Alamosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex. Don’t miss the Moody Family Children’s Museum, which includes a scale model of Dallas screaming out for exploration!
5. Klyde Warren Park
- Location: Woodall Rodgers Freeway 75201
- Cost: $
- Age Range: All ages
Downtown Dallas’s 5.2-acre central greenspace is beloved by locals and visitors alike, and it’s nicely set up for tykes. It encompasses, for one thing, the Sheila & Jody Grant Children’s Park, delighting kids 12 and under with its 35-foot climbing tower and slide, water features, climbing wall and other playzone delights—and it’s situated right alongside the Ginsburg Family Lawn. Klyde Warren Park’s also a great place for eats: There’s a whole Food Truck Lane to explore, in fact.
6. Six Flags Over Texas
- Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011
- Cost: $$$
- Age Range: All ages
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex lays claim to the very first Six Flags location: Six Flags Over Texas opened its doors in Arlington back in 1961, and it remains one of the area’s leading family attractions. From El Diablo, the world’s biggest loop coaster, to Titan, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in all of Texas, there are some big-time thrills here, to say the least, but also plenty of tamer rides, such as Boomtown Depot and Yosemite Sam’s Texas Tea Cups. And speaking of Yosemite Sam, kids will also love meeting Looney Tunes characters on the grounds.
7. Celebration Restaurant
This long-standing farm-to-table restaurant offers a warm, family-friendly ambiance inside and out, plus a diverse, crowd-pleasing lunch and dinner menu—including special kids’ entrees such as mac-and-cheese, spaghetti and chicken fingers.
- Address: 4503 W. Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209
- Price: $$
- Age Range: All ages
8. Reunion Tower
- Address: 300 Reunion Boulevard E, Dallas, TX 75207
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
Head for the top of one of Dallas’s signature landmarks for dazzling panoramic views over the cityscape from 470 feet up on the observation deck, which includes free high-definition telescopes the kids’ll get a kick out of. “The Ball,” as locals affectionately call Reunion Tower, also includes a rotating sky-high restaurant.
9. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas Fort Worth
- Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX76051
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 3-12
Better than four million LEGO pieces are on display in this Grapevine, TX fun land, including those helping compose a fascinating replica of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. From rides, virtual-reality experiences and the 4-D Cinema to the Pirate Beach water playground and lots of hands-on building opportunities, LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s a surefire delight for the younger crowd.
10. Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.
What better place to bring the little ones for lunch or dinner than a joint specializing in grilled cheese? There’s a whole galaxy of sandwich options here—the indulgent Grilled Mac-&-Cheese among them—but the menu’s got other enticements as well, and loads of kid-friendly ones: from the DGC Fries to root beer floats and milkshakes.
- Address: 5319 E. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206
- Cost: $
- Age Range: All ages
11. White Rock Lake
- Address: 8300 East Lawther Dr., Dallas, TX 75201
- Cost: $
- Age Range: All ages
One of Dallas’s cherished outdoor escapes, this 1,015-acre reservoir lies only about five miles northeast of Downtown and offers kayaking, sailing, fishing, picnicking and a nearly 10-mile-long hiking and biking path. Great for family picnics and outdoor recreation!
12. Medieval Times Dallas
Even the grumpiest child is probably going to get into the spirit of things over at Medieval Times Dallas, where the four-course meal included in your ticket comes enhanced in a major way by some throwback live entertainment: sword fighting, jousting, falconry and more.
- Address: 2021 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 72507
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
13. Pioneer Plaza
- Address: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Cost: $
- Age Range: All ages
Some straight-up iconic family photo ops await you and the gang at Pioneer Plaza, situated within Downtown Dallas’s Convention Center District. Everybody will be feeling a little Old West romance when posing alongside some of the statues of 49 Texas Longhorn steers and a trio of watchful mounted cowpokes.
14. Dallas Children’s Theater
- Address: 5938 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75231
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 3 and up
From fascinating history and cultural explorations to classic tales and holiday stories, Dallas Children’s Theater has been supplying outstanding onstage family entertainment since 1984. It’s been ranked among the finest institutions of its kind in the country. Alongside the packed season of annual plays, Dallas Children’s Theater, situated within the Rosewood Center for Family Arts, leads workshops, classes and outreach events.
15. Katy Trail
- Cost: $
- Age Range: All ages
Whether you’re pushing a stroller or taking a family bike ride, the 3.5-mile-long Katy Trail is a no-brainer choice for taking advantage of a nice, sunny day in the heart of Dallas. This rails-to-trails path, ideal for strolling, jogging and cycling, follows part of the old route of the Union Pacific Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad’s Southern Branch, and comes scattered with lovely public art.
16. Cane Rosso
- Address: 2612 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
Situated in the Deep Ellum neighborhood (with other locations in the metro area, too), Cane Rosso is regularly listed among the best pizzerias not only in Dallas, but America as a whole. A few bites of the Neapolitan-style pizza here—produced from fresh dough made daily in-house with imported Italian flour—and you’ll see why. Besides the main offerings, which'll appeal to many younger diners, Cane Rosso offers a special kids’ menu with small personal pizzas, fried mozzarella and simple pastas.
17. Trinity River Audubon Center
- Address: 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217
- Cost: Free
- Age Range: All ages
For a blissful escape into natural beauty on ya Dallas getaway, you can’t do much better than the Trinity River Audubon Center, situated only about 10 miles south of Downtown but feeling—truly—worlds away. It falls within the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the biggest urban forest in the U.S., and includes a beautiful mosaic of bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and blackland prairie threaded through by walking trails. The on-site nature center and museum offers all-ages learning and there are numerous special events on tap throughout the year.
18. AT&T Stadium
- Address: 11 Legends Way, Arlington, TX 76011
- Cost: $$$
- Age Range: All ages
If you count sports lovers among your family crew, you really ought to consider swinging by AT&T Stadium: the biggest in the NFL, and homefield for the Dallas Cowboys. Whether you’re catching America’s Team in action on the gridiron or taking one of several guided tours available, the stadium’s a must-do for many Dallas visitors—including those pintsized football fanatics!
19. Dallas Children’s Aquarium
- Address: 1462 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 2-10
The Dallas Children’s Aquarium offers a unique educational experience ideal for children ages 2-10, but anyone can enjoy it. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and engaging displays, visitors of all ages will learn about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting our ocean environment. From touch tanks to fascinating creatures, create unforgettable experiences with your family.
20. Play Street Museum
- Address: 7130 Skillman St. #150, Dallas, TX 75231
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 1-8
Looking for a place where your children can explore, learn and have endless fun? Look no further than Play Street Museum. This interactive museum brings your child’s imagination to life with hands-on activities and imaginative play areas to keep little ones entertained for hours.
Watch as your kids immerse themselves in a grocery store setting, try on different costumes to explore potential future professions and develop social skills while interacting with other children.
21. Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
- Address: 14902 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75254
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 3 and up
Looking for exciting indoor fun things to do in Dallas, Texas? Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park is your answer! Get your heart pumping as you bounce, climb and play your way through this exciting indoor playground. Challenge your kids to a game of dodgeball, soar to new heights on the trampolines or test your limits on the obstacle course. There’s something for your entire family to enjoy at Urban Air!
22. Immersive Gamebox
- Address: 2525 Elm St. Suite 110, Dallas, TX 75226
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 3 and up
Immersive Gamebox offers a unique and exciting experience for the whole family. This interactive adventure combines elements of video games, puzzles and escape rooms to create an immersive environment.
Work together as a team to solve challenges, overcome obstacles and explore digital worlds. Immersive Gamebox is a fantastic way to spend quality time with loved ones, foster teamwork and create unforgettable memories.
23. Trinity Forest Adventure Park
- Address: 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd., Dallas, TX 75217
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: 6 and up
Looking for an outdoor adventure that will thrill the whole family? Look no further than the Trinity Forest Adventure Park! This unique park offers a thrilling experience as you climb, swing and zipline through the trees. The park features courses with varying difficulty levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Challenge yourself on obstacle courses, test your balance on wobbly bridges and feel the rush of adrenaline as you zipline through the air. Recharge, reconnect and make lasting memories in nature.
24. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
- Address: 2970 Epic Pl., Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
Escape the Texas heat and dive into endless fun at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. This massive aquatic park offers thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers and a wave pool, perfect for water lovers of all ages. Relax on the Rio Grand lazy river or in one of the many lounge areas, or experience the thrill of the towering tipping bucket and exhilarating water slides.
25. Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
Does your child have a passion for aviation, or are you simply curious about the history of flight? The Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas is a must-visit destination. This captivating museum takes you on a journey through time, showcasing incredible aircraft, from historic planes to even a lunar module.
Interactive exhibits and engaging displays make learning about aviation fun and exciting for all ages. Spark your child’s imagination and ignite a lifelong interest in exploration at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
26. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Address: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218
- Cost: $$
- Age Range: All ages
Discover one of the most stunning botanical gardens in America at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This enchanting oasis offers a serene escape for adults, while the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden provides endless fun for kids. Explore interactive water play areas, embark on hands-on adventures and discover the wonders of nature. It’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun while learning.
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