20 Things To Do In Dallas With Kids
Dallas, Texas, is a great place to visit. The weather is – mostly – lovely and warm, the atmosphere is exciting, and there is plenty to do for everyone of all ages. It doesn’t matter if your kids are younger or older, they’re going to find something that interests them around here. From high-end shopping and resorts to casual outings perfect for everyone, there’s so much to do in Dallas.
Below you will find 20 of the most fun family activities around, but these certainly are not the only things to do in the city. They just happen to be among the most fun, the most family-friendly, and the most entertaining. Take your pick, and add a few fun items to your itinerary for the week.
20. The Trolley Tours
These old-fashioned trolleys are so much fun – and they are air conditioned. What more do you want? They take you and the family around downtown Dallas to see some of the most exciting sites, and you get a little bit of a history tour as well. The kids will think this is a cool ride even if they pay absolutely no attention to the details.
19. Klyde Warren Park
If you want my personal opinion, museums are only exciting if you are interested in what they have to educate you about. If I, at almost 40, feel this way, imagine how your kids feel walking through art museums with no interest in art. What makes Klyde Warren Park fun is that it is located in the Arts District of the city, but it allows the kids to run around, have some fun, and unwind after you take them to your favorite museums.
18. Reunion Tower
If you’re looking for a great view, Reunion Tower is the place to go. This is the highest building in the city, and it gives you a beautiful view of the entire city and as far as the eye can see. Reunion Tower’s observation deck is a staggering 470-feet high (I mean, it’s not the Empire State Building, but Dallas isn’t New York City, either). It’s going to be amazing for the kids to experience the city from the best view in the house.
17. Trinity Groves
Okay, so here’s a scenario for you. Have you been to 30A? The Hub at 30A is the beach version of Trinity Groves. This is an outdoor dining facility in which you can choose from many different dining establishments, but you eat outside at the many tables in a kind of group setting. It’s very informal, but there is a ton to chose from. The best part is that you and your kids can have the best time here, and it means being able to focus on things like not caring how loud you are.
16. The Texas Horse Park
You’re in Texas, after all. You need to visit something Texas-y. The Texas Horse Park fits the bill beautifully. You can ride the trails, obtain riding lessons, and really enjoy the beauty that the Texas landscape has to offer just outside of the city limits.
15. Fort Worth Stockyards
There is nothing more important in Dallas than visiting the Stockyards in Dallas/Fort Worth. If you are at all interested in the 4H part of life, this is the place for you. This is a location that is beautiful, amazing, and it is so cool and filled with so much excitement. Your kids will love everything about it.
14. The White Rock Lake
Water sports for the win. You can bring or rent a kayak or a canoe, or you can do anything else your heart desires. It is a great space, a fun place, and it’s something that really does bring a great deal of joy to everyone around. The lake is great for swimming, having a picnic or a BBQ, and just hanging out on a hot day with your family. Running paths, walking trails, and so much more offer endless fun for the entire family here.
13. Play at Six Flags
If you love a thrill and excitement is your middle name, then why not hang out at Six Flags for a day? it’s the consummate place to visit if you are an adventure-seeker, and I’m willing to bet anyone with older kids is going to find this is the place to go.
12. The Aquarium
The Dallas Aquarium is one of the best around, and that’s because it’s beautifully designed. This is a great place for kids because they get to see sea creatures and have fun, but they’re also learning. Did we mention it’s also indoors, so there is air conditioning? It’s a nice break from the Dallas heat.
11. Highland Park Village
The design used to create Highland Park Village is beautifully colonial Spanish, and it’s also an entirely outdoor shopping facility. Your kids can run around, be loud, and not really bother you while you do what you do best – buy all the things.
10. Stay at the Gaylord Texan
If you’re choosing a hotel in Dallas, look no further than the Gaylord Texan. Located only a few minutes from the Dallas International Airport in Grapevine, this is the place our kids love the most when we are in Dallas. First, the convenience to the airport is fabulous, and there’s very little traffic to deal with as a result. Second, the water park is a family-friendly favorite. Additionally, this particular Gaylord Hotel (which is a Marriott Hotel) sits on the shores of the Grapevine Lake, which makes a wonderful place to take a family walk, hang out, and really get to sit back and have some fun.
The indoor atriums mean there is plenty for you to do when the weather is less than ideal, and there are numerous restaurants from which to choose. Make reservations so you know when and where to be. The Gaylord is great about family fun, too. Depending on the season, there is always an abundance of fun to be had. There are Christmas events, holiday events of other sorts, and even a spring event for kids and families. Regularly, the hotel hosts cool treasure hunts and scavenger hunts, family-friend shows in the atrium, and more. Your kids won’t want to leave.
9. Stay at the Omni Dallas Hotel
Since discovering the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate less than an hour-and-a-half from our home way back in 2006, my family has become dedicated Omni fans. We always stat at the Omni when we are in Orlando and New York City. These resorts are upscale, luxurious, and they cater to families with kids. The Omni offers all kids a welcome backpack, plenty of family activities, and a lot of fun. Camp Omni is also a great time, too. Our kids actually ask to go.
This Omni is a downtown Omni, so it doesn’t have the same major water and pool facilities as the resort in Orlando, but the pool is pretty and has a lovely terrace with a great view. The hotel still offers suites for larger families, and it also has a lot to offer those who are hanging out around the resort in terms of dining and fun. There’s a spa, and the hotel always offers fun holiday events. For example, Easter is coming up, and the Omni loves to host an Easter Brunch. What we love the most about an Omni Hotel, though, is the attention to detail. Kids are their most valued guests, and they are sure to treat them like royalty. We’ve never experienced an Omni stay where the staff is not sneaking the kids extras at dinner, bringing the coolest little gifts that are entirely unexpected, or doing the most for our family. They know how to keep the kids happy, which also means they’re keeping parents happy.
8. Shop at The Galleria Dallas
Perhaps the most exciting shopping mall around, this is where you go when the family needs a shopping break. It’s indoor, so it’s cool and refreshing, and there’s hundreds of stores to choose from. You’ll find high-end luxury shopping, casual shopping, and restaurants (and bars, mom and dad) for everyone. There’s even a play place for the little ones.
7. Spend the Day at Northpark Center
Speaking of shopping, this is where you go when you want to spend some money and come home with some high-end luxury fashion. First and foremost, you’ll find plenty of restaurants in which to take a break and get some dessert after bribing the kids with it. Second, the landscaping here is nothing short of absolutely stunning. Finally, you’re going to find a movie theater – which means you can shop for hours by yourself while the (age appropriate) kids see a film.
6. Go Watch a Dallas Cowboys Game
It’s fondly referred to as Jerry’s World in honor of the man who owns the Dallas Cowboys, but the stadium is officially named AT&T Stadium. Not only will your kids jump at the chance to get to see a football game played in one of the world’s most famous stadiums, so will your husband. You’re going to get a lot of family points booking tickets to see a game.
5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Museums are typically a love them or hate them type of location, but this is one museum the kids must visit. This is the location of everything you need to know about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald. Seeing the glass from which Oswald stood behind and took his fatal shot is one of the most sobering moments you’ll experience while here. Additionally, it’s well-known that the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination run rampant, and the museum has plenty of information about each one.
4. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
There is something so innately peaceful about this location. The gardens are lovely, and there are many special events going on here throughout the year. When the kids need a bit of a break and some time outdoors, this is the place to go. The walk through is peaceful and calm, and the scenery is brilliant. Everyone will find something here that they love.
3. Dine at Deep Ellum
From live music to good food to a place where the kids can be as loud as they want and no one will hear them, this is the place for you. These restaurants are a staple for those who live and play in Dallas, and it’s also a family favorite. Your kids will enjoy the kid-friendly menu items, and you will enjoy the craft cocktails and more.
2. The Dallas Zoo
Zoos are, essentially, all the same, but they’re so different. Kids love the zoo, and this is a good one. It’s not one of the biggest in the country or one of the most elaborate, but it’s a fun and family-friendly place to go when you’re looking to have a little fun but also spend time together. The kids won’t be able to complain about the good time or the cool animals they get to encounter.
1. Take a Day Trip – To Waco
The drive is 94 miles and just over an hour-and-a-half, but it is absolutely worth it to go check out all the things that Chip and Joanna Gaines did to this little town. The Silos, the Magnolia Bakery, and so much more – it’s one of my own children’s favorite things to do anytime we are in Texas. It’s just lovely, and it’s worth the drive. It might not be in Dallas, but it’s close enough that you’ll regret missing this location. Just be sure you check on the hours because this is not a place that is open on Sundays, major holidays, and some special occasions.
