13 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Dallas
In this guide, we highlight some of the best parks, activities, and cultural experiences Dallas has to offer. So, pack up the snacks and supplies — and give the kids an extra 5 minutes to find their shoes — then get out there and explore!
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Covering more than 66 acres, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is an amazing place to not only enjoy the beauty of nature but learn about it as well. There are over 20 gardens to visit, each offering different aesthetics and flora. Families can picnic in the Nancy Clements Seay Magnolia Glade, walk through the natural tunnel of the Crape Myrtle Allee, or explore interactive exhibits and family programming at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden website for a sneak peek at all of their gardens and features.
Dallas Zoo
With over 2,000 animals from hundreds of different species, the Dallas Zoo gives families the chance to see and learn about wildlife from around the world. There are plenty of exciting opportunities to interact with some of the animals, including giraffe feeding, the Birds Landing interactive aviary, and the Wild Encounters stage. Kids in kindergarten through grade 8 can also participate in the zoo’s Wild Adventure Camp, getting their own educational tours and close-up encounters alongside games and crafts. Visit the Dallas Zoo website to find out more.
Klyde Warren Park
Connecting downtown and uptown Dallas, the city-favorite Klyde Warren Park is built over a three-block section of the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Within the 5.2 acres, you’ll find fun playgrounds for all ages, a dog park, the interactive Nancy Best Fountain, a variety of food trucks, and much more. Besides these incredible amenities, the park also hosts events throughout the year. Family-friendly options include the YMCA Family Night, exclusively for families with kids in kindergarten through grade 3, as well as Trick-or-Treating in the Park held close to Halloween and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony held at the beginning of December. Check out the latest events at the Klyde Warren Park website.
Thrilling Games & Amusement
Six Flags Over Texas
You don’t have to go far from Dallas for a thrilling amusement park. Six Flags Over Texas is located in Arlington, just outside Dallas, and offers a wide range of exciting rides and attractions for families with children of all ages. Older kids and adults will enjoy the adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters such as the Titan, while younger children can have fun on rides like the classic Silver Star Carousel. Families can spend the whole day together enjoying the park’s live shows, character meet-and-greets, and variety of dining options. Plan your trip at the Six Flags Over Texas website.
Legoland Discovery Center
Located in Grapevine, less than an hour from downtown Dallas, the Legoland Discovery Center is an indoor, interactive play zone that brings the beloved world of LEGO to life for kids and kids-at-heart. Your family can battle trolls and skeletons on the Kingdom Quest ride, conjure a spell on Merlin’s Apprentice ride, or even practice your ninja moves in the Lego Ninjago Soft Play area. The center also features a variety of hands-on activities, such as building your own LEGO creations or participating in the Master Model Builder Workshop. Visit the Legoland Discovery Center website to see all of their attractions and upcoming events.
Interactive Museums for Kids
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is the perfect place for families to spend the day, though you may need a few visits to see it all. The museum offers a hands-on, interactive experience that engages children and adults alike in the wonders of science and nature. Exhibits range from dinosaurs and fossils to space exploration and cutting-edge technology; there’s a little something for everyone. Families can also explore the Discovery Center, where kids can engage with science through interactive exhibits or marvel at dinosaur fossils and ancient creatures in the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall. Go to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science website to learn more.
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park offers a more intimate, interactive experience that’s perfect for younger children who are fascinated by marine life. This charming aquarium features 55 exhibits, including interactive opportunities such as touch tanks where kids can safely interact with sea creatures like starfish and stingrays, as well as Animal Ambassadors, where families can get up close to specially trained aquatic creatures. These kinds of hands-on exhibits are a great way for families to engage directly with the animals while learning about marine conservation and ocean ecosystems. Find out more at the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park website.
Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)
Right in the heart of the city, the DMA houses art from around the world spanning thousands of years. With more than 24,000 works of art, including everything from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the DMA provides a unique way for families to engage with diverse cultures and history. The Center for Creative Connections makes the museum experience even more immersive through hands-on activities, interactive installations, and special performances in the C3 Theater. See all of the most current exhibits at the Dallas Museum of Art website.
Cultural & Educational Attractions
Dallas Children’s Theater
For over 40 years, the Dallas Children’s Theater has been dedicated to providing top-notch performances for young audiences. Recognized as a leading professional family theater in the U.S., the theater stages a variety of family-friendly productions, ranging from classic fairy tales to contemporary stories. Besides engaging and inspiring performances, the theater also educates children in the art of storytelling through its programs such as after-school drama classes. This is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the magic of live theater in a way that is both entertaining and accessible. Find out what shows are coming up at the Dallas Children’s Theater website.
Food & Fun for the Family
The Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market, which is open seven days a week in downtown, offers a lively atmosphere where families can explore open-air spaces, shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, sample locally-produced foods and drinks, and enjoy live entertainment. The market has a family-friendly vibe, making it a great place to spend the day both outside and inside while supporting local businesses and experiencing the flavors of Dallas. In fact, all products are grown and raised either in Texas or within 400 miles of the city! See what’s currently available at the Dallas Farmers Market website.
Sweet Tooth Hotel
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy experience that is also family-friendly, The Sweet Tooth Hotel is the perfect choice. This is not an actual hotel — it’s an immersive experience that takes you on an imaginative journey through colorful art installations. Each “room” is designed by a different artist, allowing visitors to explore a variety of themes and art mediums in a fun and visually stimulating environment. Check out the latest installations and get your tickets at the Sweet Tooth Hotel website.
Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District is an eclectic neighborhood in southern Dallas that offers a unique blend of arts, culture, shopping, and dining, making it a great spot for families looking for something different to do. Known for its charming, walkable streets, you can easily explore the district, stopping for locally made goods at Bishop Street Market, grabbing lunch at Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., and then trying some inventive candies at Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Plan your trip to the Bishop Arts District.
A Place for Your Family to Call Home Near Dallas
You can enjoy all of this and more when you buy a home near Dallas with Brookfield Residential. Living in Brookfield’s The Grove Frisco community allows you to be near all of the exciting, family-friendly activities of Dallas while being able to come home to a relaxed, tight-knit community. Plus, you’ll have access to amenities such as playgrounds, pools, and miles of walking trails.
Our team is excited to help you find the best place to call home with Brookfield Residential. Explore the The Grove Frisco community and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!
