Traveling to Dallas with kids? No problem! There's plenty of fun-filled activities and attractions perfect for the whole family. No matter what time of year you plan to visit Big D, you can have a great time. Choose from a wide variety of things to do that are great for kids of all ages (and their parents, too)!
Family Attractions
Dallas Zoo — Photo courtesy of Dallas Zoo Facebook page
Dallas features many family-friendly attractions that are ideal for families. The Dallas Zoo is the perfect place to spend the day, as it has several world-renowned exhibits, including the "Wilds of Africa," "Giants of the Savannah," "Primate Place," and "Snout Route." There's also a children's petting zoo and a huge carousel perfect for the little ones. Kids will also love visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This 66-acre outdoor attraction features a wide variety of gardens connected by walking paths that are very stroller-friendly, as well as a kids' play area with a teepee. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy a family meal al fresco. If you'll be in town during the autumn, don't miss the life-sized pumpkin houses and pumpkin patch that make wonderful photo backgrounds.
Indoor Fun
Dallas World Aquarium — Photo courtesy of Dallas World Aquarium Facebook page
Even if the weather doesn't cooperate with your travel plans, Dallas has many kid-friendly indoor attractions too. Go to the Dallas World Aquarium in the West End. It features a 40-foot indoor waterfall, free-roaming monkeys and a 400,000-gallon shark tank. Your kids can watch the penguin feedings and even partake in feeding a toucan. Dallas also has many indoor jump parks, such as Pump It Up and Jump Mania, which have free-play hours throughout the week. If your child loves learning, you can't miss the Children's Museum in Fair Park, as well.
Sports
Texas Rangers — Photo courtesy of Texas Rangers Facebook Page
Little ones will love a trip to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, where they can watch the Texas Rangers play world-class baseball. You can also visit Dr. Pepper Park in Frisco to watch a minor league game. Or you can get the whole Texan experience by going to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo between the months of June and August.
For the Older Kids
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor — Photo courtesy of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Facebook page
Kids between the ages of 10 and 15 will love it if you take them to Six Flags Over Texas, a huge amusement park with thrilling roller coaster rides and a game fairway. During the summer months, older children will enjoy Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a water park amusement park also located in Arlington.
Where to Eat
Many parents are challenged when it comes to picking a family-friendly restaurant. If you want to get away from the typical Chuck E. Cheese experience, go to Purple Cow, a family-friendly diner that has an electric train that runs around the restaurant, gourmet hamburgers and decadent milkshakes. You can also go Dream Cafe, which has an outdoor playground near the patio. Mariano's Hacienda in the Lakewood neighborhood has a lot of interesting sights for kids, and children receive free crayons at the table.
