17 Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Kids

Are you traveling to Dallas with the kids and wondering which fun activities will keep them entertained?

Dallas in Texas is also known for family adventures, besides the invention of the frozen margarita machine and the integrated circuit computer chip. Whether it is water parks, museums, natural wonders, or fun outdoor activities, you will find all the family vacation bliss here. Here is a checklist that will land you in all the family fun activities in and around Dallas.

Planning a trip to Dallas but still looking for a place to stay? We’ve created a list of the best family hotels in Dallas to help you plan your next trip.

1. A Visit to Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is one place that will amaze you within the first few moments of entering. The affordable ticket prices will give you access to a wide range of spectacular species and leave you with memories of a new and beautiful world. Your experience will begin with the rainforest view graced by the public display of the Antillean manatees, three-toed sloths, and vampire bats, among many other species.

The most thrilling part of this visit is a 400,000- gallon walk through the cenote exhibit featuring sharks, Japanese crabs, turtles, and majestic rays, to mention a few. The aquarium is home to over 464 animals representing about 280 species. 

A walk through the aquarium takes about 90 minutes, and it is wise to check the feeding and special performances times to enrich your kids’ experience. In addition, the interactive features and exhibits of the aquarium promise an immersive experience for your family.

2. Dallas Zoo

There is plenty of Dallas family experience on the 106 acres zoo. It is a popular spot for people of all ages and families to see the over 2,000 animals representing over 400 species. 

The Wild Encounters show is a thrilling experience at the zoo if your kids want to get close at hand with the animals. You can also schedule keeper chats for your kids to learn more about the animals and how they are cared for. 

Your kids will enjoy the magnificent sight of the Travis and Zach’s Bird Landing aviary, home to over 24 bird species. They can also feed and pet the birds and giraffes for a small fee. 

The Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo has tons of hands-on activities for kids, such as pony riding and splash.

3. Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

The Reunion Tower GeO-Deck is the perfect spot to get a 360 degrees view of the Dallas skyline. There are tons of educational and fun activities for your family, like painting with a view. 

Apart from the breathtaking views of Downtown Dallas, there are several touch screens on the GeO-Deck kids enjoy interacting with. In addition, there is an opportunity to learn the Dallas map and play with the Reunion Tower lights. 

The best times to visit the tower include New Year’s Eve to enjoy the fireworks show and just before sunset to see the clouds change color. 

Before heading to the attraction, you can challenge the kids to discover some fun facts about it. It will be a good learning experience that will heighten their anticipation of the visit. 

4. King Spa and Waterpark

The Korean-themed luxurious waterpark sits on 67,000 square feet and offers the perfect indoor amenities for your family to relax. Available facilities for adults include acupressure massage rooms, sauna rooms, and a bathhouse. 

Kids can enjoy the therapeutic bade pool, kids pool, waterslide, lazy river, and a movie theater. The food court also offers kids delicious foods, like pizza, tacos, burgers, and many Korean cuisines. 

The focus on family-oriented wellness sets King Spa and Waterpark apart from other waterparks. 

5. African American Museum of Dallas

The museum features four vaulted galleries housing African-American exhibits and displays. What makes the attraction unique is it is among the few museums with exclusive documentation of the African-American culture and life. It is an invaluable learning opportunity for your kids.

Start with the upper floors of the museum that have interactive learning activities for kids that highlight art, music, entertainment, and African American artists’ accomplishments. 

The Green Book exhibit at the museum is an attraction of interest to the kids. They get to sit on the driver’s seat of a 1940’s Buick Super replica, then use the Green Book to choose safe hotels and gas stations as they make their trip.

The Step Africa is an interactive dancing experience at the African American Museum of Dallas kids love. There is also a visual arts exhibition that is ideal for art-loving kids. Do not forget to bring your cameras to capture your experiences at the museum.

6. Dallas Museum of Art

A visit to one of the largest museums in Texas is the perfect opportunity to interact with over 23,000 paintings, mixed media pieces, and sculptures from across the globe. The beautiful museum houses 5000 years of history representing various cultures.

The extraordinary collection also has interesting backstories your family would love to hear. It will take you almost half a day to go through all the spectacular displays, so it is an attraction you are likely to revisit. Unfortunately, food is not allowed inside the well-maintained museum, but tons of taco buses wait outside. 

You could also get lucky and enjoy the free ballet and orchestra performances at the Dallas Museum of Art.

7. Dallas Arboretum

Tons of reasons make the Dallas Arboretum an exciting spot, including the fact that it is the most beautiful botanical garden in Dallas. The spectacularly manicured arboretum is a gorgeous getaway for garden lovers and outdoor activities. 

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at Dallas Arboretum has interactive themed adventures and science games for kids. It also features about 17 indoor and outdoor galleries and picnic films with fantastic food. In addition, special activities and programs for parents and their kids are available to create a wonderful bonding time. 

The Lay Family Garden at the arboretum has a beautiful koi pond, a waterfall, and cascading water features where families love to take photos. Flora and fauna are abundant, and there are tons of koi fish that kids love to play with. Other than goldfish swimming around the Amazon Lily in the pond, the garden bloom, tulips, and the spring color of the garden offer breathtaking views.

A Woman’s Garden is among guests’ favorites at Dallas Arboretum owing to the infinity pool, flower water, and the various sculptures that give it a beautiful view.

Your kids can play in the manicured grass as you enjoy great live music at the Dallas Arboretum.

8. Frontiers of Flight Museum

William E. founded The Frontiers of Flight Museum to educate, inspire and motivate people through space flight history. The museum preserves the history and pioneers of flight of over eight decades. 

Kids love planes, and to satisfy their curiosity, the museum has over 30 exhibits of airplanes, jets, and helicopters. So if the history behind renowned airlines is an area of interest to your family, you will get a lot of information here. 

The aviation museum has plenty of space for artifacts and exhibits and a generous play area for kids. Games like “Scavenger hunt” and unique learning sessions are offered to the kids too. In addition, there is an interactive gallery for kids to visit in the museum. Flight trainers could also give the kids a lesson or two on flying competencies without leaving the ground.

There are perfect spots for kids at the back to discover and learn about Glenn Curtiss and other early flyers like the Wright brothers. Amazingly, there is a replica of the Wright flyer, which holds a special place in aviation history.

There is an incredible space flight gallery with a moon rock display. If it is your kid’s birthday, you can have a party at the museum; all you need to do is make a reservation in advance.

9. Play Street Museum

The museum was specifically designed for kids and offers a wide range of fun activities. It features a wide range of playscapes like campsites, farms and even supermarkets. With science experiments, crafts galore, and building blocks available, there is no way your kids will get bored. 

Play Street Museum also hosts a wide range of children-targeted events like pottery making and painting. Block play will enhance your kid’s learning experience and skills. Sensory play and activities like painting will help them appreciate art and boost their imagination and creativity. 

You can reserve play spots at the museum for your kids as you explore other areas of the museum. Different exciting experiences and activities include the open gyms, wagon and pony rides, and fall-themed activities. 

10. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Dealey Plaza is often linked to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The building houses The Sixth Floor Museum, which prides itself in preserving exhibits of conspiracy theories, investigations, and the political atmosphere of the era of the assassination of the president.

A tour through the museum will immerse you in presidential and American mythology that will leave you amused. The two hours tour of re-living the events of the assassination will be an experience like no other. In addition, there are spectacular spots for family photos and collection of memories with your kids.

Your family will interact with multiple media that cover the day’s events and watch a short film. There is also a touch screen interaction that kids love and an opportunity to learn about America’s history. From the sixth-floor window, you can get a clear view of the site of the assassination.

11. Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House

The Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House is a public garden that is considered an organic gem. It features both adapted and native plants and is an ideal attraction for kids to explore and learn about nature and how to preserve it. The garden and butterfly house is graced with natural wonders extending over 7.5 acres.

At the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium, you will interact with hundreds of tropical butterflies down the beautiful canopy way. Throughout the year, you will see the different stages of a butterfly’s lifecycle.

Classes and workshops are available for kids interested in botany, and learning activities include nature walks, organic gardening, and summer camps. Entertainment is also plenty in the gardens.

Snakes of Texas is a must-visit exhibit at Texas Discovery Gardens that houses both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Here, your kids will learn about the different snake species and how gardeners use them to keep pests like rodents away.

The train garden at the Texas Discovery Gardens has three trains running at a time. The garden is a beautiful amusement for kids, and it features three trains, small cities, and villages.

12. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The museum sits on 180,000 square foot space, featuring five floors with 11 exhibits. 

The interactive and engaging Perot Museum of Nature and Science is ideal for kids and the perfect spot for them to geek out. Since its launch, the museum has been a great motivation and inspiration for kids who want to become robotics engineers, stars seekers, fossil finders, and science experts.

The experience at this museum is unique; unlike most museums that prohibit touching, Perot encourages an interactive experience. Touching is a vital part of the museum’s experience that allows kids to play games like puzzles, experience earthquakes of different magnitudes, race, and even dance at the exhibits.

The unique exhibits will give your family a museum experience like no other, coupled with an interactive learning experience. The activities and exhibitions are ideal for both adults and kids. There is also a food court on site for a lunch break. 

13. Medieval Times Dallas

The Medieval Times Dallas is a popular attraction and on the bucket lists of many families. It is ideal if you are looking to give your kids an out-of-the-box experience. The seating arena is generous and enough for your family. 

The host will serve your family a four-course meal as you enjoy the tournament. The food is fantastic and consists of classics like garlic bread, tomato soup, roasted chicken, buttered corn, and castle dessert.

A light show introduces the tournament and six knights on horseback. They showcase the Medieval Times weaponry and compete at games like flag passing, catching rings, and javelin.

Kids enjoy joining the cheering frenzy during the show, but the noise can get scary for the toddlers. 

The shows have a storyline that can help your kids hone their attention skills. There are also tons of lightables, t-shirts, and other souvenirs to take home. It also features the Hall of Arms that houses Medieval artifacts and a gift shop.

14. Another Round Indoor Mini Golf

Another Round is a mini-golf venue featuring 12 indoor mini-golf holes, delicious finger foods, and a patio. Mini golf at Another Round is an ideal fun activity for your family. 

You can book slots for your kids and create fun games and challenges to keep them engaged and active. The staff at Another Round can also teach your kids to play mini-golf and suggest a few fun tips. 

The patio of the attraction features yard games like tabletop Jenga, corn hole, and ladder toss. At the golf simulator space, you can play target shooting games and rounds of golf.  Bites available in Another Round’s menu include chicken tenders, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, wagyu hot dog, and chophouse sliders. 

You can host a party at Another Round or participate in a trivia night featuring music bingo with many prizes.

The covered indoor attraction is perfect for families and is suitable for rainy days.

15. Summit Indoor Rock Climbing

Summit Indoor Rock Climbing is one of the best options for indoor rock climbing in Dallas. Kids love to explore, and rock climbing allows them to gain new perspectives and try new things. In addition, the activity will enhance skill development, fitness, and health.

Rock climbing is for you if you are looking for something different to do with your kids. Summit Indoor Rock Climbing is a top rope bouldering facility featuring about 5,000 square feet of bouldering and a 27-foot-tall top-rope covering 3,000 square feet. 

Training services are available for all climbing levels, and the sessions cover climbing basics, footwork, and body positioning. If your family loves climbing, the Summit training program will help you explore and achieve your fitness and bouldering goals. 

The attraction provides a perfect opportunity for your kids to meet new people and friends with the same adventurous spirit.

While at Summit, you can also try some yoga to enhance fitness. No matter your skill level, rock climbing is a fun activity that your family will enjoy while building resilience.

16. Galleria Dallas Ice Rink & XD Ride

If you are looking for a spacious space for fun activities or a weekend getaway with family, Dallas Galleria is the place to be. 

Ice skating and SD ride is the first thing everyone thinks when they hear Dallas Galleria. Whether it is for taking a break from the Dallas heat or honing skating skills, the ice rink at the center of the mega mall is the best place to make memories with your family. 

Your experience will feature hundreds of exciting spins, falling, and laughing. Skaters are allowed to either bring their tools or rent. If you don’t know how to skate, lessons and hours of practicing at the rink after the classes are available. The prices for the adventure are also very friendly.

Kids love the roller coaster and will therefore enjoy the XD ride experience. It is a 7D simulation of a video game that will give your family a lot of fun. You will get an exhilarating mix of experiences from falling, flying, moving, seeing, and hearing by just taking your seat at the XD ride. The immersive video game will keep your family coming back for more. 

In addition to the Ice Rink and XD ride experience, you can go shopping at the malls and enjoy amazing foods and drinks.

17. Klyde Warren Park

The 5.2-acre public park is an ideal spot for family fun and activities. Your kids will enjoy the special children’s park that features a storytelling tree, interactive fountains, and amazing playgrounds. If you have pets, you can also tag them along to the dog-friendly park and allow them to socialize and enjoy the fountains. 

There are three perfectly manicured lawn areas where you can relax and have a picnic with your family. 

The park features a botanical garden graced with granite walkways and native plant species. A family stroll would be perfect if you want some time away from socialization and to explore nature. There is a wide range of flowers and plant species your little botanists would love to explore and take pictures of. 

The Dallas Morning News Reading & Games room at Klyde Warren Park is an outdoor space that offers books, magazines, newspapers, and board games. The eastern area of the park offers a wide range of games like putt-putt and ping-pong free of charge. If your family is into fitness, you can take yoga classes or participate in a boot camp together. 

The vast space in the park allows you to create activities and games like a scavenger hunt for your family. As a result, your family can never be bored at Klyde Warren Park.

The Final Word

Dallas has the most family-friendly activities and attractions. It is a diverse attraction that has something for everyone. So whether your family is interested in history, art, nature, science, cuisine, or entertainment, your interests are covered.

Some of the favorite things to do with kids in Dallas are visiting Perot Museum for pre-historic exhibits, and the Sixth Floor Museum for a rich collection of media. The Dallas World Aquarium, and the green Klyde Warren Park are ideal for natural wonders. 

Dallas has a vibrant atmosphere that draws fun-loving families. Most Dallas events change with seasons, and there is always a fresh experience to look forward to.

If you are looking for exciting and memorable excursions for your family, do not miss these Dallas attractions and trips.