24 Things To Do in Dallas With Kids

The Heard has indoor exhibits on the Texas natural environment, plus miles of nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of the 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. Don't miss the Animal Encounters Trail, home to non-releasable animal ambassadors like lemurs and bobcats.

Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens has beautiful views as you stroll through flowers, trees, gardens and art installations. The fabulous Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden (open seasonally) has many activities to help children explore and experience nature.

This popular lake in Dallas is an urban oasis, with a 9-mile running and biking trail around the lake, as well as several playgrounds, picnic areas, bird-watching areas, and kayaks available for rent. The Dallas Arboretum sits on the lake, too.

Swing from the tallest trees in this high flying ropes course with military-style obstacles. The park has numerous courses, each with several challenges like wobble bridges, zip lines, nets, tightropes, ladders and more. Courses are graded by difficulty and have varying height and age restrictions. Admission includes 3 hours in the park.

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has exhibits about what it's like to live in the White House, has an exact replica of the Oval Office, and includes the 15-acre Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park which is open to the public daily. You'll also see exhibits about 9/11, gifts from foreign Heads of State to President Bush, and so much more.

The McKinney Avenue Trolley is a fun, historic way to travel around Dallas for free! These vintage trolley cars were all built between 1909 and 1926 and were all in service through the 1950s. The lines reopened in 1989 as a tribute to the old transit system, and they are now in service 365 days a year throughout Uptown!

The Katy Trail is a 3.5 mile walking and biking trail that runs throughout Dallas on what used to be railroad lines through the city. Open year-round, the trail has beautiful, lush scenery and parks, plus restaurants and residences that line its pathways. 

General admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is always free. They do require visitors to have a ticket for entry. There's plenty to see and do at DMA! Be sure to check out their family programs. Whether you're looking for quiet time with your baby, messy fun for your preschooler, or an art workshop for your tween, they have something for everyone.

With a dedicated children's park & play area, botanical & butterfly gardens, game carts with board games and daily special activities for children (i.e., water gun fights, STEM activities, concerts, storytimes), this is one of the best parks in Dallas! Food trucks are on site for when the family gets hungry.

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science takes the word "interactive" to a whole other level. This museum boasts 11 exhibit halls, which will appeal to dinosaur lovers, stargazers and kids who love space, engineering enthusiasts and literally everyone else. The museum also has its very own children's museum for the little ones 5 and under.

Exhibits at the Dallas World Aquarium are divided by geographical location, and are not just limited to fish. You and your kids will get to experience birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and sea creatures from all over the world!

Stephanie W.:  The Sixth Floor Museum is an amazing museum about John F. Kennedy and is a fantastic option for older kids who are interested in U.S. and Dallas history. The museum honors the life, assassination, and legacy of President Kennedy in the context of 1960s America. It is a fascinating way for children to learn about this important event in our country's history!

Stephanie W.:  Reunion Tower might be the most notable part of the Dallas skyline- there's nowhere else like it! It's a rotating observation deck (the GeO-Deck) and restaurant. Take a 68 second elevator ride up 470 feet in the air to experience incredible 360-degree views of the city, and enjoy a delicious meal as the sun sets over Dallas. Your kids will absolutely love this sky-high Dallas experience!

Stephanie W.:  Trinity Groves is a unique collection of restaurants, all in one large building! The venue has almost a boardwalk-type feel, and you can stroll through the large outdoor seating area as you browse different restaurants ranging from tapas to sushi to barbecue. There are enough options to find something the whole family will love! Enjoy the dozens of lit up trees surrounding the venue and take in the breathtaking Dallas skyline!

Stephanie W.:  Texas' largest and oldest zoo is as fun as a barrel of monkeys! They are home to several different habitats, animal feedings, wildlife shows, and animal encounters! The possibilities seem truly endless for entertainment, education and exploration at the Dallas Zoo!