Everything is bigger in Texas, including things to see and do. When you think of Texas you might think of cowboys and cattle, but Dallas is far more cultural and metropolitan. When you come to Dallas there are lots attractions for families including many festivals throughout the year. Check out these 10 things to do with the kids in Dallas.
- Museum of Nature and Science (Dallas, TX 75210). The Museum of Nature and Science encompasses several buildings with something for every age group. The Children’s portion has an area where kids can experiment with water, a section where kids can do real farm chores and a backyard area where kids can explore. Other buildings house scenes from the Ice Age, a paleontology lab, a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
- Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX 76011). Newly completed, the Cowboys stadium is a marvel in technology. Take a behind the scenes tour into the player locker rooms as well as the famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader’s locker room. This tour lasts 75 minutes and they often sell out so it’s best to buy your tickets ahead, (817)892-4600.
- Dallas Zoo (Dallas, TX 75203). The zoo features a monorail through the African territory which includes a stork area, crocodile isle, gorilla research center, and chimpanzee forest. Zoo North has tortoises, elephants and tigers. Inside the zoo is a toddler friendly area called LaCerte Family Zoo where the kids can ride a pony, meet other animals and help in the bird exhibit.
- Six Flags Amusement Park (Arlington, TX 76010). Six Flags over Texas has wild and exciting rides with new rides being built and introduced almost every year. Toddlers and younger children tend to love to meet the Looney Tunes characters and their favorite super heroes from The Justice League. There are family friendly areas with go karts, carousels and the river ride.
- Pole Position Raceway (Frisco, TX 75033). In this suburb of Dallas you can experience the thrill of go kart racing. Some of the karts get up to 40 mph. Kids 48 inches and over can drive their own kart and smaller kids can ride along with an adult. Races are held every day and you can show up and drive with no reservation required. This is an inspired option on a rainy day.
- Medieval Times (Dallas, TX 75207). If you love jousting and sword play then this is the place for you. The experience is enhanced by being served food in the way it would have been served back in king Arthur’s day. The plates are metal as is the cup and you eat everything with your hands.
- The Sixth Floor Museum (Dallas, TX 75202). The Sixth Floor Museum is in Dealey Plaza in Dallas’ West End historic district. The Sixth Floor Museum is where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F Kennedy from and now houses historical pictures and information about the event. The West End has a lot of other shops and restaurants and can be accessed from the Dart rail.
- Frontiers of Flight Museum (Dallas, TX 75209). Walk through the history of aviation at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Starting back in the 20’s with how inventors came up with their flying machines to planes from the war and finishing with modern day marvels of jets and rockets.
- Dallas Arboretum (Dallas, TX 75218). The gardens at the Dallas Arboretum are 66 acres of beautiful plants, flowers, trees and displays. The children’s area has staff on site to answer questions and to explain specific exhibits throughout the year. There is a sunken garden as well as teepees and covered wagons for the kids to explore.
- White Rock Lake (Dallas, TX 75218). Close to the Dallas Arboretum is the White Rock Lake where you can swim and fish. There are many different species of birds at the lake and it has been designated as an official site by the Audubon Society. There are over 9 miles of hiking and biking trails around the lake. This is a large lake where you can water ski, canoe and kayak with your family.
Next time you are in Texas you can head into Dallas and have some fun with the family. There are thousands of restaurants in the area and many things to see. The Texas State fair is held every year in October and is one of the largest fairs in the country so if you’re in Dallas in October try to check it out. Many other festivals go on all year round so it doesn’t matter what month you go you will be able to find lots to do.
