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Dallas World Aquarium. By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Best Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth with Kids 

1. Dallas World Aquarium—Downtown

The Dallas World Aquarium is fun for adults and kids with dozens of exhibits featuring exotic birds, mammals, and fish. The facility is beautiful and well-kept, and the food is even reasonably priced.

2. Dallas Arboretum—East Dallas 

One step inside the Dallas Arboretum is all you need to see why the arboretum touts itself as an "urban oasis." Its children's area, the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, is truly whimsical. Kids can walk under waterfalls, soak in great views on the Texas Skywalk, and track animal prints in First Adventure, an area geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.

3. Klyde Warren Park—Arts District

This unique urban park is on top of a freeway and has family-friendly events, daily food trucks, concerts, a splash park, and more.

4. Dallas Zoo—Oak Cliff 

Visit the home of more than 2,000 animals (more than 400 species) and one of the country's best African exhibits—a 36-acre, beautifully designed arena housing the six habitats of Africa. Don't leave without a ride on the carousel! 

5. McKinney Avenue Trolley—Uptown and Downtown Dallas 

Tired little feet will appreciate a break on the old-world M-Line Trolley that runs through Uptown and Downtown Dallas. While a ride is free, it's fun to let kids drop coins or dollar bills in the fare box. And don't forget to let them ring the bell when you're ready to get off! 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science. 

6. Perot Museum of Nature and Science—Arts District

The Perot has a variety of exhibits covering a wide range of topics including space exploration, geology, paleontology, and sports. One of the most popular exhibits for kids is the Moody Family Children's Museum, geared toward kids ages five and under.

7. Pioneer Plaza—Downtown

Taking a picture with the iconic Longhorn statues in downtown Dallas is a must.

8. Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center—North Dallas 

If you haven’t skated at the Galleria, you haven’t checked off one of Dallas’ top bucket list items.

GeO Deck. 

9. Reunion Tower—Downtown

One of the city skyline’s most recognizable features, the GeO-Deck features a 360-degree view of Dallas and beyond. If you're brave, head to the outdoor part of the observation deck, and don't forget your digital photo on the way out. 

10. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza—West End

Ahh, the grassy knoll... At Dallas' most known historical landmark, explore the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the culture and history of the 1960s.

11. Medieval Times—Design District

Enjoy a four-course (and utensil-free!) meal while watching jousting and horsemanship in a restaurant shaped like a castle.

12. Cowboys Game—Arlington

If you live in DFW, seeing America’s team play a game is something you should do at least once, and wait until you see that stadium!

11. Grapevine Vintage Railroad—Grapevine

A must-see for any train enthusiast, the vintage railroad offers a peek back in time and a ride on a 1920s coach. Psst! This is where you'll catch the Polar Express every December. 

12. Dallas Museum of Art—Arts District

Dallas’s premier art museum is free for everyone! They have great family programs, and the Center for Creative Commons is where you'll find hands-on projects, books, and other kid-friendly materials. 

13. The State Fair of Texas—Fair Park

Eat your share of fried goodness from savory bites to desserts under the watchful, and smiling, eyes of Big Tex, the fair's infamous and huge statue, in September and October.

Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

14. Great Wolf Lodge—Grapevine

A fun staycation destination, enjoy massive indoor slides, a splash park, lazy rivers, and wave pools. There’s also a ropes course, the Magi Quest, an arcade, gem mining, and other fun attractions.

14. Six Flags Over Texas—Arlington

The iconic Six Flags is home to some seriously killer thrill rides, including wood-and-steel hybrid coaster New Texas Giant, La Vibora, which sends visitors down in a bobsled, and The Joker.

15. Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary—McKinney

A combination of indoor natural science exhibits surrounded by outdoor exhibits, nature trails, and gardens, the Heard is about a 40-minute trip by car from downtown Dallas and makes a great half or full-day trip. Just pack a picnic lunch for one of the outdoor tables!

16. NorthPark Center—Park Cities

Watch the ducks swim, check out the art, have lunch at Breadwinners, and go window shopping at one of the country’s best malls.

17. Fort Worth Water Gardens—Sundance Square

You’ll find this architectural marvel in downtown Fort Worth. While no splashing is allowed, it’s a serene place worth a visit.

18. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve—Plano

The 200-acre park has miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, and lots of opportunities for spotting wildlife, from coyotes to woodpeckers.

19. Legoland Discovery Center—Grapevine

This indoor entertainment center is complete with rides, exhibits, and Duplo Village. Yes, it's exactly how it sounds - filled with Duplos and thus a guaranteed hour or more of fun for your

20. White Rock Lake—Lakewood/East Dallas

Ride your bike, walk, jog the loop, or even rent a boat to cruise on Dallas’ iconic lake. Katy Trail One of the best urban trails in the metroplex, enjoy a stroll through Uptown or stop and grab a bite from one of the restaurants along the way.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. Photo by Nan Ross

21. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark—Grand Prairie

There are 11 waterslides, an outdoor wave pool, indoor pools, a lazy river, and Rascal's Round-Up at this indoor waterpark just southwest of Dallas, and since it’s mostly indoors, it’s a great place to spend the day any time of year.

22. Crayola Experience—Plano

Part museum part indoor playground, this massive facility is bursting with color and fun.

23. KidZania—Frisco

KidZania Dallas is a 100,000-square-foot indoor city run by kids. Here, kids ages 4-14 can practice 100+ professions, explore 50 buildings, streets, and vehicles, and complete activities created by professional educators.

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan. Photo courtesy Gaylord Resorts

24. Christmas at the Gaylord Texan—Grapevine

The Gaylord Texan Hotel offers an over-the-top festive Christmas experience with faux snow, ice skating, and new events and activities every week.

25. Grandscape—The Colony

Grandscape is a giant shopping center full of entertainment. If the weather is fair, head straight to the Grandscape Wheel, where you can get a 360-degree view of North Texas from the top. Then have an outdoor lunch at Truck Yard and ice cream at Kilwin's. And if it's raining—kids can spend all day in Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

26. Fort Worth Stockyards—Stockyards National Historic District

If you haven’t been to the Stockyards, you haven’t experienced a true North Texas institution. Catch the daily cattle drive, let your kids run the maze, and admire the authentic main street.

27. Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park—Fair Park

A perfect place for little kids! There are just enough exhibits, and creature demonstrations, and no one can resist the outdoor stingray tank.

28. Rangers Game—Arlington

The new indoor stadium means you won’t have to battle the Texas summer sun while enjoying America’s pastime.

29. Plano Balloon Festival—Plano

September in DFW means festival season, and there’s nothing more beautiful than watching the hot air balloons rise early in the morning.

30. Peppa Pig World of Play—Grapevine

This indoor attraction has 14 Peppa-themed play areas, including Peppa Pig's Treehouse, Grandpa Pig's Train, and Peppa Pig's House.

31. Trinity Forest Adventure Park—South Dallas 

Zip through the treetops in the country's largest urban forest. If you've got little kids, opt to try the children's course, which has wobble bridges, cargo nets, and log bridges. 

32. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame—Cultural District

Cowgirls get the props they deserve at this museum in Fort Worth. Hang out in the Alice Walton Cowgirl Park on a sunny day, see Annie Oakley's wedding ring and gun, and look at over 6,000 historic and modern photographs of cowgirls through the ages. 

33. Sail with Scott—Rockwall

Ride a beautiful catamaran sailboat while the sun sets over Lake Ray Hubbard.

34. Nasher Sculpture Center—Arts District

Center Families can enjoy the once-a-month free Saturdays at this impressive art space, especially the outdoor space with fountains and plenty of green space to spread out.

35. Dinosaur Valley State Park—Glen Rose

Every North Texan needs to take a day trip to see the famous dinosaur fossil footprints in the Paluxy River before their kids grow up. And if camping is your thing, this is one of the best places in the area to do it.

36. Dream Park Playground—Cultural District

This incredible 57,000-square-foot playground in Fort Worth was designed with kids of all abilities in mind. It has everything from climbing webs to zip lines and ADA-approved swings. Just be prepared to drag your kids out because they won’t want to leave.

37.  Ham Orchard—Terrell

One of the best places to get fresh peaches at the beginning of every summer, Hamm’s Orchard also has an incredible market filled with homemade goodies, snacks, jellies, salsas, BBQ, and u-pick blackberries.

38. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park—South Dallas

See the snakes and reptiles, walk the butterfly house, climb the outdoor playscape and garden trains, and enjoy the ponds and fountains at this 7.5 public garden.

39. Dallas Children’s Theater—Northeast Dallas

As the largest professional family theater in the Southwest, each of the five shows put on every year show caters to kids and their parents. Seeing a production here is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the joy of theater.

40. Mesquite Rodeo—Mesquite

If you haven’t been to the rodeo, can you call yourself a true Texan? The Mesquite Rodeo is one of the best, so make plans to go on a Saturday night in June, July, or August.

41. Southfork Ranch—Parker

Can you say you’re a real Dallasite if you haven’t visited the iconic ranch made famous by the ‘80s TV show? Tour the mansion and even book a trail ride.

42. Fort Worth Zoo—Cultural District

The other zoo in the metroplex is a different experience but just as fun for families. There’s a splash park open in the summer, a train and mini Texas-style frontier town, and don’t miss the new Predators of Africa & Asia exhibit.

43. Frontiers of Flight Museum—Park Cities

See the inside of a Southwest plane, play in the children's discovery area, gawk at a Blue Angel F/A-18C Hornet, learn about aviation through the decades, and much more. 

44. American Airlines Center—Victory Park

Taking in a Mavericks or Stars game is always fun, and since AA Center is in downtown Dallas, you can make a day of it.

45. UTA Planetarium—Arlington

Space-loving kids will love the 60-foot dome and digital projections system that makes this one of the most advanced planetariums in Texas.

46. Burgers Lake—Fort Worth

While most of the spring-fed lakes and swimming holes are down in Hill Country, this gem of a spot in Fort Worth beckons in the summer. Six diving boards, three slides, a 25ft trapeze, and more will keep everyone busy.

47. FC Dallas Game—Frisco

DFW’s beloved MLS team has a huge following, and once the new Toyota Stadium is finished, attending a game will be unforgettable.

48. Nash Farm—Grapevine

Experience late 19th-century farm life at this historic farm. You can even sign up to volunteer as a farmhand!

49. Fair Park Architecture—Fair Park

Wander through Fair Park and admire some of the country’s best examples of Art Deco architecture.

50. Blase Family Farm—Rockwall 

This family-owned farm is known for its u-pick blueberry picking season and other fun seasonal events.

51. Katy Trail—Uptown/Oaklawn

One of the best paved urban trails in the metroplex, enjoy a stroll through Uptown or stop and grab a bite from one of the restaurants along the way.

52. Broadway Dallas—Fair Park 

Catch a family-friendly off-Broadway show at Music Hall at Fair Park.

53. Kimbell Art Museum—Cultural District

Fort Worth's premiere art museum offers free admission, and you can stop by Studio A, the kid-centric play space that encourages young ones to learn about art at a young age. There's also plenty of green space outdoors for kids who need to run off energy. 

54. Trinity River Audubon Center—South Dallas

There are five miles of urban forest, wetlands, and prairie ecosystems to explore at this reclaimed nature center that sits 10 miles south of downtown Dallas. Kids will enjoy the hands-on exhibits, the butterfly gardens, and spotting various species of native birds.

55. Christmas Carriage Ride Through Highland Park—Highland Park

This is a holiday tradition everyone should experience! Book a horse-driven carriage to take you through Highland Park, where mansions are overly decked out for the holidays. 

56. HAPIK—Garland

HAPIK is a climbing gym, and the facility is very kid-friendly. There's a minimum weight of just 35 lbs., colorful and fun climbing walls, and a beginner's area for the smallest kids (or anyone who wants an easier first experience).

57. ArtPark Trinity Groves—West Dallas

Spend an evening enjoying the outdoor art park accompanied by drinks, food, and great views of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. 

58. George W. Bush Library—Park Cities

Kids will get a kick out of sitting in a replica of the Oval Office, and there's a great park featuring a one-mile trail through native Texas ecosystems, including Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savannah, and Cross Timbers Forest.

59. Trinity River Kayak Co.—Coppell

Paddle your way down the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. While there are several options, The Blast is only a 2-3 hour trek, perfect for families with young kids.

60. AT&T Discovery District—Downtown

Check out the iconic "Golden Boy" statue, take in the digital media and art on the 104-ft state-of-the-art media wall, and grab a bite in the food hall. 

Unless noted, photos courtesy of Visit Dallas