Dallas fort worth things to do family

Dallas may be known as the home to the Texas State Fair and the television series of the same name, but it is so much more! As locals we have discovered there is a lot to do in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding suburbs, meaning your trip to DFW will never be boring. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Dallas with kids and we think you will agree!

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• Best Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
  • 1. Perot Museum
  • 2. Sixth Floor Museum
  • 3. Tour of Dallas Cowboys Stadium
  • 4. Dallas Museum of Illusions
  • 5. National Soccer Hall of Fame
  • 6. Escape Rooms
  • 7. National Videogame Museum
  • 8. Dallas World Aquarium
  • 9. Fort Worth Zoo
  • 10. George W Bush Presidential Library
  • 11. Fort Worth Stockyards
  • 12. Six Flags Over Texas
  • 13. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
  • 14. Dallas Arboretum
  • 15. Klyde Warren Park
  • 16. KidZania
  • 17. LEGOLAND Discovery Center – SEALIFE Aquarium
  • 18. National Cowgirl Hall of Fame
  • 19. Fort Worth US Bureau of Engraving and Printing
  • 20. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  • 21. WhoaZone on Grapevine Lake
  • 22. Water parks – Epic Waters, Hawaiian Falls, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
  • 23. Coyote Drive-In
  • 24. Dallas Zoo
  • 25. Trinity Forest Adventure Park
  • 26. Grandscape
  • 27. Nerfie’s
  • 28. Explore the street art in Deep Ellum
  • 29. Rage Room
  • 30. Glass Blowing
  • 31. Crayola Experience

1. Perot Museum

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a must-see attraction if your kids love dinosaurs. It’s home to an incredible variety of interactive exhibits that will allow your child to fully immerse themselves in a Prehistoric world.

There are five different floors in this museum with 11 permanent exhibits, so plan on spending at least half a day exploring the museum. Other kid favorite areas include the Gem and Mineral Hall, Family Sports Hall, and the Being Human Hall. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.

Once you’re done with your tour of the museum, there’s even an extensive outdoor area where your kids can run around while you sit down and enjoy a meal or coffee from the café.

2. Sixth Floor Museum

Older kids will enjoy the impressive displays at the Sixth Floor Museum in downtown Dallas. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building, the museum overlooks Dealey Plaza where President Kennedy was assassinated.

The museum’s rich collection of videos, historical documents, and artifacts tells the story of this pivotal event.

3. Tour of Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Football fans of any age will enjoy a guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Home to the world-famous football team, the tour gives fans the unique opportunity to find out more about the impressive building and take in the on-site art museum. Kids will love throwing a ball on the field where the team entertains millions of fans.

4. Dallas Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions features intriguing, mind-bending optical illusions that will impress kids and adults alike.

There’s plenty to see and do, from classic illusions like interactive spiral turntables and kaleidoscope to a high-tech vortex tunnel. Kids will especially enjoy seeing their own head displayed on a platter and playing at being a spaceman in the anti-gravity room.

5. National Soccer Hall of Fame

Soccer fans will find plenty to occupy themselves at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco (about 30 minutes north of downtown Dallas).

When you first enter the building, kids and adults create their own unique profile using facial-recognition technology that customizes the incredible visual exhibits just for them.

Photo credit: Visit Frisco

Visitors can sub-in and participate in some of the most iconic moments in soccer history using innovative gesture technology and VR. Your soccer fan will love this place!

6. Escape Rooms

Older children and teens will enjoy trying out the different Escape Rooms in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Some favorite places to try include: The Escape Game Dallas, Red Door Escape Room, and Escapology.

7. National Videogame Museum

The National Videogame Museum in Frisco is a must-see attraction for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can find out more about the most influential video games, both past and present, and mom and dad will enjoy a trip down memory lane exploring the iconic arcade games of their childhood.

Photo credit: Visit Frisco

8. Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is home to a broad range of conservation projects, giving guests the unique opportunity to see manatees, sharks, and other fascinating species in impressive surroundings. And don’t miss the penguins at play as everyone loves this exhibit.

9. Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo provides the perfect opportunity to see a large variety of animals from around the world and learn more about their life cycles and habitats.

Kids will love the live animal shows and taking a ride on the Yellow Rose Express train across the park. The play barn, climbing wall, and 60-foot suspension bridge are ideal for new adventures and burning off some energy.

Photo credit: Fort Worth Zoo

10. George W Bush Presidential Library

Older kids will enjoy browsing the fascinating displays at the George W Bush Presidential Library on SMU’s campus. There are enough interactive displays and exhibits to keep kids busy for hours while learning about American history and politics.

When you’re finished inside don’t miss the picturesque 15-acre Native Texas park where you can see native birds, plants, and insects and enjoy spending time outside.

11. Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards provides exciting and adventurous activities for a fun day out in Fort Worth. Families can take in a real-life cattle drive, browse the museum exhibits, and find their way through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze.

12. Six Flags Over Texas

Thrill-seeking families won’t want to miss Six Flags, the largest theme park in the DFW area. Older kids can enjoy flying through the air on the park’s roller coasters (El Diablo is a favorite in our house), getting soaked on a log flume, and boat swings.

However, don’t fret if you have little ones – there are also plenty of gentler adventures for younger visitors.

13. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

If your kids love being hands-on, this might be the best place to take them. The science museum has dinosaurs, a grocery store run by kids, and innovation stations where kids create their own art and designs. There’s also a planetarium and IMAX theater showing some of the latest films about planet Earth!

Photo credit: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

14. Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum botanical gardens are the perfect setting for the whole family to relax and unwind. Kids will love exploring the extensive grounds and seeing a fascinating range of native and exotic plant life.

Be sure to visit during the holidays and check out their special exhibits. Some of our favorites are Autumn at the Arboretum (with thousands of pumpkins) and 12 Days of Christmas (complete with a holiday village).

15. Klyde Warren Park

This five acre park sits in the heart of Dallas and offers a large green space and playground for kids, food trucks, a dog park and fitness classes.

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, the park is walking distance to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Museum of Asian Art, and the Nasher Sculpture Garden.

16. KidZania

KidZania Dallas is located in Frisco and it’s a 7,000 square foot interactive city where kids can explore over 100 exciting careers. There’s everything from an airplane to a fire station to a dental office. Whatever your child wants to try, it’s available to them and a ton of fun!

Photo credit: Visit Frisco

17. LEGOLAND Discovery Center – SEALIFE Aquarium

Located in Grapevine, your LEGO lovers will be entertained for hours at LEGOLAND. There are rides, a 4D movie theater, and tons of LEGO displays.

Consider getting a combo pass and visit the aquarium on the same day.

For other fun things nearby, there’s Round 1 Bowling, AMC Theatres, Corky’s Gaming Bistro (axe throwing, escape room, and arcade), and Altitude Trampoline Park. If you want a convenient place to stay nearby, check out Great Wolf Lodge or Gaylord Texan Resort.

18. National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

Horse and history lovers shouldn’t miss the Cowgirl Hall of Fame & Museum in Fort Worth. There are unique exhibits with artifacts from cowgirls who performed in the Wild West shows of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

One of the coolest features is the story of Annie Oakley as shown through Pepper Ghost technology so it appears like she is talking. Kids will love the Western Design room where they can create their own boots, horse, or shirt and project it on the wall.

It’s a great place to learn about the history of cowgirls in the United States!

Photo credit: Visit Fort Worth

19. Fort Worth US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

If you’ve ever wondered where money comes from, head to the Money Factory, also known as the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Tours cover the history of paper currency and the production process. It’s truly a fun place to visit with kids in Fort Worth.

20. Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanical Garden should be visited year round to see the variety of exhibits and plants showcased. There’s a rose garden, Japanese garden (beautiful in the fall), and a conservatory. Those with young children might enjoy taking a morning stroll and just letting the kids burn off some energy!

Photo credit: Cody Henson Photography

21. WhoaZone on Grapevine Lake

WhoaZone is an over the water inflatable obstacle course that is sure to provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. Book online ahead of time and then be ready for an adventure unlike an other! This is a great way to keep cool on hot summer days!

If you have extra time, be sure not to miss these fun things to do in Grapevine!

22. Water parks – Epic Waters, Hawaiian Falls, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

If your kids love water slides, you’re in luck because Dallas has some amazing water parks! Check out Epic Waters in Grand Prairie, an indoor water where you can swim year round. There are amazing slides, play areas, and even a wave pool.

Hawaiian Falls in Roanoke is one of the best water parks in the Dallas area and wins recognition as a top waterpark year after year. There’s crazy fast slides, giant waves at Breaker Bay and even a giant aqua play structure. Book a cabana and plan on staying all day!

Hurricane Harbor is adjacent to Six Flags Amusement Park and offers 47 acres to explore with everything from free-fall slides to a lazy river and a splash pad. If you’re hitting the theme park, buy a ticket that includes the water park to cool off when you’re done.

23. Coyote Drive-In

Those looking for a bit of nostalgia should take the kids to Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth for a double feature.

This outdoor theater has an on-site restaurant and also serves your typical movie fare. Movies start at after the sun goes down, so bring some blankets and pillows in case the kids decide to fall asleep.

24. Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo covers over 100 acres, so bring your walking shoes! With thousands of animals, your kids are sure to find their favorites. Don’t miss the chats with the zookeeper, live shows, and giraffe feedings. The zoo isn’t just about observing, it’s about learning too!

25. Trinity Forest Adventure Park

If your kids love outdoor adventures, take them to this adventure park! Trinity Forest Adventure Park has ropes courses for all skill levels, and even a Littles course for children ages 4 and above. Come learn some new skills and challenge yourself on the ropes. It’s a great day out in Dallas for the entire family.

26. Grandscape

Located in The Colony, Grandscape offers a bit of everything for all ages. Don’t miss the Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Electric Gamebox, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, and cool shops and restaurants. There’s also an outdoor stage with free concerts throughout the year. Teens especially love this place and there’s plenty of other fun places if you’re visiting Dallas with teenagers!

27. Nerfie’s

Have a Nerf gun fan in your house? Don’t miss an opportunity to have an all out Nerf war with friends or strangers. Nerfie’s in Plano offers drop-in competition or you can plan a birthday party for your kid and their friends.

28. Explore the street art in Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is a trendy area that is made for the teenage TikTok fan. Plan your own Deep Ellum street artscavenger hunt followed by lunch at Twisted Root Burger or Pecan Lodge for some good ol’ Texas BBQ.

29. Rage Room

This may be one of the most unique activities in the DFW area. A rage room is the perfect place for kids (and parents) to let out all their frustrations.

Families can pay according to how many items they want to smash and have a ton of fun blowing off steam. Some favorite ones include: Smash N Bash and The Secret Chambers.

30. Glass Blowing

For something unusual, consider signing up the kids for a glass blowing class. At Vetro Glassblowing studio in Grapevine, there are a variety of classes where students can learn how to create anything from paperweights to Christmas ornaments.

Kids of all ages can participate as long as they are accompanied by someone 18 and older.

31. Crayola Experience

Located in Plano, Crayola Experience is the perfect opportunity for kids to explore their creativity. This hands-on attraction features dozens of activities where kids and adults alike can experience color in a whole new way! There’s an activity studio for making crafts, creating with technology, and even a Crayon Factory Show. Kids are sure to love it!

Events in Dallas will change by season, so there’s always something new and exciting to explore!

Still looking for more ideas? Don’t miss these day trips from Dallas or Dallas weekend getaways!

Travel Tips
Book Your Flights
You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner. If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights, a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. It’s nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight.

Book Your Accommodation

We regularly use Hotels.com and Expedia.com to find lodging when we travel. It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts.

If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide.

Book Your Transportation

For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service.

Book Your Tours and Travel Photos

We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages.

If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City. Tiqets is another place to purchase tickets for attractions.

Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational based activities. The former teacher in me loves their tours.

One of our favorite things to do annually is take photos with Flytographer. They have photographers around the world and we’ve used them on four separate occasions. This is our favorite travel souvenir.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

With the state of travel these days, it’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threat or cancellations. We always travel with insurance and would recommend SquareMouth, Travelex, or Medjet as good options. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group.