Top Things to Do in Dallas with Kids

Dallas is the perfect place for a family getaway or vacation. With something to do for all ages, your family will surely have a blast! There are many things to do in Dallas with kids.

From delicious restaurants to exciting attractions, there’s something to keep everyone entertained in Dallas. Visit amazing museums and galleries, explore interactive science exhibits, marvel at giant dinosaurs, and ride exciting roller coasters.

The historic sites are also worth exploring, so you can learn about Dallas’s unique culture and history. Make memories that will last a lifetime by taking your kids on an unforgettable adventure in Dallas!

1. Rory Meyers Garden

The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is an eight-acre, award-winning facility that offers an innovative and interactive experience for children to learn about earth and life science exploration. At the northern expansion of the Arboretum lies the Garden, boasting 17 indoor and outdoor galleries, 150 interactive science games, the Incredible Edible Garden, wetlands, a secret garden, the Texas Skywalk nestled within a canopy of trees, giant kaleidoscopes, misting arbors, interactive water features, and a cafe to satisfy your appetite.

The Garden was conceived to serve an educational role for families and schoolchildren in the city and beyond. It provides an engaging and entertaining experience for kids of all ages to learn more about the wonders of our planet. According to Boyd Matson, Host of National Geographic Weekend, the Garden is “brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed”

Visitors can start their trip at the Info Booth and explore the wide-open spaces of the Arboretum before making their way to the Garden. Admission to the Dallas Arboretum is $15 for adults (13-64 years old), $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children (3-12 years old). An additional fee of $3 each for members and non-members is required to enter the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

This is one of the best things to do in Dallas with kids. Experience the wonders of nature and science at a beloved hotspot, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It is located in Dallas, Texas, and is the product of merging two pre-existing institutions, the Dallas Museum of Natural History and The Science Place.

Check out the museum and be totally astounded! Every experience offered guarantees an unforgettable journey – with something remarkable to discover, no matter your age. The incredible crafting of its architecture is a must-see – towering over 170 feet high, inside you’ll find captivating displays spread across five floors, such as a 54-foot T. rex skeleton and tech and engineering displays that bring interactivity to life.

The museum also prioritizes sustainability by utilizing LED lighting, off-grid energy generation, and other environmentally conscious practices. The Perot Museum offers free interactive educational series, including ten episodes, that can be accessed online.

Visitors can enjoy special events like the Discovery Camp for children and Thursdays on Tap for adults. The Perot Museum is committed to inspiring minds through nature and science and has a volunteer program and membership options available.

3. Hurricane Harbor waterpark

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, Hurricane Harbor in Arlington (DC-FW Metroplex) is the way to go. Boasting over 40 exciting attractions like rides, slides, wave pools, and more, this awe-inspiring waterpark has become one of Texas’ largest – so get ready for a splashing good time! With a fantastic selection of activities and attractions, Hurricane Harbor’s well-deserved notoriety as one of Dallas’ finest is evident.

Dive into the greatest splashdown experience in North Texas with your visit to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Texas – the Lone Star State’s biggest and best water park! Whether exploring solo or with a whole clan, you can snag advance tickets and grab discounted packages tailored to your occasion. Get ready for loads of wet ‘n wild thrills for all ages!

Visitors should expect long wait times for rides, overpriced food, and long walks to and from the parking lot. However, Hurricane Harbor offers many fascinating water features, including thrill slides and kiddie playgrounds, making it a fun-filled destination for families with children. In addition, the park has implemented new safety protocols and procedures, such as cashless payments, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

4. Cedar Ridge Preserve

This is also one of the best things to do in Dallas with kids. Cedar Ridge Preserve is a 600-acre nature preserve in Dallas, TX, managed by Audubon Dallas and primarily owned by the City of Dallas. The wide range of native trees, plants, and grasses found in the preserve make it an ideal spot for native pollinators. It offers over 13 trails, well laid out, wide in most sections, and with elevation, making it a popular hiking destination. Bird and butterfly watching are also popular activities in the park.

The preserve is not far from Duncanville, Texas, southwest of Dallas proper; getting there take about 20 minutes. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to dusk and closed on Mondays from November 1 to March 31. From April 1 to October 31, the preserve is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The preserve’s closing time is about 30 minutes after sunset.

Cedar Ridge Preserve is free to enter. It has springs and many views from above that will take your breath away. Additionally, the preserve’s elevation increases, so be prepared for your ears to pop as you make your way to the preserve.

5. Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo, located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, is a must-visit attraction in Dallas, Texas. The zoo is three miles south of downtown Dallas and easily accessible by taking the DART Red Line to the Dallas Zoo Station to avoid the $10 parking fee. The zoo has many animals and birds, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, bears, monkeys, and many more. 

Visitors can also enjoy a bird show to see different types of birds. On Mondays and Tuesdays, visitors can show their same-day DART Pass at the ticket office to enjoy a $2 discount on regular admission prices. The zoo is not just a place to enjoy beautiful animals; it also helps children understand the value of caring for the environment and the welfare of animals.

6. Reunion Tower observation deck

Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck observation deck is one of the top tourist spots in Dallas, Texas, providing breathtaking views of its city skyline. Standing 470 feet (143 meters), this unique indoor/outdoor observation deck allows visitors to take in 360-degree panoramic city views – making this a must-see attraction during any visit to Dallas! It is open Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 7:30 pm, and Friday through Sunday from 1:30 pm to 9 pm daily – make an appointment now to experience it for yourself!

Visitors can take in breathtaking views from this tower and interact with interactive touch screens that provide information on various landmarks and historical sites throughout the city. Furthermore, every visitor receives a free digital photo as a souvenir from their experience!

Visitors to the tower can purchase tickets online, which will remain valid for 30 days after purchase. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $14 for seniors (65+), and $9 for children (4-12), while children under three receive free entry. In addition, special events and date nights make this an ideal place for couples and families. These are the things to do in Dallas with kids.