30+ Awesome Things to Do in Dallas with Kids (2024)

Dallas may be known as the home to the Texas State Fair and the television series of the same name, but it’s so much more! As locals, we’ve discovered there are tons of exciting things to do in Dallas with kids, as well as Fort Worth and the surrounding suburbs.

Plus, events in Dallas will change by season, so there’s always something new and exciting to explore. So, whether you’re a local like us or planning a trip here, you’ll be happy to hear that time spent in Dallas will never be boring!  Below, I’ve shared some of my family’s favorite kids activities in Dallas, and I think you’ll agree!

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Best Things to Do in Dallas with Kids

1. Perot Museum

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Downtown Dallas should be at the top of your list of things to do in Dallas with kids, especially if you have dinosaur lovers in the family! 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.

The Perot Museum is open every day but Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM and from 11 AM on Sundays. You’ll need to purchase timed tickets in advance, and kids 2 and under are free.

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The Sixth Floor Museum’s collection of videos, historical documents, and artifacts tells the story of this pivotal event. It’s a moving experience to look out over the plaza and think about how that day changed history!

You can visit the museum Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM, and for kids 5 and under, there’s free admission.

3. Tour of AT&T Stadium

If you have football fans of any age in the family, take them on a guided tour of the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys! The stadium is MASSIVE and it’s truly mind-blowing to see it in person.

There are a variety of tours to choose, including behind-the-scenes tours, art tours, and self-guided tours. You’ll see locker rooms, press rooms, and much more, as well as the on-site art museum.  And your kids will love throwing a ball on the field where the team entertains millions of fans!

4. Dallas Museum of Illusions

Optical illusions are fun for anyone age 6 to 66! The Museum of Illusions features a diverse range of intriguing, mind-bending optical illusions, and you’ll want to plan on spending an hour or two here.

There’s plenty to see and do, from classic illusions like interactive spiral turntables and kaleidoscopes 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!

The MOI is open every day from 10AM to 8 PM (and until 9 on the weekends). You can get tickets at the door, but if they’re busy, you’ll probably have to wait. So, I suggest booking your tickets in advance on their website.

5. National Soccer Hall of Fame

Soccer fans will love the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco (about 30 minutes north of downtown Dallas). When you first enter the building, you get to create your own unique profile using facial-recognition technology that customizes the incredible visual exhibits just for them.

Then you 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

One of our favorite things to do in Dallas TX for kids is trying out the different Escape Rooms in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Some that immediately come to mind include Escape the Room Dallas, Red Door Escape Room in Plano, and Escapology.

7. National Videogame Museum

The National Videogame Museum in Frisco is a must-see attraction for gamers of all ages. This is a fun stop where parents can enjoy a trip down memory lane exploring the iconic arcade games of their childhood. It’s also tons of fun for kids, because this museum is mostly hands-on!

Explore the most influential video games, both past and present, through interactive displays, fun exhibits, and even opportunities to beat your highest score. At the end, there’s an arcade, as well!

8. Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is known to be one of the best things to do in Dallas with kids. That’s because it’s not just another aquarium! We love how the aquarium features habitat exhibits from around the world.

When you visit, you’ll learn about the international conservation efforts the DWA is making. Kids will love this 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.

Located in Downtown Dallas, you’ll be happy to hear that the museum has prepaid parking that can be added to your ticket price! Come by any day of the week between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

9. Fort Worth Zoo

The renowned Fort Worth Zoo provides the perfect opportunity to see 7,000 different animals from around the world and learn more about their life cycles and habitats.

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

10. George W Bush Presidential Library

The biggest appeal of the George W Bush Presidential Library on SMU’s campus are the fascinating displays. 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 Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park. You can see native birds, plants, and insects and enjoy spending time outside.

11. Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards boasts plenty of 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! This is the largest theme park in the DFW area and one of the best amusement parks in Texas.

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.

And I haven’t forgotten about the little ones! There are plenty of gentler adventures for younger visitors in Bugs Bunny Boomtown!

13. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

If your kids love being hands-on, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History might be the best place to take them. They have dinosaurs, a grocery store run by kids, and innovation stations where kids create their own art and designs. There’s even a space-themed playground!

Your admission also gives you automatic access to planetarium shows and the adjacent Cattle Raisers Museum. There’s also an IMAX theater showing some of the latest films about planet Earth (reopening fall 2024)!

14. Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on White Rock Lake is 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.

And if you’re looking for things to do in Dallas with kids in the winter, 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

Klyde Warren Park is a 5-acre park in the heart of Dallas. It offers a large green space and playground for kids, food trucks, a dog park, and fitness classes.

We love to include a stop here during a day out in Dallas, because it’s conveniently close to other great 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

One of the coolest kids activities in Dallas is KidZania Dallas in Frisco. 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!

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 SEALIFE 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’s talking! And make sure to stop by the Western Design room where your kids 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!

19. Fort Worth US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

For educational things to do in Dallas with kids, check out the Money Factory, AKA the Fort Worth US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It’s one of those places your kids will never forget!

This is a fascinating place if you’ve ever wondered where money comes from. Tours cover the history of paper currency and the production process. It’s truly a fun place to visit with kids in Fort Worth.

They’re open Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM and offer free self-guided tours. Walk-ins are welcome up to an hour before closing.

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!

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 any other! This is a great way to keep cool on hot summer days!

They’re open Memorial Day through Labor Day. WhoaZone is great for kids ages 4 and up, with a course just for younger kids.

22. Dallas Water Parks

When you’re looking for things to do in Dallas with kids in the summer, of course water parks are a big yes! Luckily, Dallas has a plethora of water parks both big and small (and indoor and out).

For year-round water fun, check out the indoor Epic Waters in Grand Prairie. They have 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!

​You can visit the Dallas Zoo any day of the week from 9 AM to 4 PM. And kids 2 and under are always free.

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 is a shopping mall that offers a bit of everything for all ages. Don’t miss out on the Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Electric Gamebox, or Jurassic World: The Exhibition. And of course, there are the 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.

They’re open Fridays from 5 PM to 8 PM, Saturdays from noon to 9 PM, and Sundays from noon to 8 PM. All ages are welcome to play, even adults! And kids 3 and under enjoy free admission.

28. Explore the street art in Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is a trendy area that is made for the teenage TikTok fan. And my family think that one of the hippest things to do in Dallas with kids is plan your own Deep Ellum street art scavenger hunt! I recommend following that up with 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 things to do in Dallas for kids. A rage room is the perfect place for kids (and parents) to let out all their frustrations, and there are a handful in the Metroplex area!

Families can pay according to how many items they want to smash and have a ton of fun blowing off steam. Some of our 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!

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