Are you thinking about moving to Dallas with your family? If that’s so, we give you the thumbs up; there are so many great things to do in Dallas with kids. The city is ideal for outdoor activities, has a vast cultural sector, and a growing music and art scene. So, without further ado, let’s see what you should do after your long-distance relocation to the Big D with your children.
Visit the Dallas Zoo
Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. There are more than 2,000 animals from around 400 species, and the enclosures were designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitat.
Living in Dallas will give your little ones a chance to see the only zoo exhibit in the US that mixes elephants with other species, including zebras, cheetahs, and giraffes in the same habitat. There’s also a children’s zoo with interactive exhibits, like pony rides, a petting farm, and a nature-inspired swap shop. The zoo hosts all sorts of special events during the year, while daily presentations include giraffe feeding experience and animal encounters.
Go to Dallas World Aquarium
Those interested in the underwater realm will love Dallas World Aquarium. The aquarium is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas – Downtown, and it serves as a home to various underwater species from all over the world.
Among others, visitors can see electric eels, Orinoco crocodiles, stingrays, and poison dart. There’s also a forty-foot long tunnel, made of glass, that’s part of 20,000-gallon walk-through exhibit, so you’ll be able to see sharks swimming around.
If interested, visitors can see a recreated South American rainforest and get close to three-toed sloths and penguins.
Discover the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Located in the Arts District’s outer edge, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is one of the favorite places for those interested in geology, paleontology, and earth and space in general.
This beautiful five-floor facility offers various exhibits, including a gallery of minerals and gems and an earthquake simulator. This fantastic place will fascinate each member of your family, especially the youngest ones.
One of the Things to Do in Dallas With Kids Is to Find Your Favorite Park
Dallasites love spending time outdoors. Despite the common belief that the best restaurants in Dallas and thrilling nightlife are what makes the city famous, a lot of parks and green spaces will convince you that the city’s residents cherish nature and enjoy spending time in it.
Klyde Warren Park
Are you looking for a place ideal for outdoor activities? Our suggestion is one and only – Klyde Warren Park. Placed on the top of the Woodall Rogers Freeway, this 5-acre park is considered one of Big D’s favorite gathering places.
Klyde Warren has it all – from areas suitable for your little ones to a beautiful garden. There are so many things you can do here, including yoga and fitness.
Musical performances, storytelling for kids, and film screening are just a part of the park’s yearly program. The food trucks are also a big attraction, and if you have pets, Klyde Warren will be their favorite place too.
Other Beautiful Parks in Big D
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
Trinity Forest Adventure Park is an ideal place for families who love spending time outdoors. Thanks to over 70 different elements, this place is perfect if you like climbing, soaring, swinging, and scrambling.
It would help if you kept in mind that the paths are self-guided, meaning that they allow everyone to move at their own pace.
Zero Gravity Thrill Park
If you are for extreme attractions, head to Zero Gravity Thrill Park. You can engage in bungee jumping, Skycoaster, Skyscraper, and a 16-story freefall. In short, this park will blow your mind. Even though there are no age restrictions, other limitations, especially weight-related, can be an obstacle.
Campbell Green Splash Park
Campbell Green Splash Park is a perfect place if you are looking for a peaceful oasis ideal for resting. The park is open all summer round, and it is ideal for children of all ages and for families who want to picnic and spend some quality time outdoors.
Enjoy the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Southwest of D-Town, in Grand Prairie, is the region’s newest theme park – Epic Water Indoor Waterpark. This stunning facility offers indoor pools and waterslides, ideal for all those in love with spending time in the water.
Here, you can see one of the longest lazy rivers in the US and enjoy surfing on a surf simulator. A full-service bar and a cafe are also part of the waterpark.
Explore Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Arboretum is considered to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country, and it is a perfect place to take your children to learn about plants.
This botanical heaven is home to all sorts of exotic plants, seasonal flowers, and trees. Many family-friendly events take place here. Still, little ones especially love exploring Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden with a treehouse, many water features, and interactive exhibits.
Big D locals suggest that if you want to save money on parking, you should buy a parking ticket online. Keep in mind that the price is $2 in August and $5 during January and February.
Visit Dreamscape Immersive
Are you looking for a place that’s like nothing you have seen before? Dreamscape Immersive is that spot. Designed as a combination of theme park and cinema, Dreamscape will fascinate all members of your family.
Those who come here will have the chance to interact as avatars within a 3D space. Dreamscape is also the only place in Big D that can offer you VR experience, and it is ideal for ages ten and over. Some of the most popular activities are Alien Zoo and the Blue – an underwater rescue expedition. You will need around 35 minutes for each adventure, and the tickets are $20.
What Is There to Do in Dallas at Night for Kids?
After a beautiful day outdoors, you can take your little ones to see a play or to challenge their minds by playing popular interactive games. Children’s theater and Escape the Room are just some of the fun things you can do in the city at night with your little ones.
See a Play at the Dallas Children’s Theater
Ranking from classic productions, puppetry to circus extravaganza, the Dallas Children’s Theater is one of the places that are just ideal for family fun. DCT hosts around eleven productions per season and Time magazine has ranked it as one of the top five theaters in the nation.
Performances take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, as well as on some Friday evenings. They are suitable for ages three and up, and in addition to the regular schedule, the theater hosts sign-language interpretations and senior-friendly showings.
Buy Tickets for Escape the Room
If you want to see how your family communicates and works as a team under pressure but also test your skill, consider going to an escape room. Older children and teenagers who love puzzles will love Escape the Room.
Even though the puzzles are created for the adult mind, teenagers are great in resolving the challenges. However, children under 14 years old should be accompanied by an adult.
What Can You Do in Dallas for Free?
Since it’s a sizable metropolis we’re talking about, the cost of living in Dallas is slightly higher than the national average, so you’ll be glad to know that there are many great things to do in Big D for free. From museums and historical exhibitions to parks and other natural oases, D-Town offers fantastic programs and, at the same time, saves you money.
Free Programs in D-Town
Experience Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive
Are you interested in seeing a cattle drive? Visit Pioneer Plaza because there’s a re-creation of a cattle drive done with over 70 bronze statues. Imagine how amazing it would be to be part of the Shawnee Trail cattle drive that took place in this very place in the 1850s. Also, you can pose with statues, and check out the waterfall and human-made cliffs.
Come to the Dallas Museum of Art
After you have visited Klyde Warren Park, you should consider going across the street and visit the Dallas Museum of Art. It will be a pleasure for both you and your children. The DMA has an attractive children area and a lot of programs and attractions suitable for young kids and teenagers. They also organize art classes for babies and toddlers. Pretty amazing, right? And that’s not all. You can visit it for free every first Tuesday of every month.
Kiest Park / Fantasy Landing
Located on S. Hampton Rd, Fantasy Landing at Kiest Park is one of the most stunning parks in the city. It is good to know that it has received an “A” rating on the Dallas Child’s Safety Report Card. So, it means that you can let your little ones play as long as they want.
This playground incorporates kid-and handicap-friendly structures. There are customized pull-tunnels with bars and ramps for kids in wheelchairs, paths brightly lighted for visually impaired children, vented slides, and much more.
John F. Kennedy Memorial and Dealey Plaza
Designed by Philip Jonson and built in 1970, the John F. Kennedy Memorial symbolizes the freedom of JFK’s spirit, and it is an excellent way for your children to learn about one of the most influential figures in American history. In front of it, you can see the X on the pavement where JFK was assassinated.
While at Dealey Plaza, and if you have a few dollars to spend, consider visiting the 6th Floor Museum so you can hear something about Jackie O, JFK, and the events that led to the assassination.
Go to White Rock Lake
For all those in love with outdoor attractions, The White Rock Lake is a place to be. It is a 1,105-acre area stocked with fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie. The White Rock Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, and sailing. As well as bird watching and hiking, thanks to a 9.33-mile bike and hike trail that winds around the lake.
Take Your Little Ones to the National Videogame Museum
National Videogame Museum is located inside the Frisco Discovery Center in one of the best Dallas suburbs, and it is dedicated to the history of the video game industry. The facility features a collection of video game memorabilia, including the most significant working Pong game in the world.
Besides seeing the games from the past, visitors can try them out them, too. There’s also a replica of the 1980-style living room and bedroom just ideal for TV gaming. What a blast from the past, right?
Your Little Ones Will Love D-Town, and So Will You
After reviewing all the attractions and fun things to do in Big D, we are sure that you are not having second thoughts about moving to Dallas. Whether you are going to live in some of the fantastic suburbs or closer to the center, you’ll always find some exciting activities for you and your family.
However, before you make your fun activities schedule, start getting organized to move and contact reliable Dallas long-distance movers. Prepare a list of questions to ask movers, including how to save on moving costs, and what kind of moving and packing services they offer. It’s relocation time!