Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself — equal parts laughter, chaos, and moments of pure joy that stick with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.
But my recent trip to Dallas with children in the group really showed me something special: Dallas is one of the best family destinations in the United States.
When I first planned the trip, I’ll admit I was nervous. I worried about balancing adult interests with kid-friendly fun, about long days under the Texas sun, about avoiding meltdowns (the kids’ and maybe even my own). But what I discovered is that Dallas is surprisingly well-prepared for families. From interactive museums to sprawling green parks, from delicious kid-approved meals to easy transportation, the city made me feel like traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful.
I’ll share three activities I personally experienced with kids and four additional activities I recommend for families visiting Dallas. I’ll also sprinkle in my own travel hacks: little things that kept the kids happy and kept me sane.
My Three Family Adventures in Dallas
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Location: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
• Getting There: From Dallas Love Field Airport, it’s about a 15-minute drive. From Union Station downtown, it’s just 10 minutes by car or a short ride on the DART light rail (take the Red or Blue Line to West End Station, then walk).
• Admission: Adults $25, kids (2–17) $15. Discounts available online via the official website.
My Experience:
The moment we stepped inside the Perot Museum, the kids’ eyes lit up. The building itself looks like a futuristic cube, and once inside, it was like stepping into a playground designed by scientists.
We started in the Dinosaur Hall, where towering skeletons and interactive screens made prehistoric life come alive. The children in our group gasped when they realized they could “touch” fossils through augmented reality screens. Next, we moved to the Sports Hall, where we raced virtual cheetahs and tested our reaction times. Even I couldn’t resist lining up at the sprint track, only to be humbled by an eight-year-old who beat me soundly.
The Earth Hall was another highlight, with a simulated earthquake platform. At first, the kids were nervous, but then it turned into giggles as they held onto the rails while the floor shook beneath them.
Pros:
• Wide variety of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
• Central location makes it easy to include in a city day trip.
• Great air conditioning (a lifesaver in summer).
Cons:
• Can be crowded on weekends; strollers make navigation tricky.
• Food court is pricey and limited in kid-friendly options.
Booking Tip: I booked tickets online in advance through the museum’s website, which saved a few dollars and let us skip the line.
Personal Hack: We packed small snacks (like trail mix and fruit pouches) to keep the kids from getting cranky before lunch.
- Dallas Zoo
• Location: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
• Getting There: From Union Station, take the DART Red Line directly to Dallas Zoo Station (about 5 minutes). From Dallas Love Field Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive.
• Admission: Adults $17, kids (3–11) $14, kids under 2 free.
My Experience:
The Dallas Zoo is huge — 106 acres of animals, exhibits, and open space. We dedicated almost a full day here, and even then, we barely covered half.
The highlight was the Giants of the Savanna exhibit. Watching giraffes, elephants, and zebras coexist in one expansive habitat felt like stepping into Africa. The kids got to feed giraffes ($6 for lettuce leaves), and I swear one giraffe leaned down as if posing for our photo.
We also loved the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari Monorail, which gave us a 20-minute tour through exhibits that would’ve been too far to walk with little ones. The kids thought it was a “train ride,” and I enjoyed sitting for a while under the shade.
Pros:
• Easy to access via DART light rail.
• Lots of shaded areas and splash pads to cool down.
• Interactive experiences like giraffe feeding and petting zoos.
Cons:
• Food prices are high. (A slice of pizza cost me $8.)
• Summer heat can be intense — we had to retreat to air-conditioned buildings several times.
Booking Tip: I purchased tickets online via the Dallas Zoo website. There are occasional Groupon deals too, so it’s worth checking.
Personal Hack: Bring refillable water bottles. The zoo has refill stations, and it saved us at least $20 we would’ve spent on bottled water.
- Klyde Warren Park
• Location: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
• Getting There: Walking distance from downtown Dallas hotels and the Arts District. From Love Field, about a 15-minute drive.
• Admission: Free!
My Experience:
After two packed days, I needed something low-key but still fun for the kids. Klyde Warren Park was perfect. Built over a freeway, this 5.2-acre park is an urban miracle.
The Children’s Park had climbing structures, water features, and even storytelling programs. The kids ran, climbed, and splashed until their energy was finally spent. Meanwhile, I grabbed a taco from one of the food trucks lined along the edge — reasonably priced and delicious.
On weekends, the park buzzes with families, yoga classes, and live music. We stumbled upon a free dance class that had the kids spinning and laughing.
Pros:
• Free entry with endless activities.
• Food trucks offer plenty of family-friendly meals.
• Central location makes it easy to pair with museum visits.
Cons:
• Gets very crowded on weekends.
• Limited shade in summer.
Booking Tip: No booking needed. Check the Klyde Warren Park website for schedules of free events.
Personal Hack: Bring a picnic blanket and let the kids play while you relax under a tree. Sometimes the simplest activities are the best.
Four More Family-Friendly Activities I Recommend
- Dallas World Aquarium
This is one of Dallas’s most famous attractions for families. It’s part zoo, part aquarium, and part rainforest adventure all in one building. Kids can walk under tunnels surrounded by fish, spot sloths hanging in the trees, and watch penguins waddle around.
• Location: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
• Admission: Adults $29.95, kids (3–12) $19.95.
• Pros: Great for younger kids who love animals but can’t handle large zoos.
• Cons: Expensive for a family of four and can get crowded.
• Booking: Buy tickets online in advance (especially on weekends). - LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Located in nearby Grapevine (about 30 minutes from Dallas), this indoor attraction is basically paradise for LEGO fans. With rides, a 4D cinema, and build zones, it’s a great rainy-day activity.
• Location: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051
• Admission: Adults and kids from $24.99 if booked online.
• Pros: Perfect for kids under 10, indoors with air conditioning.
• Cons: Older kids might get bored quickly.
• Booking: Reserve through LEGOLAND’s official website for cheaper tickets. - Six Flags Over Texas
For thrill-seeking families, Six Flags in Arlington (about 25 minutes from Dallas) is a full-day adventure. With roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and shows, it caters to a wide age range.
• Location: 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011
• Admission: Starts at $39.99 online.
• Pros: Variety of rides for different age groups, from toddlers to teens.
• Cons: Crowded during holidays, food is overpriced.
• Booking: Buy tickets on the Six Flags website or through discount platforms like Undercover Tourist. - The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
While this may sound like an adult-oriented stop, the Dallas Arboretum has a Children’s Adventure Garden that’s magical for kids. With interactive water play, treehouses, and science exhibits, it’s both educational and fun.
• Location: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
• Admission: Adults $20, kids (2–12) $12.
• Pros: Beautiful gardens and lots of space for kids to run around.
• Cons: Not as exciting for teens; better for younger kids.
• Booking: Purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line.
My Stress-Free Family Travel Hacks
• Always book tickets online. Whether it’s museums or theme parks, skipping the ticket line saves time and tantrums.
• Use the DART light rail for short trips. The Dallas Zoo and Perot Museum are both accessible without renting a car.
• Plan downtime. Kids need breaks. Klyde Warren Park and the hotel pool became our reset buttons.
• Pack snacks. Prices inside attractions add up quickly. I always carry granola bars, fruit snacks, and refillable water bottles.
• Look for free activities. Dallas has plenty — from free events in Klyde Warren Park to wandering the Arts District.
My Dallas trip with kids turned out to be far more enjoyable — and manageable — than I expected. The city surprised me with how family-oriented it is, from the design of its museums to the accessibility of its zoos and parks.
The Perot Museum made science fun for everyone, the Dallas Zoo created moments of awe, and Klyde Warren Park gave us the perfect balance of relaxation and play. Add in attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Six Flags, and the Arboretum, and you’ve got a city that can entertain kids for a week without repeating activities.
Traveling with children is never completely stress-free, but in Dallas, I felt like the city was on my side. Between easy public transport, family-friendly facilities, and plenty of opportunities for fun, Dallas gave me a trip full of smiles, laughter, and memories I’ll be replaying for years.
