29 Things To Do in Dallas With Kids for Big Texan Fun in 2025
Looking for things to do in Dallas with kids? The city offers plenty of exciting activities perfect for family adventures. From outdoor fun to hands-on learning experiences, there’s always something to enjoy.
Playtime is essential at every age, whether it’s at the playground, exploring creative activities, or discovering new places. According to Harvard University, joyful play is essential for kids, even as they grow into teens. Dallas is a fantastic place to stay active, and if the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s no shortage of great indoor activities in Dallas for kids.
Jump to Section
- Free Things To Do in Dallas With Kids
- Indoor Things To Do in Dallas With Toddlers
- Things To Do in Dallas With Teens That They Won’t Roll Their Eyes At
- Things To Do in Dallas With Kids This Weekend
- Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Dallas at Night
- Kid-Friendly Attractions in Dallas You Shouldn’t Miss
- Things To Do in Dallas With Kids FAQs
Free Things To Do In Dallas With Kids
1. Explore the Arboretum
Most major cities boast an arboretum, but the Dallas Arboretum stands out as one of the best in the country. It’s an engaging, free thing to do in Dallas with kids, combining nature, beauty and education. You can explore the indoor or outdoor gardens and the best bit is that it's never the same. The gardens always change with what's in bloom each season. A yearly membership also makes for one of the best experience gifts in Dallas.
2. Hang Out at Klyde Warren Park
Even though Klyde Warren Park is located right above an eight-lane highway in the heart of downtown, you’d never guess it. It’s the perfect place to read a book while your kids run around and play games. Bring a board game, enjoy a yoga class or some live music in the fresh air and you're all set to enjoy some of the best free things to do in Dallas with kids. If you get hungry, there’s a Tex-Mex picnic joint with a walk-up window for ordering.
3. Ride the Trolley
All aboard the McKinney Avenue Trolley! If you're looking for free things to do in Dallas with kids, don't overlook this one. This historical trolley loops through the Art District and back through Downtown before it heads to the new Uptown neighborhood. Kids will enjoy exploring the old-school reversible benches and all the sights they can see along the way. You can hop on and off as you like, which lets you see more of any given neighborhood on foot.
4. Shop at the Dallas Farmers Market
While it might sound like glorified grocery shopping, the Dallas Farmers Market has lots of opportunities for kiddos to explore. From chef demos to live music and pickleball play, the Farmers Market has great free things to do in Dallas with kids. Plus, you get to go home with all your grocery shopping done for the week.
5. See the Latest Exhibits at DMA
It’s always a good idea to expose your kids to the arts starting at a young age. According to Kinderpedia, visiting museums can help foster creativity, enhance critical thinking and improve emotional development in children. That's why a trip to the Dallas Museum of Modern Art (DMA) should be on your list of free things to do in Dallas with kids. There’s always something new to be seen and you never know what could inspire your growing artist!
Indoor Things To Do in Dallas With Toddlers
6. Go Under the Sea
While you might not be close to the ocean, you can still enjoy the wonders of the deep blue sea with one of the most interactive things to do in Dallas with toddlers: a visit to the Dallas Aquarium. This hands-on experience lets young children explore marine life, with opportunities to get up close to colorful fish, hot pink flamingos and graceful dolphins. It's also a great way to beat the heat during the warmer months.
7. Learn About Science and Nature
One of the most popular things to do in Dallas with toddlers, attracting almost 850k visitors a year, is a visit to the Perot Museum of Science and Nature. The exhibits are some of the best in the world and they’re always changing. It’s loaded with great information, so it’s just as much educational as it is enjoyable. Best of all, it’s nice and air-conditioned, so it’s an ideal activity for a mid-summer day. There are usually some pretty awesome movies for kids playing here, too.
8. See a Play
The Dallas Children’s Theater performs for an average of 250,000 patrons each year, which is no small feat. The cast and crew are constantly switching up to perform a variety of family-friendly productions for all interests. It’s a wonderful indoor activity in Dallas for toddlers, providing entertainment while instilling an appreciation for the arts.
9. Discover LEGOLAND
Bring their LEGO world to life with a visit to LEGOLAND. This indoor activity in Dallas for toddlers is filled with incredible LEGO structures and plenty of opportunities for immersive play. Just be prepared, you’re likely to come home with some new LEGO toys!
10. Jump Around at a Trampoline Park
There are several indoor trampoline parks around the city that are great for an indoor activity to do in Dallas with kids. After school, on a hot summer’s day or for a birthday party, kids can enjoy hours of jumping and playing. These parks offer much more than just jumping too, they often feature exciting attractions like basketball, trampoline dunking, battle beams and dodgeball.
Things To Do in Dallas With Teens That They Won’t Roll Their Eyes At
11. Check Out Old City Park
Though Dallas has evolved over time, its Old Western roots are still evident. Step back into the 1800s-1900s at Old City Park, where restored buildings bring pioneer times to life. With plenty of photo opportunities and hands-on experiences, it’s an engaging way for teens to explore history. Plus, you can shop for authentic leather goods at Wild Bill’s Western Store to round out one of the best things to do in Dallas with teens.
12. Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
This relatively new museum and library is full of fascinating pieces of recent history, making it a great choice for teens looking for a fun and educational experience. Located near the beautiful campus of Southern Methodist University, the museum brings the events of the 2000s and George W. Bush’s presidency to life in a way that feels relevant and accessible to today's youth. For teens, it's not just about the past — it’s a chance to connect with the events that shaped the world they live in today.
13. Seek Thrills at Six Flags
Six Flags Over Texas is easily one of the best things to do in Dallas with teens seeking an exciting adventure. This world-class amusement park is perfect for a summer weekday or a Friday night with friends. There are rides and experiences for the biggest adrenaline junkie and the fearful rider all in one place.
14. Visit Epic Waters
As the largest indoor waterpark in North Texas, Epic Waters is a top choice for teens seeking fun in Dallas. Recognized as the second-best indoor waterpark in the U.S., it features an exciting mix of slides, rides and games, making it perfect for a day of adventure. Being indoors, it's open year-round, so you can visit in the summer and in the cooler winter months. Plus, with convenient dining options and rentable cabanas, it’s easy to spend the entire day with friends or family.
15. Swing Away at Top Golf
Top Golf Dallas is a popular spot for teens and adults thanks to the all-day and all-night games and food. Clubs are provided and staff come right by your bay to bring food and drinks. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours or a whole evening being competitive with friends. It’s one of the top things to do in Dallas for teens and their friends. Plus, it’s also one of the best team-building activities in Dallas for young professionals, combining competition and fun in a laid-back atmosphere.
Things To Do in Dallas With Kids This Weekend
16. Take a Cooking Class
If your kids have shown an interest in the culinary arts (or even if they haven’t), Dallas cooking classes are a fantastic choice among things to do in Dallas with kids. Besides building an essential life skill, learning how to cook is tons of fun. Kids from single digits up through teens will enjoy learning how to make homemade pasta and sauces or bake incredible pastries. It’s a great way to engage kids in Dallas on any given weekend.
17. Learn to Dance
When it comes to things to do in Dallas with young kids, finding an outlet for their energy is key. Line dancing is a fun way to burn off that energy while learning a classic Southern skill. You can sign up for private lessons or look for dance classes in Dallas, with options available at local YMCA branches or gyms. It's a great activity that combines fun, movement and a little bit of local culture.
18. Get Artsy
Kids are naturally creative and engaging in artistic activities can help nurture and develop that creativity. According to the Children's Museum of Sonoma County, arts and crafts provide a fun and interactive way for children to practice skills like fine motor development and problem-solving. Kids of all ages tend to love art and crafts and there are some great art classes in Dallas that can teach them to channel that inner artist.
19. Make Candles
Looking for fun things to do in Dallas with kids? Why not try a candle-making class in Dallas and create your own custom candle? You’ll get to melt different waxes, carefully adding scents of your liking. Learn the steps of setting wicks and pouring your wax blend and take home a unique piece of art. It’s a great way to celebrate a birthday or a fun group activity for kids.
20. Visit the Humane Society
Instill a desire to give back starting at a young age by volunteering with your kids. Sign up at your local Humane Society to play with or walk the dogs up for adoption. There’s always something that needs to be done, making this a heartwarming thing to do in Dallas with kids this weekend. Just be warned, your kids might end up begging for a pet of their own or even fall in love with one of the animals there.
Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Dallas at Night
21. Eat Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is delicious almost any time of day, but a trip to Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. is one of the top kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night. Enjoy gourmet, made-to-order grilled cheese creations for a meal that kids and adults will love. Plus, you can also indulge in delicious Southern desserts and refreshing cocktails for the adults to round out the experience.
22. Visit the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower
Your kids have probably wondered about that giant lit-up ball in the skyline, so why not take them up to explore? It’s a fantastic kid-friendly thing to do in Dallas at night. From 500 feet up, they’ll get a breathtaking view of the city, with all the buildings glowing against the night sky. Plus, there’s a digital information station to make the experience even more interactive and fun.
23. Dine Medieval-Style
End your day with dinner and a show at Medieval Times, an exciting, kid-friendly thing to do in Dallas at night. Enjoy impressive horsemanship and medieval-style games and you’ll also get to enjoy a tasty meal along the way. It's also a great idea for a kids' birthday party, too.
24. Go Go-Karting
Even if they’re years away from turning 16, go-karting is a super fun thing for kids to do in Dallas at night. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games features a two-level go-kart track, neon lights, arcade games and racing simulators. You can easily spend all night there with friends and it’s a great spot to host a birthday party.
25. Play Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf in Frisco is another fun thing for kids to do in Dallas at night. This monster-themed lit-up arcade and mini golf paradise is always bumping thanks to an in-house DJ. The neon lights add to the fun ambiance and a bounty of activities make it ideal for multiple hours of fun.
Kid-Friendly Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
26. Yayoi Kusama’s Return To Infinity at DMA
The Dallas Museum of Modern Art hosts many renowned exhibits, like Yayoi Kusama's Return to Infinity, making it a must-see, kid-friendly attraction. With rotating exhibitions, there's always something new to explore, offering exciting and engaging experiences for all ages. Be sure to buy your timed tickets in advance; children under 11 can enjoy the museum for free.
27. Spend The Day at the State Fair of Texas
One of the largest state fairs in the country, the State Fair of Texas is a kid-friendly attraction you shouldn’t miss. Beginning around the last Friday in September, you have 24 days to check out all the fair has to offer. From carnival rides and petting zoos to wacky foods and live music. It’s sure to be a day of fun for the whole family.
28. Explore Different Cultures
Dallas is a mix of cultures, but the Latin influence definitely stands out. Take your kids to the Latino Cultural Center or Cara Mia Theater to get a taste of Latin traditions. You’ll catch some traditional Latin dances, sample delicious food and experience the energy of it all.
29. Visit the Dallas Zoo
After checking out the underwater world at the Aquarium, an afternoon at the Dallas Zoo should be on your list. From tiny but beautiful butterflies to towering giraffes or thunderous hippopotamuses, there’s so much to experience here. You never know what new baby animals might be available to admire, plus there’s a full calendar of events all year. From summer camps to live animal show and tell or musical events, there are tons of kid-friendly attractions you shouldn’t miss here.
Things To Do in Dallas With Kids FAQs
Is Dallas Worth Visiting With Kids?
Dallas is a bustling city with a unique and beautiful style and culture. While it might not have Disney World or the beach, it’s definitely worth visiting with kids. Exposing your kids to new places, foods and experiences is always valuable and Dallas offers plenty of family-friendly activities year-round. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
Where To Take Kids For Fun in Dallas for Free?
There are plenty of great things to do in Dallas with kids for free, so it all comes down to how you want to spend your day. From enjoying nature and burning off extra energy in the sunshine to riding a historic trolley or exploring art galleries, there’s no shortage of free activities to keep everyone entertained.
What Age is KidZania For?
This unique kid-friendly attraction in Dallas spans over 100,000 square feet and is packed with fascinating and quirky things for kids to explore. From job role-play areas to an actual airplane fuselage, your kids could spend all day here and still be eager to return. There’s something for kids of all ages and the ticket prices vary: babies under two get in for free, toddlers (2-3) enjoy the lowest ticket prices, older kids (4-14) have their own rate and adults (15+) can also buy discounted tickets.
Dallas isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a city filled with experiences that make learning, playing and discovering new things an everyday adventure for families. With a variety of things to do in Dallas with kids, there’s always something to spark curiosity and encourage fun. From museums and zoos to parks and shows, every family member will find something exciting, educational and just plain fun to do together.
For even more fun family ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
