25 Kid-Friendly Things to Do and See in Dallas

Dallas is a city that knows how to keep families inspired and on the move. With a mix of hands-on museums, sprawling green spaces, and neighborhoods packed with playful energy, it’s a destination that delivers real variety for families traveling with kids.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a spontaneous staycation, Dallas offers plenty of kid-friendly things to do without the stress of overplanning.

Thanks to its walkable districts and easy-to-reach attractions, you can fit more fun into every day.

This guide rounds up 26 kid-friendly experiences in Dallas, from science-filled adventures to outdoor play spaces, plus cozy Sonesta accommodations as your launching pad for a memorable stay.

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Outdoor Adventures for Active Kids

For families with energy to burn, Dallas offers no shortage of open-air escapes where kids can climb, explore, and let their curiosity lead.

From city parks to nature preserves, these outdoor spots are perfect for active days under the Texas sun.

1. Klyde Warren Park

A standout in downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park combines playgrounds, splash pads, and wide-open lawns with food trucks and free family programming.

The children’s area is thoughtfully designed for toddlers through tweens, and shaded seating makes it comfortable for parents, too.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: Open daily, 6 AM to 11 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Check the park’s website for story times, concerts, and rotating food trucks. Early morning visits mean easier parking and cooler temps. Sonesta offers a range of stays near Klyde Warren Park.
• Map It: Klyde Warren Park Location

2. Dallas Zoo

As the largest zoo in Texas, this 106-acre attraction is packed with interactive exhibits.

Highlights include giraffe feedings, a splash stream at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, and a monorail ride through the African savanna. It’s more than a zoo, it’s a full-day adventure.

• Admission: Around $24 for adults, $20 for kids ages 3–11
• Hours: Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Book tickets in advance and plan to arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds. For quick access to the zoo, check out family-friendly Sonesta stays nearby.
• Map It: Dallas Zoo Location

3. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano)

This nature-filled retreat north of Dallas is ideal for families who love biking, hiking, or just unplugging for a while. With paved and natural trails, it’s stroller-friendly and manageable for young kids.

Don’t miss the observation tower for views across the treetops.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: Open daily, 5 AM – 11 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Bring bikes or scooters for extra fun, and pack snacks or lunch. There are picnic areas near the main trail loops. Staying in Plano or North Dallas gives families easy access to this scenic stop.
• Map It: Arbor Hills Location

4. Trinity River Audubon Center

This peaceful nature center just south of downtown offers wetlands, wildlife trails, and an eco-friendly visitor center. It’s a great place for kids to learn about native plants and birds while exploring boardwalks and shaded trails.

• Admission: Around $6 for kids, $10 for adults; free on the third Thursday of the month
• Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Bring bug spray, binoculars, and plenty of water. For families staying near downtown or the Medical District, it’s a quick and refreshing nature break close to the city.
• Map It: Trinity River Audubon Location

Home to hundreds of native bird species, the Trinity River Audubon Center offers families a peaceful escape just south of downtown Dallas.

Educational Fun That Doesn’t Feel Like School

When learning is built into the environment, curiosity leads the way. Dallas offers bold, interactive experiences where kids aren’t just entertained; they’re drawn into discovery through movement, sound, color, and story.

5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

This five-story museum brings STEM to life through fossils, earthquake simulations, robotics labs, and more. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, race virtual cheetahs, or build machines at the engineering station.

While best suited for ages 5–12, younger kids can enjoy the Moody Family Children’s Museum on the lower level.

• Admission: Around $25 for adults, $15 for kids (ages 2–17)
• Hours: Open daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Book ahead to avoid lines, especially on weekends. Weekday mornings are quieter and allow more time in popular zones. Discover Sonesta stays near the museum for convenient access.
• Map It: Perot Museum Location

6. Dallas World Aquarium

More than just an aquarium, this immersive indoor rainforest winds through multiple levels of wildlife.

You’ll spot manatees, sloths, toucans, penguins, and even a jaguar before reaching the aquatic exhibits. It’s a unique blend of zoology and marine science that appeals to all ages.

• Admission: Around $30 for adults, $20 for kids (ages 3–12)
• Hours: Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Arrive early for animal feedings and better views of popular enclosures. For families looking to be close to the action, Sonesta offers thoughtfully designed accommodations near the aquarium.
• Map It: Dallas World Aquarium Location

The Dallas World Aquarium blends immersive rainforest exhibits with aquatic wonders, where families can encounter flamingos, sloths, manatees, and more.

7. Crayola Experience (Plano)

This colorful indoor playground offers 20+ hands-on stations focused on creativity, from naming your own crayon to designing digital art that comes to life on the wall. It’s especially engaging for kids ages 3–10, with space to roam and crafts to take home.

• Admission: Around $28 per person; kids under 3 enter free
• Hours: Open daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Check for online bundle deals and skip-the-line tickets. If you’re staying in North Dallas or Plano, it’s a quick drive with plenty of parking nearby.
• Map It: Crayola Experience Location

8. Frontiers of Flight Museum

Located at Dallas Love Field, this aviation-focused museum features more than 30 aircraft and space vehicles, including a full-size Southwest jet kids can walk through.

Exhibits cater to older children and teens with a deeper interest in flight, engineering, and history.

• Admission: Around $10 for adults, $7 for kids (ages 3–17)
• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday, 1 PM – 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Look for family passes or museum combo deals online. If you’re staying at a Sonesta hotel nearby, this makes for a great half-day visit before or after check-in.
• Map It: Frontiers of Flight Location

 

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Rainy Day or Hot Weather Ideas

Not every day cooperates with your outdoor plans, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.

The city comes through with creative indoor escapes where kids can bounce, build, slide, and imagine without worrying about sunburn or soggy shoes.

9. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center (Grapevine)

This indoor LEGO universe is built for ages 3 to 10, with interactive play zones, 4D movies, and a mini version of DFW’s skyline made entirely from bricks.

Kids can race their own LEGO cars or explore soft play areas while parents relax in the café.

• Admission: Around $30 per person (ages 2 and up); combo tickets available
• Hours: Open daily, typically 10 AM – 6 PM (check online for seasonal changes)
• Family Tip: Book timed tickets online to guarantee entry. Sonesta stays in Irving offer easy access to the center.
• Map It: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Location

 

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10. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

Open year-round, this massive indoor waterpark features everything from toddler splash areas to multi-story slides and a lazy river.

A retractable roof adds natural light and lifeguards are present at every corner for added peace of mind.

• Admission: Around $40 to $50 per person; seasonal pricing may vary
• Hours: Open daily, typically 10 AM – 9 PM (check online for seasonal changes)
• Family Tip: Bring flip-flops and your own towels. Staying in West Dallas or Irving makes this a convenient indoor day trip that balances busy itineraries.
• Map It: Epic Waters Location

 

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11. KidZania

Part theme park, part real-world simulation, KidZania invites kids ages 4 to 14 to role-play jobs like pilots, doctors, or chefs in a fully kid-sized city. Each “job” earns play money they can spend on experiences inside the city. It’s immersive, educational, and wildly popular.

• Admission: Around $45 per child; adults are discounted
• Hours: Open daily; typically 11 AM – 6 PM (varies by season and day)
• Family Tip: It’s a full half-day experience, ideal if you’re staying nearby in North Dallas or planning a full play-and-dine outing. Check their app for activity times and age-specific zones.
• Map It: KidZania Location

12. PINSTACK

An upscale indoor entertainment venue featuring boutique bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, a rock-climbing wall, and full-service dining. It’s ideal for families with tweens or teens who want a livelier experience with options for all ages.

• Admission: Pay per activity; bundles and day passes available
• Hours: Open daily, typically 10 AM – 11 PM (hours may vary slightly by location)
• Family Tip: Combine activities with dinner or snacks on-site. Explore Sonesta stays in Plano and Las Colinas for convenient access.
• Map It: PINSTACK Plano Location

Seasonal Events for Families

Dallas shines brightest during its seasonal festivals and annual traditions.

From fall harvest displays to Texas-sized fairs, these family-friendly events offer great reasons to plan your trip around something extra special.

14. Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum

This springtime celebration is the largest floral festival in the Southwest. It features half a million blooming bulbs, interactive family programming, and themed weekends with music, crafts, and garden games. It’s colorful, calming, and perfect for a spring stroll.

• Admission: Included with Arboretum entry; reserve timed tickets in advance during peak bloom
• When to Go: Mid-February through mid-April
• Smart Family Tip: Plan an early arrival, especially during weekends. Families staying nearby can make this a low-stress morning outing paired with a lakeside lunch.
• Map It: Dallas Arboretum Location

Each spring, Dallas Blooms transforms the Arboretum into a sea of color, with over 500,000 blooming bulbs and family-friendly programming that celebrates the season in full bloom.

15. Autumn at the Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village returns each fall with thousands of gourds, playful themes, and colorful displays kids can explore.

Storybook characters and seasonal activities make this one of the city’s most photogenic traditions.

• Admission: Included with general entry; around $20 for adults, $12 for kids
• When to Go: Late September through early November
• Smart Family Tip: Weekday mornings offer thinner crowds and cooler temps. Explore Sonesta stays near the festival venue.
• Map It: Dallas Arboretum Location

16. State Fair of Texas

The State Fair is a full-sensory celebration of Texas culture, held each fall at Fair Park.

Kids will love the Ferris wheel, petting zoo, and Midway rides, while parents can sample inventive fair food and visit live shows and exhibits.

• Admission: Around $15 to $25 per person; online discounts available
• When to Go: Mid-September through mid-October
• Smart Family Tip: Visit midweek for shorter lines and easier parking. Families staying in Downtown or Deep Ellum are just minutes from the gates.
• Map It: Fair Park Location

From giant treats to twinkling lights, the State Fair of Texas delivers a full day of kid-friendly magic with rides, games, animals, and food as bold as the Lone Star State.

17. Addison Oktoberfest

This kid-friendly take on Oktoberfest includes carnival rides, crafts, live polka bands, and plenty of German-inspired snacks.

While parents enjoy the biergarten, kids can take part in family contests and interactive shows designed just for younger visitors.

• Admission: Around $10 to $15; kids under 9 are free
• When to Go: Typically held the third weekend in September
• Smart Family Tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring sunscreen. Staying in Addison or North Dallas means less time in traffic and more time at the fairgrounds.
• Map It: Addison Circle Park Location

Hidden Gems Locals Love

Not everything worth seeing in Dallas makes the guidebooks. Some of the most rewarding family experiences are tucked into neighborhoods and parks that locals return to again and again. These hidden gems combine calm, curiosity, and creativity in just the right measure.

18. Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House

• This peaceful spot inside Fair Park is home to organic gardens and a two-story tropical butterfly house where kids can watch colorful species take flight.
• Educational exhibits cover pollinators, ecosystems, and native plants.
• Admission: Around $10 for adults, $5 for kids
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Check for free-admission Wednesdays. Staying near Downtown or Deep Ellum puts you just minutes from this quiet escape.
• Map It: Texas Discovery Gardens Location

 

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19. Play Street Museum

A local favorite among parents with toddlers and preschoolers, Play Street offers themed locations filled with imaginative, hands-on play. Think mini cities, farms, or space centers built just for little ones.

• Admission: Around $14 per child; adults are free
• Hours: Varies by location; typically 9 AM to 5 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Sessions often sell out, especially for late mornings. Book ahead and arrive on time as each visit runs in timed blocks. Many locations are near casual lunch spots or coffee shops, perfect for a post-play snack.
• Map It: Play Street Museum Plano Location

20. Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

Tucked inside the Dallas Arboretum, this science-focused garden features over a dozen interactive exhibits covering water cycles, weather, energy, and plants.

Kids can climb treehouses, play with wind tunnels, and learn while they move.

• Admission: Included with general Arboretum admission
• Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Smart Family Tip: Bring a change of clothes and snacks. Find a range of delightful Sonesta stays near the venue.
• Map It: Rory Meyers Garden Location

Where to Eat

Meals with kids in Dallas aren’t just pit stops, but part of the fun.

From laid-back barbecue joints to sunny patios near the city’s best parks, Dallas serves up family-friendly dining with big flavors and even bigger hospitality.

In Dallas, family meals are more than just refueling, they’re a chance to slow down, laugh a little louder, and savor comfort food that’s as welcoming as the city itself.

21. Pecan Lodge

Located in Deep Ellum, Pecan Lodge is famous for its slow-smoked barbecue and Southern sides. Its welcoming, casual atmosphere and shareable platters make it a great spot for families to dig into Texas comfort food.

• Kid Favorites: Beef brisket, mac and cheese, ribs
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to sold out; closed Mondays
• Smart Family Tip: Go early. Kids love peeking at the pit, and the line moves fast. Limited seating means an earlier lunch is smarter for families.
• Map It: Pecan Lodge Location

 

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22. Bread Winners Café

A local brunch institution, Bread Winners serves bakery-fresh breakfasts and hearty café meals in a cozy setting. The kid’s menu includes pancakes, mac and cheese, and French toast with strawberries.

• Kid Favorites: Chocolate chip pancakes, muffins, fruit cups
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to beat the brunch crowd. Ask for a kids’ activity sheet or coloring menu.
• Map It: Bread Winners Uptown Location

 

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23. Bubba’s Cooks Country

Serving up Southern comfort food in a welcoming, cafeteria-style space, Bubba’s feels like a family reunion in the best way. It’s fast, flavorful, and built for big appetites.

• Kid Favorites: Chicken tenders, green beans, soft rolls
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 6:30 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday until 10 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Visit on weeknights for “kids eat free” deals and faster seating.
• Map It: Bubba’s Location

24. Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse

A Dallas legend since 1958, Sonny Bryan’s serves classic barbecue in a laid-back café space. With booth seating, friendly staff, and flavorful sides, it’s a no-pressure spot where kids feel welcome.

• Kid Favorites: Pulled pork, green beans, soft rolls
• Hours: Daily, 11 AM to 9 PM
• Smart Family Tip: Booths are ideal for families. Sonny Bryan’s has several locations across the Dallas area, so you can choose the one closest to your day’s plans.
• Map It: Sonny Bryan’s Original Location

25. Dining at Sonesta

Many Sonesta hotels in Dallas offer convenient on-site dining or suite-style kitchens. Ideal for families who prefer homemade breakfasts, easy lunches, or quick snacks before a day of exploring, this option makes staying in feel just as easy as going out.

Sonesta ES Suites Dallas Medical Market offers complimentary breakfast to start the day and fully equipped kitchens in every suite for families who love the comfort of cooking their own meals.

Sonesta Simply Suites Dallas Galleria features spacious suites with full kitchens, ideal for preparing snacks or meals just the way your family likes them.

Sonesta Select Dallas Central Expressway is home to The Commons, a casual on-site eatery where families can enjoy everything from fresh breakfasts to indulgent morning treats.

Sonesta ES Suites Dallas Central Expressway provides complimentary breakfast daily and in-room kitchens stocked with the essentials, perfect for everything from quick bites to full family dinners.

Sonesta Simply Suites Dallas Richardson includes a full kitchen in every suite along with outdoor grill access, giving guests even more ways to save and savor home-style meals on the road.

Family-Friendly Sonesta Stays in Dallas

From residence-inspired hotels to contemporary stays near top attractions, Sonesta offers family-friendly stays designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable for all ages.

Whether you’re planning a weekend of museums and parks or simply need space to unwind between outings, Sonesta Dallas-area hotels blend convenience with comfort, so you can focus on the fun.

Plus, with Sonesta Travel Pass, our award-winning loyalty program, you can earn points, unlock exclusive perks, and make every family getaway go a little further.

1. Sonesta ES Suites Dallas Medical Market Center

6950 N. Stemmons Freeway

Dallas, TX 75247

Located just minutes from Dallas Market Center, this residence-style property offers apartment-like suites with full kitchens and plenty of space to unwind as well as a range of thoughtfully curated amenities.

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2. Sonesta Select Dallas Central Expressway

10325 N. Central Expressway

Dallas, TX 75231

Located in North Dallas, this modern hotel offers generously sized rooms and convenient amenities such as on-site cafe, fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool.

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3. Sonesta ES Suites Dallas Central Expressway

10333 N. Central Expressway

Dallas, TX 75231

Settle into homelike comfort at this extended stay hotel featuring spacious suites with fully fitted kitchens and delightful amenities, including free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and cozy common areas.

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4. Sonesta Simply Suites Dallas Galleria

13939 Noel Road

Dallas, TX 75240

Located less than a mile from The Galleria Mall, this hotel offers apartment-style suites with full kitchens and generous workspace, laundry services, a gym, and more.

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5. Sonesta Simply Suites Dallas Richardson

12525 Greenville Ave.

Dallas, TX 75243

Ideal for short and long-term stays alike, our family-friendly property offers spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, a gym, and other convenient amenities.

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