Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Dallas

Explore the 106-acre Dallas Zoo to see and learn about the more than 2,000 animals in their care. From conservation efforts, to education programs for all ages - on top of it being the ideal place for a family outing - start your adventure today at the Dallas Zoo! 

Explore your world through 11 mind-blowing exhibit halls filled with magnificent prehistoric creatures, the wonders of space, and extraordinary experiences with wild weather, glistening gems, robots, sports, and more. Race a virtual T. rex, experience the power of earthquakes and construct model skyscrapers. Spark little imaginations in a mini version of downtown Dallas and take in a variety of traveling exhibitions. Exhilarating 3D films, a Wolfgang Puck Café and outdoor leapfrog forest complete the day of fun. A world of scientific wonders awaits.

The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene setting on White Rock Lake.

Get ready to experience unbelievable family fun at the fascinating Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with four awesome indoor attractions under one roof. Discover wonder in our Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium, mingle with your favorite star at Louis Tussaud Palace of Wax, take a ride on our thrilling 7d Moving theater, or find your way through Ripley’s enchanted Mirror maze. Ripley’s Grand Prairie is your one-stop destination for hours of family fun!

The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects.

Bahama Beach Waterpark, located only 10 minutes south of downtown Dallas, is the perfect place to cool off each summer. We have everything from 45 foot tall slides for the big kids and adults who are young at heart, to an interactive water playground with a 1000 gallon dumping bucket for the little ones. And for those who want to kick back and relax, grab a tube, wade into one of two zero depth entry beaches, and take a float down the lazy river. Plenty of shade, reservable private cabanas, and food & beverages to satisfy all of your summertime cravings tops it all off. So bring the whole family and make a day of it at Bahama Beach Waterpark!

Of course, the libraries in the Dallas area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.

NTPA is an educational nonprofit dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment. We believe that theatre changes lives. We strive to teach our students not only how to act, sing and dance, but also how to be better human beings.

NTPA offers classes, productions, and camps for ages 5-18 in Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas and Southlake. The Conservatory at NTPA Academy offers a high-quality, flexible schooling option for students in grades 6-12 who want to pursue a career in the performing arts. Specialty programs include NTPA Collegiate Pursuits, NTPA Studios film production program, NTPA Starcatchers for students with disabilities, and NTPA Deaf Theatre. 

As the premier presenter of touring Broadway in the region, Broadway Dallas delivers the hottest, most award-winning, edge-of-your seat exciting shows to our diverse, multi-generational audiences on a year-round basis (not just in the summer).

The Y is dedicated to building programs for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility that promote strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive by providing supportive and inclusive environments that nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.