Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Dallas - 2021
2021 Best Places for Kids in the Dallas region!
The best places to take kids in Dallas, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in and around Dallas: Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more, sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter, and be sure to click on Everything That's Free.
1. Dallas Zoo
Welcome to the largest zoological experience in Texas! Thousands of animals and an unwavering commitment to conservation, education and research.
2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
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.
3. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Epic Waters is TX's Largest Indoor Waterpark! Located in Grand Prairie, TX, the park showcases 80,000 sq. ft. of year-round weatherproof family fun. Epic Waters is home to thrills from mild to wild, including 12 waterslides, the longest indoor action river in Texas, an outdoor wavepool, a children’s play area that’s equipped with an aquatic fort, a double FlowRider® surfing simulator, an arcade, a café, a full-service bar, private cabanas, and much more!
4. Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower is the iconic centerpiece of the ever-changing Dallas skyline. Futuristic and always reaching upward, it symbolizes the city it stands above. Expand your horizons from 470 feet up you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, a free digital photo and an indoor/outdoor observation deck that lets you see for miles in any direction. Take your next celebration to new heights at Reunion Tower.
5. My Local Library
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.
6. The Dallas World Aquarium
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.
7. One of a Kind Petting Zoo
If you're hosting a birthday party, holiday event, picnic, corporate event, school function, play, stage production, TV commercial, animal photo shoots or a visit to the nursing home for someone who needs a cuddly animal visit, we can accommodate.
We travel from our location to yours. You haven't had a one of a kind event until you've rented "A One of a Kind Petting Zoo", the very best traveling zoo.
A One of a Kind Petting Zoo also offers pony rides, pony carousel, pink ponies, unicorns, theme ponies and petting zoo's at competitive prices. Whether you’ve come to pet a cute friendly critter for the first time, learn new things about farm animals, or just be entertained by the comical antics of the gentle petting zoo animals, you will discover the whole different world that is "A One of a Kind Petting Zoo".
We provide gentle animals for many For both indoor and outdoor events, we can provide donkeys, mini cows, mini goats, sheep, rabbits, cute mini piggy's, chicks and ducks.
8. North Texas Performing Arts
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 performing arts schooling alternative for full and part-time students in grades 6-12. NTPA Starcatchers offers programs for students with disabilities. NTPA’s classes are taught by highly qualified directors, actors and singers who have worked everywhere from Broadway to L.A.
9. Credit Union of Texas Event Center (formerly Allen Event Center)
10. Dallas Arboretum
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.
11. Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Farmers Market at Market Square, 120 W. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie, Texas, is open Saturdays from late March through mid-December and features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, tamales, baked goods, salsas, dips, relishes, eggs, honey, chips, soaps, candles and more.
12. Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
Connect with nature at this natural science education center and 289-acre wildlife sanctuary preserved in McKinney, Texas. Explore miles of hiking trails, exhibits and more.
13. Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
If you are looking for the best year-round indoor amusements in the Prosper, Plano, Allen and McKinney areas, Urban Air Adventure park is the perfect place! With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family and you will see why we are more than just a trampoline park. Urban Air Trampoline Park has been voted BEST Gym In American for Kids by Shape Magazine, BEST Place To Take Energetic Kids and BEST Trampoline Parks.
14. Dallas Museum of Art
Established in 1903, the DallasMuseum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country. With a free general admission policy and community outreach efforts, the DMA is distinguished by its commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement. At the heart of the Museum and its programs is its global collection, which encompasses 25,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing a full range of world cultures. Located in the nation’s largest arts district, the Museum acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations.
15. Frisco Water Park @ Play Frisco
Cool off this summer with our seven water features. Challenge a friend to a race down the Preston Plunge, conquer The Fort, or float the Lazy River, and much more. You’ll find plenty of shade and a concession stand, too.
16. Frisco Heritage Museum
Welcome to the Frisco Heritage Center, a historical park where you can visit the Frisco Heritage Museum, historic buildings, a steam locomotive, a wooden caboose, and more.
Exhibits invite visitors to explore the rich history of the area, chronicling the community's rise from a stop along the Shawnee Trail to the development of the city of Frisco, Texas, now one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
17. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Come experience Arlington's most thrilling waterpark filled with over 20 rides and attractions. With towering exciting water slides, relaxing lazy rivers and wave pools, and splash parks for the kids, Hurricane Harbor Arlington has something for everyone!
18. Ripley's Believe It or Not - Grand Prairie
Come explore the unexplainable at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! With 5 unique attractions, there is something for everyone of all ages! Take selfies with the stars in our Louis Tussauds Palace Of Wax, see unique artifacts and artwork from all over the world in our Ripley’s Odditorium, get lost in our Enchanted Mirror Maze, test your senses in our new 7D Moving Theater, and duck under lasers to beat the clock in our Impossible Laser Race. You can even make custom wax hands and green screen photos, see you there!
19. Hawaiian Falls Waterparks
Hawaiian Falls is built with the family in mind. We are passionate about serving our guests by creating a clean, safe and fun Hawaiian themed environment for the whole family. You can play with the kids in the Wave Pool, float down the Lazy River, or watch as they go down their favorite rides like the Pineapple Express. Whether you're looking for a way to relax or looking to entertain the kids on a hot summer day, Hawaiian Falls has you covered!
20. Topgolf Dallas
Topgolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout spot.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator
North Texas Performing ArtsNTPA 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 2-18 in Plano, Fairview, Frisco and Dallas. The NTPA Academy offers a high-quality performing arts schooling alternative for full and part-time students in grades 6-12. NTPA Starcatchers offers programs for students with special needs. NTPA’s classes are taught by highly qualified directors, actors and singers who have worked everywhere from Broadway to L.A.
Top Sports Educator
YMCA of Metropolitan DallasThe 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.
Top STEM Educator
Sci-Tech Discovery CenterBright ideas! That’s what Sci-Tech Discovery Center hopes to inspire. By providing hands-on discovery experiences in the essential areas of science, math and technology to kids of all ages and backgrounds. Sci-Tech Discovery Center seeks to spark a life-long interest and help equip our area’s children with these advanced skills. At Sci-Tech we believe in advancing education and providing inspiration to the next generation of engineers, scientists, educators and innovators.
