Every day can be family day in Dallas. Whether passing an afternoon in the park, reveling in 19th-century medieval entertainment, or playing all the games inside an arcade: there’s of fun things to do in Dallas with kids.
Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum is a true Dallas gem. Home to 66 acres of dazzling flora, a spectacular program of seasonal events not withstanding Dallas Blooms, Summer at the Arboretum, and Holiday at the Arboretum, as well as educational and cultural opportunities – it is one of the top botanical gardens in the world and one of the best things to do in Dallas with kids.
Dive into a one-of-a-kind sensory adventure at SENSAS, an experience that invites you to heighten your senses. From pitch-black rooms to rainbow-colored spaces, you’ll have to touch, smell, listen, and even taste your way through unique challenges. It’s perfect for groups, families, and friends—learn more & get tickets here!
Looking for a fun, out-of-the-box thing to do with kids? The Bubble Planet experience is filled with colorful, sensory-filled rooms, interactive moments, and plenty of space to explore, making it an easy win for families. And if you’re celebrating a birthday, you can take it a step further with a dedicated space, complete with festive décor, space to gather, and everything set up so you can walk in and enjoy cake, music, and memories without the stress.
Universal has opened its first theme park built entirely for young children in the Dallas area. The 20-acre Frisco resort focuses on kids aged 2 to 9, swapping out high-thrill attractions for compact walking distances, shorter lines, and gentle coasters.
The park features seven themed lands, including SpongeBob SquarePants‘ Bikini Bottom, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, and DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp.
Visitors navigate a mix of dark rides, water play zones, live shows, interactive games, and character meet-and-greets. Those staying overnight can also book rooms at the on-site hotel, which includes family suites fitting up to six guests.
Neon Brush Kids is a 90-minute painting workshops, where both children aged four or over and their parents can tap into their artistic potential. Led by an experienced artist, guests can use the materials provided at Beehive Dallas and paint whatever they like—because creativity knows no bounds.
When it comes to traditional fun, there’s debatably no more longstanding tradition than the spectacle of knight combat. Texas’s only Medieval Times is located right here in Dallas. Inside the castle gates, Medieval Times features a two-hour tournament complete with jousting, falconry, and horsemanship. Meanwhile, spectators can dine in royalty over a four-course banquet in true medieval fashion.
Located in Frisco just outside of Dallas, KidZania is a 100,000-square-foot replica city where kids can learn the ropes to the real world. From firefighters to chefs, dentists, or even podcast-hosts, kids can engage themselves in hands-on professional activities between 100 occupations among 50 buildings and ultra-realistic streets inside the miniature city of KidZania.
Play the past: an immersive, interactive museum where video games are meant to be played.
The National Videogame Museum at the Frisco Discovery Center houses over 100,000 vintage consoles, rare arcade cabinets, and 20 interactive exhibits — including a 15-foot Pong and a fully recreated 1980s bedroom — offering a hands-on, neon-lit journey through gaming history.
iCompete is a 30,000-square-foot entertainment center that features state-of-the-art batting and golf simulators, as well as axe-throwing and darts both equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas, situated in Arlington, Texas, stands as the premier spot for those seeking thrills and fans of amusement parks alike. Spanning 212 acres, this iconic park has been delighting visitors for over sixty years with its mix of heart-pounding rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment, ensuring enjoyment for everyone.
Alongside its array of exhilarating rides such as BATMAN The Ride, AQUAMAN: Power Wave, and CATWOMAN Whip, the park offers a diverse selection of live shows, seasonal festivities, and exceptional dining choices, making it a must-visit destination for Dallasites seeking a day of excitement.
The Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills offers family-friendly rides, splash areas, and interactive play zones based on the popular children’s series; it celebrated its one-year anniversary and earned national recognition as a top new attraction.
Work on your short game at the massive Tiger Woods’ Popstroke facility in Grandscape. The exciting venue features 37 indoor-and-outdoor mini-golf courses complete with fairways, roughs, and bunkers, as well as a yard-game area, playground, full-service restaurant, and ice cream parlor.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is an action-packed entertainment hub located at The Colony in Grandscape. It boasts state-of-the-art virtual reality and gaming technology, a sprawling arcade, a blacklit two-story laser tag arena, duckpin bowling, elevated neon go-kart tracks – now with their new mini Mario go-karts, and multiple dining areas.
Taking your child to a Candlelight concert in Dallas is a magical experience, blending live music with the glow of candlelight in stunning venues, including Edison’s. With performances ranging from classical pieces to modern hits, it’s a captivating and family-friendly outing for kids aged 8 and up.
Round One is a Japanese bowling alley and arcade that features a wide swatch of entertainment under one roof. Whether taking a spin on its interactive bowling alley, going for a round of pickleball, emptying your allowance in the arcade and/or claw machines, or belting karaoke ballads – Round One has it all.
Furthermore, the venue features billiards ranging from ping-pong-pool, and darts, as well as a restaurant area for familiar staples in addition to a selection of Japanese favorites.
Watch incredible, awe-inspiring cinema at Cosm in Dallas. The larger-than-life venue features a state-of-the-art 360-degree, high res screen known at The Dome that enables theater-goers to enter another world. Present screenings include Orbital, Liquidverse, and O by Cirque du Soleil.
Super Llama is a 20,000-square-foot, indoor inflatable park that’s known as the largest inflatable park in Texas. Here, the kids can enjoy a whirlwind of slides, obstacle courses, games, and all-around fun in West Plano.
Do the kids need more slides in their lives? Head over to Slick City, an indoor waterless park packed with a colorful variety of slides in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Located in Denton, Slick City also features an inflatable court, soft play area, and Junior Jungle for the youngest ones.
