Dallas is a booming metropolis with an interesting mixture of history and culture. We’re perhaps best known internationally for our beloved Dallas Cowboys, but there’s much more to us than just touchdowns and record-breaking wins (yeah, we had to slip that one in there). The city’s museums are some of the most visited in Texas, and if you ask us, the vibrant arts scene is unmatched. So if you’re looking for things to do in Dallas, we’ve compiled a list of unforgettable activities, events and more taking place in the city that you’ve got to experience at least once in your lifetime.
1. Wander around Dallas Arboretum
The 66-acre Dallas Arboretum is one of the most visited spots in the city. The lush botanical gardens host a number of must-see exhibitions and events throughout the year, including colorful floral festivals and quirky arts and craft shows. Despite the chilly weather, the gardens really come alive at winter, especially when the super festive displays featuring never-ending rows of Christmas trees and twinkling fairy lights light up the park.
📍8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
2. Take in breathtaking views from Reunion Tower
One of Dallas’ most beloved additions to its stunning skyline is the soaring Reunion Tower. From 470 feet up, visitors can experience the city in all its glory and take in 360-degree panoramic views on the GeO-Deck. And for all the hopeless romantics out there, you can purchase the ‘Love Is in the Air’ package which includes admission to the deck and two complimentary sparkling glasses of wine. It’s a great date idea and would make the perfect spot to pop the question (hint hint, nudge nudge).
📍300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
3. Experience magical Candlelight concerts
Thousands of flickering candles are lightening up some of Dallas’ most incredible venues to set the scene for these enchanting Candlelight concerts. Talented musicians including solo pianists and string quartets work their magic on music by legendary composers such as Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky as well as contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Edison’s, Frontiers of Flight Museum and HALL Arts Hotel are some of the impressive Dallas locations that have opened their doors to this series of immersive concerts that you simply can’t miss.
Get your tickets to this series of Candlelight concert in Dallas here.
4. Fly high at Frontiers of Flight Museum
Frontiers of Flight Museum is an aviation paradise. Founded in 1988, this place spans over 100,000 square feet and is home to more than 30,000 aviation artifacts. From tiny plane parts to a huge Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, there’s a whole host of items to gaze in awe at. The historical exhibits include military aircraft used in WW1 and WW2, and there’s also an interesting display on female pilots that served during both wars. Ticket prices range from $12 for adults to $9 for kids aged 17 and under.
📍6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
5. Sip on a pint at a brilliant Dallas brewery
One thing about us Texans is that we love to crack open a cool beer for any and every occasion, and Dallas’ beer scene doesn’t disappoint. The beer-loving breweries here have all you could ever ask for when it comes to supplying the good stuff, from refreshing lagers to zesty IPAs. Pegasus City Brewery and Manhattan Project Beer Co. are some of our favorite spots in the city to visit and try out their vast selection of craft beer.
6. Explore the depths of the ocean at Dallas World Aquarium
Curious to know what lies beneath the surface of the deep blue sea? Dallas World Aqaurium is practically overflowing with stunning sea life from all around the world. Get your hands wet with their touch tanks as you pet stingrays and feed the adorable family of archerfish . The aquarium is home to tiny sea creatures, tropical fish, enormous sharks, a Giant Pacific octopus, manatees and more, and the enormous tanks offer spectacular views of some of the wonders of the underwater world.
📍1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
7. Crack codes and solve riddles on a Mystery Picnic Tour
This Mystery Picnic date is one of the most romantic outings you could enjoy in Dallas. Minds collide as you and your partner work together to solve fun puzzles and tricky riddles that will lead you both straight to a glorious picnic spread. Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll nibble on cheese, meats, fruits, crackers and more picnic staples prepared by local artisan producers. The self-guided foodie adventure takes loved-up couples on a tour around Dallas’ most exciting neighborhoods, and it makes for an utterly unique date idea.
Get your tickets to Mystery Picnic Date: Self-Guided Foodie Adventure – Dallas here.
8. Get an adrenaline rush at Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas is 212 acres of thrilling rides, yummy food and lots of fun. The amusement park has a great selection of attractions to choose from, from family-friendly rides for the little ones to enjoy to super fast roller coasters that adrenaline junkies just can’t resist. There’s also a ton of restaurants and cafes like Dusty Dans and Johnny Rockets that serve up tasty all-American classics including unbelievably huge hot dogs and finger-licking good burgers.
📍Arlington, TX 76011
9. Channel your inner child at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is home to exciting themed worlds made purely out of Lego. Walk through Lego forests, drive around in Lego cars and hop onboard a chariot on the Kingdom Quest ride as you explore the fun exhibitions here. From Thursdays to Sundays, you can even meet your favorite Lego stars and say hello to characters like Emmet, Bertie and more! Tickets cost $30.30 per person and kids under three get free entry.
Purchase tickets to LEGOLAND Discovery Center here.
📍3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051
10. Check out the famous Sixth Floor Museum
Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the legacy and death of former president John F. Kennedy. It’s one of the most-visited historical sites in Texas and features artifacts, documentaries and a recreated sniper’s perch that replicates the space Lee Harvey Oswald waited in before he eventually assassinated the president. Entry costs $22 for adults and audio guides will be available on your visit.
📍411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
11. Have a blast at Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater
Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater is a hidden Dallas gem where you can drink, dine, bowl and much more. Inside this renovated 1930s movie theater, you can hit strikes at their bowling alley and sing your heart out at the on-site karaoke bar. If you need a little dutch courage before grabbing the mic, then head to their Projector Bar and sip on a cocktail or beer inside the original projector room-turned-speakeasy.
📍1825 Abrams Pkwy Suite C, Dallas, TX 75214
12. Swing through the trees at Trinity Forest Adventure Park
Trinity Forest Adventure Park is the only aerial adventure park in Texas. Each course has a different degree of difficulty, so both thrill seekers and climbing newcomers can have fun here. You’ll take on wobble bridges, tight ropes, ladders, cargo nets, zip lines, and more. What better way to challenge your balance and your bravery at the same time?
📍1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
13. Check in on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium
Located in Arlington, AT&T Stadium is home to the famous Dallas Cowboys. During football season, you can catch a game here or take a behind-the-scenes tour around the enormous stadium throughout the year. But if you’re not a huge football fan, you can explore the venue’s impressive art collection or watch your favorite artist tear up the stage at a show-stopping concert (the likes of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones have all performed here before).
📍1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
14. Dare to dine differently with Dining in the Dark
Before we eat food, it’s believed that we first feast with our eyes. We judge the dish in front of us based on the colors and shapes we can see. So what happens when we can’t see the food? Well, that’s the question Dining in the Dark has set out to answer. As you sit blindfolded in one of Dallas’ finest restaurants, your taste buds will work overtime to distinguish between the delicious flavors of the three-course meal in front of you. Choose between a meat, seafood or vegan menu and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure at this unique dining experience.
Get your tickets to Dining in the Dark in Dallas here!
15. Release some stress at Class Axe Throwing
Class Axe Throwing is your go-to place to have some fun and release some stress in the process. You have an hour to practice the art of axe throwing, hit a bullseye and crown one of your friends the champion axe thrower. For groups of two to three people, the flat rate is $99.99. Groups between four and twelve people can get stuck in at a discounted price of $28.99 per person, and everyone is welcome to bring their own booze.
📍715 N Glenville Dr #440, Richardson, TX 75081
16. Dine out at one of Dallas’ finest restaurants
There’s no shortage of superb eateries in Dallas. The city is brimming with restaurants and bars that serve up delicious food, from show-stopping steakhouses to chicken wing havens. Whatever cuisine you feel like treating yourself to, Dallas has a restaurant for it. Devour tasty tacos at a Mexican, indulge in a deliciously spicy curry at an Indian or devour as many slices of cheesy goodness you can handle at one of these unbeatable pizza joints.
17. Get up close and personal with the animals at Dallas Zoo
From enormous elephants to cheeky chimpanzees, you can get to know over 2000 species of animals at Dallas Zoo. Feed giraffes, walk around the huge aviary and get up close and personal with a variety of the zoo’s residents including reptiles, birds, porcupines and much more at the Wild Encounters Stage. Zoo keepers are always on hand to share interesting facts and stories about the animals you’ll meet, and you can learn even more through the zoo’s 360-degree VR experience.
Ticket prices range from $8 to $22 depending on the date and time you’re planning on visiting, and tickets should be purchased online before your arrival.
📍650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
18. Catch a movie at the cinema
Rainy day in Dallas? Or is it too hot to even think straight? Heading to the movie theater and watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster or indie flick is always a good idea when the weather isn’t cooperating. You can now purchase tickets to participating AMC and Regal cinemas at a reduced price with these exclusive discounts that have no expiration date.
Check out Fever’s exclusive deals on cinema tickets in Dallas.
19. Take a stroll around Klyde Warren Park
Nestled in downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a great spot to get a bit of well-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nothing beats breathing in some fresh air with a coffee in hand and taking in the beautiful sights of the nature around you. But if you’re looking for fun ideas to do while you’re there, the park has got you covered too. Wander around the quirky markets, boogie at a silent disco or watch a movie with a picnic at the ‘Movies in the Park’ evenings that usually run throughout the summer.
📍2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
20. Sneak into a speakeasy
Disguised behind deceptive facades, Dallas’ speakeasies are clandestine spots with a lot more going on behind closed doors. Experienced bar staff serve up heavenly cocktails and other delicious drinks in a cool and sophisticated environment, and sometimes finding the entrance to these hidden gems feels like an achievement in itself. Places like Midnight Rambler and Truth & Alibi are some of our favorite secret spots for a refreshing tipple, but don’t forget! Check their socials before going to get your hands on the passwords you’ll need to get in.