If you’re planning on making a trip to Dallas for the summer, planning your visit can be a little intimidating. Although the city of Dallas has a wide variety of activities, you’d only be seeing a small percentage of what the area has to offer; and often some of the most family-friendly spots aren’t technically considered “Dallas!”
Recently, Dallas Moms Blog created a 25 Things to Do This Summer in DFW list to help residents and visitors make the most of their time of the metroplex during the summer; however, we’ve helped you out, Austin, and have narrowed it down even further to our top 5 things you MUST do when in Dallas.
1. Perot Museum of Nature and Science: This multimillion dollar project is now the first stop when visiting Dallas. It’s 5 floors of fun for kids of all ages and will fill up an entire day (if you don’t mind skipping nap time!). You can’t help but be amazed as you take the journey to the top on a 54 foot escalator that lets you off in a world of dinosaurs. Each floor is designed to be experienced up close and often hands-on all the way down to the lower level. In the “basement” of the Perot Museum, you’ll find the Moody Children’s Museum full of interactive centers and play structures perfect for kids ages 5 and under. And while your littles are playing, send your big kids over to the Sports Hall across the aisle where they can test their skills virtually to famous athletes.
2. Dallas Arboretum: Known for their nationally recognized Pumpkin Village in the Fall, the Dallas Arboretum becomes a colorful floral park in the summer with a variety of activities for families. Enjoy crafts, music, a petting zoo, and face painting every Friday from 10am-2pm, an evening summer concert series each Tuesday & Thursday, and all with a backdrop of this year’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Flower Village theme.
3. Legoland Discovery Center & SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium: Although these are located in the same mall (Grapevine Mills) right across the way from each other, be careful about thinking you can do them both in the same day! Legoland & SEA LIFE have so much to see and do in each that you can easily spend at least half a day in each spot. Pace yourself, and break it up with a meal at the Rainforest Café!
4. Dallas Zoo: If you’ve haven’t been to the Dallas Zoo in the last several years, give it another chance! While it used to be slightly run down, the Dallas Zoo has had a major come-back with its Giants of the Savannah habitat and LaCerte Family Children’s Zoo. Watch from an observation area as elephants, ostriches, zebras, and giraffes roam together on 10 acres of land. (Hint: Make sure to bring some lettuce!) And kids will love the Children’s Zoo where you can walk into a bird sanctuary, feed goats and sheep, and even ride a pony!
5. Fair Park: The place to be this summer in Dallas! There’s so much to do! Have fun at the first annual Summer Adventures where you can experience all that the State Fair has to offer (without Big Tex). Then, stop by the Children’s Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Texas Discovery Gardens, and go for a swan boat ride on the lagoon.
For more information on sightseeing or “off the beaten path” activities to do with your family in DFW area, visit Dallas Moms Blog’s website or find up to the minute information on Facebook and Twitter.
