Animals
If your family goes all soft and gooey at the sight of fluffy chimps and splash-happy penguins then Dallas has a choice of wildlife-swathed attractions for you. Kids and adults will be captivated by the furry mammals and underwater creatures in the city’s zoo or its equally excellent aquarium. The Dallas World Aquarium
Wander through the rainforest and waterways of Dallas World Aquarium to discover the shark, ray, and sea turtle-swathed world of Mexico’s cenotes. Make sure to head outdoors to the lush, reptile-filled South African botanical exhibit to get up close to tortoises, frogs, and geckos.
1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas TX 75202. Dallas Zoo
Nestled just a few miles south of downtown, Dallas Zoo’s home to some of the city’s most fearsome mammals, including lions and tigers. Africa is the focus for the zoo, so you can expect to see lots of monkeys and gorillas too. The children’s zoo is a firm favorite thanks to its petting area where little ones can get up close to donkeys, pigs, and other pets and farm animals.
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas TX 75203.
Theme parks
There’s nothing quite like a whizzing whipping roller coaster ride to stifle any bored and tired whines, and Dallas’ favorite amusement park will keep kids, teenagers and adults thrilled for hours. Six Flags Over Texas
Looping coasters, swaying pirate ships, and splashy water rides are just some of the delights on offer at this vast theme park. Located in Arlington, just a short drive from downtown Dallas, Six Flags Over Texas was the first in the Six Flags chain and is still as popular today as it ever was.
2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington TX 76010.
Sports
Dallas is big on sports, so don’t miss catching a baseball, football, or basketball game featuring one of the city's national teams. AT&T Stadium
Home to the iconic Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium’s a go-to spot for football fans. Catch a game at this space-age style arena during the football season. If you’re around off-season you can still get your football fix by taking a stadium tour.
1 AT&T Way, Arlington TX 76011.
Family dining
Dallas may be known for its mouthwatering high end restaurants, but there’s plenty of family-friendly dining options too. As well as national chains, the city has its own much-loved brands offering everything from Tex-Mex favorites to kid-friendly pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. The Lot
If you’ve spent the morning exploring White Rock Lake – or even if you haven’t – head to The Lot when tummies start rumbling. A haven of locally sourced food, this relaxed eatery-cum-bar-cum-beer garden’s a seriously good spot for kids thanks to its sand pits and yummy menu.
7530 E Grand Ave, Dallas TX 75214.
Taco Joint
Tasty breakfast chilaquiles, anytime burritos, and lunch-time tacos are just some of the perks of this colorful laid-back Tex-Mex chain. It’s a no-brainer spot for families with several outlets across Dallas.
911 N Peak Street, Dallas TX 75204.
