Indoors or out, Dallas is a destination for all seasons. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly entertainment to beat the heat, whether you prefer the great outdoors or indoor attractions to stay cool.
Here
are our picks for families looking to play the day away in Dallas
Six Flags over Texas
Located in nearby Arlington, Texas, this Six Flags amusement park is clean, safe, and family-centric. If you’re familiar with the franchise, you’ll know what to expect: plenty of big roller coasters and thrill rides for the tween and teen set, and an equal number of play spaces for the toddlers and preschoolers. Bring your own water bottles to stay hydrated (that Texas sun is brutal!) and save some cash.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The heart of the Grapevine Mills mall, which is a destination unto itself, LEGOLAND is the perfect place to cool off and spend an afternoon in the air conditioning. There’s a 4D movie screen, rides, and lots of space for LEGO block free play. Our kids’ favorite activity: building and testing the race cars on an ‘official’ LEGO track.
Galleria Indoor Skating Rink
Located on the Dallas Parkway, Galleria is easy to get to and a great alternative to swimming on a hot Texas day! Public skating hours vary, but are offered nearly every day of the year, and families can usually see some pretty talented athletes practicing on the ice (Texas takes their sports seriously). Inside the Galleria shopping complex, dining and other services (like nice bathrooms) are easy to find.
Fair Park
Home to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Fair Park is the perfect oasis for families. Rent swan boats on the lagoon and paddle around the lake. The only caveat: each boat can only hold three people, so plan accordingly. There are picnic tables on-site, gardens, and low-key, kid-friendly rides. Fair Park is also home to the Texas State Fair in early fall, which is a great excuse for an autumn getaway.
King Spa & Water Park
Don’t tell the kids, but this water park is really all about mom and dad. One part rides, one-part spa, King boasts a lively play pool for the youngsters with slides and lazy rivers, and a ‘bade’ pool with jets and massage streams for the adults. There’s also a full spa with themed relaxation rooms and bar for the grown-ups. The entire facility is calming and peaceful…a welcome change from most water parks!
NRH20
Located in North Richland Hills, this classic water park offers outdoor rides on overdrive for the younger set at Frogstein’s Forest and Splashatory, plus a wave pool, slides, and activity pools galore. An awesome treat on summer evenings, NRH20 hosts "dive-in" movies in the wave pool…perfect for families looking for a nighttime activity.
Klyde Warren Park
Located downtown, this urban park is a great place for visiting families to orient themselves with the city, while enjoying a host of free activities and attractions. There’s a children’s park, ping-pong, croquet, a dog park, and even a lending library for books and games. Stroll through the gardens, take in the sights, and enjoy the outdoors in beautiful Dallas. As an added bonus, Klyde Warren is a magnet for food trucks, so families can taste some haute Texas cuisine while not breaking the bank.