Ranked one of the best places to raise a family in 2017, Carrollton is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is home to a vibrant community. The city is filled with a lot of great attractions that are sure to appeal to many different kinds of travelers. These attractions range from the natural beauty of nature trails to the delicious cuisine served by its great restaurants. And if you’re planning to take a trip here and are wondering where to stay, there are a number of Airbnb vacation rentals that you can avail. With all of these wonderful attractions and fun activities, this city is definitely one of the best places to visit in Texas, especially for families. So you don’t miss out on what this city offers, here is a list of the best things to do in Carrolton, Texas.
1. Nature's Gallery
Nature’s Gallery is a full-service rock shop that’s owned and operated by Donald Slater, who has a Geology degree. If you’re an aspiring geologist or a rock and mineral enthusiast, then Nature’s Gallery is the place to go in Carrolton, TX, especially since the shop boldly states that it’s the “only full-service rock shop in the Dallas - Fort Worth area”.
Needless to say, this shop has a plethora of magnificent rocks and minerals in its inventory. It also offers to make custom jewelry and lapidary made with the same rocks and minerals they sell.
Nature's Gallery
Address: 1102 S Elm St Ste 102, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: Nature’s Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Elm Fork Nature Preserve
Elm Fork Nature Preserve is a 40-acre (16.1-hectare) nature preserve that guarantees birdwatchers and nature lovers a great treat and a fun but free thing to do in Carrolton, TX. The preserve protects a wide variety of animals including raccoons, fox squirrels, beavers, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, woodpeckers, cardinals, and many more.
To further this point, the nature preserve has a 1.3 km (0.8 mi) nature trail that has been rated as an easy route. This trail allows visitors to go for a short stroll around the preserve and enjoy the sights and sounds of these magnificent creatures.
Elm Fork Nature Preserve
Address: 2335 Sandy Lake Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: Elm Fork Nature Preserve
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
3. The Finishing Touch Antique Mall
If you’re wondering what to do in Carrolton, TX, and in the mood to find some great knickknacks, then The Finishing Touch Antique Mall is a great place to visit. True to its name, this mall is filled to the brim with shops that each sell their own set of unique and beautiful antiques that are sure will be a great commemoration of your visit to Carrolton.
Some of these antiques include knickknacks, clothing, housewares, furniture, jewelry, tools, classic books, and even retro video games. You may be surprised and suddenly take a trip down memory lane while you’re looking through this wonderful mall’s inventories.
The Finishing Touch Antique Mall
Address: 1109 S Broadway St, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: The Finishing Touch Antique Mall
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
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4. Josey Ranch Athletic Complex
Josey Ranch Athletic Complex is a park that is maintained by the city of Carrollton itself. The park is described as beautiful and quiet which makes for a great place to spend some time with the family or have a nice picnic. With the park’s vast size, visitors can go for a nice walk around the area and take in the beautiful scenery and landscape.
The park also has a sports complex where visitors have access to a number of facilities that they can use. These facilities include grills, a playground, and a walking trail.
Josey Ranch Athletic Complex
Address: 1440 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: Josey Ranch Athletic Complex
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:30am - 5:30pm; Fri: 7:30am - 11:30am (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
In the mood for some Japanese food? If the answer is yes, then Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has you covered. This conveyor belt sushi restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi and Japanese dishes that are sure to leave a positive impact on your mouth.
Some examples of dishes you can relish here include beef sushi, tuna sushi, salmon sushi, red dragon roll, tekka maki, kappa maki, shrimp tempura, Harajuku summer salad, takoyaki, tonkotsu ramen, miso ramen, and kitsune udon. As for ambiance, the restaurant emulates the feel of an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant and the quality of its food well.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Address: 2540 Old Denton Rd #140, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10:30pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
6. W.J. Thomas Splash Pad
W.J. Thomas Splash Pad is a great place to take your kids if they’re in the mood to have some fun in the water or simply want to cool off the summer heat. This simple yet wonderful Carrollton attraction features a number of amenities to make sure your visit is worthwhile.
These amenities include shaded areas, various tables, a number of grills, and a deck. Do note that these amenities are on a “first come, first serve” basis. There is also a tennis court and soccer field right next to the water park where you and your kids can play some fun outdoor games.
W.J. Thomas Splash Pad
Address: 1955 Perry Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006, United States
Website: W.J. Thomas Splash Pad
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
7. Historic downtown Carrollton
The historic downtown is where you will experience the Carrollton atmosphere best. The nice little square with a gazebo in the middle and American flags all around it definitely sends out that patriotic vibe. Come here during the winter holidays or different local events, like the Chocolate Walk, and you will love the decorations in the downtown square.
The historic downtown is full of non-chain restaurants, cafes, and cute little antique shops, all great for an evening visit. People who have been here recommend a stop at the candy store and Twisted Root Burger. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is not to be missed either, for a tasty homestyle meal.
Historic Downtown Carrollton
Address: Carrolton Town Square, Carrollton, TX
Website: Historic Downtown Carrollton
8. Sandy Lake Amusement Park
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
In a family-friendly town like Carrollton, the Sandy Lake Amusement Park fits perfectly. Its paddle boats and bumper cars guarantee fun for both kids and adults. Kids love the merry-go-round, pony rides, and carnival-style rides like tea cups and the mini Ferris wheel. While kids have fun, adults can stay in the shade and enjoy a nice picnic or they can join the fun.
Sandy Lake Amusement Park
Address: 1800 Sandy Lake Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri - closed, Sat-Sun - 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Website: Sandy Lake Amusement Park
9. Cavanaugh Flight Museum
Just a 12-minute drive away from Carrollton, in the small town of Addison, you will find the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. Home to beautifully restored aircrafts, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum is a unique place and a must-see if you’re in the area. You can even see aircrafts from World War I and II, all restored and in perfect condition. The collection is pretty unique and also includes aircrafts from the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and 3 civilian aircrafts, including the first one from the museum. Visitors can also take a ride in few of them, if requested in advance.
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
Address: 4572 Claire Chennault St, Addison, TX 75001
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat - 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sun - 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Website: Cavanaugh Flight Museum
10. Addison Circle Park
While you’re in Addison, definitely check out Addison Circle Park, a green space and recreation area in an urban setting. The park is where events and festivals take place in Addison, but it is also a lovely place for a walk or a picnic. Watch the 4th of July fireworks from the park or drink beer at the Annual Oktoberfest Festival!
Addison Circle Park
Address: 4970 Addison Cir, Addison, TX 75001
Website: Addison Circle Park
11. Oran Good Park
Filled with open playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, the Oran Good Park is great for kids and sports enthusiasts. The playground is clean and safe and children absolutely love coming here to play and make new friends. At Oran Good Park, there are two separate playgrounds, one for toddlers and one for older kids, both with lots of fun things to do. On the toddlers’ side you will also find shade canopies that keep kids safe from the sun on hot summer days.
Oran Good Park
Address: 13300 Dennis Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
12. A. W. Perry Homestead
A.W. Perry Homestead is the perfect place to experience history and get an idea of how bygone days looked like in Carrollton and around this area. This authentic Texan homestead was transformed into a museum as a way to preserve and present life in the 19th century. Make sure you also check out the barn next to the museum, which is also part of the A.W. Perry Homestead.
A. W. Perry Homestead
Address: 1509 N Perry Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006
Website: A. W. Perry Homestead
13. Rosemeade Recreation Center
There’s nothing like a recreation day on your travels and that’s why the Rosemeade Recreation Center should be on your Carrollton list too. The variety of facilities and activities that can be done here definitely makes this place a must-try. The Rosemeade Recreation Center currently has 2 gyms, 4 racquetball courts, volleyball and basketball courts, a game room, refreshment areas, and a dance floor for classes. The Recreation Center is located inside Rosemeade Park, so there are plenty to do outdoors too in the surrounding areas.
Rosemeade Recreation Center
Address: 1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75007
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30 am-10:00 pm; Fri - 5:30 am-9:00 am; Sat - 9:00 am-8:00 pm; Sun - 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
Website: Rosemeade Recreation Center
14. Sam Houston Trail Park
On sunny days, a short drive to Irving is definitely worth it. There you will find the Sam Houston Trail Park, known for its 22-mile (35 km) greenbelt pathway along Trinity River, which is great for a morning jog, biking, or rollerblading. Many people who have tried it appreciate the fact that it’s well-maintained and surrounded by greenery.
Sam Houston Trail Park
Address: 101 I-635, Irving, TX 75038
Website: Sam Houston Trail Park
Carrollton, Texas: a great place for relaxation, recreation, and some outdoor fun
There are many reasons why Carrollton, Texas is a great place to visit or live. It is safe, kid-friendly, has plenty of outdoor areas to explore for both sports enthusiasts and families, and offers easy access to many great spots in nearby towns in Texas. So pack your bags and go check it out! Stay for a little or a while, you decide! Chances are, you will fall in love with this lovely place, and you wouldn’t be the only one!