Home to one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas or the Big ‘D’ witnesses people coming in from all parts of the world all throughout the year. And this continuous rush isn’t without its reasons. Dallas has various cultures oozing out from all corners of the city, thus making it an ideal holiday destination for people from all spheres of life. And in case you aren’t too much into culture and history, Dallas won’t disappoint you either. The city has many fun and recreational activities on offer that would ensure that you aren’t left thinking ‘what to do while in Dallas’! Here are some of them.
1. Befriend the animals at Dallas Zoo
The largest in Texas with 106 acres (43 hectares) of land to explore, Dallas Zoo is the perfect place to visit with kids. The zoo offers many family activities that will keep you and your little ones entertained. You can feed the giraffes, get up-close with reptiles and porcupines, grab a seat at the Wild Amphitheater, and learn all about many fascinating animals from experienced zoologists.
Dallas Zoo
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States
Website: Dallas Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
2. Admire the city from up above Reunion Tower (from USD 24.0)
At 470 feet (143 meters), Reunion Tower offers great 360-degree bird’s eye views of Texas City. The GeO-Deck is an advantageous point from which to admire the urban landscape down below. It makes for a fun family outing or a romantic spot for a special night with your loved one. Alternatively, you could join a sunrise yoga class, take part in a wine tasting tour, or show off your painting skills.
Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
3. Join a scavenger hunt around Dallas (from USD 44.0)
Joining a scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging way to discover Dallas. Urban Adventure Quest turns exploring a town into a competitive race. Find clue after clue while learning about the town’s history and culture. You will only need a fully charged smartphone, pen and paper, a pair of reliable walking shoes, and the determination of a winner. Are you ready?
Urban Adventure Quest: Scavenger Hunt in Dallas, Texas
Duration: 3.5 hour
4. Let your creative side loose at Paint Party and Live Art Demonstration (from USD 65.0)
Joining Paint Party and Live Art Demonstration is another exciting way of getting to know a city and its inhabitants. Regardless of your skill level, you will be provided with all the necessary gear to work on a masterpiece as well as a signature cocktail to help let the spirits loose. An experienced artist will guide guests through basic techniques, different mediums, and painting methods, before letting them to complete their work of art.
Paint Party and Live Art Demonstration
Duration: 2 hours
5. Take a break from the city at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Situated on the northwestern side of town and overlooking White Rock Lake, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a luxuriant, peaceful oasis should you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since 1984, the arboretum has served as an open-air research lab in horticulture and other disciplines. Extending over 66 acres (26 hectares) of land, it features annual events, educational programmes, and family-oriented activities. Come take in all the beauty and serenity that nature has to offer.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States
Website: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Must visit museums in Dallas
6. Relish the magic of Science at Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Today is the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, which marks the official beginning of spring. This is when is...
Posted by Perot Museum on Sunday, 20 March 2016
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is very different from any orthodox museum. The outdoor space and the building of the museum itself are nothing short of lessons in science with an exemplary display of state of the art technology and engineering. Some of the exhibits in the museum include a variety of mind boggling videos, 3D computer animation and simulations which are almost life-like. The building also houses six learning labs in its education wing and a children’s museum which is usually crowded. The tickets cost 19 USD for adults and 12 USD for children aged 17 and below.
7. Join fun activities offered by Dallas Museum of Art
Boasting of more than 22,000 pieces as exhibits, the Dallas museum of Art is the Mecca of artwork in the country. The artwork on display includes pieces of Mediterranean art, ancient American and European art, artwork from Asia, Africa and much more. The museum also offers a number of fun activities for kids, lecture series from authors and poets and much more. Though the general admission is free, tickets to the special exhibition cost 16 USD. The museum remains closed on Mondays.
8. Fly the SR-71 at the Frontiers of Flight museum
If the flying machines attract you, this is the place to be. The Frontiers of Flight Museum lets you go into the history of aviation and its progression through the years. One of the major attractions of the museum is the Link SR-71 simulator. Due to its small size, you can cover the entire museum in 90 minutes. The museum also houses a theater screening stories of many Holocaust survivors. Other exhibits include various missiles and aircraft.
The tickets cost 10 USD for the adults and 5 USD for students or youths.
9. Listen to the historic stories as told by the Old Red Museum
If there is one place in the city that binds all of Dallas’ history together, it is the Old Red museum. One of the most prominent symbols of Dallas’ heritage, the Old Red Museum was built in 1892 with an aim of educating the visitors about the area’s rich history. Some of the most intriguing exhibits related to this city are kept here. Over 40 touch screen computers ensure that the visitors’ experience is optimum to say the least. A 150 year old teapot is waiting for you at the Old Red! Plan your visit now.
Free things to do in Dallas
Money should never determine the amount of fun you end up having. And the Big D certainly believes in that saying! Money is never a barrier to having a good time in Dallas. Forget your wallet and just step out of your house! Here’s a list of things to do in Dallas for free!
10. Visit the Arts district
Easily the largest arts district in the country, the Dallas arts district boasts of many performance theaters, top class restaurants, museums and offices. You can take a guided 90 minute walking tour of the place and get to know the history and stories behind some of the most incredible buildings in the country. One of the most visited attractions is the Nasher Sculpture Center which boasts of some of the best sculpture exhibits in the entire world.
11. Spend time with family at Galleria
If indoor malls are your thing, Galleria is just the perfect destination for you. Some of the best shopping destinations, including well-known fashion brands are housed at Galleria. It also has a skating rink, so if you are in a mood to put on the wheels, this is the perfect place. A lazy weekend in Dallas is best spent at Galleria! Though there is no admission fee, a shopping spree may leave your pocket a bit dented!
12. Go back in time at John F. Kennedy Memorial and Dealey Plaza
At the 6th floor of the Dealey Plaza is the famed John F. Kennedy Memorial. John F. Kennedy was shot dead right here, which makes it an integral part of the American history. Kennedy’s shooter fired at him from the plaza building. The rifle used by the shooter and the window are open to public display. Being at this place in front of that window can be a heart-wrenching experience.
13. Admire the amazing pieces of art at Public ArtWalk Dallas
Pegasus Plaza Artist Brad J. Goldberg Date: September 1994 Medium: Leuders limestone and granite
Posted by Public Artwalk Dallas! on Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Some of the most amazing pieces of art in the city can be witnessed along this 3.3-mile long route in the city’s Art District. This route has been essentially designed for an ideal workout. You can see families taking walk on this path all through the year. Enough said, Go out and cut down some of those calories!
Places to enjoy Dallas’ nightlife
14. Head towards the House of Blues
If there’s a mega concert in Dallas, the chances are that it is happening at the House of Blues. One of the premier party places in the town, the House of Blues is never a dull place to be. The drinks and food are top notch; the staff is extremely polite and courteous, and the place is safe and secure. The stage size makes it an ideal venue for big concerts. The tickets to most of the concerts are priced between 20 USD and 30 USD. The Dallas House of Blues is known to be a notch above the rest of HoBs across the country. Enough reasons to try, aren’t they?
15. Have fun with friends at Bowl and Barrel
Posted by Bowl & Barrel on Sunday, 8 October 2017
This is the place to get the bowl rolling (literally) in Dallas! Ideal for an evening with friends, Bowl and Barrel can be extremely fun and relaxing. Apart from the state of the art bowling alley, this place also offers delectable food to the visitors. The prices are charged on per lane basis and go up for a certain time period in the day. With a huge crowd almost every day, a prior reservation is highly recommended.
16. Grab a few drinks at Adair’s Saloon
Posted by Adair's Saloon on Monday, 28 October 2019
You won’t find a better fusion of live music, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere anywhere in Dallas than at Adair’s Saloon. The drinks are moderately priced, the staff is well mannered and the place is usually full but not crowded. Sunday brunch is their specialty and is pretty famous around the city. Just to give you a head’s up, they also have some Grammy award winners performing live!
17. Catch a play at Majestic Theater
From standup comedy shows to high-end fundraisers, the majestic theater is an ideal venue for all sorts of stage events. Located in downtown Dallas, this ‘majestic’ theater is also open for private bookings. The seating capacity is about 1700 strong according to their website. This venue, built in 1921, has a regal feel attached to it, which is one of its high points.
Places to enjoy Dallas’ Art and Culture
18. Keep the little ones entertained at Dallas Children’s Theater
Jack is heading INTO THE WOODS to sell his cow, Milky White. Will they ever it to the market, or will they be distracted...
Posted by Dallas Children's Theater on Thursday, 18 July 2019
The Time magazine has recognized the Dallas children’s theater as ‘one of the five best children’s theaters in the country. With a varied range of programs including biographies being screened at this stage, it has remained a major crowd puller in the city ever since its inception. The price of tickets ranges from 12 USD to 40 USD. Tip: They also run special Saturday discounts, so plan accordingly!
19. Learn about the arts and cultures of Asia at Crow collection of Asian Art
Wish to take a tour of Asia right at the center of Dallas? This place is as close as it gets. Dedicated exclusively to some of the most vibrant artworks from India, Japan, China and Southeast Asia, the Crow Collection of Asian Art was actually a gift to Texas from Mr. and Mrs. Trammel Crow. Some of the exhibits at the museum include an 8th century Tang Dynasty Horse from China and a 7th century sandstone sculpture from Cambodia from the pre-Angkor period. While there are tickets for the exhibits and lectures, the museum also holds a number of free of cost wellness classes such as yoga, morning meditation and breathing exercises. Go and discover the other side of the globe now!
20. Catch a show at Dallas Summer Musicals
Dallas summer musicals represent the very best of Broadway Theater in North Texas. The year-long performances include live musical theater suitable for all age groups. Apart from the single tickets, they also offer season-long subscriptions. The musical hall also provides a delectable buffet in the price range of 21.95 USD to 24.95 USD. Running time for most of the shows is 2 hours 30 minutes.
21. Enhance your understanding of modern world at International Museum of Cultures
Posted by Museum of International Cultures on Thursday, 18 April 2013
International Museum of cultures in Dallas is the place where cultures from different countries come together to put up some of the most exciting shows. Be ready for some nostalgia since you might come across some exquisite souvenirs related to your forefathers! This non-profit organization depends solely on the contributions made by the international and local communities. Welcome to the melting pot of International cultures!
Best shopping destinations in Dallas
22. Check out the shops at Park Lane
Live in the center of it all at Galleries at Park Lane.
Posted by The Shops at Park Lane on Wednesday, 22 January 2020
In Dallas, shopping is synonymous to the shops at the Park Lane. Some of the country’s most well-known fashion brands and restaurants can be found at this Park Lane intersection. The famous Bowl and Barrel is located right here. With over 5000 parking spaces on offer, this place can never be too crowded. Some of the other well-known entities that can be found here include the Art Institute of Dallas, the Fusion Academy, the culinary institute and the Aveda Institute. A bit of advice – Do keep some extra space in your car while coming here, because no matter what, you aren’t going out of here empty handed!
23. Go on a food tour of West Village
Posted by West Village on Monday, 12 March 2012
They call it the place to shop and get entertained in Dallas. Situated in Dallas’ Uptown (though it is called uptown’s downtown), the West Village gives you access to 19 high quality chef run restaurants along with a host of high end fashion retail shops. P.S. They offer a free valet parking before 4 pm, so get there early!
24. Shop for fresh produces at Dallas Farmers Market
You can smell fresh fruits and vegetables a mile away from this place. Apart from the fresh veggies and fruits, you would also be greeted by many works of craft. To find the maximum number of vendors, plan your trip on a weekend. The eateries inside the market offer a wide variety of meat, cheese and pates. Other food items on sale include sweets and sea food. The market is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
If these reasons aren’t compelling enough, let us add one more for you – free parking!
25. Give your kids a perfect outing at Grapevine Mills
Posted by Grapevine Mills on Wednesday, 29 February 2012
The Grapevine Mills are one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the state of Texas. In house AMC 30 theaters make sure that you aren’t far away from your favorite flick. Some of the biggest attractions of the place include Sea Life aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center. Multiple connected museums, bungee jumping, carousel and a kids’ train make it a perfect destination for your children. They charge 11 USD for a total of 5 rides. If you are looking to keep yourself busy for the entire day, this is just the place!
The Big D never fails to disappoint
There is hardly any other city in the US that boasts of being such a ‘complete package’. Home to some of the most historic sites and some of the most upscale shopping and entertainment destinations, Dallas can take you back in time only to transport you into the future the very next minute. If you are bored in Dallas, there aren’t many other cities around the world that can keep you entertained!
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