When visiting one of the largest cities in Texas, a trip to Dallas offers plenty of attractions for kids and adults alike. From exotic animals to cultural arts, a variety of educational explorations that keep children interested and busy are found throughout the city. Attractions in Dallas, Texas, create lasting memories centered on nature, science, history, adventure and the arts.
As the first zoological park in the Southwest, the Dallas Zoo has entertained kids since 1888. Stretching across 95 acres, children will find thousands of animals to explore. A visit to the Wilds of Africa places kids in the midst of western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and African penguins. Primate Place is filled with monkeys, including spider monkeys and gibbons. Other animals living at the Dallas Zoo include hippos, rhinos and elephants. Souvenirs at the Zoofari Market include posters, games, toys, stuffed animals and nature books
Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E)
Dallas, TX 75203
214-670-5656
dallaszoo.com
According to TIME Magazine, the Dallas Children's Theater is one of the best five theaters in the nation for kids. The theater is responsible for 11 main stage productions, educational activities and outreach programs. From puppetry arts to musicals, theater productions include the likes of Hansel & Gretel and The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe.
Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman St.
Dallas, TX 75231
214-978-0110
dct.org
The Museum of Nature and Science offers a "Come and Explore Your World" program at their Children's Museum, which consists of five galleries that allow kids to learn about everyday living. For example, the Little Urban Farm lets kids play farmer for a day, learning how to milk a cow and plant crops. Some activities focus on the duties of popular careers, including firefighters and engineers. The museum provides many enriching activities for children that encourage creativity, exploration and education.
Museum of Nature and Science
3535 Grand Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75315
214-428-5555
natureandscience.org
A popular place for birthday parties and family outings, Adventure Landing provides a range of activities for kids. With creatively landscaped courses, the amusement park offers three 18-hole miniature golf themes with tunnels, waterfalls and mountains. Laser tag takes place in an indoor battle arena with tactical attack zones, mazes and sound effects. Other features of Adventure Landing include batting cages, go-karts and the interactive Teddy Bear Factory, where kids build their own stuffed animals.
Adventure Landing
17717 Coit Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75252
972-248-4653
adventurelanding.com/dallas
Offering a glimpse into the train history of Dallas, the large locomotives of the Museum of American Railroad intrigue kids with their size and features. Tours include all the "bells and whistles" of the grounds, from luxury lounge cars to passenger trains. More than 30 historic pieces of equipment are on display -- contained in the oldest surviving depot in the city. The museum also offers an entertaining location for birthday parties that come with free gift bag, including a paper engineer hat and plastic train whistle.
Museum of American Railroad
1105 North Washington Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75204
214-428-0101
dallasrailwaymuseum.com
