When planning a weekend trip to Dallas, Texas, you will need to prioritize what you and your family want to see and do first. Among the many attractions, Dallas has world-class museums, an excellent zoo and many lush gardens. It is also the city where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, forever burning Dallas into American history.
If you and your family enjoy the outdoors, then you should consider visiting the Dallas Zoo. Founded in 1888, it is the first zoological park in the Southwest, according to the zoo’s website, dallaszoo.com. With over 95 acres, it is the largest zoological park in Texas. You will see gorillas, storks, penguins, chimpanzees, crocodiles and meerkats in the “wilds of Africa”. The 20-minute narrated monorail tour travels through 6 African wildlife habitats.
Dallas Zoological Society
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E)
Dallas, TX 75203
214- 670-5656
dallaszoo.com
Over six million people from all over the world have visited The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza since it first opened in 1989, according to the museum’s website, jfk.org. While there, you can learn more about the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, see nearly 400 historic images in the museum's permanent collection and watch 45 minutes of documentary films. The Dealey Plaza Cell Phone Walking Tour will allow you to see and hear details about the day that Kennedy was assassinated.
Another “must see” is monument in the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. The memorial is a roofless room with walls standing 30 feet high and 50 by 50 feet wide, with two narrow openings facing north and south, according to the Historical Marker Database (hmdb.org). Due to the memorial’s special construction and lighting effects, the structure appears to be solely supported by light when viewed at night.
The Sixth Floor Museum
411 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214- 747-6660
jfk.org
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
500 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214- 747-6660
You and your family may enjoy a self-tour of the sculpture garden at the base of the Trammell Crow Center in downtown Dallas. There are over 20 sculptures to view from the French masters, including Rodin. Your family will love the relaxing setting and cascading waters of this free garden. The Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum is located at the rear of the garden area, which also is free.
Trammell Crow Garden and Asian Art Museum
2010 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
214-979-6430
www.crowcollection.com
