10 Things to Do in Dallas With Kids

As the weather heats up, you might have already started to plan out some outdoor activities in Dallas to try this summer with your family and friends.

Did you know there are several health benefits of spending time outdoors? Even just viewing nature can have positive effects on your mental and physical well-being. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite outdoor activities in Dallas for you to try (just don’t forget your SPF 30 and protective sun gear!) 

And before you go, make sure you check out our blog, Staying Hydrated and Protected While Under the Sun.

1. Experience the Thrill at Six Flags Over Texas

With 212 acres of themed rides, steel coasters, and food stands, Six Flags is a perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy. Located in Fort Worth, Six Flags features a variety of pass options, including day passes, group rates, and summer passes.

2. Take a Stroll at the Dallas Arboretum 

Interested in more leisurely outdoor activities in Dallas? Grab the kids and head out to take a stroll through the Dallas Arboretum. There, you will enjoy botanical gardens, luscious scenery, educational programs, annual events and festivals, and more.

3. Visit the Dallas Zoo or Fort Worth Zoo

Looking for things to do in DFW with the kids (that they will all enjoy, regardless of their age)? DFW has two zoo options, the Dallas Zoo in South Dallas and the Fort Worth Zoo. Home to thousands of animals and hundreds of different species, each zoo offers membership or day pass options for you and your family to enjoy.

4. Relax in Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is one of the most-visited parks in Dallas, mostly because it adjoins the ever-popular Dallas Arts District. The park features a large playground for the kids to enjoy, play sports, and attend special themed events. Be sure to check the website for exciting sports events and live concerts.

5. Take a Trolley Ride

The historic McKinney Avenue Trolley dates back to 1983, making it a great and historical way to enjoy Dallas. Kids can tour around and even visit the Arts District in downtown. The trolley is free and you can ride it as many times as you want. Plus, it passses by Klyde Warren Park, several eateries, and many Uptown stores.

6. See the Sights With a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Whether you are new to the DFW metroplex or you’d just like to “be a tourist in your own city,” a sightseeing bus or trolley tour offers the perfect way to see and experience the history of Dallas. 

7. Take a Hike in the Dallas Parks

Most people don’t think of Texas first when it comes to hiking and camping, but in actuality, the DFW area offers a lot of great greenery hotspots for just that. While Dallas is best known for its sports and barbecue, what many people don’t realize is that it is also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. 

Here are a few of our favorite hiking trails for fun outdoor activities in Dallas.

Cedar Ridge Nature Center

Adjacent to Cedar Hill State Park, the preserve spans over 600 acres and features 12 trails each of which spans 2 to 5.4 miles long. The most popular trail is Cedar Brake Trail, which is a 2.2-mile loop with various elevation changes and spectacular scenic vi

Katy Trail

Fondly called the “hidden treasure of Dallas,” the Katy Trail is one of the most well-known, popular hikes in the DFW metroplex. The trail is 7.5 miles long from Houston Street in Uptown Dallas to Airline Road in Highland Park. 

North Shore Trail

For a more challenging hike, the North Shore Trail offers 18 miles of scenic lake views. Located on Fairway Drive in Grapevine, this moderate hiking trail is also popular for mountain bikers. Hiking in the spring and fall is recommended for cooler weather and more shade. End your hike at the southern trailhead near sunset and you’ll experience a beautiful view of the sunset over a rocky shoreline.

Visit White Rock Lake

Families love riding around the 9-mile circuit that surrounds this lake on top of rented bikes. At this enormous lake, you can canoe, kayak, bird watch and fish for bass, crappie and catfish.

Interested in more outdoor workout ideas? Check out our blog, Taking Advantage Of Cooler Weather: Outdoor Workouts That Burn Fat.

8. Go to a Baseball Game

Are you a baseball fan? Then you are in luck, because one of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in Dallas this summer includes attending a Frisco RoughRiders or a Texas Ranger game in Arlington, TX. Plus, the Texas Rangers recently built its new $1.2 billion Globe Life Field, complete with a retractable roof stadium.

9. Splash Into a Local Waterpark

There is no shortage of outdoor waterparks in Dallas for kids and adults. Grab your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and head over to one of these locations: 

10. Test Your Skills at TopGolf Dallas

At TopGolf Dallas, you’ll enjoy climate-controlled hitting bays with HDTVs in every bay and throughout the bar and restaurant. Bring your own clubs or use the complimentary TopGolf ones to take aim at large targets with balls that score themselves.

Have you decided to travel this summer instead? Make sure you check out our blog for summer safety tips and to stay informed on health concerns or when you need to visit the ER this summer. You can also check out this packing checklist to make sure you are prepared this summer.

Interested in a quick, printable list of all of these outdoor activities in Dallas (plus a few more not listed here)? Download our free PDF list of things to do in DFW with kids!

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