50 Things To Do In Dallas in 2023

What’s special about this place?

Known as America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys play in AT&T Stadium with an 80k-100k seating capacity, which makes it the largest stadium in the NFL by the number of people it can fit. This retractable roof stadium is also home to an art museum, an interactive classroom, and a hotel among other facilities.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Football fans who’d sell a kidney to watch their favorite team play are more than welcome here. Fortunately, the tickets aren’t too expensive and you won’t have to actually dig deep into savings to enjoy a game or two and tour the stadium on the same day. If you purchase a more costly tour package, you might even get the opportunity to run out into the field.

What to do here?

It doesn’t take much to feel like you’re a part of the Dallas Cowboys team — just being surrounded by the walls of the AT&T Stadium is sufficient. But if you want to take it up a notch, check out when the football team has matches scheduled and plan your trip to Dallas around those dates. You can also tour the place and see the players’ private suites and the locker rooms.

Best Time to Visit

AT&T Stadium is always busy when Dallas Cowboys have a game. Fans from across the country come to the city to watch their beloved NFL team win. And while this means that no matter when you visit Dallas to catch the game, the stadium will always be crowded, you can still book a guided tour earlier in the day to check out the stadium in a small group of people.

Learn more about tickets for the Dallas Cowboys here!

What’s special about this place?

An impressive, educational theme park! Strategically placed in two locations — in Fair Park and in Victory Park — Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a go-to place for learning more about history through interactive exhibits and educational displays. The sites range in themes and include dinosaurs, space exhibits, the elements of human anatomy, and plenty more.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a playground for both kids and adults. The exhibits at the museum address everything from Texa ecosystems to scavenger hunts that help expand the minds of every visitor regardless of his age. Since it appeals to all age ranges, families with kids will remain pleasantly surprised by the diversity displayed at the museum.

What to do here?

Split your visit to the museum over two days to get the most out of each campus. Take the time to investigate dinosaur skeletons and witness how birds interact with each other. There’s also a planetarium and an IMAX theater at the Fair Park campus where you can take your kids once they get tired from roaming around the museum.

Best Time to Visit

Saturdays and Sundays tend to be the most crowded days at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. To avoid having to deal with kids’ tantrums, visit on quieter days during the week before 1 PM when the museum is not as busy. Tuesdays are off days at the museum.

Learn more about the Perot Museum of Nature and Science here!

What’s special about this place?

If you see the Reunion Tower, this is a dead giveaway that you’re in Dallas. Commonly referred to as The Ball, it’s 171-meters high and illuminated by the whopping 259 LED lights at night. Needless to say, if you want to look at the city from up high, Reunion Tower is the best place for that.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Panoramic view lovers and those who like to check the touristy items off of their list first should head straight to the Reunion Tower. The three rectangular shafts the dome sits on feature elevators that will get you to the top at a light’s speed. From there, you’ll just have to take in the views and not forget to capture the experience.

What to do here?

Enjoy 360-degree views from the GeO-Deck when the sun has already set and educate yourself on the city’s story via the built-in interactive screens. You can also peer through the telescopes to get a better view of Dallas. Then, have dinner at the Five Sixty restaurant that rotates in the air.

Best Time to Visit

Located in Hyatt Regency Hotel complex, Reunion Tower is a fairly popular site in the city. This translates to plenty of visitors trying to carve out some time to climb to the top of it at any given time. If you don’t want to wait for your turn to use the telescope, consider stopping by on any day from Monday to Thursday when it’s not too crowded.

Learn more about the Reunion Tower here!

What’s special about this place?

For an award-winning barbecue joint that honors the old cooking traditions, you can’t miss out on Pecan Lodge. Every guest has confessed that the best fall-off-the-bone beef ribs in town are here and it’s worth seeing it for yourself when in Dallas. As the restaurant owners themselves put it, where there’s smoke, there’s flavor.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Meat enthusiasts who can handle species might not want to go to any other BBQ restaurant after acquainting themselves with food here, at Pecan Lodge in Dallas. It’s smokey, buttery, and full of flavor that makes you want to order one plate after another. There’s only one caveat — you have to be okay with waiting in the queue to get a table.

What to do here?

Check the menu beforehand and sit at the bar to avoid standing in the long line. Get a plate of jalapeno sausages and beef brisket, and wash it down with some beer. If in the mood for something sweet afterward, get a homemade peach cobbler or Aunt Polly’s banana pudding before you leave.

Best Time to Visit

Open every day of the week, Pecan Lodge isn’t a stranger to long lines of people wanting to try the famed pit-smoked beef ribs. That said, if it’s just two of you, you can take a seat at the bar and skip the line. Otherwise, be prepared to queue if you decide to stop by on Friday or the weekend.

Learn more about Pecan Lodge here!

What’s special about this place?

Opened as a part of the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, this Aquarium at Fair Park has since been renovated to become the number one destination for tourists. With 6 exhibit areas giving you a glimpse into the marine world, there are hardly any species that aren’t featured here. A warning — your kids might like it a bit too much and it’ll be hard to convince them to go home.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Even though it’s designed for children, adults will get a kick out of spending a few hours at the Fair Park’s Aquarium too. There are several zones to explore including the ones dedicated to freshwater creatures, coastal organisms, shore animals, near-shore animals, intertidal species, and offshore fish. Pick the ones you’re most interested in and skip the rest.

What to do here?

Stroll through the many tanks filled with water creatures of all kinds and let your kids ask you questions. If they become interested enough, you might be dealing with a marine biologist in the near future. If not, it’ll be a great activity for them to engage in before it’s time to have lunch.

Best Time to Visit

Good news — the Aquarium is open seven days a week! This means that no matter when you’re in Dallas, you can be sure that it’s open. The most popular times are 10 AM to 1 PM on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so keep this in mind when visiting with small children that might require a less crowded space to remain calm.

Learn more about the Aquarium at Fair Park here!

What’s special about this place?

Klyde Warren Park was designed by an award-winning architect Jim Burnett who transformed the space into a family-friendly spot for children to run around and adults to watch a movie out in the nature. Speaking about nature, this 5.2-acre park hosts a variety of free events including music concerts, chess matches, and yoga classes.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

With a dog park, multiple food trucks and restaurants, walking trails, and weekly events, there’s hardly anyone who wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon — or even an entire day — here. The park is conveniently located near to Nasher Sculpture Center and some other sites that make it a great pit stop for when you need a breath of fresh air in the middle of the day.

What to do here?

Have a picnic, listen to live music, partake in a workshop — the number of activities at the Klyde Warren Park doesn’t end here. We recommend you to join a yoga class that takes place every weekend. There, you can stretch your limbs alongside dozens of others who decided to fit a yoga session in their calendar for a clear mind and healthy body.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re thinking of doing yoga at the park, consider waking up early and attending the class when the city is still half-asleep. Check the schedule to make sure you don’t miss the class and stay until noon before everyone else wakes up and takes a stroll through the park with their family.

Learn more about the Klyde Warren Park here!

What’s special about this place?

This art gallery in the heart of Dallas is not your typical immersive experience with several art exhibits. Rainbow Vomit is a one-of-a-kind place that takes you on a journey that challenges your imagination and makes you think outside of the box. It’s both an interactive photography exhibit and a venue designed to accommodate birthdays, parties, and corporate events.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you want to channel your inner artist and let your kids run wild when they see yet another unicorn or a donut bigger than them, put Rainbow Vomit on the list of things to do when in Dallas. It’s a great locale for discovering the works of local and international artists who take creativity seriously and don’t shy away from expressing themselves through colorful and unconventional art.

What to do here?

Pose in front of the unicorn vomiting a rainbow and sit on a pillow surrounded by the fairytale-like clouds and balloons. Sit on a swing and pretend like you’re in the 90s calling your best friend from a telephone booth. Ponder about how many LED lights, how much cotton, and how many miles of ribbon was used to make this artsy spot come to life.

Best Time to Visit

Closed from 24th of September through 28th of October, Rainbow Vomit is open most days from noon until evening. If you want to avoid large crowds, Saturdays and Sundays aren’t the best days to visit the gallery. Arrive right when it opens and you won’t have to wait in line to take a picture with a life-sized unicorn.

Learn more about Rainbow Vomit here!

What’s special about this place?

Referred to as an upscale shopping plaza located between the southwest corner of Preston Road and Mockingbird Lane, Highland Park Village is a must-visit for everyone looking to make a few luxurious purchases. It was declared a national historic landmark in 2000 and remains to be the top shopping spot in Dallas that both locals and tourists like to stroll through from time to time.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Every shopaholic looking to upgrade their wardrobe will score a few good deals at the Highland Park Village. Carrying the title of ‘Beverley Hills of Dallas’, it’s where you’ll find shops like Jimmy Choo, Dior, and Alexander McQueen that not only look high-end but also provide lavish customer service.

What to do here?

Apart from shopping till you can’t anymore, the architecture at the Highland Park Village is nothing short of astounding. If you decide to visit during Christmas when the lights and decorations are in full swing, you’ll want to capture it all to show to your friends and family. There are also personal shopper and concierge services available to visitors as well as sales tax refunds for shoppers coming from abroad.

Best Time to Visit

Open from Monday to Sunday, Highland Park Village is the place to be if stylish designer boutiques are your thing. It’s the busiest from 11 PM until 3 PM and not as busy on Sundays when it’s open from 12 PM till 5 PM only.

Lear more about Highland Park Village here!

What’s special about this place?

Operating since 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Company is a proud home of Deep Ellum IPA, Dallas Blonde, and other sorts of beer. It brews 10-15 different beers every year that locals are quick to taste and recommend to their friends and family. It’s also conveniently located in the live music and quirky street art neighborhood that you don’t want to forget to visit.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Beer experts and novices will enjoy trying a few local staples at the Deep Ellum Brewing Company when in Dallas. To accompany the place’s industrial environment, there are live music performances taking place in the on-site garden. If you’re after an electric atmosphere, come here at night when the place comes alive.

What to do here?

Taste the many types of beer offered at the brewery ranging from Double Rye India Pale Ale to Imperial Mexican-Style Lager and American Sour Blonde Ale. After you enjoy a fresh pint at the taproom, you can tour the brewery if you happen to come on a Saturday. Already a fan of Deep Ellum Brewing Company? Get some merch to remember it by.

Best Time to Visit

It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so keep this in mind when planning out your trip to Dallas. Wednesday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM the brewery isn’t too crowded whereas Saturday is when it’s at its busiest.

Learn more about Deep Ellum Brewing Co. here!

What’s special about this place?

Housing 43,000 artifacts and other knickknacks from the 43rd presidency, George W. Bush Presidential Center is a replica of the Oval Office occupied by the president from 2001 to 2009. It’s set on 23 acres of the University Park in Dallas where the 14,000-square-foot museum has enough space to display nearly every piece of memorabilia of George Bush including personal gifts and letters.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

History fanatics and supporters of President Bush should allocate an hour or two to wander around the museum and learn more about the country’s 43d president. If you have a close friend or a family member in the military, you might also want to stop by the 9/11 exhibit that everyone raves about.

What to do here?

Check out the interactive exhibits featuring the Decision Points Theater allowing guests to make country-wide decisions on behalf of the president. Out of temporary exhibitions, there are those showcasing portraits of America’s immigrants and democracy-based family anecdotes, presidential pranks, and inside jokes that define the presidency of George Bush.

Best Time to Visit

No matter the day of the week, midday seems to be the most crowded time at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. To avoid other visitors blocking your way to see the exhibits you’re most excited about, come early in the morning or after 3 PM and you’ll have the museum almost all to yourself.

Learn more about the George W. Bush Presidential Center here!

What’s special about this place?

Stockyards Championship Rodeo positions itself as the world’s only year-round rodeo held every Friday and Saturday. It takes place at the 1908 Cowtown Coliseum that’s considered to be the first indoor rodeo in the world. This much-sought-after event consists of barrel racing, team roping, toe down roping, bronc riding, breakaway roping, and, of course, bull riding.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Even if you’ve never been to a rodeo before, there’s a good chance that you’ll like going to your first ever rodeo in the state of Texas where it’s declared to be the official sport. This is where you’ll get the authentic Western Cowboy experience with bulls and red flags.

What to do here?

Purchase your tickets beforehand and arrive on time to catch the rodeo at 7:30 PM. Whether you manage to catch the timed event or a rough stock event, you’re guaranteed to see cowboys competing with each other whilst on top of the bulls. There are also mutton and calf scrambles reserved for kids only.

Best Time to Visit

Since Stockyards Championship Rodeo happens every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 in the evening, there isn’t any other time for you to come to Fort Worth in Texas. It tends to get busy both of these days for obvious reasons, so keep this in mind when bringing your kids with you.

Learn more about Stockyards Championship Rodeo here!

What’s special about this place?

This 30-feet tall statue of a giant blue eyeball made from fiberglass is a Dallas phenomenon that never ceases to amaze tourists. Created by the Chicago-based artist Tony Tasset in 2007, it’s as realistic-looking as it gets. You’ll find it hiding behind the fence as it sits on the lawn belonging to the Joule Hotel for an added element of mystery.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re artsy or are simply fascinated by unusual architecture, you’ll get a thrill out of seeing this giant eyeball in person. It’s become a social media hit after people started posting selfies with the eyeball in the background and rightfully so — there isn’t anything like it in Texas.

What to do here?

Fenced-off from the public, the giant eyeball is a modern-day marvel of Dallas that even the locals don’t mind taking a picture with when passing by. So, take a snap of it yourself and make memories that will remain in your phone for a long time. Don’t be alarmed by the red bloodshot nature of the eye — it’s meant to look as close to the real eye as possible.

Best Time to Visit

Just like Chicago’s Bean, this giant eyeball is there to bless everyone’s eyes (and Instagram feeds) 24/7. This means that the statue gets extra attention during the weekend when the majority of people are free to roam around the city. If you don’t want to wait in line to take a photo with the eyeball for too long, consider stopping by after 3 PM during any of the weekdays.

What’s special about this place?

Inspired by European architecture, The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel is culinary heaven where guests and locals alike can indulge in avant- or apres-dinner cocktails and shareable plates. It’s the place that celebrates life through some of its finest components —food and drink.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

For a sophisticated dining experience in one of Dallas’s finest restaurants, you can’t go wrong with visiting The French Room. And while you don’t necessarily have to be a fan of Michelin-type locales, being open to new flavors and food concepts will open new doors for you.

What to do here?

The French Room is known for having a strict dress code that guests have to abide by. Gents need to wear jackets and jeans are prohibited regardless of gender. We recommend you try their signature Caviar Martini that’s served with olives, sea beans, and, of course, sturgeon caviar.

Best Time to Visit

Open from Wednesday through Sunday, The French Room doesn’t accept guests for more than 4 hours. That is, you can only visit from 11 AM until 3 PM no matter what day of the week you decide to come. This exclusivity makes the restaurant that much more appealing to the public looking for an upscale experience.

Learn more about The French Room here!

What’s special about this place?

Located 3 miles south of downtown Dallas in Marsalis Park, Dallas Zoo is one of the top sites you must visit when in the city. Covering 106 acres of land and housing over 2,000 animals, it offers visitors the opportunity to witness South African cheetahs and great white pelicans among other species in real life.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Families with children, families without children, couples, students, and everyone in between will enjoy spending some time at Dallas Zoo. If you’re traveling with children, you can turn visiting the zoo into a long-day activity that will both entertain and tire them. This way, you’ll get some free time to explore the city on your own in the evening.

What to do here?

Pick a day when the weather is good and head to Dallas Zoo to see wild animals you’ve never seen before. We’re talking African lions, wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, and even Goliath herons from sub-Saharan Africa. You can also book a safari trip that will take you on a 20-minute ride narrated by the knowledgeable guide where you can get a glimpse of giraffes, hippos, and other mammals in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit

Lucky for you, Dallas Zoo is open every day of the week. You can choose to come right when it opens at 9 in the morning or drop by later in the day before it closes at 4 in the afternoon. Note that Saturdays and Sundays tend to see the largest number of visitors, especially in the early afternoon.

Learn more about the Dallas Zoo here!

What’s special about this place?

The Rustic is the New American restaurant that makes it possible to enjoy a delicious meal in the open air and listen to live music at the same time. It offers locally sourced American eats along with Texas-style brews that reflect the state’s and the country’s vibes the best. Besides, it’s located in the uptown known for its electric bar and restaurant scene.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Those looking for a lively yet intimate way to spend an evening in Dallas should, without any doubt, check out The Rustic. Here, you can chat with your friends while sipping your favorite Pale Ale and discuss the artists performing at the stage. It’s where you’ll get to relish in the true Texas culture.

What to do here?

Get an order of Chorizo Empanadas for an appetizer and Gulf Shrimp Po’Boy for the main before finishing the dinner off with a housemade eight-layer banana pudding. Choose between Wild Acre Blonde and Karbach Southern Wheat to wash the food down and sing along to your favorite tunes when you’re done with your food.

Best Time to Visit

The Rustic is open daily from the morning till late evening. If you want to catch a live music concert, you’ll be better off coming to the restaurant after 5 PM. That said, be prepared for big crowds on Fridays and Saturdays when the locals are out on the streets looking for a place to have a beer and wind down. On Sundays, the mornings are the busiest.

Learn more about The Rustic here!

What’s special about this place?

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden might not be the only place to chill at on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but it’s hands down the only garden with over 2,000 azalea varieties in the country. Just a short 15-minute walk from Downtown Dallas, it occupies 66 acres of White Rock Lake Park where it accommodates whopping 19 gardens each with their own vibrant beds of flowers.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re a botanical lover or just can’t get enough of staring at pretty flowers, make your way to The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It comes to life in the spring and fall for different reasons and gathers crowds from across the country coming to see what camellias and daffodils look like in real life and take a few pictures as well.

What to do here?

Take a stroll through the Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color and Eugenia Leftwich Palmer Fern Dell Gardens and stop to smell tulips and daffodils. If visiting in the spring, attend the Dallas Bloom festival taking place from February to mid-April. In the fall, there’s a Pumpkin Village display with over 9,000 gourds and pumpkins.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on any day of the year from 9 AM until 6 PM. If you’re after blooming flowers in spring or pumpkins in the fall, keep in mind that the gardens might be crowded in the afternoon. During the week, however, you have higher chances of having the gardens mostly to yourself.

Learn more about The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden here!

What’s special about this place?

The rumors are true — Dallas takes pride in the 28-hectares Arts District being the largest urban cultural hub in the country. From the opulent Winspear Opera House to the Klyde Warren Park, the concentration of cultural sites here is as high as it gets. Throw some upscale restaurants and impressive architecture into the mix, and you’ve got an expansive array of things to do.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

We’re not exaggerating when saying that everyone should take a trip to the Arts District in the downtown area. You can’t fully experience Dallas without wandering around the many museums and galleries spotted here, not to mention trying out local food and listening to live music at one of the theaters or at a symphony center.

What to do here?

Explore this part of downtown by hopping in the Perot Museum of Natural Science and watching a play at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Have a coffee at Nasher cafe and a Neopolitan pizza later in the day at 400 Gradi. To learn more about the cityscape of Dallas, join a 90-minute walking tour hosted every first and third Saturday of the month at 10 AM.

Best Time to Visit

Decide what places you’re most interested in and map out when would be the best time to visit them. Note that some of the most popular destinations like the Dallas Museum of Art and the AT&T Performing Arts Center will always be somewhat busy no matter the time of the day or month.

Learn more about the Arts District here!

What’s special about this place? 

Founded by William Jennings Bryan Jr. in 1958, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse is a family BBQ restaurant that remains to be popular among Texans and tourists alike to this day. There’s nothing special about its interior, but this isn’t the focus of the restaurant — food is. Having been operating for many decades, it has perfected the recipe of brisket, ribs, and pulled chicken among other dishes that make you come back for more.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’ve always wanted to try the iconic Dallas barbecue, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse is your place. You’re free to choose from a variety of sausages and other smoked meats and feed your kids mini corn dogs too. Those with a sweet tooth also have a chance to try the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.

What to do here?

At Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, there are several meat-based dishes to try. But apart from the famous pulled pork and sliced brisket, there are also sides like fried okra and green bean casserole to accompany your main meal. These true Southern eats will transport you to the old times where hospitality and good food were all it took to make a guest at a BBQ restaurant happy.

Best Time to Visit

If you go to the Harry Hines & Inwood restaurant location, it’s guaranteed to be open 24/7. Unlike other restaurants that get busy on the weekends, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse sees the largest number of guests during the working week. Lunchtime seems to be the crowdest time here, so keep this in mind when visiting.

Learn more about the Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse here!

What’s special about this place?

Frontiers of Flight Museum is an aerospace museum housing over 30 aircrafts and space vehicles. It’s also home to 13 galleries with exhibits ranging from the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Wright Flyer to Apollo VII. This place was designed to honor pioneers in the aviation industry from the 1920s up until the 1930s.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Aviation industry fanatics and those who are fascinated by airplanes will have to add the Frontiers of Flight Museum to the list of places to visit. It’s also a must-visit destination if you’re a history nerd who’d like to see rockets and missiles from World War II in real life.

What to do here?

Roam around the museum and take the time to stop and investigate aircraft that catch your attention. It could be the Texas-Temple Sportsman monoplane from 1928, a jet fighter like an LTV A-7 Corsair II from 1967, or the Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star from 1950. There’s also Boeing 737-200 with a nose section free for visitors to explore.

Best Time to Visit

Located in Dallas Love Field Airport, the Frontiers of Flight Museum is open every day of the week. As expected, it’s the most crowded on Fridays and Saturdays, and the least crowded Mondays and Wednesdays. If you’re bringing your kids with you, consider coming during the less busy time of the day at around 10-11 AM.

Learn more about the Frontiers of Flight Museum here!

What’s special about this place?

This shopping mall also acts as an indoor ice skating rink where you can either learn how to ice skate or hone your existing ice skating skills. Surrounded by restaurants and shops of all kinds, Galleria Ice Skating Center offers lessons and public sessions while also providing a skate rental service.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Friends, couples, families, children, you name it — no generation wouldn’t enjoy spending anywhere from half an hour to an hour here. No need to be a professional ice skater either, you can take a few lessons at the Galleria and show off your skills when you visit the next ice skating rink.

What to do here?

Grab your skates — or rent them from Galleria Ice Skating Center — and start circling the rink. If you’re too afraid to go to the center and do some loops and flips, skate along the borders with others. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable to avoid too many falls that can sometimes turn into bruises.

Best Time to Visit

Whether you purchase a ticket including multiple sessions or come to the Galleria Ice Skating Center just once, don’t forget to check the rink’s operating hours. Even though it’s open every day, it gets particularly busy on the weekends.

Learn more about the Galleria Ice Skating Center here!

What’s special about this place?

You’ll find the Nasher Sculpture Center just across from the Dallas Museum of Art. This site gets a lot of attention from visitors from across the globe for a good reason — it houses over 300 works of art. It’s not just any art either, Picasso and Matisse are among the artists that have their works displayed here too.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

To scratch their creative itch, architecture and art enthusiasts should drop by the Nasher Sculpture Center when in town. Not only is it filled with impressive sculptures by some of the biggest names in history, but the building itself is a work of art. There’s also a nice green area surrounding the museum to refresh after exploring the site.

What to do here?

Check out the marble structures and giant installations created by Rodin, Calder, and Serra among others. Join a workshop or a lecture designed to teach you about the museum’s collections and stay for a tour of the museum if you come on Tuesday or on Thursday between 10 AM and 11 AM.

Best Time to Visit

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (except for docent-led tours), the Nasher Sculpture Center is free to visit every first Saturday of the month. It’s also when there are family-friendly activities taking place at the museum. A piece of advice: avoid crowds and visit the site during the week instead.

Learn more about the Nasher Sculpture Center here!

What’s special about this place?

Located across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Trinity Groves is where you come to shop, eat, and entertain yourself all at the same time. It’s a 15-acre shopping center that enables entrepreneurs in the food industry to test drive their restaurant concepts within the frame of the Restaurant Concept Incubation program endorsed by Trinity Groves itself.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

For a nice dining and shopping experience, pay a visit to Trinity Groves. Here, you’ll find a large variety of luxury stores and noteworthy restaurants that will make you want to splurge. It’s also where you can go several times and discover new restaurants that weren’t there before every single time.

What to do here?

Get a blowout at the Pressed Roots and purchase some Southern-style cakes at the Cake Bar. Since the restaurants tend to change all the time, the typical cuisine you’ll come across at Trinity Groves is Korean, Japanese, American, Mediterranean, and Mexican.

Best Time to Visit

Open from 11 in the morning till 10 in the evening (and noon on Fridays and Saturdays), Trinity Groves is always bustling with locals and tourists. For quiet time, visit from Monday through Thursday in the first half of the day. If you don’t mind crowds, Friday and Saturday evenings are when Trinity Groves shines the brightest.

Learn more about Trinity Groves here!

What’s special about this place?

Featuring mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, and other arcade-friendly games, Adventure Landing Dallas is one of those destinations you can’t miss. Managing 8 amusement parks across the country, it’s also known for accommodating private events like birthdays and corporate parties that make for good memories.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Don’t get it twisted — Adventure Landing Dallas isn’t just for kids. Adults and couples looking for a fun activity in the city can count on this amusement park to deliver some of the best entertainment. If you’re particularly good at mini-golf or are overly competitive, this is your place.

What to do here?

Indulge in an aquatic activity of bumping boats where you can splash your friends as you make your way around the boat pond. Dance and drive to win as many tickets as you can in every arcade game there is. Challenge your driving skills by attempting to arrive at the finish line in a go-kart the fastest. Overcome obstacles and hit every hole when playing mini-golf.

Best Time to Visit

Open from midday till late in the evening, Adventure Landing Dallas is a lot of fun no matter when you decide to pop in. People tend to spend at least 2-3 hours here which makes for a great time on a Saturday or a Sunday evening. If you want to play arcade without having to wait in line, come during the week instead.

Learn more about the Adventure Landing Dallas arcade here!

What’s special about this place?

Crayola Experience Plano takes the title of the paradise on Earth with its educational and entertaining activities that entice even the pickiest kids. It stretches for 60,000-square feet and offers a variety of things to do including participating in character meet-and-greets, a melt and mold workshop, an adventure lab where you can solve puzzles and riddles, and even dancing with the crayon mirroring your movements.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Kids of all ages will be happy to spend anywhere from a few hours to half a day at the Crayola Experience Plano. They can learn how to mix colors and get new ones and the many ways science and technology help to achieve color combinations. And if they get hungry, there’s a cafe to recharge their batteries before carrying on with the next activity.

What to do here?

Your kids can paint with watercolors, play with a washable and fuzzy pet named Scribble Scrubbie, and catch digital melted wax that looks like rainbow rain. They can also pick a digital mask and take as many selfies as they want whilst making funny faces. When they get hungry, they can have chicken fingers or a few slices of pizza at the Crayola Cafe.

Best Time to Visit

When planning a visit to Crayola Experience Plano in Dallas, keep in mind that it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can, however, visit from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 4 PM. Avoid coming after 1 PM if you don’t want your kids throwing tantrums because of long lines.

Learn more about the Crayola Experience Plano here!

What’s special about this place?

Packed with tequila bars and trendy bistros, Lower Greenville is now the hottest place in Dallas. It hasn’t always been this way — people used to avoid this area back in the day. Today, it has a much better reputation of being one of the best places for dining and having a few cocktails at the rooftop bar.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re in search of a neighborhood that’s always buzzing with activity, make your way to Lower Greenville after the sunset. You can restaurant hop here or wait until the nightlife scene comes alive and join the crowds taking shots and dancing till the dawn.

What to do here?

Shop at the souvenir shops and have nachos accompanied by a martini at the Italian joint Terilli’s afterward. Beer lovers can stop by the outdoor patio Truck Yard and those with a sweet tooth — at Steel City Pops. Finish the evening off with a live performance at the Granada Theater.

Best Time to Visit

Lower Greenville is at its busiest in the evening when the majority is off from work. This means that both locals and tourists come out of their shells to enjoy a drink or two with their friends. If crowded places don’t faze you, feel free to roam around the neighborhood up until the very morning.

What’s special about this place?

The infamous couple Bonnie and Clyde not only made history but also earned a fan base that remembers every criminal act committed by the two. This tour takes you on a journey through the life of America’s most wanted criminals. From their everyday activities to their gravesites, you’ll get a glimpse into how destructive yet iconic their biographies are.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Every Bonnie and Clyde admirer will find their life story fascinating. Whether you believe that they were sadistic assassins or misunderstood victims, you’ll be able to find proof on this Dallas-based tour. Bring your camera with you to capture Bonnie’s workplace and Clyde’s family home.

What to do here?

Imagine that it’s the early 1900s and yet another murder committed by Bonnie and Clyde is the talk of the town. What if you could look at their lives from the beginning to the very end to figure out the intent behind all the robbing? This tour allows you to follow the story of where the couple grew up and what crimes they committed before they were shot by police officers.

Best Time to Visit

The tour takes around 3-4 hours which is more than enough time to explore all the sites traced back to Bonnie and Clyde. It typically starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon so plan your day accordingly. Note that the minimum number of guests is 6.

Learn more about the Bonnie and Clyde tour here!

What’s special about this place?

Texas and cowboys are synonyms — Wild Bill’s Western Store is the proof. Just a 3-minute walk from the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, it’s been supplying visitors with western clothing and accessories for over 40 years now. Mick Jagger and Bon Jovi were guests at the store too.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a true Southern cowboy, head to Wild Bill’s Western Store. Here, you can get an outfit that will transform you into a Texas native. The best part is that these pieces are also wearable in everyday life.

What to do here?

Get yourself a Stetson hat to remember your trip to Dallas. You can also buy a pair of cowhide boots and a bolo tie that cowboys are known for wearing. An accessory from the store can also serve as a souvenir to bring to your friend or a family member who is a true cowboy at heart.

Best Time to Visit

Horray because Wild Bill’s Western Store is open every day of the week. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or few days during the working week, you can rest assured that the store will be open for visitors. Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays tend to be the busiest days here.

What’s special about this place?

Texas Discovery Gardens is where you can learn more about nature conservation and explore the impressive 2-story butterfly house. It’s notably the first public garden with a 100% organic certification issued by Texas Organic Research Center that’s irrigated by sustainable water conservation methods.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Those who like spending time in nature and have a soft spot for butterflies should add Texas Discovery Gardens to their Dalla bucket list. It’s also an ideal spot for recharging your batteries and relaxing with your significant other for an hour or two.

What to do here?

Stroll through the Shakespeare Garden and investigate the Native Butterfly Habitat with butterflies fluttering to your left and right. Stop by the Master Gardener’s Garden and learn how you can get the most out of plants tolerant to drought. To watch butterflies leave their chrysalises, visit the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House.

Best Time to Visit

Allowing you to connect with nature, Texas Discovery Gardens is open to visitors every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except for Mondays and Tuesdays. Afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays are the most crowded, whereas mornings the rest of the days are a lot less busy. If you’re visiting with kids, you might want to come here on one of the mornings or after 3 PM.

Learn more about Texas Discovery Gardens here!

What’s special about this place?

When you find yourself not too far from Dallas World Aquarium, pay a visit to the Museum of Illusions. Packed with interactive optical art that’s guaranteed to confuse your brain and your eyes, it’s a destination worth carving out an hour for. All in all, there are over 80 exhibits in the form of holograms, installations, and optical illusions that will challenge you in the best way possible.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Museum of Illusions is appealing to every age group. It’s just as much fun for kids as it is for adults — the expansive collection of art exhibits is impressive to everyone. If you’re looking for an add-on activity to test your optical capabilities, drop by this location before you make your way back to your hotel.

What to do here?

Navigate the Vortex Tunnel and test how good your sense of balance is. Convince yourself that gravity is hard to resist when walking through the Ames and Tilted rooms. Solve difficult riddles when playing Dilemma games and see if your inner Einstein will help you with the task.

Best Time to Visit

Museum of Illusions is open every day of the week from 10 in the morning till 8 in the evening (9 on Fridays and Saturdays). With visitors typically spending anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half at the museum, you should be able to go through every optical illusion before it gets too crowded from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Learn more about the Museum of Illusions here!

What’s special about this place?

Inaugurated in 1907, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza was designed by the Kennedy family’s friend and architect Philip Johnson and approved by Jacqueline Kennedy herself. The monument represents the former president’s spirit with its 9-meters-high concrete walls that are composed of 72 columns and supported by two legs at both sides. This gives it the impression of hovering over the ground when it’s lit up in the night.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

No matter if you’re a fan of Kennedy’s presidency or not, visiting his memorial is a must-do when in Dallas. The aesthetical simplicity makes it a captivating site for everyone including architects and engineers, not to mention international travelers looking for historical tokens to learn more about the country’s past.

What to do here?

Tour the monument that locals are proud of and take the time to absorb the knowledge provided by the guide or your source. Do your research beforehand so that you’re aware of its significance before you arrive at the destination. Feel free to take a few pictures to commemorate the landmark.

Best Time to Visit

For being a monument that’s free for passersby to stop and reflect on, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is accessible 24/7. No matter the day of the week, it’s at its busiest in the afternoon and a lot less busy in the early mornings and late evenings.

What’s special about this place?

This pedestrian-friendly downtown district in Fort Worth is filled with steakhouses, sports bars, and Western-wear stores. Having been entertaining visitors since the dawn of time, it’s where you go to experience the true Southern atmosphere when in Texas. Jetted fountains here are a notable site that forces everyone to stop and stare for a good few minutes.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

For a quaint ambiance and a wide variety of dining options, look no further than Sundance Square. It has it all and then some more; the live events happening now and again brighten up the already buzzing scene even more. If traveling during the holidays, it’s almost a crime not to pop in for an hour or two and see what all the hype is about.

What to do here?

You’ll pass by the many restaurants, bars, and shops that are attached to the red-brick buildings located in Sundance Square. Grab a bite at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe and get into the holiday spirit at Haltom’s Jewelers where you can purchase a gift for someone you love. Lastly, make your way to the jetted fountains that are illuminated in the evenings and watch them dance while having your second portion of ice cream.

Best Time to Visit

This 35-square-block shopping and entertainment area is best to visit during the holiday season. That said, it gets crowded when everyone gathers here in the evening. If you’re traveling together with your partner or a friend, this shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re thinking about bringing your kids with you, consider coming in the morning or in the early afternoon to avoid queuing.

Learn more about the Sundance Square here!

What’s special about this place?

This Audubon nature preserve is the evidence that Dallas isn’t all flat. Offering 9 miles of trails that go through limestone terrain and forested chalk, it’s a great location for testing your athletic capabilities. The wildlife habitat you’ll cross spans across 600 acres of land which makes it a dog-friendly hike.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Even though it helps to be fit when hiking, this isn’t a prerequisite for having a good time at the Cedar Ridge Preserve. Here, you can take it slow as you make your way through the luscious greenery constantly moving with you. You can even take picnic essentials with you and take a break halfway through to fuel your body for the remainder of the hike.

What to do here?

Pick a sunny day — when it rains, the trails will most likely be closed anyway — and grab your hiking must-haves before heading to Cedar Ridge Preserve. This prime Texas Hill Country region will not only give you some of the best views of the state but also provide you with plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Best Time to Visit

Open Tuesday through Sunday, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a safe place to level up your fitness game and enjoy some views along the way. You can hike from 6:30 AM if you want to catch the sunrise or later in the day for a picturesque sunset up until the area closes a 7:30 PM. The closing time is typically about 30 minutes after the sunset.

Learn more about the Cedar Ridge Preserve here!

What’s special about this place?

It doesn’t get any more cultural than the Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park. The 13 acres of land quite literally take the visitors back in time so that they can get a glimpse into the true Texas life in the 19th century. Every building here is furnished with period-specific equipment that tells the story of the town in detail.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

To get in the Texas spirit and feel the Southern atmosphere where the time stands still, add the Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park to your to-do list. You can learn a lot about local customs and traditions passed down generations by exploring the open-air museum front to back.

What to do here?

Check out the collection of old Victorian houses and the more ordinary buildings like banks, schools, and churches that locals used to visit on a regular. There’s a certain charm in each building representing a different style of architecture that was prominent in Texas in the 19th century that you must see with your own eyes.

Best Time to Visit

The Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday. You can stop by at any time between 10 AM and 4 PM to explore the area without having to take out your smartphone and capture the history. On Thursdays, it’s also open from 6 PM to 9 PM.

Learn more about the Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park here!

What’s special about this place?

While being a worthy place to spend a few nights when in Dallas, Hilton Anatole Hotel is also where professional boxers have their fights. The famous FightNight isn’t just about fighting though — it’s also about raising money for The Real Estate Council Community Investors and its neighborhood revitalization partnerships.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re a fan of eventful fights and would like to contribute to a cause, get your ticket to the FightNight at the Hilton Anatole Hotel ASAP. Comprised of 2,100 commercial real estate professionals, The Real Estate Council makes it possible for guests to make a difference in the real estate industry by sharing their expertise and building meaningful connections at the event and beyond.

What to do here?

If you’re traveling with friends, reserve a table at the Hilton Anatole Hotel for the FightNight before the tickets are sold out. Here, you’ll get a chance to witness professional boxers in action and have a delicious dinner too. You can also gamble at the casino and see if you can win a fortune.

Best Time to Visit

Be on the lookout for The Real Estate Council announcing the date of the FightNight and plan your trip to Dallas around that time. It typically starts at 7 PM and lasts until 11:30 PM. Make sure you register well in advance as the tables tend to sell out very quickly.

Learn more about the Hilton Anatole Hotel here!

What’s special about this place?

Located in Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, The Mansion Restaurant and Bar is an elevated spot for having lunch or dinner. It stands out among the other bars in the neighborhood with its leather-clad banquettes and bookshelves covering the walls and giving the place a vintage feel that draws an older and more sophisticated crowd.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

For an ambiance that screams luxury and feels even more lavish, pay a visit to The Mansion Restaurant and Bar. You might have to budget for an evening here since the drinks and the New American cuisine are on the more expensive side. But the experience is totally worth the money.

What to do here?

The bar menu at The Mansion Restaurant and Bar changes every season in accordance with the seasonal ingredients gathered from the region. Apart from the Wagyu beef sliders with Manchego cheese, piquillo pepper aioli, and house pickles, you can also order the popular Junipero-based G&T. Some say it’s the best in town.

Best Time to Visit

Open several times per day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place never gets too crowded. It does, however, get a good number of visitors on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Saturdays and Sundays are also when guests come for a succulent breakfast.

Learn more about The Mansion Restaurant and Bar here!

What’s special about this place?

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has some of the best acoustics out there. With the main performing venue being the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the downtown area, the orchestra is as musically diverse as it can get. It helps that no matter where you’re seated, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the clear sound of the orchestra.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

You don’t have to be a classical music enthusiast to get the most out of your visit to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has plenty of performances on their schedule including movie soundtracks, pop and rock music, and even family-friendly Christmas specials.

What to do here?

Check the program beforehand and book your ticket to the concert that speaks to you the most. It could be a Beatles classic or a Star Wars exclusive; regardless of the genre, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will deliver an outstanding performance that’ll be hard to forget. Don’t forget to dress appropriately — business casual attire is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center is relatively busy most days of the week except for Sunday when it’s closed. Depending on the schedule approved by the concert hall, it can get crowded during popular concerts and get empty when the music is less prominent.

Learn more about the Dallas Symphony Orchestra here!

What’s special about this place?

This renovated Craftsman home is located in the city’s bohemian neighborhood where author readings, backyard shows, and book clubs are a common occurrence. Known among locals at the indie bookstore, The Wild Detectives has a great book selection consisting of graphic novels, poetry, and arts and culture literature among other genres.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Bookworms and indie shop lovers will enjoy coming here one afternoon and exploring the wide collection of books the store has to offer. Children are welcome here too as there’s a children’s section at The Wild Detectives too.

What to do here?

Serving as both a bookstore and a bar venue, The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff is a fun place to hang out. You can grab a Spanish Gin & Tonic or sip some chai latte while listening to live music or reading a book. It’s where you come to recharge before you head back to the city to check some more boxes off of your must-do list.

Best Time to Visit

The Wild Detectives is open to the public every day from 10 in the morning till midnight. What might come as a surprise is that the bookstore doesn’t get crowded in the first part of the day and it is at its busiest towards the evening. If you want to stop by on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening, expect the tables to be occupied.

Learn more about The Wild Detectives Bookstore here!

What’s special about this place?

Pocket Sandwich Theatre is where passionate performances and delicious meals come together to deliver the most entertaining experience for guests from all over. It seats up to 140 people who can comfortably settle in a booth, at the bar, or at a table while anticipating for the professionally produced shows to commence and the food to get prepared.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Are you a comedy fan? Or, perhaps, a melodrama enthusiast? Even if you’re more into musicals, the Pocket Sandwich Theatre got you covered. The majority of the shows are family-friendly which means that no one gets left behind. That said, the Late Night shows happening late in the day on Fridays and Saturdays are aimed at a more mature audience.

What to do here?

Choose a day when you’re in the mood to laugh until your belly hurts and make your way to the Mockingbird Central Plaza where the Pocket Sandwich Theatre is located. Depending on which show you have the tickets for, you’ll either spend your evening crying while eating a pizza wrap and watching a melodrama or throwing popcorn at the comedians trying their hardest to make you laugh.

Best Time to Visit

The main stage shows — or the plays — at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre take place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 8 PM. On Sundays, they start at 7 PM. Musicals, comedies, and strange shows are typically scheduled for 11:15 on Friday and Saturday nights. The rest of the performances are happening on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 7:30 PM or 8 PM (the seating starts earlier).

Learn more about the Pocket Sandwich Theatre here!

What’s special about this place?

Adair’s Saloon is allegedly one of the oldest bars in Dallas that has live music seven nights a week. It has moved to Commerce Street in 1983 and has since been known as a place where you can leave a mark on the wall. Notably, a few artists have come to record live CDs and a couple of groups have had their cover photography done here too.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Back in the 1900s, the clientele at Aidar’s Saloon consisted of college students from nearby schools. Today, locals come here to enjoy a few drinks with their friends and listen to good tunes. Tourists have now discovered this hidden gem too — the bar is conveniently located in the lively neighborhood of Deep Ellum with a rich music scene.

What to do here?

There’s a happy hour from Sunday through Thursday. You can sip your favorite Pale Ale from open to close and wait for the local musicians to sing their hearts out before you leave. Every Monday at Aidar’s Saloon there’s a free pool and free jukebox too. Get a BLT and use your coins to request the songs you’d like to listen to the most.

Best Time to Visit

The live music bar is open every day of the week. You can drop by at any time from 5 PM till 2 AM Monday through Thursday or from 12 PM till 2 AM Friday through Sunday. If you want to avoid large crowds, consider coming before 10 PM if it’s a Friday or a Saturday evening.

Learn more about Adair’s Saloon here!

What’s special about this place?

Self-proclaiming as a come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground, Truck Yard is a whole experience. Consisting of many food trucks and located in a place with a luscious green landscape, it’s a go-to spot for hanging out with your friends and family on a chill Wednesday afternoon.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re looking for a place to replenish your energy and meet new people, Truck Yard is the location for you. It’s where locals and tourists can talk about mundane everyday things and partake in events ranging from costume contests to annual luau. Live music enthusiasts will be drawn to this spot too.

What to do here?

Go to the cheesesteak counter and get yourself an order of one before you make your way to the craft draft truck with Twister Marg and The Hyper Mexican on the menu. Monitor Truck Yard’s website to see who’s performing that evening and make sure you come prepared. There are also Cinco de Mayo celebrations and movie screenings happening in this space.

Best Time to Visit

This dog-friendly place is open every day of the week. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest, particularly from 8 PM till 10 PM. The rest of the days aren’t as crowded which makes for a more intimate atmosphere. If you want to catch a specific musician performing at Truck Yard, plan your trip to Dallas around that date.

Learn more about the Truck Yard here!

What’s special about this place?

Celebrating the arts and culture of Asia, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is a 1998-founded destination that inspires and promotes dialogue about Asian culture through exhibitions. Organized into 3 main spaces — Gallery I dedicated to Japanese art, Gallery II dedicated to Chinese art, and Gallery III dedicated to art from Southeast Asia — this museum has a rich inventory of over 7,000 artworks.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you want to learn more about Asian culture without having to set your foot on the continent, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is your place. Even if you’re looking for art from a specific country and time period, the division by galleries makes it easy to quickly access the part of the museum you’d be interested in the most.

What to do here?

Check out the famous prints of Samurai at the Gallery packed with Japanese art before you walk to the next gallery with Qing Dynasty snuff bottles symbolizing the imperial history of China. Cross the glass Skybridge that gives you a view of the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Trammell Crow Center before entering the gallery with Southeast Asian works ranging from Nepalese buddhas to Mughal baradari gazebos.

Best Time to Visit

No matter what day of the week you visit the Crow Museum of Asian Art, it’ll always be free. With an exception of Monday when it’s closed, the rest of the week it welcomes visitors from 11 AM till 5 PM. If you want to avoid crowds, refrain from visiting on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 PM and 3 PM.

Learn more about the Crow Museum of Asian Art here!

What’s special about this place?

To recall the horrific events of the 20th century when six million Jews were brutally murdered in World War II, visit the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Telling the 3,000-year story of Jews including the time period when Hitler rose to power, it’s a gold mine among Dallas museums that’s worth a visit.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

It isn’t easy to come face to face with dark events that still haunt an entire ethnicity to this day. But it’s important that you do, and the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is the perfect place for that. It combines testimonies by survivors and artifacts that take you back to the days when Nazi concentrations camps were widespread.

What to do here?

Educate yourself on the events of the tragic time in history when Jewish people were discriminated against and violently murdered. To help you with that, the museum has a Holocaust/Shoah wing that covers the time period between 1933 and 1945. There is also a Human Rights wing showcasing how the world progressed following Holocaust.

Best Time to Visit

The Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s open the rest of the week from 10 in the morning until 5 in the evening. If you’re traveling in a big group of 15 people or more, consider making a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance.

Learn more about the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum here!

What’s special about this place?

Operating since 1981, Mia’s Tex-Mex is where Dallas Cowboys, local celebrities, and film and TV stars go to have a bite of authentic Mexican mixed with Southern American food. It was founded by the couple Mia and Butch Enriquez who take pride in sharing their original family recipes with every guest and making everyone feel at home.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re on the lookout for authentic Mexican-style cuisine that tastes just like what a real Mexican grandma would cook, include Mia’s Tex-Mex in the list of eateries to visit. Even if you think that you’re a taco connoisseur, chances are you’ve never tried the finger-licking tacos made from scratch here at this family restaurant.

What to do here?

Get an order of Mama’s Quesadillas made from two corn tortillas and filled with grilled chicken breast, Monterey Jack, poblano peppers, and onion coming with a side of rice and beans. Or, to stay true to the restaurant’s classic meals, try Butch’s Original Brisket Tacos served with a delicious brisket gravy in addition to the rice and beans in either flour or corn tortillas.

Best Time to Visit

The good news is that Mia’s Tex-Mex is open every day with no exceptions. It does get busy on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at around 6-7 PM when everyone rushes to the restaurant to have some tacos and wash them down with a Pale Ale. It’s also not a coincidence that 12 PM on the weekdays gets crowded too — that’s when lunch is served.

Learn more about Mia’s Tex-Mex here!

What’s special about this place?

Just 20 minutes west of Dallas, there’s a water park in Grand Prairie that’s considered to be the state’s biggest indoor water park. It’s open all year round which makes it a perfect destination for having fun no matter the weather or the time of the year. You’ll never get bored at the park — the 80,000-square feet structure is big enough to accommodate a whole lot of slides and pools.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

It’s not only kids who’d be ecstatic to try out every single slide at the Epic Waters Indoor Park. Adults are just as wide-eyed when they see the turned and twisted slides that have seemingly no end. There are also pools and a huge video arcade area to dabble in when you get tired from all the slides.

What to do here?

Home to some of the first water rides, Epic Waters Indoor Park is where you can test out the iconic Lasso Loop. This slide has the tallest loop in the country aside from also being the country’s first indoor rider inner tube slide. You should also the Yellowjacket Drop, Prairie Plunge, Flowrider, and The Wavepool when at the park. Your kids will most likely be thrilled on the lazy river Rio Grand.

Best Time to Visit

Epic Waters Indoor Park is open Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Being such a popular place among children, it sees big crowds on Saturdays and Sundays when kids are off from school. Be prepared to stand in lines if you come here on the weekend.

Learn more about the Epic Waters here!

What’s special about this place?

This interactive exhibit is housed at Lighthouse Dallas where visitors can immerse themselves in the 360-degree Van Gogh-dedicated digital composition. The light effects combined with unique sounds make for an art exhibition that’s hard to forget. Warning — you might lose yourself in the 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections of the works of Van Gogh.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Every Van Gogh admirer will enjoy spending a couple of hours at this immersive exhibit in Dallas. Even if you don’t know much about the artist’s life and art, a visit here will help you get a better understanding of his genius.

What to do here?

Wander through the moving images that accentuate every brushstroke and color tone Van Gogh used in his art. Appreciate the many installations including Les Tournesols, La Chambre a coucher, and the famous Starry Night or Nuit Etoilee. The soundtrack by Luca Longobardi and the design of the exhibit orchestrated by Massimiliano Siccardi will translate the brilliance of the Dutch painter that remains timeless.

Best Time to Visit

Open from 10 AM till 10 PM, this Van Gogh exhibit in Dallas draws visitors from across the country. Get your tickets online and make sure you allocate enough time to explore every art installation without a rush. It typically takes about 45 minutes to go through it and take in every piece of art. Afternoons tend to be the busiest.

Learn more about the Van Gogh Immersive Experience exhibit here!

What’s special about this place?

Located in Stonebriar Centre, iFLY Dallas Skydiving Center is where you can test how well you’re able to defy gravity. This indoor skydiving place comprises a 14-foot tall wind tunnel that imitates the real skydiving experience. Here, you’ll get the adrenaline rush without having to step out of a confined space that’s controlled by professionals.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’ve always wanted to feel what it’s like to jump out of a plane from 13,000 feet, iFLY Skydiving Center is where you can do so without risking too much. It’s a suitable skydiving simulator even for those as young as 4 years old. Bringing your kid somewhere where you can both enjoy an adventurous activity has never been more exciting.

What to do here?

Whether you’re in Dallas for a week or a weekend, there’s nothing quite like an indoor skydiving experience to sign up for. Allow yourself to feel the thrill of flying as you soar in a wind tunnel that’s safe and close to the earth. If you’re in the city for a longer period of time, there’s also a Flight School at the Skydiving Center to enroll your kid in.

Best Time to Visit

The iFLY Skydiving Center in Dallas is open on the weekdays and during the weekend too. As expected, Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days at the center while Mondays and Tuesdays are a lot less crowded. Keep this in mind when booking your ticket and planning your trip around this indoor skydiving experience.

Learn more about the iFLY Dallas Skydiving Center here!

What’s special about this place?

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a Forth Worth-native indoor family entertainment center located at Grapevine Mills mall. It features LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, a soft play area, and a gift shop with tons of LEGO souvenirs. It’s a great place to go to if your kid has a birthday coming up.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

All of us have an inner child who’s happy to get released from time to time which is exactly what LEGOLAND Discovery Center is designed to help you with. No matter if you’re 5 or 65, you’re guaranteed to have fun here. Bring your entire family with you and explore all 12+ epic experiences this theme park has to offer.

What to do here?

Go on a Merlin’s Apprentice Ride and look over the LEGOLAND Discovery Center from up high. Check out the Pirate Beach that consists of water slides, water jets, and a soft play area. Watch a film at the 4D cinema featuring popular LEGO characters. Shop at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shop that sells over 900 LEGO-themed products. Have a bite at the local cafe when you get hungry.

Best Time to Visit

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is closed on Wednesdays. To skip long lines, visit at any time during the working week. On Saturdays and Sundays, the theme park is at its busiest with kids being off from school. That said, if your kid doesn’t mind making new friends at the site, coming here at the weekend might be a good idea.

Learn more about the LEGOLAND Discovery Center here!

What’s special about this place?

You’ll find Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Pepper Square Cleaners in the Northern part of Dallas. It’s not your typical children’s amusement center — there are battle beams, a ropes course, climbing walls, and a plethora of other equipment to have fun with. This park also offers fitness classes and an opportunity to play dodgeball with your friends and family.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Guests of all ages are welcome to jump on the trampoline, dive into indoor bouldering, and play sports of different kinds at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. It helps if you’re somewhat fit or into sports if you’re planning on spending several hours putting your athletic skills to the test.

What to do here?

Decide whether you want to get a ticket to trampolines only or get a pass to enjoy the indoor playground, take a warriors course and a ropes course, and climb walls as well. It’s also a great place for your kids to go to the gym and battle with an opponent trying to knock him down in a fight.

Best Time to Visit

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is open to visitors every day of the week. And even though the opening hours vary, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to make it no matter when you visit Dallas. Keep in mind that the busiest days here are Saturdays and Sundays.

Learn more about the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park here!

What’s special about this place?

This Ritz-Carlton’s splashy restaurant knows how to cook American with a touch of Southwestern cuisine. The celebrity chef Dean Fearing is known for being ‘The Father of Southwestern Cuisine’ which gives you a good idea about why Fearing’s restaurant is among the top dining experiences in Dallas.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Often regarded as the romantic spot in town, Fearing’s restaurant is the top destination for couples. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a fancy dinner, it’ll accommodate you well enough for both of you to remember this experience that stretches beyond the dining room with wine cellar and the Rattlesnake bar.

What to do here?

Book your table and get ready to bless your tastebuds with exquisite meals cooked by the chef Fearing himself. You can choose dishes from the regular menu including Baltimore Style Crabcakes and Cowboy Shrimp’n’Grits or get an order of Grilled Cauliflower Steak from the vegetarian menu. You might get lucky to catch a happy hour and have a taste of the restaurant’s signature margaritas.

Best Time to Visit

Breakfast is served daily from 7 AM until 11 AM. For lunch — and brunch happening every Sunday — visit on any day from Wednesday to Saturday between 11:30 AM and 2 PM. Dinner requires reservations and takes place Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 PM till 10 PM. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days at the restaurant.

Learn more about the Fearing’s Restaurant here!

What’s special about this place? 

Founded in 1967 by Mattie Caruth Byrd, the Museum of Biblical Art is a popular attraction housing Jewish- and Christian-themed works ranging from paintings to sculptures and beyond. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2010 after the fire in 2005 when over 2,500 works of art were destroyed. Today, it comprises eleven galleries each of which is dedicated to a specific type of art.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

This museum is a must-visit for everyone interested in ancient bibliology. Featuring artifacts from Old Testament, historic sculptures from the same time period, and Judaic-inspired ritual items, the Museum of Biblical Art is a real-life treasure trove for every religious follower. You should drop by even if you don’t hold any religious beliefs — there are works of art by Michelangelo and Andy Warhol at the museum too.

What to do here?

Stroll through The National Center for Jewish Art and the Museum of Holocaust Art. Make your way to the European Art Treasury and check out the historical sculptures at the Via Dolorosa Sculpture Garden. Don’t be surprised if you see some works of Ben Shahn, Andy Warhol, and Marc Chagall displayed here too — even though introductory only, they help diversify the art collection.

Best Time to Visit

The museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. It’s also open on Sundays from 1 PM till 5 PM. Expect the museum to be at its busiest on Saturday at 2 PM. If you’re traveling to Dallas during public holidays, it’ll be closed to visitors.

Learn more about the Museum of Biblical Art here!

There you go! The Best things to do in Dallas.

If you are looking for inspiration before your trip read these Short Travel Quotes!