Top 29 Fun Kids Activities in DFW From A Local Mom

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago invites visitors to a world of imagination and adventure with a variety of attractions. Guests can embark on a valiant quest to rescue a princess on the Kingdom Quest ride, pedal their way to sorcery in Merlin's Apprentice, and immerse themselves in the action with 4D Cinema experiences offering sensory effects. The Great LEGO® Race VR Experience promises a virtual thrill like no other, while seasonal attraction Pirate Beach offers water-play adventures. Interactive experiences include ninja training with Sensei Wu and meet-and-greets with LEGO® characters and a Master Model Builder. Ride operation times vary Monday through Friday, and specific ride requirements ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.

White Rock Lake, located about 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, spans 1,015 acres and is a pivotal area within the Dallas Park system, frequently hosting special events and runs. This urban oasis provides a blend of active and passive activities, making it an exemplary spot to enjoy natural settings and wildlife. Featuring a 9.33-mile hike and bike trail, rental facilities such as Winfrey Point and Big Thicket, and the White Rock Lake Museum, there's an abundant variety of ways for visitors to engage with the environment. Additional amenities include the Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas Arboretum, an Audubon Society bird watching area, wetlands, a dog park, picnic areas, pavilions, piers, boat ramps, and a kayak concession, catering to a wide range of interests and activities.

The Sci-Tech Discovery Center is an immersive hub for exploring various scientific concepts through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Visitors can engage with a variety of displays, from the Air Pressure Zone, where you can build and launch creations, to live science shows on the WOW Stage. The center promotes exploration of STEM careers with insights from local professionals and offers daily maker projects in the Maker Studio.

Additionally, the center features Building Challenges to test structures, a Bernoulli principle demonstration in Get Some Air, and the Coordination Station for constructing a ball roller coaster. Guests can create jumbo bubbles at the Bubble Tables to learn about surface tension, and explore human anatomy in a fun way through Bodies in Balance. Each exhibit is designed to inspire curiosity and demonstrate scientific principles in an accessible manner.

B3 offers an ever-expanding array of STEAM curriculum classes and educational programs designed to keep kids from kindergarten through sixth grade engaged and learning after school. These enrichment classes are held in various venues including schools and community centers, covering unique subjects like Future Vet, Gross Anatomy, and Epic Engineering Disasters. Additionally, B3 provides themed camps with activities ranging from art and building to experiments, designed to stimulate and excite young minds.

For days when school is not in session, B3 offers half-day and full-day programs to accommodate parents' schedules, varying by location. Special events and workshops can also be organized, including Kid/Parent Nights Out and STEAM Nights, tailored to schools and organizations desiring hands-on learning activities. B3 even hosts birthday parties themed around engineering, robotics, or science, allowing for a customized party experience. Each B3 location is independently owned, ensuring a unique offering suited to the local community's needs.

The Crayola Experience in Plano invites guests to discover the Magic of Color with a variety of attractions that cater to creativity and fun, including the new Rockin' Paper attraction. Spanning 60,000 square feet, the venue offers an array of activities from the Outer Space Exploration Craft Theme available March 1 - April 30, to daily character appearances on Saturdays. Visitors can also enjoy features like the Café Crayola, although availability may vary due to staffing. The Factory Show currently operates as a pre-recorded video, but live shows are possible depending on staff availability.

In addition to permanent attractions, guests can become passholders to gain access to exclusive events and special perks throughout the year. The experience is designed to engage visitors of all ages in creative play, with opportunities to explore art and color through interactive stations such as Drip Art, Modeling Madness, and Melt & Mold. While the Trading Post and Café Crayola might have varied operational days, the Snack Shack ensures refreshments are available daily to enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.

Go Ape offers an unmatched outdoor adventure experience that captivates with its innovative approach to exploring the great outdoors. Participants have the opportunity to engage in an array of activities ranging from navigating treetop courses filled with obstacles, ziplines, and Tarzan swings in their Treetop Adventure, to enjoying a more introductory aerial journey amongst the trees. Designed to invoke laughter, smiles, and a sense of achievement, Go Ape welcomes a diverse audience including individuals, families, companies, and parties, promoting a spirit of adventure in all.

Aside from the high-flying adventures, Go Ape also introduces Axe Throwing and the Forest Escape challenge, offering alternative ways to connect with nature and test participants' skills in a distinctive setting. The axe throwing sessions emphasize technique over strength, allowing groups to compete in a friendly environment. Meanwhile, the Forest Escape encourages teamwork and problem-solving in the great outdoors. Each activity promises a unique adventure, underscoring Go Ape's commitment to delivering memorable experiences that encourage a love for outdoor living and adventure.

KidZania, the unique indoor city designed specifically for children, provides over 100 role-playing professions within its 100,000 sq ft space. This standout location, the only KidZania in the USA, features an educational and immersive experience complete with 50 individual buildings, paved streets, and moving vehicles. The highlight of the entry is a real Boeing 737-500 fuselage, setting the stage for a journey into a city powered by kids. KidZania isn't just any town; it's a fully realized city where everything from the streets to the tools kids use is designed to be as realistic as possible.

The park promotes an engaging learning environment where children can explore a wide range of careers in a city run entirely by their peers. From operating as a pilot, doctor, or firefighter, the experiences are designed to be educational yet fun, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. KidZania goes beyond play, presenting an ultra-realistic setting where children can learn the complexities of a functioning city, complete with its own language, 'Kai,' which means 'hi' in KidZanian.

A special children's tea is set to take place in the DeGolyer Tea Room, tailored for youngsters aged 2 to 12 and their families. Participants are encouraged to don their best tea party outfits and look forward to a delightful menu crafted specifically for young palates, featuring both sweet and savory items, complemented by a variety of appealing teas. To attend, families must secure their seating through reservations made at least 24 hours before the event.

Ages 10+, reservations required.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden spans 66 acres, offering visitors year-round stunning landscapes and various signature gardens, each with unique features and focuses. From the educational Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden designed to connect children with nature, to A Tasteful Place that emphasizes the importance of fresh, sustainable food through free tastings and cooking demos. The Arboretum also includes special areas like the tranquility of the McCasland Sunken Garden, perfect for intimate events, and the Pecan Grove, ideal for picnics and central to the Arboretum's autumn festival.

Noteworthy gardens include the Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden known for its extensive beds of seasonal flowers, and the immersive Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill boasting over 80 varieties of Japanese Maples. Additionally, the Lay Family Garden offers a respite with water features and a diverse plant collection. Whether seeking education, relaxation, or inspiration, the Dallas Arboretum's vast array of meticulously curated gardens provides a visually stunning experience for all visitors, enhancing appreciation for nature's beauty and sustainability efforts.

Dallas Children's Theatre stands out as a reputable professional theater company dedicated to bringing engaging and high-quality productions to both children and families. With an array of year-round programming, the theater not only stages delightful performances reminiscent of Broadway plays but also hosts educational workshops and classes. Their commitment to fostering literacy, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing the arts within the community is central to their mission. This institution serves as a beacon for creative learning, making it a cherished destination for family entertainment and artistic growth.

The Katy Trail, transformed from an abandoned railroad into a cherished Dallas attraction, welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually along its scenic 3.5-mile stretch. It stands as a testament to community and private enterprise synergy, with the Friends of the Katy Trail leading fundraising efforts. This support ensures the trail remains a pristine natural escape within the city, embodying a communal spirit and promoting outdoor enjoyment among both locals and tourists. Through continuous contributions from individuals and businesses, the Katy Trail sustains its status as a vital green space in Dallas, enhancing the urban outdoor experience.

Cedar Ridge Preserve spans 600 acres and is distinguished from traditional parks by its commitment to conserving natural ecology. Offering about 9 miles of trails, the preserve is a haven for native plants, wildlife including various mammals, birds, and insects, alongside butterfly gardens and limited picnic spaces. Unlike parks, Cedar Ridge prioritizes the protection and restoration of natural habitats, limiting certain recreational activities to prevent environmental degradation. The preserve relies on volunteers, donors, and visitors for maintenance, providing a unique opportunity for public engagement with nature conservation efforts.

Meow Wolf Grapevine, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offers an immersive art experience unlike any other. This unique venue brings together interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, and imaginative environments crafted by a collective of artists. Guests of all ages are invited to step into fantastical worlds, where they can explore, touch, and interact with installations that stimulate the senses and ignite creativity.

By redefining the boundaries between art and audience, Meow Wolf Grapevine creates a captivating adventure that blends technology, narrative, and art in dynamic ways. Visitors are encouraged to be part of the story, making each experience personal and memorable. This creative playground is designed to inspire curiosity and open portals of possibility, establishing a new paradigm for art and its role in making a positive impact.

The DeGolyer House and its adjoining DeGolyer Gardens offer a serene and historic visit within extensive grounds. Visitors can partake in guided tours of the DeGolyer House, a 21,000-square-foot estate listed on both the National and Texas Registers of Historic Places, to learn about its rich family history and architectural significance. Tours are available throughout the week, enhancing guests' understanding of this storied residence.

Adjacent, the DeGolyer Gardens, designed in 1940 by landscape architects Arthur and Marie Berger, span 4.5 acres featuring original and renovated garden elements like the Magnolia Allee, the Sunken Garden, and the Octagonal Fountain. Seasonal blooms, including daffodils in January and February and tulips in spring, offer vibrant scenes perfect for photography and leisurely strolls. This verdant haven and historic estate invite exploration and appreciation, included with garden admission or membership, without mentioning specific price details.

Peppa Pig World Of Play offers a vibrant and engaging adventure for fans, featuring an array of interactive attractions. Guests can explore Peppa Pig's house, where the living room TV, kitchen oven, and laundry machine create an immersive experience. Additionally, the venue is home to engaging environments such as Muddy Puddles, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, and Grandpa Pig's Train, among others, providing a variety of activities.

The experience encourages children to jump into interactive muddy puddles alongside Peppa Pig and her family, offering a playful and memorable adventure. It also invites young explorers to experience the thrill of hopping around like bunnies and sliding into large muddy puddles, as well as exploring the underground world of the Rabbits. This provides a unique opportunity for fun, discovery, and creating cherished memories with Peppa Pig and friends.

The Dallas World Aquarium, nestled in Dallas, Texas, is both a zoo and aquarium that plays a significant role in conservation and education. Opened in 1992 within a refurbished 1924 warehouse, it has expanded over the years to include several notable exhibits such as 'The Orinoco - Secrets of the River,' the Mundo Maya exhibit, and the Cloud Forest Trek. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1997, it collaborates with global zoos for breeding programs, focusing on threatened and endangered species.

Exhibits like the Orinoco simulate rainforest environments, housing diverse species from aviaries and primates to Amazonian fish and manatees. Its Cloud Forest Trek, opened in 2021, offers an immersive experience with the only public display of three-toed sloths in the U.S. The Mundo Maya exhibit features tropical and marine animals native to Mexico and Central America, complemented by a 400,000-gallon Shark Tunnel. Additionally, the aquarium engages in educational partnerships with local schools, supporting hands-on learning opportunities in business and management for Dallas students.

The Dallas Farmers Market, a cornerstone of North Texas since 1941, stands as a beacon of health, sustainability, and community amidst downtown's urban sprawl. What began as a simple wholesale operation has flourished into a vital hub for farm-fresh produce, dairy, free-range meats, and handmade items. Emphasizing honesty, transparency, and responsibility, the market endeavors to educate North Texans on living naturally and sustainably, offering goods from within Texas or 400 miles of Dallas, ensuring freshness and support for local agriculture.

The market's expansion includes The Market Building, a 26,000 square foot food hall open daily, offering a variety of local specialty foods and a chance to dine with views of the Dallas skyline. The Shed, an outdoor pavilion, presents a weekly bounty of seasonal produce and artisanal foods. Additionally, the surrounding Harvest Lofts and Taylor Lofts provide an urban lifestyle intertwined with the market's vibrant community. This combination of shopping, dining, and living options crafts a unique, integrated experience promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for Dallas residents.

The Davy Crockett National Forest, named after the iconic American frontiersman, encompasses over 160,000 acres across Houston and Trinity Counties in East Texas. Established by President Roosevelt in 1936, this lush expanse offers a wealth of natural beauty and recreational activities. It lies within the Neches and Trinity River basins, with the main ranger office situated near Ratcliff.

Visitors to the forest can enjoy a variety of activities at the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, known for its 45-acre lake and rich historical background. The area provides camping, picnicking, swimming, and more in a scenic forest setting. For hiking enthusiasts, the Four C National Recreation Trail presents a 20-mile journey through diverse landscapes. The forest also caters to horseback riders with the Piney Creek Horse Trail and offers secluded experiences in the Big Slough Wilderness Area. Supporting rich wildlife and habitat conservation, the forest is home to numerous species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, within the Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas offers an array of pulse-pounding coasters, family-friendly attractions, and engaging live entertainment ideal for all ages. Visitors can embark on thrilling rides that soar and twist, creating unforgettable memories. The park also features a diverse selection of dining options and shopping, catering to every taste and preference, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Special events and live shows at Six Flags Over Texas bring the Dallas entertainment scene to life, offering festivals, concerts, and more set within the exhilarating atmosphere of the park. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds of live performances, making every visit unique. This premier destination combines thrilling adventures with cultural experiences, making it a must-visit spot for fun-seekers and families alike.

Adventure Landing offers a dynamic array of entertainment options for all age groups, featuring three uniquely themed 18-hole miniature golf courses. These courses are not just about putting but are designed to engage players with challenges set amidst waterfalls and mountain landscapes, promising an adventurous experience. Additionally, visitors can test their driving skills on a quarter-mile go-kart track that offers a thrilling racing experience reminiscent of NASCAR®, designed to improve your skills with every lap.

For those seeking an indoor adventure, the Laser Tag arena offers a blend of strategy and excitement, with its complex mazes and futuristic lighting and sound, catering to both beginners and seasoned players. The venue also boasts a mega-arcade with over 100 interactive and ticket redemption games, ensuring endless fun as you drive, blast, and dance through the latest games. The redemption center rounds out the experience, offering a vast selection of prizes suitable for all ages.

The Fort Worth Herd brings the Old West to life in the Stockyards National Historic District through the world's only twice-daily cattle drive. Authentic Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., ensuring an experience true to historical details. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes Fort Worth Herd Experience offers an in-depth look into this unique event every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., located behind the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue.

North Texas boasts the largest indoor water park, which has earned a nomination for 'Best Waterpark in the Nation.' The community is encouraged to vote daily to secure the top spot. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, including thrilling slides such as Aquanaut and Yellowjacket Drop, and family favorites like Locura and E-Racer. There's also the Texas Twist, Prairie Plunge, the innovative FlowRider®, and the peaceful Swimming Hole. Epic Waves provides a dynamic water experience, while the Lazy River and dedicated kids' areas ensure fun for all ages.

Come discover the Nasher Sculpture Center, an urban oasis in Dallas featuring a world-class assortment of contemporary and modern sculptures. First Saturday each month is FREE 11a.m. – 5 p.m.

Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas provides an engaging oasis for discovery and learning about the natural world, catering to both children and adults. This 7.5-acre venue offers a unique blend of entertainment and education through its diverse attractions. Highlights include the renowned Sammons Butterfly and Insectarium, housing exotic butterflies, alongside an organic garden showcasing Texas native plants. Visitors can also enjoy historic exhibits, a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, and recreational activities such as picnicking, rock climbing, and garden train watching.

Dedicated to sustainability, Texas Discovery Gardens stands as the first public garden in Texas to achieve 100% organic certification, emphasizing water conservation and environmental protection. It operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, supported partly by the City of Dallas, and features an array of year-round programs including family festivals and workshops aimed at fostering an appreciation for nature. An urban sanctuary set within historic Fair Park, the gardens offer a tranquil retreat for exploration and education, encouraging guests to embrace a sustainable relationship with the environment.

The Creative Learning Room offers engaging activities for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers at various local libraries. This program encourages early learning and interaction in a supportive environment.

To discover specific dates and times for this initiative, caregivers can visit the library's website for further details. It provides an excellent opportunity for young children to explore and learn while spending quality time with their caregivers.

Get ready to have a blast ice skating in Euless, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Mansfield, McKinney, Plano, and Richardson! Lace up those skates and let the fun begin! Multiple locations, please check website!

Shenaniganz Rockwall has established itself as the go-to destination in East Dallas for a diverse mix of entertainment options. From children's birthday parties and company events to bowling tournaments, there's an activity to match everyone's taste. Guests can take advantage of an array of offerings including an escape room, axe throwing, and cornhole, ensuring every visit is packed with excitement. For those looking to enhance their experience, joining the VIP Club opens up access to exclusive deals, offers, and the latest information on upcoming events. Shenaniganz Rockwall promises a memorable experience for all types of gatherings.

Rainbow Vomit, Dallas' top immersive art exhibit, invites everyone for a memorable experience in a vibrant world reminiscent of a comic book. This attraction is perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a unique photo opportunity or simply to enjoy an artful adventure. Visitors are encouraged to capture their moments amidst the colorful and artistic surroundings. Ready for all ages, it's a must-visit for anyone wanting to add a splash of color to their day. Book your visit online and immerse yourself in the magic of Rainbow Vomit.

Great for Tweens and Teens!

Since its inauguration in 1982 with a performance by Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill, the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center has become a premier venue in Texas, hosting more Olympic Champions and athletes than any other in the state. Public skating sessions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, offering a unique chance for visitors of all ages to hit the ice.

The center provides an ideal setting for group outings, offering special rates for parties of 10 or more. Despite its popularity, it strives to accommodate skaters without the need for reservations, making ice skating accessible to everyone. The schedule varies throughout the week, ensuring ample opportunity for public enjoyment. For detailed inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the center directly.