Family Staycation Ideas Around Dallas

Stephanie W. said:  Exhibits at the Dallas World Aquarium are divided by geographical location, and are not just limited to fish. You and your kids will get to experience birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and sea creatures from all over the world!

Stephanie W. said:  Trinity Groves is a unique collection of restaurants, all in one large building! The venue has almost a boardwalk-type feel, and you can stroll through the large outdoor seating area as you browse different restaurants ranging from tapas to sushi to barbecue. There are enough options to find something the whole family will love! Stop by Kate Weiser Chocolate for some artsy designer truffles or Cake Bar for a scrumptious piece of cake after you've eaten your meal. Enjoy the dozens of lit up trees surrounding the venue and take in the breathtaking Dallas skyline as you savor your dessert!

Vanessa M. said:  Give kids and teens the thrilling experience of ziplining through the treetops, venturing across wobbling bridges, and many other military-style obstacles at Trinity Forest Adventure Park, or make it an adventure for the whole family. Admission includes training, equipment, and three hours in the park to enjoy your self-guided adventure.

Requirements: 48+ inches and able to reach 60-inch cable

Cost: $44.95+

Vanessa M. said:  For a blast of fun, visit Mansfield Paintball Adventure Park. While many paintball arenas are limited for kids ages 10+, Mansfield offers the "Splatmaster" option for kids beginning at age 6+. With 50 acres, 8 playing fields, and knowledgeable and helpful staff, players of all levels are sure to have a thrilling time. Click here to learn about birthday parties and group rates.

Ages: 6+

Cost: $24.95+

Stephanie W. said:  The Sixth Floor Museum is an amazing museum about John F. Kennedy and is a fantastic option for older kids who are interested in U.S. and Dallas history. The museum honors the life, assassination, and legacy of President Kennedy in the context of 1960s America. It is a fascinating way for children to learn about this important event in our country's history!

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

christadiserio said:  "Is this real life?" With all of the unusual objects hosted at Ripley's Believe It or Not, the kids will be asking themselves that very question. From rare animal skeletons to shrunken human heads, the kids will thoroughly enjoy all that this venue has to offer. Additional attractions are available, such as a mirror maze and a palace of wax.

Lisa R said:  It's hard to believe that the largest urban hardwood forest in the US is just 10 minutes south of downtown Dallas. This 6,000 acre preserve is home to wildlife that you can learn about at the LEED certified nature center that houses a native bull frog, fish, lizards, snakes, and turtles. The center also has interactive learning activities, festivals, outdoor adventures, and guides for self-paced hikes. Five miles of trails through wetland, forest and prairie include wheelchair (and stroller) accessible stretches.

Sarah D. said:  Heard is the perfect garden experience for children of every age! Heard has an impressive array of exhibits and gardens that are sure to wow your little ones! Whether your child wants to explore the animatronic dinosaurs in Dinosaur Live exhibit, spend time in the Butterfly House, practice science in the Living Lab, or learn about Native Texas Snakes, there is no shortage of fun to be had in this garden! Don't miss Heard's incredible nature programs for additional educational fun!

Stephanie W. said:  The Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium, and seeing a game at this gigantic venue is one your kids will remember forever! The world's largest domed structure, it has 100,000 seats! There are different types of tours available, such as the Rally Day Tour which takes place the day before a home game, or the Art Tour, as the stadium is home to museum-quality contemporary art. Other events, like concerts and KAABOO Texas.

Cost: Cowboys tickets start at $35/person. Tours start at $22/Ages 13+, $17/Ages 5-12.

Stephanie W. said:  For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game! Baseball is America's favorite past time, and the Texas Rangers' stadium is the perfect place to celebrate it! Located in Arlington, the stadium is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth. Not only is attending a game and grabbing a hot dog and cotton candy worth the trip, behind-the-scenes tours and in-game experiences are available to make your trip even more memorable!

Cost: Tickets start at $22. See more pricing and availability here.

Stephanie W. said:  Reunion Tower might be the most notable part of the Dallas skyline- there's nowhere else like it! It's a rotating observation deck (the GeO-Deck) and restaurant (Wolfgang Puck's Five Sixty). Take a 68 second elevator ride up 470 feet in the air to experience incredible 360-degree views of the city, and enjoy an delicious meal as the sun sets over Dallas. Your kids will absolutely love this sky-high Dallas experience!

Stephanie W. said:  This experience is one for the books. You've heard of Touch-a-Truck events, but have you ever heard of a place that actually lets you drive them?? Extreme Sandbox has excavators, bull dozers, wheel loaders, and more, and this place lets you ride in and drive them yourself! Kids who love construction vehicles and new, exciting experiences will go crazy for Extreme Sandbox!

Age: 14+

Cost: Packages start at $195. Click here for more pricing.

Stephanie W. said:  Hurricane Harbor is open seasonally, and offers 50 acres of unique slides and outdoor water attractions for thrill-seekers and tots alike! Take a 7-story free-fall on the Dive Bomber, relax on the Lazy River, or race to the finish line on the Wahoo Racer!

Stephanie W. said:  The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Dallas! Located near Trinity Groves, it provides the city with a beautiful addition to its skyline, and helps connect the north and south parts of the city. It can be used as a pedestrian bridge though many cars use it daily, and events are held on it throughout the year, making exploring it a great addition to any staycation!

Cost: Free to walk across

Stephanie W. said:  The Fort Worth Zoo currently houses over 540 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians from all over the world. They host Zookeeper Chats, giraffe feeding experience, an interactive stingray exhibit, Safari Splash water play area, educational animal encounters, train, carousel, and more!