Family Staycation Ideas Around Dallas

Stephanie W. said:  Not every city can boast being the hometown of one of our Presidents! The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has exhibits about what it's like to live in the White House, has an exact replica of the Oval Office, and includes the 15-acre National Texas Park which is open to the public daily. You'll also see exhibits about 9/11, gifts from foreign Heads of State to President Bush, and so much more. Your kids will love seeing what it's like to be President, and hopefully they'll learn a lot, too!

Sarah D. said:  Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge has an impressive trail system that ranges in difficulty from easy to intermediate. The trails traverse a diverse array of habitats from marsh to lake to prairie to canyon ridge. The Wild Plum & Wild Plum South trails are particularly family-friendly. The 1.1 mile stretch has multiple access points and brings children along the Center's Bison Range (the best chance to see buffalo) and around Prairie Dog Town (a great place to see critters).

Sarah D. said:  The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If your kids are a little older, this is a great place to spend time in one of the many beautifully curated garden collections. From the Japanese Garden to the Cactus Garden to a Rose Garden with exquisite hardscapes, this Botanic experience is one you and your family won't soon forget! Be sure to request a tour to maximize the educational experience!

Sarah D. said:  The Dallas Mavericks are one of the best teams representing Texas in the NBA! The Mavs have won a few division titles, conference championships and - of course - the NBA championship in 2011! This team is all pro!

Cost: Regular ticket prices can run from $10 (but check out discounted game-day ticketing options to get the most affordable deal)!

Season generally runs from September to April

Stephanie W. said:  Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt?? This unique site offers interactive scavenger hunts for group of all ages, so it's perfect way to explore Dallas (and several other large cities!) as a family. You'll see all the best tourist sites as well as hidden treasures of the city. Each participant receives a role (you can choose the "youngster" role for kid-friendly challenges for your child), and they'll get to solve riddles and photo challenges with the group. Your family will love this fun-filled activity in downtown Dallas!

Cost: $24.45/person

Sarah D. said:  Bring your kids to see the WNBA! The Wings are relatively new to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area with the franchise settling down in Arlington in 2016. But, the franchise comes with multiple WNBA Championship titles and showcases incredible women's basketball talent from all over the world!

Cost: Ticket prices vary, averaging around $16.

Regular Season runs from May through August

Sarah D. said:  The Dallas Stars is the NHL within reach! Come see professional hockey players at the top of their game! If your kiddos really love the sport, the Dallas Stars has an impressive array of programs aimed at involving youth in the sport of hockey including the Learn to Play program, the Xtreme Team Camps & Clinics, or the Hockey Academy for more avid players! Bring the whole family for an affordable hockey experience!

Cost: Game day tickets start at $15; check out the Kids Club for child-friendly discounted ticketing!

Regular season runs from September through early April

Stephanie W. said:  With water park locations around Dallas, Hawaiian Falls Water Park has state-of-the-art water rides and interactive attractions open seasonally during the summer months, including an obstacle course, dueling multi tube racer slides, thrilling slides (some in complete darkness!), wave pool, lazy river, and aqua play structures!

Stephanie W. said:  This museum is so tailored to kids, you know it was created with them in mind! With many unique exhibits, planetarium and Innovation Studio, a notable section of this museum is the Children's Museum, for children ages 8 and under. They have an indoor block building site where children can construct a train and innovative water play stations. Also check out the DinoDig where children can dig for fossils! Your kids will love this interactive museum!

Stephanie W. said:  On your next staycation, spend an afternoon or evening singing the day away at Family Karaoke! They boast 14 private rooms, plus a full bar and kitchen, giving you and your family plenty of space to lounge on comfy couches, take turns singing (or pick a group number!), and enjoy a full meal while you're there.

Cost: Pricing varies depending on room size, starting at $23/hr on weekdays and $29/hr on weekends.

Stephanie W. said:  Experience a whole different side of the world in your own backyard! Located in Richardson, DFW China Town brings you delicious Asian food, shopping and fun family events. You'll find Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese food and culture in this delightful and unique neighborhood. Asian grocery stores carry items you might not find in a regular market, and the Chinese Community Center offers fun activities and programs like kids fashion shows and singing competitions!