2019 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Dallas

The Heritage Farmstead Museum (HFM) is the premiere living history site interpreting the Blackland prairie region in North Texas. An American Association of Museums accredited institution, the HFM strives to offer a step into the past for people of many ages, interests and backgrounds. The HFM hosts summer camps, educational school field-trip programs for students pre-k through sixth grade, birthday parties, and weddings.  

The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene setting on White Rock Lake.

Experience the stories of aviation and space flight from the Wright Flyer to the one-of-a-kind Flying Pancake, the Apollo 7 spacecraft, and 32 other memorable aircraft and space vehicles.  See 18 historical galleries including our expanded Space Flight Gallery; and our acclaimed STEM education program. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is the perfect place to explore the history and progress of aviation, as mankind continues to pursue going higher, faster and farther.

Of course, the libraries in the Dallas area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.

The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects.

Hawaiian Falls is built with the family in mind. We are passionate about serving our guests by creating a clean, safe and fun Hawaiian themed environment for the whole family. You can play with the kids in the Wave Pool, float down the Lazy River, or watch as they go down their favorite rides like the Pineapple Express. Whether you're looking for a way to relax or looking to entertain the kids on a hot summer day, Hawaiian Falls has you covered!  

NRH2O Family Water Park offers a full day of fun for everyone in your family. Whether you want to ride the waves in the wave pool, brave our thrilling water slides, or just relax in the Endless River, we have something for everyone! The park's events include Dive-In Movies, fireworks, and much more! NRH2O is also a great place to host your next group outing or birthday party! 

For those looking to catch dinner and a movie, Moviehouse & Eatery has three locations in DFW featuring reserved recliners and full service right at your seat.  You can enjoy scratch-made dishes, a full bar and lounge, plush leather recliners at every seat, and of course great movies shown on wall-to-wall screens.

Play Street Museum is a children's museum created to inspire imaginations and the world through superior quality play. Our mission is to encourage exploration through educational activities for young children and their families. 

North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) is dedicated to developing the character of youth through quality performing arts education and family entertainment. Our programs include year round performing arts classes, summer camps, major productions featuring the best in Broadway and dramatic literature, Starcatcher Therapeutic Arts Programs, NTPA Repertory Theatre featuring adult and youth in age appropriate roles, free community outreach, and Birthday parties. The North Texas Arts is the largest not-for-profit youth theatre organization in the country!