Explore a State Park: Texas has over 80 state parks, many of which are within 100 miles of Dallas. These parks offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Visit local parks and nature reserves: Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has several parks and nature reserves that offer a range of activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. Some of the popular parks include Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Cedar Ridge Preserve, and more.
Attend library programs: Local libraries offer several programs and events for children during the summer, such as reading clubs, book clubs, craft sessions, and more. The Dallas Public Library, Arlington Public Library, and Fort Worth Public Library are great options to check out.
Visit the Dallas Museum of Art. The Dallas Museum of Art is free for children under 12 years old, and admission is only $10 for children ages 12-18. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits that kids of all ages will enjoy, including art from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits that encourage kids to learn and explore.
Go to Klyde Warren Park. Klyde Warren Park is a beautiful urban park that is located on a deck over a freeway. The park has a playground, a dog park, a reading room, and a variety of other activities for kids to enjoy. Admission to the park is free.
Take a Cooking Class: Many local cooking schools and community centers offer cooking classes for kids. These classes can teach valuable skills such as following recipes, measuring ingredients, and kitchen safety.
Attend a Target First Saturday event. Target First Saturday is a free event that takes place on the first Saturday of every month at various Target stores in Dallas. The events feature a variety of activities for kids, including arts and crafts, games, and entertainment.
Explore the Bishop Arts District. The Bishop Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood in Dallas that is home to a variety of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and shops. The district is also home to a number of family-friendly activities, such as the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
Visit Pioneer Plaza. Pioneer Plaza is a free outdoor sculpture park that is located in downtown Dallas. The park features a series of bronze sculptures of longhorn steers being driven by three cowboys on horses. The park is a great place for kids to run around and explore.
Take a DIY Craft Class: Local craft stores and community centers often offer DIY classes for kids, such as painting, sewing, and jewelry-making. This can be a fun way to express creativity and learn new skills.
Visit the Dallas Zoo. The Dallas Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo has a variety of exhibits, including African Plains, Giants of the Savanna, and the Komodo Kingdom. Admission to the zoo is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12.
Go to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a great place to learn about science and nature. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including the Children’s Museum, the Energy Hall, and the Frontiers of Flight Hall. Admission to the museum is $22 for adults and $16 for children ages 3-12.
Go Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun outdoor treasure hunt using GPS devices or smartphones. There are many geocaches hidden throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and it’s free to participate. You can download the Geocaching app or visit the Geocaching website to get started.
Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The district is also home to the Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo, which takes place every weekend. Admission to the Stockyards is free.
Go to the Kimbell Art Museum. The Kimbell Art Museum is a world-renowned art museum that is located in Fort Worth. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including European paintings, Asian art, and Egyptian artifacts. Admission to the museum is free.
Visit the Fort Worth Zoo. The Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 7,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo has a variety of exhibits, including African Plains, Asian Highlands, and the Texas Wildflower Refuge. Admission to the zoo is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12.
Go to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that is located in Dallas. The garden has a variety of gardens, including the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, the Doris Duke Center for Chinese Culture and Garden, and the DeGolyer Tea Garden. Admission to the garden is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12.
Explore the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a museum that is dedicated to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is located on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, from which President Kennedy was assassinated. Admission to the museum is $18 for adults and $14 for children ages 6-12.
Visit a Nature Center: The Dallas-Fort Worth area has several nature centers that offer hands-on exhibits, hiking trails, and educational programs for kids. Some options include the Trinity River Audubon Center, the River Legacy Living Science Center, and the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area.
Go to the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the history of aviation. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including the Boeing 747 Experience, the Wright Brothers Hangar, and the Spirit of St. Louis Pavilion. Admission to the museum is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12.
Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the life and presidency of George W. Bush. The museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Admission to the museum is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12.
Go to the Dallas Heritage Village. The Dallas Heritage Village is a living history museum that is located in the city of Dallas. The village recreates life in Dallas in the 19th century. Admission to the village is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12.
Attend summer camps: Several organizations and institutions in Dallas offer summer camps for children that are both educational and fun. Some of the popular options include the Dallas Zoo Summer Camp, YMCA Summer Camp, and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Summer Camp.
Visit local farmers’ markets: Visiting local farmers’ markets can be a fun and educational experience for children. They can learn about different types of fruits and vegetables, how they are grown, and the benefits of eating fresh and local produce. Some of the popular farmers’ markets in the area include the Dallas Farmers Market, the Coppell Farmers Market, and the McKinney Farmers Market.
Attend free concerts and events: Several cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex offer free concerts and events during the summer. Some of the popular options include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Parks Concert Series, the Levitt Pavilion’s Summer Concert Series, and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Concerts in the Garden series.
Go on a nature walk or hike: Several state parks and nature reserves are located within 100 miles of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Some popular options include Cedar Hill State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Attend a Free Storytime: Many local libraries offer free storytimes for kids during the summer. This can be a fun way to encourage a love of reading and meet other kids in the community.
Take a Bike Ride: The Dallas-Fort Worth area has several bike trails that are free to use, including the Katy Trail, the Trinity River Trail, and the White Rock Lake Trail. Biking is a fun way to get exercise and explore the outdoors.
Visit a Splash Pad: Many cities and parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have free splash pads where kids can cool off and play in the water during the summer. Some options include the Klyde Warren Park splash pad, the Texas Rangers Kids Zone, and the Frisco Commons Park splash pad.
Attend a Free Movie Screening: Some cities and parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area host free outdoor movie screenings during the summer. This can be a fun way to enjoy a movie under the stars.
Participate in a Science Experiment: The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers several free science experiments that kids can do at home, such as making a homemade lava lamp or building a marshmallow catapult.
Attend a Free Festival: Many cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area host free festivals during the summer, such as the Dallas International Festival, the Arlington Art Festival, and the Grapevine Main Street Fest.
Have a Picnic: Pack a lunch and head to a local park for a picnic. This can be a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.
