Choose from 17 Fun Things to Do in Dallas
ShowingFilter 1-17 of 17 listings.
Medieval Times Dallas
Transport to a time of knights, kings, and queens at Medieval Times in Dallas, a unique dining and live-action experience that’s entertaining for the whole family. Enjoy a four-course feast included with your ticket while you watch sword fights, jousting from horseback, and even falcons in flight.
The Basics
Part of the nationally acclaimed dinner-theater company, the Dallas-based production of Medieval Times hosts guests inside a historical-looking castle. Dinner portions are large and include items such as roast chicken, tomato soup, garlic bread, baked potato, and dessert. Then prepare for some fun and audience participation as you cheer for your “home team,” which includes six knights on their two-hour epic battle quest and a supporting cast of live horses, serfs, and royalty.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money on your Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament ticket by purchasing ahead of time.
- Arrive early to get the best seats to view the action.
- Meal selections are fixed, and there are no utensils. Vegetarian options are available.
- This show is appropriate for all ages, including younger children.
How to Get There
Medieval Times Dallas is located at 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, in the Design District of Dallas, Texas. From DFW Airport, it’s an 18-minute drive southeast. Follow I-35E south to North Stemmons Freeway and free on-site parking. The nearest DART bus stop is I-35 at Oak Lawn.
When to Get There
Reserve your Medieval Times Dallas ticket in advance to ensure the time and date of your choice. The castle opens 75 minutes prior to the scheduled showtime, and it’s recommended that you arrive early so you have plenty of time to get a good seat and check out the additional features of the castle, as well as purchase souvenirs if you wish.
Torture Chamber
One of the additional “attractions” at Medieval Times Dallas that guests frequently talk about is the creepy medieval torture museum, available to tour for an additional fee. Here you can see some of the devices used for punishment during the 11th century. This may not be suitable for children.
Address: 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 58
Pioneer Plaza
Pioneer Plaza, located in downtown Dallas’ Convention Center District, honors the 19th-century cattle drives on the Shawnee Trail with a bronze sculpture of 49 longhorn steer driven by three cowboys on horseback. With a waterfall and artificial cliffs, the park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Dallas.
The Basics
The highlight of Pioneer Plaza is the larger-than-life bronze cattle-drive sculpture by Texas artist Robert Summers. The steer, each of which stands 6 feet tall (1.8 meters tall) and contains realistic details, appear to be traveling across a flowing stream, roaming the Texas landscape just as they did in the 1800s. Several guided tours stop here to allow you to take photos and learn more about the area’s history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pioneer Plaza is a must for families and a worthwhile Dallas photo stop.
- The park is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset.
- It’s possible to walk among the sculptures, but wheelchairs will have to traverse grass, dirt, or gravel to reach them.
How to Get There
Pioneer Plaza covers 4.2 acres downtown at Young and Griffin streets, near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas and adjacent to Pioneer Cemetery. Within 1 mile (2 kilometers) are such major attractions as the Sixth Floor Museum, Dealey Plaza, and the Dallas Museum of Art. The park is easily accessible by car, less than one-half mile (0.8 kilometers) north of Interstate 30. By public transit, take a DART bus to Young and Griffin.
When to Get There
For the best photos, visit Pioneer Plaza during the day. The sculpture is a popular photo spot, and weekdays are less crowded than weekends (watch for tour buses unloading here). Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for visiting Dallas, while peak summer heat makes for some hot bronze statues baking in the sun.
Don’t Have a Cow, Man
When the sculptures were first installed in Dallas in the mid-1990s, local residents caused an uproar over their historical inaccuracy—neighboring Fort Worth, not Dallas, claims the “cowtown” heritage. A group of local artists even tried to bring a lawsuit to stop the project from moving forward. Today, however, the statues are so beloved by visitors that they are the second-most visited site in Dallas (after Dealey Plaza).
Address: 1428 Young Street, Dallas, Texas, USA
From $ 28
SEA LIFE Aquarium Dallas
Beyond anything you'd expect inside a mall, at Sea Life Aquarium Dallas you can immerse yourself in the oceanic environment filled with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, clownfish, jellyfish, touch tanks, and more. Visitors of all ages will love walking through the 360-degree ocean tunnel, watching fish swim overhead.
The Basics
Sea Life Aquarium is part of a worldwide group of aquariums offering smaller-scale aquarium experiences that allow you time to visit several area attractions. You can explore the aquarium on your own, watching daily feedings or special talks about sharks, rescued turtles, and other animals, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the animals who live here. The Interactive Rockpool exhibit allows visitors to touch sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money and time by buying your Sea Life Aquarium Dallas tickets in advance.
- Check the aquarium's schedule for upcoming talks and special events.
- The facility is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rent at the Grapevine Mills Mall Guest Services booth.
- Guests may bring strollers if necessary, but double strollers are discouraged.
- No food or drinks are allowed inside.
How to Get There
Sea Life Aquarium Dallas is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway in Grapevine, Texas, at the Grapevine Mills Mall, across from Legoland Discovery Center. From the DFW Airport, head south on International Parkway to State Highway 121, then take the Grapevine Mills exit. The mall parking lot is free. A Grapevine Visitors Shuttle runs from downtown Grapevine to several area attractions and includes a mall stop.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open from 10am to 7:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 11am to 5:30pm on Sunday. You can anticipate larger crowds on weekends, particularly during school breaks, and over the summer, in addition to spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you don't mind crowds, the aquarium runs several special holiday-themed events, including a Scuba-diving Santa.
Conservation Education
Sea Life has a breeding and conservation program and helps save injured sea animals. Throughout the exhibits, guests can learn about these programs, including missions to assist with coral propagation and breed, rescue, and protect undulate rays and lined seahorses. The aquarium also helps to educate people about making responsible choices to protect the environment.
Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, Texas 76051, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Dallas Arts District
The Dallas Arts District is a hub for performing arts, museums, and architecture, and at 69 acres and 19 blocks in size, it is one of the largest urban arts districts in the United States. Visitors interested in the arts will want to check out the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Wyly Theatre, among others.
The Basics
The Dallas Arts District has three museums—the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art—as well as several venues aimed at showcasing music and live performance, plus public art, festivals, lectures, classes, parks, and gardens. The neighborhood has a variety of cozy cafés for savoring your immersive artistic day. Round out your itinerary with a tour that includes the Arts District in addition to other Dallas hot spots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dallas Arts District is a must-stop for art and music fans.
- Most of the art venues have gift shops—consider taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
- Turn your day at the Arts District into an interactive adventure by booking a Scavenger Hunt or Outdoor Trivia Race.
How to Get There
The Dallas Arts District is bordered by US 75 to the east and St. Paul to the west, Woodall Rodgers Access Road to the north and Ross to the south. The closest DART is Pearl/Arts District. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley (also known as the M-Line) stops at the district.
When to Get There
There are no set hours for the Dallas Arts District. Check each venue for hours and days of operation, as well as upcoming special events or closures. Generally, museums will be busier on weekends and school breaks. The Dallas Arts District Block Party is a signature event series that runs at various times throughout the year and is worth checking out.
America’s Finest Opera House
The Winspear Opera House has been called “America’s finest opera house” by Opera magazine, in part because of its unique 21st-century design, which is a takeoff on the traditional opera house “horseshoe” shape. The building’s facade is 60 feet (18 meters) of glass revealing a vibrant red interior. The venue hosts opera, musical theater, ballet, and other performances.
Address: Flora Street, Dallas, Texas, USA
From $ 15
Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center is a one of the newer museums to hit the Dallas Arts District but has made a lasting impact on the local scene. The vision of the late Raymond and Patty Nasher, the indoor gallery houses the couple’s collection of some of the finest modern sculptures in the world. With over 300 pieces in the permanent collection, multiple works from artists such as Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth and Picasso are on display. Special exhibits on loan from other museums and collections are also housed here from time to time.
The center was designed by architect Renzo Piano in collaboration with landscape architect Peter Walker, who installed a beautiful sculpture garden to explore outside the indoor gallery space. The site also has an auditorium, a cafe and a store, plus research and educational facilities to promote sculpture.
Practical Info
The Nasher Sculpture Center is located adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in the Dallas Arts District. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission costs $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and is free for children under 12. The admission fee covers a free audio tour and entrance to any special exhibitions. Parking at the nearby Dallas Museum of Art is free.
Address: 2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Hours: Tues-Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10, seniors $7, students $5
From $ 10
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Featuring the best in natural history and science exhibits across two campuses, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science stands boldly as a cube in the city skyline, characterized by its unique design. The building's architecture and sustainability, along with its lab facilities and outdoor space, make it a unique contribution to Dallas. It was built to reflect the rocks and grasses of the native Texas landscape, combining art and design with the latest in technology and engineering. Completed in 2005, the building has since won the highest level of awards for its sustainable design.
Six of its floors contain 11 permanent exhibitions, ranging from giant dinosaur fossils to a multimedia journey through the solar system. The Moody Family Children's Museum allows for kids to interact with scaled versions of the city, while its interactive exhibits dedicated to humanity, sound science, evolution, the earth, and even sports are some of the finest in the nation.
Practical Info
The Perot Museum is easily accessible by both car and public transportation. To get there using DART, take any of the rail lines to the Akard or West End Station. It is a short walk to the museum (at the corner of Field Street and Woodall Rodgers Freeway) from there. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 12 to 5 pm, admission costs $19 for adults and $12 for kids.
Address: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, Texas, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm, Sun from 12-5pm
Admission: $19 for adults, $12 for kids
From $ 49
Fort Worth
Known as the home of “Cowboys and Culture,” Fort Worth is the smaller—but no less robust— neighbor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Its roots as a cowtown can still be seen in such museums as the Stockyards Museum and family-friendly activities including twice-daily Texas longhorn cattle runs.
The Basics
Fort Worth has three key districts for visitors: Sundance Square, the Cultural District, and the Stockyards. Trendy Sundance Square spans 35 blocks downtown and has restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Cultural District has five acclaimed museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Stockyards offers up a slice of old-school western life, with cattle drives and homey cafes and shops.
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Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Worth is a friendly, laid-back destination that is ideal for families.
- A free visitor trolley, Molly the Trolley, takes visitors around to the three main downtown districts.
- Traffic can be busy throughout the DFW area, particularly during rush hour.
How to Get There
Fort Worth is 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Dallas. From Dallas, follow I-30 West and take the Lancaster Avenue exit for downtown. Trinity Railway Express train service runs between the two cities, and the city bus service is called “the T.” Visitors can also take the free Molly the Trolley throughout downtown.
When to Get There
For the best climate during your stay, try to time your visit for the fall, September through November. Major events that take place throughout the year include the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January and the National Day of the American Cowboy in July.
Have You “Herd”?
Fort Worth’s Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can see a herd of Texas longhorn cattle roaming the streets. One of the Stockyards’ six staff drovers drive the cattle twice a day, at 11:30am and 4pm.
Address: Main Street, Fort Worth TX 76101, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the events leading to the assassination of President Kennedy in November 1963.
It’s a moving and eerie experience to visit the museum, taking up the very spot Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that perhaps killed the president.
Film, photographs, artifacts and exhibits examine the event and the ensuing investigations.
Oral history and eyewitness accounts form an important part of the museum’s collection, and you can take an audio walking tour of the area.
Practical Info
The Sixth Floor Museum is in the Texas School Book Depository at Dealey Plaza, on the corner of Elm and Houston Streets.
The Union and West End light rail stations are just a short walk away.
Address: 411 Elm Street, Dallas TX 75202, USA
Hours: Tues – Sun 10am - 6pm (opens at 12pm on Mondays). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: Adults: US$13.50, Youths (6-18yrs): US$12.50
From $ 16
Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is a public park in Dallas, Texas, best known as the location where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, fired on by a sniper from the Texas School Book Depository. A museum focusing on Kennedy and the assassination now occupies the former depository, and there are various remembrances around the plaza.
The Basics
Now a National Historic Landmark District, Dealey Plaza includes several notable sites. The Sixth Floor Museum is located on the upper floors of the former book depository, where evidence of the shooter was discovered. Displays here chronicle Kennedy's life, presidency, and assassination.
A white X on Elm Street marks the spot where the president was shot, and on the northwest side of the plaza is the famed grassy knoll, which played an important role in conspiracy theories about alternate shooters. One block away, you'll find John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dealey Plaza is a must for anyone interested in presidential history.
- Visitors are asked to treat these sites respectfully and with deference to the tragic event that occurred here.
- Both the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Dealey Plaza encompasses the intersection of three streets in west downtown Dallas"”Main, Elm, and Commerce"”bordered by North Houston Street. Interstate 35 East (aka Stemmons Freeway) runs just one-third of a mile west of the plaza, and paid parking is available behind the Sixth Floor Museum. By public transit, take the DART to West End and walk about five minutes to the plaza.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Dealey Plaza is during the week, when the area is less crowded. Spring and fall are ideal times to explore Dallas, before the peak heat of the Texas summer months.
X Marks the Spot
Throughout the years, a variety of hand-painted X marks have appeared on Elm Street allegedly denoting the two locations of President Kennedy's limousine when shots struck him. These are not official markings from the city or any other historical organization. Occasionally, the city removes them, but they always quickly reappear.
Address: 411 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas, USA
From $ 16
Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk
The famous roadhouse-style barbecue steak, brisket, and ribs are only part of the story at Billy Bob’s, dubbed the world’s largest honky tonk. More than 6,000 people can squeeze into the Fort Worth venue to watch country music concerts, hit the dance floor, dine at the restaurant, play arcade games, or watch a bull riding contest.
The Basics
Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk offers several experiences and ticket options. General admission to the dance club also includes standing room in the showroom during concerts. Reserved seating during concerts includes club entrance. A bull riding show may be included with your advanced ticket, or you may purchase it separately. Book your entrance ahead of time to avoid the hassle of waiting in line at the ticket office.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk is a must-visit for families and first-time Texas visitors.
- Guests over 18 might be asked to present a valid government issued ID to enter.
- Billy Bob’s is wheelchair accessible, and handicapped parking is available.
How to Get There
Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk sits in the northwest corner of the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, just north of downtown Fort Worth. The easiest way to get there is to drive; there’s plenty of on-site parking.
When to Get There
Billy Bob’s is open daily throughout the year. The best time to visit depends largely on what experience you want to have and what the performance calendar looks like. It’s a good idea to check the calendar in advance of your trip. Bull riding performances take place on Friday and Saturday nights.
Dance Lessons at Billy Bob’s
Texas two-stepping and line dancing are a big part of the experience at Billy Bob’s. Luckily, you don’t have to be a pro to put on those dancing shoes and get in on the fun. Couples can show up on Sunday and Monday nights for couples dance lessons, while line dancing lessons take place each Thursday night.
Address: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth TX 76164, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 120
Stockyards National Historic District
Fort Worth, once known as Cowtown, is a city that never forgot its roots. You can see those roots still honored at the Stockyards National Historic District, where a Texas longhorn cattle herd takes to the streets daily. This festive ritual is exemplary of how the city continues to embrace its Cowboys and Culture brand.
The Basics
A main draw to the Stockyards, the cattle drives take place at 11:30am and 4pm every day. Learn more about Fort Worth’s cowboy culture at the Stockyards Museum, and enjoy the district’s shops, saloons, and restaurants. If you’d like to see even more, book a tour that includes other area attractions such as the Cowtown Coliseum and Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is a great activity for families with kids and a must for first-time visitors.
- There are several shops and restaurants located in this district.
- You can pay to get a photo with one of the longhorns, and there’s also a petting zoo open on weekends at the Stockyards with other farm animals.
- Most of the Stockyards establishments are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is on Exchange Avenue at Main Street, north of downtown Fort Worth and about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Street parking is free on Exchange Avenue. Molly the Trolley is free and runs from downtown to the Stockyards.
When to Get There
Be sure to visit the Stockyards for one of the two daily cattle drives. Weekends generally offer more in terms of activities, including a petting zoo for kids. Weather is generally very comfortable in the spring (March through May) and fall (October and November), and even into winter; summer tends toward uncomfortably hot temperatures.
Hell’s Half Acre
Several Texas towns had seedy areas known as Hell’s Half Acre, renowned for gambling, drinking, prostitution, and general debauchery—but no town was more infamous than Fort Worth. You’d be hard-pressed to find any semblance of this former red-light district nowadays, but you can always pay a visit to a local saloon and toast the memory of Fort Worth’s outlaws.
Address: Stockyards Boulevard, Fort Worth TX 76164, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 75
Legoland Discovery Center Dallas Fort Worth
Grapevine's Legoland Discovery Center is a must for families with little and big builders. This vibrant space has an impressive number of rides and attractions, more than four million Lego pieces forming such amazing creations as a replica of the DFW area in striking detail, and 4D films included with your admission.
The Basics
Located inside the Grapevine Mills Mall, Legoland Discovery Center offers a Lego factory tour, a Build and Test Zone to create your own race cars (and test them for speed), a Kingdom Quest laser ride where you take aim at the bad guys, a princess palace, and Merlin's Apprentice, where you pedal a two-seater bench suspended in the air and spinning around Merlin.
The Lego Studios 4D cinema offers several entertaining short films that engage all your senses (with effects such as an unexpected spray of water and the feeling of wind). Legos steal the show throughout the exhibit spaces, including Miniland, a recreation of the DFW metropolitan area; several spaces for making your own unique builds; and a gift shop perfect for Lego enthusiasts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Legoland Discovery Center is perfect for kids and adults alike who enjoy building with Legos.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Save money by purchasing your tickets in advance.
- There's an on-site coffee shop that serves drinks, snacks, and sandwiches.
- A gift shop sells bricks, kits, and other Lego merchandise.
How to Get There
Legoland Discovery Center is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway in the Dallas suburb of Grapevine, Texas, at the Grapevine Mills Mall, across from Sea Life aquarium. From the DFW Airport, head south on International Parkway to State Highway 121, then take the Grapevine Mills exit. There is plenty of free parking available at the mall. A Grapevine Visitors Shuttle runs from the airport, several area hotels, and downtown and includes a stop at the mall.
When to Get There
Legoland is open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 7pm on Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Expect larger mall crowds on weekends and during holiday seasons, particularly during school breaks. Want to build without having to share your bricks with the kids? The last Monday of each month is Adult Night from 7pm to 9pm.
Everything's Smaller in Lego Texas
More than 1.5 million bricks went into the creation of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan Miniland, which transitions from day to night while visitors watch the activities going on in miniature. You'll see DFW Airport, AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), and the Fort Worth Stockyards, among other replicated sites.
Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
John F. Kennedy Memorial
Simple but profoundly moving, the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Dallas comprises a granite slab bearing the assassinated president’s name etched in gold. The slab is surrounded by soaring concrete walls that appear to be free-floating, capturing the feeling of loss felt around the world following Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963.
The Basics
As a prominent city landmark, the John F. Kennedy Memorial is included in many Dallas sightseeing tours. Those with a particular interest in the JFK assassination can opt for a themed tour that includes visits to Dealey Plaza, where the president was killed; the memorial; Grassy Knoll; the home of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald; the historic Texas Movie Theater in Oak Cliff; and the Sixth Floor Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The JFK Memorial is a must-see for first-time visitors and JFK history buffs.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The JFK Memorial Plaza is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The JFK Memorial is situated in downtown Dallas, a block away from Dealey Plaza in John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Union Station and West End Station are close by.
When to Get There
To fully appreciate the memorial and its symbolism, plan to visit after a trip to the nearby Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Don’t miss seeing the memorial at night, when light fixtures in the ground create the illusion that the light itself is supporting the cenotaph.
The Man Behind the Memorial
American architect Philip Johnson was chosen to design the memorial, and he opted for an open tomb design to symbolize the freedom of JFK’s spirit. The walls of the roofless room were built from 72 white concrete columns that seemingly float 29 inches (74 centimeters) above the ground. This invisible force that seems to hold the memorial together was inspired by the magnetic charisma of John F. Kennedy.
Address: John F Kennedy Memorial Plaza, Dallas TX 75202, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 28
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum explores the two terms of the United States' 43rd president. Several exhibits tell the story of American history from 2001 to 2009, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, while the nation's second-largest presidential library welcomes visitors to peruse official records and artifacts from Bush's presidency.
The Basics
Inside the George W. Bush Presidential Center, you'll find an exhibit space with hands-on exhibits organized by various themes including American history, public policy, and the presidency. There's a remembrance display commemorating the 9/11 attacks, including footage and steel beams from the World Trade Center, and an exhibit on Hurricane Katrina and its devastating impact on Americans. You can experience what it feels like to sit inside the Oval Office, and get an appreciation for the complexity of the president's role in the Decision Points Theater"”which offers a glimpse of some key points of history and events during Bush's tenure.
You can explore the center at your own pace with a personal handheld audio guide. Tickets include all permanent and special exhibits, and the audio guide. Save by purchasing a CityPASS, which combines the presidential museum and library with other Dallas attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The George W. Bush Library and Museum is a must-do for politics and history buffs.
- Cafe 43, an on-site restaurant, serves locally sourced, Texas-influenced dishes, while the Courtyard Cafe offers more casual fare such as sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks.
- If you are a veteran, check out the Blue Star Museums program, which offers free admission to veterans during the summer.
- The museum is fully accessible to guests in wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is inside the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Southern Methodist University's campus. Paid parking is available nearby. Alternatively take the DART light rail to Mockingbird Station and the Route 768 SMU Express Shuttle, which drops you off at the museum's entrance.
When to Get There
The library and museum are open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm; they are closed on major holidays. You'll find the fewest crowds on weekday afternoons.
Three Texas Presidents and Their Libraries
Texas is the only US state that boasts three presidential libraries. The presidential library and museum of 41st president George H.W. Bush, is located in College Station, about 175 miles (282 kilometers) south of his son's library. And the library of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, is in Austin, about 200 miles south (322 kilometers).
Address: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Hard Rock Cafe Dallas
Welcome to rock and roll with a Texas sensibility. The Hard Rock Cafe Dallas offers that classic American menu known and loved by Hard Rock fans, including burgers and ribs, with a touch of cowboy flare. Memorabilia adorns the restaurant from both local and global artists, and the restaurant also hosts live music performances.
The Basics
The Dallas franchise of the Hard Rock Cafe is a full-service restaurant offering lunch, dinner, appetizers, and drinks in a lively, upbeat atmosphere focused on showcasing the best of American music. Order up your meal, and while you wait, peruse the restaurant’s impressive collection of guitars and costumes, including REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin’s velvet pants, Melissa Etheridge’s leather jacket, and founding Dixie Chick Laura Lynch’s cowboy boots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Get a great deal with a prix-fixe menu, which includes your choice of entree, dessert, and a drink.
- Dallas-branded Hard Rock souvenirs are for sale at the on-site shop.
- The restaurant has a kids’ menu and a gluten-free menu.
How to Get There
The Dallas Hard Rock is located at 2211 North Houston Street, at the southern end of Victory Park in Dallas, Texas. Heading downtown on I-35E, take the Continental Avenue exit and turn right on Continental Avenue, then left on Houston Street. House of Blues Dallas is just across the street. The DART Victory station is about a 10-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Hard Rock Cafe Dallas is open 11am to 11pm daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks and drinks. Check the website for upcoming live performances and events. Though major downtown events might bring larger crowds, generally visitors have reported excellent service on weekends.
Ceremonial Guitar Smash
When the Hard Rock Cafe Dallas first opened in 2009, it was a red-carpet event, and like other Hard Rock grand openings, it included a ceremonial guitar smash as a way of christening the new space, rock-and-roll style. The guests of honor were band members from the Old 97’s, a Dallas-based alternative country band.
Address: 2211 North Houston Street, Dallas 75219, USA
From $ 32
Dallas Zoo
The oldest and largest zoo in Texas, the Dallas Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including a herd of elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, ostriches, gorillas, and penguins. On the zoo's 106 acres you'll also find the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo, a highly rated reptile and amphibian exhibit, and the only koalas in Texas.
The Basics
The Dallas Zoo has two main sections separated by a tunnel. The main entrance is at ZooNorth, where you'll find the children's zoo, Cheetah Encounter, tigers, primates, birds, and the amphitheater. Wilds of Africa houses giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and dozens of other species. Visitors can feed birds, see engaging wildlife shows, and take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money by purchasing a CityPASS, which includes admission to the Dallas Zoo in addition to other Dallas attractions.
- There are several on-site restaurants and food vendors, including the Serengeti Grill, where you can watch African lions just inches away through the restaurant's viewing wall.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent.
- Guests may bring food and drinks (and there are picnic spots available at the zoo), but disposable straws, glass, and alcohol are not allowed.
How to Get There
The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway in Marsalis Park, about three miles southwest of downtown Dallas. From downtown, take I-35E/South R.L. Thornton Freeway to exit 425C toward Marsalis Avenue/Dallas Zoo. Paid parking is available. You can also take the DART Red Line, which stops right in front of the zoo.
When to Get There
The Dallas Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Crowds can be heavy on weekends and school breaks. An ideal time to visit is right as the zoo opens, as you're more likely to catch animals at their liveliest. Check the zoo schedule for upcoming events and animal talks and shows that you might want to see.
Backstage Animal Encounters
During select times of year for an additional fee, you can take a 90-minute guided tour of the Dallas Zoo and hear all about your favorite animals from the zookeepers themselves. You'll get to feed apples to African elephants, take photos with an endangered penguin, and experience a special animal-encounter show.
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park
Calling all thrill seekers! The Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park in Dallas is the only amusement park in the US exclusively dedicated to extreme thrills. With five different adrenaline-pumping adventures, the park offers free falls, high-speed drops, and spinning at four g-force for those who dare.
The Basics
The Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park includes a good old-fashioned bungee jump; Nothin’ but Net, a 16-story free fall into a net; and Texas Blast Off, which sends riders 150 feet up in the air and from 0 to 70 miles (112 kilometers) per hour in 1.2 seconds. Skycoaster swings you through the air from a height of 110 feet (33 meters), and windmill-style Skyscraper spins you 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance. If you plan to ride multiple rides or if you’re part of a group of four or more, you can save money on bundled tickets.
- Rides have no age restrictions, but if you are under 16, you’ll need a parent’s consent. Some rides have height and weight restrictions, and you cannot ride if you’re pregnant or have certain health conditions.
- Visitors must sign a waiver before riding the rides.
- Videos of your death-defying feats are available for purchase.
- Plan to spend about one to two hours here.
How to Get There
The Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park is located on Malibu Drive, 10 miles north of downtown Dallas near the Malibu Speed Zone. Take Interstate 35 East to the Walnut Hill exit, then turn west to Malibu Drive and head north. The amusement park is on your left. Free parking is available on-site.
When to Get There
Zero Gravity is open 4pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday, 4pm to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday, and noon to 10pm on Sunday. Call before you arrive to ensure operating hours are correct. No reservations are necessary unless you are with a large group. The park closes in the event of lightning, heavy rain, or extreme cold, so you may want to call ahead in inclement weather.
Say Ahhhh!
Bungee jumping is named for the stretchable shock cord typically used to strap various things down or together. The bungee tower at Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park is seven stories, or about 100 feet (30.5 meters). For comparison, according to Guinness World Records, the highest bungee jump you can currently take is off the Macau Tower in China, a height of 764 feet (233 meters).
Address: 11131 Malibu Drive, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 38