Dallas, TX is an extremely diverse city. From the expansive acres of farmland to the bustling streets of downtown, Dallas and the surrounding metropolitan area are overflowing with food, fun and family-friendly activities. Visitors will quickly discover that each of Dallas’ neighborhoods has its own unique personality and is filled with attractions, stores and eateries that perfectly match those personalities. To highlight a few…
Deep Ellum is young, hip and lively. Its streets are filled with the hottest nightlife, the coolest bars and loads of live music. Bishop Arts is up-and-coming and one of the most unique areas in the city. You’ll discover more than 60 boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and galleries in this former warehouse district. Uptown is both dynamic and high-end. This neighborhood is the largest and most walkable, featuring acres of urban greenspaces in addition to hundreds of shops and restaurants.
Don’t worry! No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, we have a great attraction and delicious eatery for you to explore. Looking to explore Dallas on a budget? There are plenty of cheap attractions and deliciously cheap eats in the city.
We hope that this list of things to do in Dallas will help you not only fall in love with the city but also fill your vacation itinerary with just the right balance of history, culture, nature and diversity. Let’s jump in and discover just how big everything really is in Texas.
Typical Dallas Weather
Temperatures in Dallas typically range from a low of 39°F to a high of 96°F. During the winter months, temperatures can dip as low as 26°F, and during the summertime, they could rise as high as 102°F. Most Dallas winters bring cold temperatures, strong winds and chances of snowfall. The summer months are characterized by humidity, heat and lots of sunshine. May brings the most rainfall during the year (an average of 4.2 inches) with October following as a close second (an average of 3.7 inches). Spring and fall are two of the busiest times of year for visitors, but summer also brings an ample number.
The Best Things To Do In Dallas
1| Bishop Arts District
Dallas, TX
This quaint little neighborhood is just outside of downtown Dallas in North Oak Cliff. Here you can find an array of unique shops and eateries to enjoy, all independently owned and operated by true Dallas locals. Stop in for out-of-this-world chicken and waffles at Oddfellows, grab a pie at Eno’s Pizza Tavern or indulge in homemade ice cream at MELT! Discover one-of-a-kind apparel at Indigo 1745, sip a cold brew while stepping back in time at M’Antiques or find true Dallas inspiration at Ellison Valencia Gallery. You won’t regret an afternoon spent strolling the streets of the Bishop Arts District.
2| Dallas Farmers Market
920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX
In the heart of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets, you’ll uncover the Dallas Farmers Market, a beloved part of the community since 1941. The Shed is the heart of the market, an open-air pavilion filled with vendors selling everything from local produce and meat to baked treats and homemade goods. Next door, you’ll come upon shops, eateries and specialty stores. Visitors can even enjoy seasonal events at the Dallas Farmers Market. Check the website for this season’s hours of operation.
3| Dallas Arts District
Dallas, TX
The city of Dallas is known for its modernity and contemporary buildings. What makes it even cooler? Its thriving and growing arts district! The Dallas Arts District is the hub of numerous free activities and several great attractions to be entertained by. Learn about the art and culture of Asia at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. Be mesmerized by the virtuosic dancers of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Revel in the experience of live music at Strauss Square. You’ll easily fill multiple hours or even days in the arts district, soaking in the culture and creativity.
4| The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX
While visiting White Rock Lake, be sure to carve out time in your Dallas vacation itinerary to enjoy the beauty of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens! Located on the southeast corner of the lake, the arboretum and gardens are filled with breathtaking blooms, magnificently designed sculpture displays, tranquil water features and so much more. There is even a garden designed just for the kids – the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure. In between exploring the lake and strolling through the gardens, grab lunch at one of the on-site restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy. Depending on the season, admission to the Dallas Arboretum ranges from $3-12 for kids ages 2-12 and $3-20 for adults and seniors.
5| Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
Take a walk on the wild side at the nationally-ranked Fort Worth Zoo. This zoo was founded in 1909 with less than 10 animals. Today, the zoo covers 64 acres with more than 7,000 animals to visit including all types of birds, mammals, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. You can easily make the Fort Worth Zoo an all-day trip! There’s plenty of on-site dining and snack options for you to enjoy. Be sure to bring the camera for some family photo ops! Tickets are free for toddlers ages 2 and under, $14 for seniors and kids ages 3-12 and $18 for adults. The zoo is open 365 days a year.
6| Six Flags
Tom Landry Fwy, Arlington, TX
The Dallas–Fort Worth area is home to two Six Flags parks. Six Flags Over Texas is over 200 acres of thrill rides, kiddie rides, roller coasters, family activities and amusement park treats. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is just under 50 acres filled with speed slides, lazy rivers, tube rides, pools and splash pads. Both parks are located in Arlington, the halfway point between Dallas and Fort Worth, and fully reopen for the season in spring. Tickets for Six Flags Over Texas start at $34.99 each. Tickets for Hurricane Harbor start at $33.99.
7| Texas Motor Speedway
3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX
Get a little fast-n-furious at the Texas Motor Speedway, a premier NASCAR and IndyCar racetrack! The speedway is a 1.5-mile track with 45 pit stalls for the NASCAR Cup Series and 35 pit stalls for the IndyCar Series. Races and events are hosted throughout the year like all-star races, driving experiences, car shows, expos, auctions and more. Check out the calendar of events for upcoming races. We recommend upgrading your tickets to include infield access for the full Texas experience!
Need help navigating the city? Here’s a Dallas public transportation guide!
8| Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX
Explore the wonders of the ocean at the Dallas World Aquarium. Since its opening in 1992, the Dallas World Aquarium has been constantly growing to fit its enormous population of plants and animals. A common misconception about the aquarium is that it’s limited to only sea life. In fact, the Dallas World Aquarium is also home to a variety of other animals. Gaze at the exotic fish, coral reefs and kelp from the Pacific or step into South Africa and feast your eyes on brightly colored birds, scale-covered reptiles and more! Explore the exhibits at this one-of-a-kind aquarium seven days a week. Tickets start at $18.95 for kids ages 3-12, $22.95 for military and seniors ages 65+ and $26.95 for adults.
9| AT&T Stadium
1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX
Whether you want to attend a concert, a monster truck show, a Dallas Cowboys game or just snag a tour –the AT&T stadium is definitely something to behold. It is one of the top 5 most expensive stadiums ever built coming in at $1.5 billion. Everything in the stadium is state of the art including their custom-made big screen at 218 feet wide by 96 feet tall. The stadium offers self-guided, VIP, educational and art tours on non-event days. You’ll even have a chance to walk on the 50-yard line! Check out the events coming to the stadium this year.
10| Texas Rangers Baseball Game
734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX
Baseball fan? You’re in luck! The Texas Rangers MLB Team will be playing a full schedule this year, starting in March and running through September. All home games are now held at the Globe Life Field, the newly-opened ball field of the Texas Rangers featuring a high-tech retractable roof created to let in natural light while keeping heat out. Even with the new and improved ball field, you can still kick back with a beer, a hot dog and a bag of peanuts while watching America’s favorite sport. Check out this year’s schedule and snag yourself a ticket or two. Prices vary by game.
11| Dallas Summer Musicals
909 1st Avenue, Dallas, TX
The Dallas Summer Musicals are back! Experience the sights and sounds of Broadway during your next visit to Dallas at the Music Hall at Fair Park. From Pink Floyd and Oklahoma! to Frozen the Musical and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, this year’s schedule is slam-packed with talent and entertainment. Grab your tickets today, bask in the thrill of a live musical show and support Broadway theater in North Texas. Prices and schedules vary based on the show.
12| Fort Worth Museum of Science
1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX
You kids won’t forget a day spent at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. From the newly-expanded Children’s Museum to the recently updated DinoLabs, the Fort Worth Museum gives kids of all ages a chance to explore, play and learn – all in one place! Permanent exhibits depict the science behind dinosaurs, space and energy. There are also heritage galleries, inventor studios and special temporary exhibits. Don’t forget about the planetarium, Cattle Raisers Museum, IMAX theater and on-site eatery! The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets start at $11 for kids ages 3-11, $14 for seniors age 65+ and $16 for adults.
13| American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX
How unforgettable would your vacation be if you surprised the whole family with tickets to a favorite sports game or concert? American Airlines Center is one of the nation’s top arenas hosting hundreds of musical and sporting events each year. Two professional sports teams call the American Airlines Center their home – the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars. No matter when you plan to be in Dallas, you are sure to find an event that you and the family will love. Check out the calendar and reserve your tickets online today.
Best Dallas Hotels With Kitchens
Looking for the best hotels in Dallas to enjoy a relaxing yet affordable family vacation? Look no further than InTown Suites. Each of our furnished, apartment-style suites includes convenient amenities like high-speed internet, a fully-equipped in-room kitchen and a large HDTV with premium channels. Whether you are looking to stay in the city or the surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, InTown has a convenient location for you.
In need of a short-term rental in Dallas? InTown’s flexible extended stay options give you the ability to rent a suite for one week, one month or even longer. Plus, there’s no credit check or lease required. Enjoy your time in Dallas then easily renew your stay with our quick and simple online renewal process.
Whether you’re visiting Dallas for business or pleasure, InTown Suites extended stay hotels offer the best budget-friendly option for your trip. Check out each of our amazing locations below, and book your next stay in Dallas today!
