Perot Museum in Dallas
Dallas Family Attractions
Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive
DESCRIPTION: Commemorates Dallas’ beginnings by celebrating the trails that brought settlers and cattle to Dallas. It features native plants and trees, a flowing stream in a natural setting and the world’s largest bronze monument – a recreation of a cattle drive in bronze with longhorn steers being driven by three cowboys on horses. The cattle drive is situated on a 4-plus acre landscaped area, Pioneer Plaza is the second most-visited landmark downtown.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily, sunrise-sunset
ADDRESS: Young at Griffin Streets, Dallas, TX MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: DART Union Station
PHONE: 214-953-1184
WEBSITE: none
Dallas World Aquarium
DESCRIPTION: The aquarium features more than 85,000 gallons of saltwater with marine life from around the world. Walk through a 22,000-gallon tunnel for a panoramic view of reef life. More than an aquarium, experience Secrets of the River rainforest – a vast representation of the flora and fauna found in the South American Orinoco River basin. A South Africa lagoon exhibit of plants and animals add depth to the visitor experience. A gift shop, book store, Cafe Maya and Jungle Cafe are on-site for the extended visit pleasure of families.
ADMISSION: Adults $19, Ages 3-12 $11, Age 60+ $15, age 2 & under enter Free>
DAYS & HOURS:> daily 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas, TX MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: DART West End Station
PHONE: 214-720-2224
WEBSITE: http://www.dwazoo.com
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2013, this research-driven natural history and science museum plays a significant role in documenting, describing and showcasing Texas’ vast natural diversity. It possesses a collection of over 280,000 specimens. It includes the world’s largest exhibition of Texas wildlife habitats, a reconstructed Texas dinosaur and a giant 90 million year old sea turtle. The Science side of the house features many exhibit halls. The Children’s Museum immerses kids and their families in an environment that stimulates discovery with fun and interactive experiences. Permanent exhibits include Putting DNA to Work, Your Incredible Body, Ice Age Dallas, Ocean Dallas, Texas Dinosaurs, Wildlife Dioramas, Little Urban Farm, NetWorks, Astronomy & Space, Mixed Signals Gallery, and Lagoon Nature Walk a planetarium, and an IMAX Theater. In all there are over 200 hands-on exhibits, larger than life films, engaging light shows and exhilarating soundscapes. The Planetarium lets you examine the stars, participate in astronomy-related activities and see live images of the latest NASA missions. One standard ticket get access to everything except IMAX and the Planetarium.
ADMISSION: pricing begins at $15 Adults, $12 age 62+, students w/ID, age 12-17; $10 age 2-11, under age 2 enter Free; extra fees for IMAX, Planetarium, special exhibits
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10a-6p, Sun Noon-6p
ADDRESS: 2201 North Field Street, Dallas, TX MAP
TRANSIT: walking distance from DART West End Station
PHONE: 214-428-5555
WEBSITE: http://www.perotmuseum.org
Dallas Zoo
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1888 and located on 95 developed acres, this AZA certified zoo is home to over 8,000 animals. The recommended 20-minute monorail ride is the best introduction to zoo’s attractions, which are divided into Zoo North and the Wilds of Africa. The Childrens Zoo is comprised of a Discovery House, Nature Exchange, Woods, and Farm with Story Time at Noon and Nature Exchange Interpreters engage audiences at 2p. Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park has a separate admission fee.
ADMISSION: see pricing matrix on their website
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p
ADDRESS: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX MAP
TRANSIT: DART Dallas Zoo Station
PARKING: $5 per car
PHONE: 214-670-6826
WEBSITE: http://www.dallas-zoo.org
American Airlines Center
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2001, this sports arena and entertainment complex is connected to Victory Park entertainment-dining center. The center is made of brick, limestone and granite and the signature arches. It is comprised of five concourses with wide passage ways, ample restrooms, 142 luxury suites and seating for 20,400 fans of Dallas Mavericks basketball. Over $3 million of public art and brick were used on the exterior. Some interior areas are Canadian bobon, limestone from Indiana and some granite is Swedish mahogany. The roof is marked with a 90 by 90 foot American Airlines Center logo facing skyward and four lightning rods. The center is a well loved large concert venue and also home to the Dallas Stars of NHL hockey.
ADMISSION: event dependent
DAYS & HOURS: event dependent, check website
ADDRESS: 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, TX MAP
TRANSIT: DART Victory Station
PARKING: $10-$25-$20 per car
PHONE: tickets 972-785-4785
WEBSITE: http://www.americanairlinescenter.com
AT&T Stadium
DESCRIPTION: The $1 billion home of the Dallas Cowboys football seats 80,000 fans, plus 20,000 standing room and has thousands of corporate suites. An architectural marvel with an open roof, it slides one to reveal grass during game day. Stadium tours include the Pro Shop, Press Box, Limited Field Access, Scoreboard Control Room, Silver Level Platform, Cowboys Locker Room, A Suite, and Player Interview Room.
ADMISSION: adults $10,
ages 5-12 and Senior Citizens age 60 and above cost $6, ages 5 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: tours Mon-Sat 10a-4p on the hour, Sun 11a-3p on the hour
ADDRESS: 1 Legends Way, Arlington, TX MAP
PARKING: prices vary by event
PHONE: 972-785-4850
WEBSITE: http://stadium.dallascowboys.com
Six Flags Over Texas
DESCRIPTION: True to many things in Texas, this park features giant-sized roller coasters and family-friendly thrill rides that have a Texas flair. Fortunately, rides are rated Max, Moderate and Mild thrills. Max Rides include Batman The Ride, Superman: Tower of Power, Mr. Freeze, Dive Bomber Alley, and Texas Giant, Titan. Moderate Rides include Runaway Mine Train, Tony Hawk’s Big Spin, The Gunslinger, Go Karts, Sidewinder, Shock Wave, Runaway Mountain, Oil Derrick, La Vibora, Judge Roy Scream, Crazy Legs, Conquistador, Caddo Lake Barge. There are two dozen more Mild Rides for heights 36″ and shorter.
ADMISSION: see pricing matrix on website
DAYS & HOURS: daily, hours vary by season
ADDRESS: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX MAP
PARKING: $15 per day
PHONE: 817-530-6000
WEBSITE: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overtexas
Rangers Ballpark
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1994 as home of the Texas Rangers, this beautiful baseball park sits between Six Flags Over Texas and AT&T Stadium. Legends of the Game Baseball Museum and Learning Center presents an interactive and educational glimpse into baseball. Texas Rangers Youth Ballpark is a state-of-the-art facility designed for youth league baseball, birthday parties and family reunions.
ADMISSION: adults $10,
ages 5-12 and Senior Citizens age 60 and above cost $6, ages 5 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: museum Game Days: 9a-7:30p; Non-Game Days: Mon-Sat 9a-4p, Sun 11a-4p
ADDRESS: 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX MAP
PARKING: regular and valet available
PHONE: 817-273-5222
WEBSITE: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/ballpark
International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame
DESCRIPTION: Explore the inventors and innovators of the game of bowling, from the ancient Egyptians to British monarchs to an enterprising German immigrant, follow the sport’s journey from archeological digs to American taverns to the first American bowling alley. Peruse computer databases or ride the bowling pin car. Wander through the Bowling Hall of Fame to see the careers of bowling’s greatest champions both male and female.
ADMISSION: Adults $9.50, Age 65+ and Age 4-18 $7.50, Age 3 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 9:30a–5p
ADDRESS: 621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, TX MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 817-385-8215
WEBSITE: http://www.bowlingmuseum.com
