Family Day Trip Ideas in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area | DFW Family Photographer
Family Day Trip Ideas in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Dallas, the third-largest city in Texas, is attractive due to its modernization and metropolitan diversity of things to experience and do.
The city's museums, heritage, and cultural activities, as well as its food and beverage scene, that isn't only about Texas barbecue, are attracting visitors. These are the visitors who are not even Dallas Cowboys fans.
Come for the city's activities and the surrounding area's options, not just for its historical significance.
Here in this blog post we will give you all information regarding places to visit in Dallas Fort Worth area, museums to visit and family friendly activities which you can do here.
We will cover all historical and cultural places, aquariums, all adventurous activities you can perform here as hiking trails. You will also get an idea about places where you can visit for good food and nearby hotels for staying. Discover the top day trips from Dallas!
Looking for things to do with your family while in Plano, Texas? Check out my blog post on the Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Plano, Texas!
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Dallas Holocaust And Human Rights Museum
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum was founded by Holocaust Survivors in 1984 to teach Holocaust history and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. In 2018, the Museum in Dallas' Historic West End welcomed over 80,000 visitors, including 34,000 schoolchildren.
The Museum is one of only a few Holocaust-related museums or centers in the U.S. and serves North Central Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is also known for its creative programming, world-class exhibits, and speakers. There is a feature of state-of-the-art technology and permanent exhibits on Holocaust/Shoah, Human Rights, and Pivot to America in this museum. The Museum also depicts the Holocaust, other genocides, and America's struggle for civil and human rights. It's one of only two museums where visitors can interact with holographic Holocaust Survivors.
There is a security check at entrance for any weapons and hazardous metals, also visitors bags are scrutinized under X-ray machine before any entry.
Ticket prices are varying for adults, seniors and kids. An adult has to pay $16, kids $12 and senior $14 as entry price and museum remains closed on Tuesday.
On important holidays, such as, New Year and Christmas, the museum remains closed.
2. Amon Carter Museum of American Art
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, designed by the illustrious architect Philip Johnson, is home to a world-class collection of American art from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These include paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, and is also recognized as a leading collection of American photography.
Nearly 400 paintings by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, two of the most important artists of the American West, are also on display there.
Within next 50 years, artworks of various great American artists were collected there.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday until 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
There are various things to explore here, such as public exhibition, libraries, family pop-up space for relaxation,. There is also option for children to try their hands out at painting skill, with paint brushes which are sanitized after every use.
Various guides are also available for families and first time visitors, to help them explore artworks.
3. Cultural District
The life-size wax replica of Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper," may be found in the Christian Arts Museum of Fort Worth. It is one of the most distinctive works of contemporary Christian art in the world.
In the 1950s, this magnificent work of art was produced by the skillful hand of renowned wax sculptor Katherine Stubergh.
The museum offers visitors a chance to admire other works of Christian art. Visitors may only locate the life-size, exact replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper molded in wax in four locations across the globe. And one of them has been housed in Fort Worth's Christian Arts Museum.
The figures are lifelike, like those in wax art galleries. Paintings and bronze crosses are also on display.
The museum has two columns and an open gateway leading to its lobby and galleries. During the holidays, the museum displays the Ark of the Exodus and various nativity scenes.
In addition to this, there are various exhibitions held here which are worth participating.
Museum remains open from Tue to Sat from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm with no entry fees for its visitors.
Outdoor Adventures
Unplugging in the midst of nature, with its towering trees, beautiful flowers, grasses swaying in the breeze, and occasional sightings of wildlife, is unparalleled. Dallas Fort Worth area has a variety of places where you can enjoy flora and fauna, whether you're seeking for a wild environment or meticulously maintained gardens.
Here are few that you simply must not overlook.
Collin County's Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve
Doesn't it sound like a wonderful experience to watch your children play in the grass? Make it happen at Collin County's Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve.
The preserve protects a natural habitat that spans 72 acres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Walk through the woods as a family or sign up for a yoga class this summer.
There is even a class for children that focuses on aerial yoga.
This is a suburban Dallas hidden gem that is virtually unknown to the local populace. This is a fantastic nearby location to visit with the family to get closer to nature.
There is a wonderful sense of isolation here in the spring and summer, when the greenery is at its lushest. It is a quiet natural getaway away from the bustle of the city.
The trail begins at Suncreek Park in Allen and travels less than a half mile before crossing a bridge. Connemara Meadow is left after the bridge.
The single track trail passes through an old-growth pecan stand before following a manicured path around the meadow. The terraced meadow's southwest end has a minor height rise.
The trail might be damp and has many tripping hazards from armadillo holes. You exit the meadow where you arrived.
You can visit the park between dawn to dusk, and should avoid bikes. There is a parking lot available in area with parallel and perpendicular parking facilities available.
In a way it can be a perfect day trip in Dallas for families.
2. River Legacy Living Science Center
Having bottom land forest, wetland, and prairie all in one place, River Legacy Park is a true ecological paradise. Bike riders and walkers will enjoy this park that follows the winding path of the Trinity River.
Picnic tables, a canoe launch, and magnificent vistas can all be found here, as can a playground with a forest theme. There are native animals, environmental paths, and interactive displays at the River Legacy Living Science Center.
There are various types of amenities available at River Legacy Nature Center such as, Interactive environmental exhibits, Aquariums & Terrariums with native animals. Gift shop, Nature trails & pond, public programs, Education programs and also Summer Classes for children also add to its amenities.
While River Legacy park amenities include, picnic areas, pavilions, river overlook, bike trails, restroom and more.
3. Dallas Arboretum
Explore 66 acres of gorgeous grounds at the Dallas Arboretum, recognized as one of the top botanical gardens in the nation. And if the colorful flowers and lush plants aren’t enough, the Arboretum has a variety of events this season to keep your children entertained.
These events include the scavenger hunt on Trivia Thursdays, Family Fun Fridays and Frozen Fridays, with treats from local vendors. You can also explore science activities in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
Not only children, even there are various events organized for adults also. In holidays such as, Christmas and New Year, there are various events for adults.
There are various cooking classes and demos available where you can improve your cooking skills. You can also work as a vendor in their exhibitions.
Ticket pricing ranges from $5 -$20.
Family Friendly Activities
In addition to museums and parks, there are also various family friendly activities you can do in Dallas Fort Worth area. This area is full of various aquariums, amusement parks for children and zoos with various wildlife species locked in there.
Fort Worth Zoo
The nationally renowned Fort Worth Zoo, which is home to nearly 7,000 animals and 500 species, has been named the top wildlife park in the United States by USA Today. Various travel websites such as Yahoo Travel, USA Travel Guide and DFW Metroplex have named it top 10 zoo in country.
It has also been described as one of the finest places for kids.
Various attractions of this place include safari splash where Safari Splash where you can chill in a covered lounge chair and a refreshing drink. For kids, there is a 14,000-square-foot splash area.
Safari Splash has four slides, a water dump tower, a fill wall for water toys, and animal-shaped water cannons. Enjoy Safari Splash for $5 with Zoo entrance.
Additionally, there is a junior train conductor where you can ride train with your kids with a $40 price for one way ride. Its ticket counter opens at various slots of daytime, such as, 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm.
Nowadays, there are various gifting shops available from where you can buy new gifts.
If you are planning to visit wildlife region in your weekend, then this can be the perfect place. It is a perfect weekend trips from Dallas for families.
2. SeaQuest Fort Worth
SeaQuest aquarium will lead you on an exciting journey through tropical woods, barren lands, and the deepest of the ocean, allowing you to get completely submerged in a new realm of exploration. You will have the opportunity to get wet with the bull sharks, feed the toucans.
You will also encounter the crocodiles, marvel at the sharks, snap selfies with the snakes, and a variety of other activities. This is possible due to the thrilling exhibits and activities that are available for adults and children of all ages.
The goal is to provide each visitor with a once-in-a-lifetime experience by bringing them face to face with incredible animals from all over the world.
This aquarium is open for visitors between 12:00 pm-6:00pm. Nearbuy restaurant is 250 miles within 3 km.
3. Fort Worth Botanical Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a wonderful destination throughout the year. Their most well-known gardens are the Fuller, Rose, and Japanese, and they are equally beautiful no matter the time of year.
Other attractions include a Native Texas Boardwalk, Rock Springs, Four Seasons, and a Backyard Vegetable Garden. Visitors should remember to bring along a supply of bottled water and a pair of sturdy sneakers.
There are various types of gardens located here such as, Oval Rose garden, Rock Springs, Trial gardens, Fuller gardens and Japanese garden. Visitors have described it as the must visit place for anyone visiting Dallas for first time.
Visitor entry time is 8:00am- 4:00pm. Nearbuy restaurant is Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, which is 40 miles away from garden. Also, the nearest hotel Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Worth - Medical Center is 0.78 miles away in Texas.
Food and Drink
Stockyards History Tour Fort Worth Pub CrawL
Explore the saloons and swimming holes of Fort Worth's historic Stockyards with a local guide to learn about the area's colorful past. Discover undiscovered culture, relax with a refreshing drink, and make new friends among tourists from all over the world.
Experience the fascinating tales of Texas's part in the Wild West on this two-hour pub crawl history tour. Learn about the origins of the Lone Star State and the Chisholm Trail.
Also exciting tale about infamous train robbers as you explore Fort Worth, often known as "Where the West Begins."
You can pick from two different types of tickets: Select the Happy Hour and sample four different beers, one from each establishment. A Dry Run tour is also available for those who prefer to purchase their beverages independently.
Since all bars are closely located, there is less to travel by foot which is in turn good for visitors. If you want to enjoy the finest pub crawl in Texas, then hitch up your wagon and travel to the Stockyards.
You can get a tour guide at the intersection of East Exchange Avenue and Rodeo Plaza stands a statue honoring Bill Picket, the first bulldogger. The statue may be found at 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164, just near to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.
There will be a sign for Fort Worth Crawling with a baby crawling on it, and your guide will be standing in front of the sculpture with it. Ticket cost is $40 per head.
2. Half-Day Guided Tour of North Texas Wineries and Vineyards with Wine Tastings
The wine business in Texas has grown at an astounding rate, with over 588 wineries and over 5,000 acres of vines already planted. Great Texas wines have never been more accessible.
Three wineries and vineyards are on the itinerary for this private tour. There are five types of Texas wines to sample throughout each visit. You'll get to know the proprietors, enjoy a glass of your preferred vintage, and take a tour of the vineyard after your tasting. A keepsake tote bag is provided for each tour. This is the place to go if you want to kick back and learn all about the wine business in North Texas.
3. Grapevine
Grapevine, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the epicenter of the wine industry in the Lone Star State. It hosts the Urban Wine Tour and the annual Grapefest, both of which attract crowds of all ages.
Legoland Discovery Center, Peppa Pig World of Play, and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium are just a few of the fantastic places to take kids. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad as well as museums like the historic Nash Farm offer even more insight into the early days of Texas to curious young minds.
There are seven tasting rooms located across the city that are run by urban wineries and open to the public for the enjoyment of wine aficionados.
This place is also famous for its cuisines and bars.
Some of the famous ones being Buffalo Wild wings, Big Fish Seafood Grill and Bar, Flips Patio grill. These bars are famous for their seafoods and cocktails.
4. The Cookery Fort Worth
A private cooking event at The Cookery Fort Worth is a wonderful way to bring together friends, relatives, or coworkers for a memorable evening of food, drink, and good company. Under the direction of an enthusiastic cooking instructor, your team will have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of a delectable three- or four-course meal and then enjoy eating it together.
For private events, you have the choice of selecting a session from any of their menus or creating a specialized lesson plan to correspond with the subject of your occasion.
Here you can also get gift certificates if you win any cooking event. So, why not hop on and get you hands at some of the best cooking class for some delicious foods.
Conclusion
Temperatures during the summer months in Dallas can reach an average of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest months are December and January, with average highs of 56 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows of 37 degrees Fahrenheit with very infrequent snowfall.
If you are planning a trip, then spring or fall would be a better time. Don't forget to carry lots of water and schedule some time in air conditioning if you have to visit during the heat.
Find out what festivals are happening in Dallas, as the city hosts some of the best in the country. Some famous ones are the Texas State Fair, the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum (all in the month of April) (late September – mid-October).
Does planning a day trip from Dallas sound like something you'd be interested in doing? We hope that the information provided here has been helpful to you.
In truth, we have barely touched the surface of the incredible tourist destinations that surround Dallas. Visit any of the above places, however, and you're sure to have a wonderful time.
