Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Themigonikitchen

While we love to travel, Dallas is home — we figured why not share all of our favorite places in our hometown. Especially with the World Cup 2026 quickly approaching, we know there’s going to be an influx of tourists in the area and want to put together a complete guide to Dallas with kids.

We shared a post a while ago on our favorite Dallas area restaurants with kids, and it’s our most popular post. It seems there’s a growing demand for family friendly spots in DFW, and we want to share our personal favorites we love to frequent as a family of four with two young kids. This list will include everything from activities, playgrounds, parks, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more. Think of it as the ultimate guide to exploring Dallas with young kids from two Dallas experts.

Quick Tip: If visiting for World Cup Dallas 2026 — the games are going to be held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington which is about a 25 minute drive from downtown Dallas. Consider this when planning your stay.

Best Things to Do in Dallas with Kids:

Top Kid Friendly Museums and Indoor Spots:

1. Perot Museum and Nature and Science — They currently have an exhibit all about the science behind soccer, just in time for the World Cup!
2. Frontiers of Flight Museum — If you have a child who loves airplanes, this is a great spot to visit! They just added a coffee shop for the parents
3. Peppa Pig World and Legoland at Grapevine Mills Mall — These are both great indoor play options for smaller children and you can buy a combo ticket for these together, and even the Sea Life Aquarium as well (more on that one in the Animal Encounters section)
4. Northpark Center — It’s not just a mall! Our kids love the ducks/turtles pond area in front of Neiman Marcus, running up and down the plant features there, plus the Dallas Public Library has a branch there (Bookmarks) and they have frequent kids programs going on. There’s also some pretty awesome sculptures and art features, a toy store (Toy Maven), and movie theater. Many great eating options at the food court as well.
5. Dallas Public Libraries — Multiple Branches. There are so many great kids programs that are FREE through the Dallas Public Library system. I love the STEM focused ones, but they have even had a free performance of the Three Little Pigs by the Dallas Opera.
6. Half Price Books Flagship Store — If you have a book lover, this is such a great place to browse. It’s MASSIVE and they have so many amazing kids books, games, etc at discounted prices since they are used. They also have a branch of La Casita Bakery (see bakery/treats section below) for easy coffee/snack option.
7. Galleria Ice Skating Center — If you have an older child who wants to do some ice skating, you can check out the Galleria Mall for ice skating to beat that Texas heat.

Animal Encounters:

1. Dallas Zoo–While mostly outdoors, you can visit at night (until 10:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays) for their current Illuminature exhibit but they do also have a nice water play area/splash pad in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo area.
2. Dallas World Aquarium — Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this is such a fun option to beat the heat since the majority is indoors. It does get VERY busy later by mid-day and on weekends, so plan accordingly.
3. Fort Worth Zoo –If you are staying in Arlington or Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Zoo is absolutely worth a visit. I find the animals are a little easier to spot in a lot of their habitats here versus the Dallas Zoo
4. Sea Life Aquarium –Another indoor animal encounter option, located at Grapevine Mills Mall. You can buy combo ticket with Peppa Pig World and Legoland since all are located at in the same place and make a full day. Plus easy food options the the food court at the mall.

Unique Dallas/Fort Worth Experiences:

1. Reunion Tower — A classic Dallas experience! Get an amazing view of the city from way up high.
2. Six Flags Over Texas — Located near Texas Stadium in Arlington, great if you have a little thrill seeker/older kids. The Texas Giant and Titan roller coasters are very popular (but have to be 48 inches to ride).
3. Fort Worth Stockyards — If you want a true Texan experience, you can’t leave without checking out the Fort Worth Stockyards to get up close and personal with some longhorns and cowboys! Make sure to time your visit with the twice daily Cattle Drive (11:30 AM and 4:30 PM) so you can really see all those longhorns up close
4. The Star in Frisco — If you are a little sports fanatic, The Star is the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. They offer tours of the headquarters, and its within a huge complex with tons of great restaurants and a football field outside for the kids to run around.
5. Wandering Bishop Arts district and exploring little shops — One of our favorite neighborhoods! While there may not be a dedicated kids area, we do love wandering the little shops, often hopping into Dude, Sweet Chocolate for some samples/browsing, or checking out some new kids books at The Wild Detectives bookstore, grabbing a bite at any of the delicious eateries or some gelato at Botolino Gelato.

Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Dallas with Kids:

Best Playgrounds in Dallas

1. Klyde Warren Park — You can easily spend a whole day at this park right in the Dallas arts district! There’s a great playground, a fountain area to run around in, plus a splash play area, ping pong tables, yard games, etc . They have all kinds of frequent events going on like yoga in the park and will be having global watch parties for the World Cup games!
2. Joya Playground at Oran Good Park — There may not be a splash pad at this playground, but it does glow in the dark! Making it a fun option for after the sunsets and the heat lets up a little bit.
3. Halperin Park — The newest park in town, located in Oak Cliff, next to the Dallas Zoo! It features a water play area to keep cool and an awesome playground.
4. Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground — One of my favorite playground in DFW, although technically in Richardson. It has a lot of shaded/covered areas which can be great in the heat. Plus it’s enclosed and near a little pond with lots of ducks.

Outdoor Activities with Kids in Dallas:

1. Dallas Arboretum + Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden — This is one of my absolute favorite spots to come with the kids. The actual botanical gardens are beautiful and it’s paved so nicely and has a lot of shaded areas and views of White Rock Lake. What sets it aside is the Children’s Adventure Garden, complete with splash pad and water play, interactive STEM areas, and a secret garden with hedge maze. If you are visiting in Spring or Fall, be sure to check out the gorgeous tulips or their amazing pumpkin displays.
2. White Rock Lake – A great area with numerous paved trails for cycling or walking/running. There’s options for kayaking as well. If you are lucky, you may spot Nick and Nora, a famous eagle couple who nest here!
3. Trinity River Audubon Center – A large nature preserve in South Dallas and a great place for kids to learn about the natural ecosystems of the area. Check out their site for events. They often times have some free events for kids
4. Hurricane Harbor — For those staying in Arlington or Fort Worth, this is a great spot to cool off if your kids love water parks. It’s part of the Six Flags group, so you can buy combo passes to both.

Family Friendly Restaurants in Dallas:

Let’s talk about food! Finding family friendly spots in Dallas can be tricky at times. While there are steakhouses for days, BBQ hot spots with long lines, and trendy bars and lounges everywhere, restaurants that cater and welcome families are not as easy to locate in Dallas. Here’s a list of some of our favorite places. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start. See our separate blog post for more options!

Restaurants with Built-In Entertainment

1. Burger Schmurger — fun arcade games, laid back atmosphere, delicious burgers
   • East Dallas area, close to Arboretum
2. Hat Creek Burger Company — Austin based Texas chain. Burgers are not anything out of this world, but the playground on the patio is a win for both the kids and the adults
   • Multiple locations
3. AT&T Discovery Plaza: The Exchange Food Hall — With a huge outdoor patio space with yard games, plus an air conditioned interior with so many great food options, this spot is big win for families visiting Dallas
   • Downtown Dallas
4. Loro — Another spot with a big outdoor patio and lawn games. The frozen drinks are dangerously good, and they now have a kids menu option that includes entree, side and drink for $10. The Happy Hour is a great deal (2-6 PM on weekdays)
   • Addison and East Dallas locations
5. Vector Brewing — A big partially covered outdoor patio with an enclosed area for kids to play. Plus decent pizza and wide assortment of beers
   • Lake Highlands
6. On Rotation Brewing — Another brewery option with tasty chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and sliders. Big outdoor patio space with lawn games.
   • North Dallas/Lovefield
7. Smoky Rose — A popular spot for its massive outdoor patio. No specific entertainment, but the outdoor space allows the kids to have some space to run around. Great combination of BBQ and Tex-Mex food (think brisket queso, bbq pork quesadillas, and smoky chicken enchiladas). They do have a kids menu and are located right across from the Arboretum
   • East Dallas
8. Dallas Farmer’s Market Food Hall — Another food hall option for those that want choices! A great opportunity to try one of our favorite Texas BBQ spots, Hurtado BBQ, without having to wait in long lines and with other kid friendly options nearby in case your kids hate BBQ as much as ours. Plus, there’s always fun events going on at the Farmer’s Market, like the Watermelon festival in August featuring face painting, crafts and fun samples
9. Klyde Warren Park Food Trucks — Food trucks are a big hit because the kids can continue playing in the park area while the grown ups enjoy a tasty meal! We personally love the Greek Lover food truck because our kids love hummus and pita and the donuts from Salty Donuts are always great.
10. The Hill — This a shopping center with multiple restaurant options that opens into an open square with some ping pong, and some climbing areas. Taco Deli, Luna Grill, Bellagreen, Hello Dumpling, Sushi de Handroll, and Wok Star Chinese are just a few of the options to eat.

Dallas Classics Kids Will Love:

1. Las Palmas Tex-Mex — A Dallas Tex-Mex institution! Love the big outdoor patio. Trendy vibes. It does get very busy, so reservations are recommended. They don’t have a kids menu but our kids will eat chips, guac, and quesadillas any day of the week.
   • Uptown
2. La Calle Doce — Another classic Tex Mex spot, but this one does offer a kids menu and has a more laid back atmosphere. Food is still oustanding.
   • Oak Cliff and East Dallas locations
3. Cane Rosso — One of the first spots to start serving Neapolitan pizzas cooked in an authentic wood burning pizza oven in Dallas. We end up here at least once a month because the pizzas are consistently good and the Carrollton location has $10 Margherita pizzas for happy hour, which is hard to compete with. Our kids are pizza fanatics and they love the kids pizza here.
   • Multiple locations: Deep Ellum, East Dallas, Carrollton, Fort Worth, Arlington, Frisco, Lake Highlands, Sachse, White Rock
4. Zoli’s Pizza — Not a Neopolitan pizza fan and want more NY style pizza? This is the spot for you.
   • Addison and Fort Worth locations
5. Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers — A family-owned burger joint with several locations in the Metroplex. No frills, cheap burgers, tater tots, fries, milkshakes kind of place.
   • Park Cities, Lakewood, Plano, Oak Cliff
6. Norma’s Cafe — A great breakfast/brunch and comfort food spot that’s been around since 1956.
   • Oak Cliff, Plano, North Dallas, Frisco, Park Lane
7. Celebration Restaurant — A farm to table, family owned spot serving classic comfort food with a daily menu that changes with the seasons. Kids menu and inexpensive options. Also has a nice patio.
   • North Dallas/Lovefield area

Cafes, Bakeries and Sweet Treats

I don’t know about your kids, but sometimes mine just need a little treat to look forward to. And really — us adults do to! These are a few spots to hang out for an hour and have a little morning or afternoon pick me up.

Cafes and Bakeries

1. La Casita Bakeshop — One of our favorite bakeries in DFW. They also serve a delicious Mexican brunch menu.
   • Richardson, Downtown Dallas, University Park (inside Half Price Books), and Rowlett
2. La La Land — A chain that started in Dallas and has spread well beyond now. I love that they have a kids menu for drinks that are unique, plus avocado and almond butter toasts for a healthier snack option. Their matcha drinks are great.
   • Multiple locations (14 in DFW)
3. Village Baking Co — Our favorite place for traditional boulangerie. Their croissants, kouign amann, financiers and laminated brioche are our personal favorites.
   • Multiple locations: Knox Henderson, Bishop Arts, Uptown, Park Cities, Lower Greenville
4. Ralph & Rose — A little hidden coffee shop within Northaven Gardens nursery. They have a little outdoor lawn with some lawn games, very tasty coffee and pastry options.
   • North Dallas
5. Sugar & Sage Bakery — Love the little outdoor courtyard if the kids need a little space. Great pastries and coffee drinks.
   • Highland Park
6. Eataly — If you don’t have an Eataly near you and you are a fan of Italian food, it’s really worth a stop. And bonus, it’s inside Northpark Mall so you can grab some treats and stroll around the mall with the kids. Pro-tip — Eataly and it’s first floor Cafe open earlier than the rest of the mall (9 AM), so it’s often empty/quiet in the early morning hours.
7. Pax & Beneficia — Probably my favorite coffee in town. They make their own handcrafted syrups and roast their own beans. Their Zahr latte features a cardamom and orange blossom syrup that tastes like baklava in a cup. So good.
   • Multiple locations (8 in DFW)
8. White Rock Coffee — Another popular locally owned coffee chain. They have some excellent non-coffee drinks for the kids including a delicious frozen lemonade.
   • Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, University Park, Uptown and more

Sweet Treats: Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Popsicles

1. Botolino Gelato — Best gelato we’ve had outside of Italy and our fav ice cream spot in Dallas, hands down.
   • Preston Hollow, Bishop Arts, Lower Greenville, Plano
2. Gelato La Boca — Argentinian gelato, the dulce de leche flavor is outstanding
   • University Park
3. TCBYs — Best frozen yogurt/soft serve chain!
   • Lakewood and Las Colinas
4. Picole Ice Creams — Innovative popsicles with option to add fun toppings.
   • Preston Hollow and Bishop Arts
5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams — Yes, it’s a national chain, but lucky to have a location here and another great option.
   1. Lower Greenville, Victory Park, Addison
6. Van Leeuwen Ice Creams — Similar to Jeni’s, happy to have Dallas locations
   1. Uptown, North Dallas, Deep Ellum, Fort Worth

Special Note: A Favorite Family Friendly Hotel with Water Park in Dallas

While we aren’t tourists in our city, we have done a few staycations and want to make special shout out. The Hilton Anatole in Dallas is a huge property with a huge water park called the JadeWaters Resort Pool including a lazy river and smaller splash pad for younger kids. They also have a ton a family friendly programing and activities (like foam parties) and a really great breakfast buffet.

Not to mention, it’s only a 20-25 minute drive to Dallas Stadium for anyone coming for World Cup 2026!

Hope you find all of this information helpful for navigating Dallas with kids and that you love our city as much as we do! Happy exploring!