A 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families

Dallas is one of the most underrated cities for a family vacation, and this itinerary for families can help you explore it all! With dozens of fun things to do in Dallas with kids, it won’t be hard to plan your trip. Try unique indoor options like the Perot Museum, perfect for a hot or rainy day. Or, wander around The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna. Plus, with the Dallas city pass, you can get discounts on 4 of the 5 most popular attractions for families visiting the city! This itinerary covers some of the best things for families to do in Dallas, where to eat, and where to stay in Dallas with kids. Plus, we’ve even included day trips to nearby cities. Check out our 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families to start planning your next adventure! 

Day 1: Perot Museum, Dallas Aquarium, Reunion Tower

Families can begin their Dallas itinerary by exploring downtown Dallas. You’ll find some great breakfast options here, like Overeasy and Cindy’s NY Deli and Restaurant. 

Then, head to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where kids can explore hands-on exhibits related to science and nature. From towering dinosaurs to engineering and sports to exquisite gems, the 180,000-square-foot museum has 11 exhibit halls, an outdoor science park, a musical forest, and a cascading stream, plus a 54-foot glass-encased escalator with a stunning view of the Dallas skyline! 

Afternoon Activity: Dallas World Aquarium 

Near the museum, families can also visit the Dallas World Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life and exotic birds. It contains 5 exhibits featuring 248 species of water and land animals and the horticulture that would be found in their natural habitats. During your visit, you’ll walk along pathways and follow the signs from beginning to end, noticing the animals along the way!

For lunch, Klyde Warren Park is a popular spot because of its food truck. If the weather is nice, kids can play in the splash pad or enjoy the playground! 

Evening Activity: Reunion Tower

For a great view of Dallas at night, check out The Ge-O Deck at Reunion Tower. The tower is nearly 600 feet tall, located on the top floor with a stunning view of the city. With dozens of information platforms along the glass walls, there is so much for parents and children to learn about while admiring the view. Going at night will give you a breathtaking panorama of the city lights and the Dallas skyline! 

Day 2: Dallas Zoo, Museum at Dealey Plaza, Downtown Dallas

The Dallas Zoo spans 106 acres and is an all-day event! Most visitors cover it in about 6 hours (stopping to eat, drink, etc.), but it can be done quicker for your Dallas itinerary for families. However, if you move too quickly through the zoo, you’ll likely miss out on some of the 2,000 animals. Granted, the layout of the zoo is so well thought out, that it is difficult to miss anything!

Kids love to see the wide variety of animals in habitats that mimic their own in the wild, like the penguin, cheetah, or gorilla habitats. Of course, don’t forget about the lions! Afterward, kids can visit the climbing gym areas when they need some free time. 

Afternoon Activity: Downtown Dallas, Museum at Dealey Plaza

For lunch, explore one of the many family-friendly restaurants in downtown Dallas. Campisi’s is great for Italian food, or check out Sloane’s Corner for classic American burgers and diner fare. 

After, visit the Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza. Otherwise known as the JFK Museum, it’s located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building at Dealey Plaza. Since the museum is dedicated to President John F. Kennedy and his assassination, we recommend it for children over twelve. Outside, adjacent to the plaza, you’ll find Grassy Knoll, a patch of grass marking the exact spot where Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK. 

Evening Activity: Trinity Groves

That evening, families can check out Trinity Groves for dinner. This trendy marketplace has a variety of shops and restaurants, so everyone can choose what they want to eat. Plus, it has an amazing view of the Dallas Skyline! 

Day 3: Dallas Arboretum, White Rock Lake, Bath House Cultural Center

The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden is a great place to spend a few hours with nature during your Dallas itinerary for families. Located next to White Rock Lake, this outdoor facility boasts acres upon acres of flowers, plants, and trees. Filled with stunning colors, smells, and natural wildlife like bees and butterflies, it’s a great place to take kids in strollers or kids who are old enough to walk next to their parents! 

There is even a section of the Dallas Arboretum designed specifically for kids too! At The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, little ones can listen to a live science show, see a puppet performance, and more. Keep in mind that you need a reservation and extra tickets to gain entry into this beautiful location. 

Afternoon Activity: White Rock Lake

In the afternoon, bring a picnic lunch to White Rock Lake. There are several picnic areas around the lake where you can enjoy your meal. Then, you can spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors on your Dallas itinerary for families and see the city from a different perspective! 

Evening: Dinner, Bath House Cultural Center

In the evening, you can visit one of the many places to eat in the area. Smoky Rose is famous for its brisket and delicious BBQ. Meanwhile, Lake House Bar & Grill has a nice patio to enjoy the weather. Then, the Bath House Cultural Center often has performances and exhibitions to enjoy during a Dallas itinerary for families.

Day 4: Day Trip

On the last day of your Dallas itinerary for families, take a day trip to a nearby destination. Forth Worth is a popular choice. Located roughly 30 min from Dallas, it’s a modern city founded in early 19th-century cowboy culture. Although walking around and visiting the old shops is a great way to spend time in Fort Worth, you can also take history in other locations.

For one, visit the Fort Worth Stockyards to glimpse at how the old cowboys lived. Kids will love people-watching at Sundance Square to see the local culture. This downtown neighborhood is also ideal for shopping and dining. Located an hour south of Fort Worth, you can also visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. Kids can see real-life dinosaurs and learn about each one while roaming big open fields! 

Other popular day trips from Dallas include Grapevine. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is home to a unique history and little craft shops run by the locals. You’ll see glass-blowing shops, clay art, and even stained-glass facilities! Arlington is also home to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium (AT&T Stadium), where families can purchase tickets for a history-packed tour of the inside. Or, visit Cedar Hills State Park for chances to hike, bike, and more! 

For more day trip suggestions, read our article on the Best Things To Do In Dallas With Kids! 

Where to Stay Near Dallas With Kids

If you need somewhere to stay near Dallas with kids, we suggest the Fairmont Dallas, the Omni Dallas Hotel, or the Magnolia Downtown Dallas. All are located within convenient locations and feature family-friendly activities! Check out our list of the 16 Best Hotels In Dallas For Families! 

Happy Travels! 

We hope you liked this 4-Day Dallas Itinerary For Families! From Dallas to Fort Worth, there’s so much to explore in the area with your kids. Enjoy your next family vacation to Dallas!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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