Best interactive experiences for kids in Dallas
- Thursday August 17th 2023
Wondering how to keep your children entertained during your trip to Dallas? No worries. Dallas is a city full of fun and exciting things to do for families. There are plenty of interactive experiences for children, from museums to amusement parks, zoos, and gardens.
The cultural hub has many kid-centric activities for active toddlers, tweens, and adventurous teenagers. Downtown Dallas is an excellent place to visit with its numerous family-friendly activities.
The diverse selection of phenomenal zoos and virtual reality experiences hardly disappoints. Here are some of the best interactive experiences for kids in Dallas.
SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium
Enjoy breathtaking creature encounters in the interactive zones at SEA LIFE Grapevine. Become a sea turtle expert when you explore the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Let your young ones learn about the threats turtles face in the wild and walk through the rescue and rehabilitation process first-hand.
The underwater ocean tunnel lets you take a stroll under the sea. SEA LIFE Grapevine is a cradle for seven shark species that glide slowly over your head. Be sure to catch glimpses of the glittering fish that swim along.
Interact with actual sea creatures at the interactive rockpools—made from water left behind after a tide. Did you know that Sea Stars have hundreds of tiny tube feet on their underside? That’s right. They use these tube feet to crawl on the ocean floor.
Spare some time for the rainforest adventure exhibit, where unique creatures lie hidden. This exhibit lets you catch glimpses of the Amazon depths. The Stringray exhibit mesmerizes visitors with its happy and smiley stingrays.
Book Now! Meet thousands of creatures up close at one fantastic price. Secure the SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center ticket that gives you entry to two impressive attractions at one affordable price. Your SEA LIFE Aquarium ticket remains valid for up to 14 days from the day you choose to explore the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Book early and save!
Alternatively, you could opt for the admission ticket to experience the 360-degree underwater tunnel. Reserve a suitable date and time, then book online to guarantee entry. Get instant access to your lifelong digital memories with the admission, virtual reality, and digital photos ticket. Bundle all three and save up to $30.
You could also opt for the SEA LIFE and Peppa Pig World of Play ticket that grants you access to two incredible attractions. Do you want to have it all? Choose the SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Peppa Pig World of Play tickets. You’ll get access to incredible attractions and an indoor play center ideal for preschool children. Visit Peppa Pig and LEGOLAND Discovery Center anytime within 14 days after your Sea Life admission.
Peppa Pig World of Play Dallas
Let your preschool children jump into the world of Peppa Pig to laugh, learn, and play. This indoor play center has diversely themed areas ideal for free-roaming play. The incredible play center sparks the imagination of preschool children.
Jump, laugh, play, and imagine while creating lasting memories for your young ones. Kids often recognize the buildings and vehicles here, resembling those in their popular cartoon. Let them ride the bus, visit Peppa’s house, or jump in muddy puddles.
Celebrate birthdays here with guaranteed snorts and giggles. The Peppa Pig World is at the Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine, Texas. Find free parking and valet by the AMC theatre. You could also catch the Grapevine Visitors Shuttle at the airport.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Explore this indoor attraction to enjoy Lego-themed rides, activities, and exhibits. Your kids can build and race LEGO cars, make their LEGO creations, and explore LEGO Friends Heartlake City. This interactive LEGO play area lets you become one of the LEGO Friends and add your own LEGO creations into the Heartlake City display.
Kids can also design their race cars, test for speed and agility, and race against each other at the LEGO Racers exhibit.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ideal place to spark your children’s creativity and imagination. They can participate in multiple building challenges at the LEGO Play Zones. Let your children relish a 4D movie experience at the LEGO 4D cinema. You could also explore MINILAND, which walks you through famous Texas landmarks.
Several rides are available at LEGO Rides. Use laser guns to defeat skeletons and trolls at the Kingdom Quest. Your older kids will love pedaling bikes and flying high at Merlin’s Apprentice.
Wondering how you’ll get here? Take TX-115 West from Dallas and head towards Grapevine. Take the exit for Grapevine Mills Parkway and follow the parkway until you get to the entrance of the Grapevine Mills Mall. Legoland is located inside the mall.
You can get to this attraction site via private means or take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit train to the Center Spot Station. Note: The Legoland Discovery Centre typically remains open between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. The operation time can vary depending on the day of the week or time of the year. Call or check their website to confirm operating hours before your visit.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
When you take them to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, kids can learn about science, nature, and technology. This interactive and hands-on environment features numerous permanent exhibits. The Energy Hall, the Expanding Universe Hall, and the Life Then and Now Hall offer diverse interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Let your young ones learn about the sources and uses of energy at the Energy Hall. They’ll also become enlightened on how to conserve energy. You’ll also find interactive exhibits that let your kids generate electricity, explore the value of solar power, and ride a bike to power light bulbs.
Your kids will learn about the universe, space, and astronomy at the Expanding Universe Hall. The interactive exhibits let them explore the solar system, learn about black holes and experience a virtual reality tour of the universe.
Spare time for the Life Then and Now Hall that takes children through the history of humanity. Let them touch and explore fossils at these interactive exhibits. Your kids will also learn about dinosaurs and create their own virtual dinosaurs.
Other highlights include an earthquake simulator, a children’s museum, and a gallery of minerals and gems. This place will fascinate kids of any age, whether they’re into science or have curious minds.
The museum is accessible via car, ride-sharing services, or public transportation. You can book your slot between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. If you intend to visit the museum on Sunday, plan your visit from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Dallas World Aquarium
Do your kids like marine life and animals from around the world? The Dallas World Aquarium is the place to be. This aquarium has multiple exhibits ranging from South Africa exhibit to the Orinoco exhibit and the Mundo Maya exhibit.
South Africa exhibits let you explore Africa’s forests, savannas, and grasslands. Your children can also see and touch diverse animals like lemurs, cheetahs, and lions.
Learn about Central American rainforests and the ancient Maya civilization at the Mundo Maya exhibit. Kids can also touch and explore artifacts while learning about the rainforest’s animals. Be sure to attend the live bird show while here.
Take a journey through South American rainforests when you visit the Orinoco exhibits. The indoor and outdoor habitats in this aquarium replicate animals’ natural environments. You could also make the most of the summer camps that train your children on animal behavior, conversation, and marine life.
Head to downtown Dallas to enjoy the aquarium’s numerous attractions and interactive activities. This fun spot is at 1801 North Griffin Street, between Commerce St. and Ross Ave. The aquarium opens from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Explore a children’s adventure garden in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located along the shores of White Rock Lake. This beautiful garden features a treehouse, maze, and sensory garden. The interactive, hands-on environment allows children to learn about plants and nature.
The landscaped gardens feature seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, exotic plants, and trees. Kids will have fun exploring the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden here. Among other things, this 8-acre oasis boasts lots of water features, a treetop canopy walk, a two-storey treehouse, and interactive exhibits.
Watch out for numerous public events like art shows and seasonal festivals. Plan your visit during spring to enjoy the vibrant display of color at Dallas Blooms. Members and non-members must make reservations to access this garden freely.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden sits on the southeastern shore of White Rock. You can access this adventure garden every day between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line to the White Rock Station, then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Arboretum.
Klyde Warren Park
Are you looking for a premier community gathering spot? Head to the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in the Dallas Arts District to explore Klyde Warren Park. There’s free parking in the West Village off McKinney Avenue. This linear park features a butterfly garden, playing areas, and zones allocated for kids.
Musical performances, film screenings, and children’s story times await you at this pristine park. Fitness classes and concerts also add to the thrill of your trip here. Your kids will relish the fun available at the Children’s Park, thanks to features like the splash pad and storytelling tree.
Do you want your furry friends to tag along with you? The Dog Park lets you have fun and socialize with your pet. Take great selfies with the backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The food trucks, cafes, and restaurants give you excellent dining options. That means you can enjoy diverse cuisines and beverages while taking in the park’s incredible atmosphere.
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
South Dallas is home to a seven-acre combination obstacle and zip line park. Let your children soar, scramble, climb, and swing at the Trinity Forest Adventure Park. The eight aerial obstacle courses combine well with over twenty zip lines that guarantee endless fun.
Let your kids soar through the treetops as you take in stunning views up top. You could also take them to the giant swing, where they’ll relish the thrills of swinging through the air. Help your kids learn the value of teamwork with the Team Building fun activities.
Move at your pace as you take on the self-guided courses. The park is also an ideal spot to host birthday parties for your kids, with packages offering access to the park’s newest spots. Also, consider night adventures that guarantee a unique and exciting experience thanks to the special lighting on the courses.
This outdoor recreation center is located at 1820 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, and is easily accessible via public transportation. Do you want to save $5 off the listed ticket price? Make online reservations.
Book Your Ticket Now!
Book online for hands-on exhibits, special events, and fun family activities in Dallas. Enjoy discounted prices, faster entry, and exclusive tickets/passes.