15 family-friendly Dallas attractions to enhance young Christians’ minds

By Kat Styles about 1 year Local
There are museums and establishments in Dallas, Texas, that offer fun activities that will enhance young Christians’ minds. Image courtesy of JESHOOT.COM|Unsplash

Dallas should be a top pick for Christian families looking for a city with Texan character written all over it. This city is significant in its size and what it can offer to Christian families who wish to expose their kids to mind-enhancing activities.

The city's versatility means that it can meet the needs of children with widely varying interests, according to 365traveler. Nearby are several recreational pursuits, cultural institutions, and natural attractions. 

The downtown area, for example, is packed with kid-and-adult-friendly activities and attractions that feature enough fascinating displays to keep young Christians entertained for hours.

Here are the 15 family-friendly attractions in (and near) Dallas that will improve and enhance kids’ minds:

1. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

An exhibit at Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Image courtesy of Perot Museum and Science

The museum's 11 incredible galleries showcase everything from gorgeous prehistoric creatures and space's wonders to out-of-this-world encounters with extreme weather, glittering diamonds, robotic athletes, and other astonishing experiences.

2. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Gardens at Dallas Arboretum. Image courtesy of Dallas Arboretum. 

  • 8525 Garland Rd.
  • Provides educational content that makes learning based on standards and includes active participation enjoyable for all ages 
  • Contact details: (214) 515-6615

As stated on its website, through garden-based activities, including field trips, outreach programs, after-school courses, summer camps, and academic overnights, the Dallas Arboretum fosters a connection to nature and encourages environmental stewardship.

3. The Dallas World Aquarium 

The Dallas World Aquarium. Image courtesy of Wikipedia 

The Dallas World Aquarium will amaze kids with its display of rainforest birds, such as toucan varieties and Cocks-of-the-rock. According to Kids Out and About.com, the numerous conservation efforts help endangered wildlife like the Orinoco crocodile, the Giant river otter, the Antillean manatee, and other monkey species.

4. Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park. Image courtesy of its website

Klyde Warren Park is a hub of activity, with free events like yoga, lectures, and concerts held there often. As stated on its website, Klyde Warren Park has also been a driving force behind the region's ongoing development by improving the quality of life and attracting more people. Kids will surely learn a thing or two about the importance of green spaces in urban environments like Dallas.

5. Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower in Dallas. Image courtesy of its website 

For Family Destinations Guide, Dallas can only be fully appreciated from above, and there is no better prime location than 470 feet up. Every Texan has gazed at their city from the Reunion Tower's point of view and left the place smiling due to their amazement.

6. North Texas Performing Arts

An orchestra in action. Image courtesy of Kael Bloom|Unsplash

Youth character building is NTPA's first priority, providing kids with fun, engaging, and educational performances. To them, it's not enough to simply educate students on how to perform on stage; they also want to help them develop into better people.

7. Hawaiian Falls Waterparks

A girl enjoying the slide at Hawaiian Falls Waterparks. Image courtesy of Hawaiian Falls Waterparks

Hawaiian Falls was designed with children in mind. They love what they do, which shows in the clean, safe, and exciting Hawaiian-themed environment they provide for guests of all ages. The Wave Pool, Lazy River, and rides like the Pineapple Express are all great places to spend time with children.

8. Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park

A little girl bouncing on a trampoline. Image courtesy of Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park

  • 14902 Preston Rd.
  • Empowering kids to try and explore adventurous places through their amenities
  • Contact details: (469) 232-1214

Urban Air Adventure Park has the top indoor attractions in the Prosper, Plano, Allen, and McKinney areas all year. As per Kids Out and About.com, they are the best indoor playground for the whole family, with surprises around every turn.

9. Cedar Ridge Reserve

Cedar Ridge Preserve. Image courtesy of Texas Kids Adventures

  • 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
  • Suitable for kids who like hiking with educational and fun activities
  • Contact details: Email - audubondallas.birding@gmail.com

Dallas is brimming with life and is home to excellent camping and hiking opportunities for Christian families. According to Family Destinations Guide, the Cedar Ridge Reserve in the heart of Texas Hill Country is among the best places to visit. A short trip from the city will take you to this wildlife refuge, which encompasses 600 acres and is dog-friendly.

10. Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Museum of Art. Image courtesy of Wikipedia 

  • 1717 N Harwood St.
  • Attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds with a wide range of activities, including exhibitions and lectures
  • Contact details: Phone - 214-922-1200; For tickets, email them at guestservices@DMA.org

The Dallas Museum of Art is a fantastic start, as it is always free. Artwork from all over the world, including the local area, will be displayed. In particular, the featured special exhibits provide an excellent opportunity for Christian kids to discover and learn about things they have never seen before.

11. Old City Park

Old City Park in Dallas. Image courtesy of 10Best 

  • 1515 S Harwood St.
  • Historic architecture from the 19th century, including homesteads, stores, and commercial structures
  • Contact details: (214) 413-3679

In one of the city's oldest parks on the southeastern outskirts of downtown, this living history village recreates 19th- and early-20th-century North Texas life.  As mentioned by 10Best, the general store is a fun place for kids since they can play checkers on an old stove, weigh items, and wrap presents.

12. Grand Prairie Farmers Market

Families shopping at Grand Prairie Farmers Market. Image courtesy of Grand Prairie Farmers Market

  • 120 W Main St., Grand Prairie, Texas
  • A market in Grand Prairie that sells different types of items and food for kids and families. 
  • Contact details: Phone - 972-237-4599; Email - farmersmarket@gptx.org

According to its website, the Grand Prairie Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April through December. It sells all sorts of locally produced goods, including fresh produce and other types of food for all ages. While this is not in Dallas, your family should consider heading there as it’s just over 13 miles away.

13. Nasher Sculpture Center

Nasher Sculpture Center. Image courtesy of Wikipedia

  • 2001 Flora St.
  • A home for the modern and contemporary sculptures collected by Patsy and Raymond Nasher
  • Contact details: Phone - 214.242.5100; Email - info@nashersculpturecenter.org

Nasher Public at Nasher Sculpture Center promotes public art by North Texas artists at the Nasher and in Dallas. Nasher Public opened with a series of shows by young and established artists in a new gallery area accessible from Nasher's lobby. The Public Gallery is free during museum hours and viewable via the windows during off hours.

14. White Rock Lake Park

White Rock Lake Park in Dallas. Image courtesy of Dallas Park and Recreation

  • 542 E. Jefferson Blvd.
  • Offers active and passive activity options for all ages 
  • Contact details: Phone - 214-670-1923; Fax - 214-670-6748

Renting bicycles and circling the lake's 9-mile perimeter is popular for families. Canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish are just some of the activities that may be enjoyed on this massive lake.

15. Texas Horse Park

People horseriding at Texas Horse Park in Dallas. Image courtesy of Facebook page

  • 811 Pemberton Hill Rd Bldg. 2
  • It introduces families to an equestrian adventure and early Trinity River ranching and farming in Texas
  • Contact details: 214-671-9500

People, especially the kids, who adore Texas often say riding a horse is the most elegant way to see the state. There's no better site for horseback riding lessons than the Great Trinity Forest. Beautiful old trees and a significant Native American archaeological site can be admired in this area.

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@ Kat Styles

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