Dallas Area Attractions

Dallas is the second largest city in Texas. Together, the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities that simply can't be found elsewhere. From world-class zoos and museums to Texas-sized honky-tonks, the DFW area has it all.

There is certainly no shortage of attractions in Dallas. Visitors to the 'Big D' will find the city also offers a variety of diverse, entertaining and informative museums.

The oldest zoo in the American Southwest, the Dallas Zoo is also the largest zoo in Texas, covering more than 100 acres.

With a seven-story bungee jump and other thrilling rides, Zero Gravity Thrill Park is one of the top 10 things to do with kids in Dallas/Ft. Worth. With a giant slingshot, a high-speed Ferris wheel and a 130-foot free-fall, the park will satisfy any adrenaline junkie's need for speed.

White Rock Lake Park in Dallas is a great place to take the kids to let them burn off some steam. The 1,000-acre lake is surrounded by hike and bike trails, picnic spots, baseball fields and wide open spaces.

The McKinney Avenue trolley, aka the M-Line, provides a convenient, free way to get around the historic Uptown area in Dallas. Each of the four restored antique cars has a different design and history, and the well-versed conductors are eager to share their knowledge about this early form of mass transit.

At the Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas, kids can learn about the fun aspects of science. From a hair-raising electricity demonstration to a cow-milking experience, kids won't get bored at this museum.

Located between Dallas and Ft. Worth in Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas offers everything from meet-and-greets with cartoon characters to water rides to extreme roller coasters. The park also hosts concerts, live shows and other special events.

You'll find entertainment for the whole family at the Fort Worth Stockyards, from the world's largest honky-tonk to daily cattle drives. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, the weekly rodeos and gun-fighting shows.

Step back in time and experience Texas life in the mid-1800s. Costumed interpreters make sausage, pound out horseshoes in the blacksmith shop, make candles and perform other chores typical of the era. Seven restored cabins contain artifacts that help bring history to life for kids.

The Dallas World Aquarium is also an indoor zoo, with birds, manatees, otters, bats, sharks and tropical fish. An excellent option on a rainy day, the Dallas World Aquarium is one of the top 10 things to do with kids in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

This museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating information on John F. Kennedy's life, career, assassination and death. Located on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building - the very spot the sniper's gun was found - the Sixth Floor Museum let's you gain a feel for how things happened in 1963.

Located on White Rock Lake, just outside of downtown Dallas, the Arboretum features colorful gardens all year long. Tours are available daily. The Arboretum is also available for weddings and other private functions.

Open year around, Six Flags Over Texas offers rides, shows, and more to Dallas area visitors.

Dallas' premier shopping experience, with over 200 of the nation's finest retailers, plus an ice rink and Westin hotel.

A one of a kind museum, Fort Worth's National Cowgirl Hall of Fame features exhibits and memorabilia honoring the 'gals of the west.

Visit animals from around the world in award winning natural habitats at the Dallas Zoo.

With close to 3 acres under one roof, Billy Bob's is certainly "Texas size." The massive nightclub is host to top country music acts, professional bullriding, and plenty of dancing.

Dallas' Old City Park is a living history museum portraying life in North Texas from 1840-1910.

Dallas' McKinny Trolley is a historical trolley system, which recreates how a real trolley system of the early to mid-20th century looked and operated.

Originally established by Amon Carter Sr. to hold his extensive collection of paintings, Ft. Worth's Amon Carter Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting American art.

Featuring Chanel, Anne Fontaine, Hermes and other, Highland Park Village offers an upscale shopping experience for Dallas area residents and visitors.

Visitors to the Ft. Worth Zoo will be transfixed by its wonderful exhibits, ranging from Raptor Canyon to Koala Outback, and attractions such as Tasmanian Tower and their virtual safari.

Located in Ft. Worth, the West Texas Music Hall of Fame preserves the history of Texas music and tells the story of Texas' influence on music.

Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall serves as a permanent home for area performing art organizations, as well as hosting a variety of touring artists.

A Dallas landmark, Adair's Saloon has been serving patrons good food, cold beer and excellent live music since 1963.

The Irving Arts Center has over 90,000 square feet of performing and visual arts space, a 707-seat concert hall, 253-seat theater, and four galleries with rotating displays. The center is host to a variety of concerts and performing arts productions and is also available for meetings, weddings and other important events.

Originally opened in 1936 to coincide with the Texas Centennial Celebration, Dallas' Aquarium at Fair Park has been opened to the public ever since. A salt water selection was added in 1964 and today the aquarium is home to over 6,000 aquatic animals.

Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art offers one of the most extensive art exhibits to be found in the Lone Star State.