45+ Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Teens

Planning activities for teenagers can feel like an impossible mission – they’re too old for kid stuff but not quite ready for adult-only experiences. If you’re searching for things to do in Dallas with teens that will actually get them excited (and off their phones), you’ve come to the right place.

After six years of living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and raising three teens across the city and suburbs, I’ve road-tested countless activities and learned which ones are actually worth your time. From world-class sports venues to the thriving art scene, diverse culinary landscape, and rich historical sites, I’ve curated over 45 teen-approved activities that have passed the ultimate test: my own teenagers’ approval. Whether your family gravitates toward outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or action-packed entertainment, you’ll find options that engage teenagers without boring the adults.

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1. Perot Museum

When you’re visiting Dallas with teens, I recommend checking out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. This is a cool interactive museum that’s fun for the whole family.

Learn about gems and minerals, build a robot, or watch a 4D movie in the theater. Check out a full human brain and nervous system, or analyze your basketball throw.

2. National Video Game Museum

Parents of teens will appreciate the opportunity to turn gaming into an educational experience! At the National Videogame Museum in Frisco, teens can learn about the evolution of video games and even play their parents’ favorites!

You’ll love the detailed recreation of bedrooms and living rooms from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Check out original consoles, controllers, and arcade games. You’ll even use tokens to play!

3. Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park was built on top of an 8-lane section on top of the old Dallas freeway. Relax on sprawling green lawns or check out local food trucks with skyscrapers towering over you!

If you have some free time, make sure to check out the Dallas Museum of Art next door. There you’ll find everything from ancient to contemporary art from cultures around the world.

If your teen loves museums, the Crow Museum of Asian Art and Nasher Sculpture Center are in the same general vicinity.

4. Sixth Floor Museum (JFK Museum)

History lovers will appreciate the Sixth Floor Museum inside the old Texas School Book Depository building in the heart of downtown Dallas.

This is the actual site where the assassination of John F. Kennedy took place. You can see where the assassin perched overlooking Dealey Plaza and observe historical artifacts from that day.

5. Grapevine Lake Water Sports

Make a splash at Grapevine Lake with water sports rentals! Several marinas offer jet ski rentals, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.

DFW Surf provides kayaking, paddle boards, and wakesurfing lessons for all skill levels. Teens can learn from experienced instructors, or experienced riders can rent equipment. The lake’s 8,000 acres provide plenty of space for high-speed fun!

During the summer months, don’t miss WhoaZone, an action-packed obstacle course on Grapevine Lake. Your teens are going to love this!

6. George W. Bush Library and Museum

The George W. Bush Library and Museum is located on the Southern Methodist University campus in Highland Park. Here, teens can learn all about Bush’s public policy endeavors, the Texas-native Bush family, and the influence of the Bush administration.

There’s a replica of the Oval Office and displays representing major events that happened during his presidency. The art and cultural exhibits are great ways to get young adults to think about the global relationships of the US.

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7. Dallas Farmers Market

In downtown Dallas, don’t miss a day at the Dallas Farmers Market! This 26,000-square-foot indoor space features vendors selling everything from local produce and farm-fresh eggs to handcrafted goods.

Shop craft and clothing vendors or head to indoor or outdoor dining spaces around the market. Every day of the week, you’ll find special events with things like artisanal cheese tastings and live music.

8. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

A sobering trip, the Dallas Holocaust Museum is also a meaningful one that will inspire the entire family. Experience a variety of culturally relevant exhibits and interactive displays surrounding Jewish cultures and the events of the Holocaust.

But then go further. Additional exhibits expand on the Holocaust’s impact on human rights issues and political responsibility.

9. Visit a Dallas Zoo

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to both the Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo. If you have less time, the Dallas Zoo is only 3 miles from downtown and is more of a walk-through nature reserve. The big draw here is the large children’s zoo for younger children.

The Fort Worth Zoo will appeal to all ages. It’s the larger of the two, so plan on taking at least half a day to visit. The animal exhibits are more structured, and your teens will appreciate fun attractions like climbing walls.

10. Six Flags Over Texas

If your teen is a thrill-seeker, they won’t want to miss a visit to the Six Flags amusement park in Arlington. Favorite roller coaster rides include New Texas Giant, Batman: The Ride, and Mr. Freeze. There’s also plenty to eat, arcade games, and live entertainment most days during the summer.

Be sure to buy your parking in advance and consider getting the Dining Pass as well, especially if you’re going to the Roaring Rapids Waterpark.

11. Segway Tour

When you’re visiting Dallas with teens, a fun way to check out important sites in this iconic city would be on a Segway tour! Everyone 14 and up gets their own Segway.

Your guide will take you on a ride through the pedestrian-friendly downtown area. See historical sites and national landmarks and learn about local Texas history.

12. Stockyards

Head to downtown Fort Worth, where you can explore the Stockyards National Historic District! During the 1800s, this area became a bustling industry surrounding cattle being driven along the Chisholm Trail.

Learn about the history, shop for a cowboy hat, escape the Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze, or enjoy some Texas BBQ. You can also experience a cattle drive twice a day down East Exchange Avenue!

While you’re in the area, you might want to check out the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Sundance Square, and grab lunch at Joe T Garcia’s, a local favorite.

13. Texas State Fair

A big draw to the Dallas area in October is the State Fair of Texas. Don’t miss out on this month-long event held in Fair Park.

This is your classic state fair with all the favorites, from carnival rides and food to a petting zoo and eating contests! Attend a music concert or the annual Red River Showdown between the University of Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners.

14. Tour AT&T Stadium

The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington will not disappoint sports fans! There are all types of tours held daily. Choose from a variety of self-guided or specialized guided tours.

See the inner workings of the stadium, like locker rooms and media spaces. You can throw a ball on the turf or check out the art displayed throughout the building.

15. Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and the Dallas Arboretum

Quite possibly some of the most Instagrammable spots in Dallas-Fort Worth are the botanical gardens and arboretum.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is known for its stunning Japanese garden (complete with a koi pond) and beautiful rose garden.

At the Dallas Arboretum, visitors will find a Woman’s Garden, Children’s Adventure Garden, year-round festivals, and lovely views of White Rock Lake.

16. Attend a Dallas Sporting Event

Families can also enjoy home games with all of the Dallas area’s top-notch teams. The city hosts the Stars hockey team and the Mavericks basketball team, both of which you can watch play from October through April. FC Dallas has games in Frisco, and the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers play in Arlington.

Visit Dallas in September when the Cowboys kick off their season or watch the Rangers play baseball from April through October!

17. Explore Dallas and Fort Worth Art Districts

For some arts and culture, while you’re in Dallas with teens, head to the Deep Ellum neighborhood that skirts downtown.

This is where you’ll find vibrant murals on every street, comedy shows, edgy performance art, and great walk-through art galleries.

Or head to Bishop Arts District, where you can walk down tree-lined streets and pop into renovated 19th-century buildings turned boutique fashion shops.

Bishop Arts also has some great fusion eateries and coffee shops that Dallas teens love, as well as two different live music venues.

Fort Worth also has a cultural district with shopping, restaurants, and public art and street murals.

18. National Soccer Hall of Fame

The metroplex is also home to the FC Dallas Soccer Club. Fans of the game can visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame and see a great view of the Toyota Arena, where they play.

The Hall of Fame also has fun exhibits with a lot of soccer memorabilia. Check out World Cup trophies, old jerseys, and medals. Kids love the interactive virtual reality feature that carries you through much of the hall.

19. Take Advantage of Great Shopping

If shopping is your thing, you won’t be disappointed! Find something for the whole family at the Grapevine Mills Premium Outlets.

There’s also the Dallas Galleria with three levels of name-brand shopping, a food court, and a skating rink.

Or spend the day at Grandscape. Enjoy all kinds of attractions. Eat at elevated fast food and shop at boutique stores. Head to a movie theater or try the indoor arcades and go-karts at Andretti!

20. Kayak or Paddle Board on White Rock Lake

If the great outdoors is more your family’s style, I recommend checking out White Rock Lake. While you can’t swim in the lake, kayaking and paddleboarding are welcome! There’s a vendor lakeside if you don’t bring your own.

And if you’re looking for hiking trails in Dallas, there’s a great one that goes around the perimeter of the lake.

21. Visit a Metroplex Waterpark

The Dallas area has over a dozen waterparks to choose from! If you go to Six Flags Over Texas, get the all-access pass, and you’ll get into the waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, for free.

You can also check out Epic Waters, one of Dallas’ indoor water parks. It’s open year-round, unlike the others that are only open during the summer months.

Or head to Hawaiian Falls. It’s a stand-alone park where you can rent a full-sized cabana as your home base.

22. Head to a Paintball Park

Don’t be confused by the handful of paintball parks to be found in the metroplex area! This is a great pastime for all ages who don’t mind some friendly competition. Just keep in mind that not all of Dallas’ paintball parks are kid-friendly.

I recommend either Official Paintball or GatSplat. Plus, GatSplat also has ax-throwing!

23. Ax Throwing

Besides GatSplat, there are several ax-throwing venues in the metroplex area. What’s better than a safe place to let off some steam and learn a forgotten skill?

Some of the best ones are Bad Axe, Class Axe, and Corky’s, which also have dining, arcades, and escape rooms.

24. Coyote or Galaxy Drive-In Theater

Experience nostalgia with the family by heading to Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Ennis. You’ll love the retro feel of this classic drive-in with 7 screens, walk-up concessions, and mini-golf.

Coyote Drive-In is in Fort Worth and offers 3 movie screens, a concession stand, and a menu with burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and more.

However, I suggest saving this for a spring or fall trip to the Dallas area, as summers can be sweltering!

25. Get competitive at an arcade

A fun way to spend time with teens in Dallas is by heading to one of the local arcades. Some favorites include: Cidercade (everything from pinball to classic games and more), Main Event (also has bowling and laser tag), and Nickel Mania (all of the games are a nickel).

26. Trinity Forest Adventure Park

Trinity Forest Adventure Park is the perfect place for teens who love a thrill! But the whole family can participate.

They even have rope courses for 4-year-olds! No matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced aerial park visitor, you’ll find something to do. There are ziplines, tightropes, swing bridges, and more!

27. Top Golf

For the family who loves to golf together, head to Top Golf for a unique spin on the game. Set up in a bay with a cozy booth and golf to your heart’s content.

Order food and the music and atmosphere! Or if you want to move around, there are also mini-golf and batting cages (available at the Top Golf Dallas location)!

28. Go Rock Climbing at Movement Gyms

Movement is a great place for teens! After a short orientation, the knowledgeable staff can assist you at all levels of climbing.

They also offer fitness and yoga classes on the second level. To save a bit of money, visitors can also take advantage of 2-for-1 Wednesdays.

29. Head to a Rage Room

This is exactly what it sounds like: a room designed for you to let off some stress! Teens can have a lot of it and will enjoy a controlled environment where they can break what they want. Yes, this is really a thing! Check out The Secret Chambers or Smash N Bash.

30. Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is in the heart of downtown Dallas, and teens will love seeing all of the marine life and animals.

The first level features tanks filled with rare and endangered aquatic life from all over the world. On the aquarium’s second level, there’s a complete recreation of a South American rainforest!

31. Meow Wolf Grapevine

Get ready for a mind-bending experience at Meow Wolf in Grapevine! This immersive art installation tells the story of The Real Unreal and will transport teens into a psychedelic world of interactive exhibits.

Explore secret passages, crawl through portals, and discover hidden rooms as you unravel the mystery. Every surface is a work of art, and nearly everything is touchable. The neon-lit landscapes and otherworldly environments make this one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the metroplex!

32. Gondola Adventures in Las Colinas

Experience a taste of Venice right in Irving at Gondola Adventures! Teens will love this romantic and unique way to see the Las Colinas Urban Center.

Your gondolier will navigate the Mandalay Canals while sharing the history of the area. Choose from a variety of cruise options, including sunset rides or private charters. Some packages even include Italian appetizers and beverages!

This is a perfect activity for special occasions or just a memorable afternoon. The canal area also has great restaurants and shops to explore before or after your ride.

33. Thrift Shopping in Dallas

Fashion-forward teens will love hunting for vintage treasures at Dallas’ best thrift stores!

Head to Lula B’s in the Design District for upscale vintage homewares and eclectic furniture. For classic thrift store vibes, check out the massive Goodwill on Ross Avenue or Buffalo Exchange for trendy secondhand fashion.

Make a day of it by hitting multiple shops and grabbing lunch in the Bishop Arts District!

34. Thrift Shopping in Fort Worth

Fort Worth has its own incredible thrift scene! Visit Flipstone Vintage and Thrift, 94 Vintage, or Haltom Thrift for some unique finds.

35. BatBox

Located in Grand Prairie, BatBox is every baseball and softball lover’s dream! This high-tech batting facility features automated pitching machines with a variety of pitching speeds, combined with a sports bar and restaurant.

The indoor venue has 10 cages that can be booked online, making it perfect for practice or just having fun. We would recommend a group of 4 to 12 people for the best experience. Teens can track their stats and challenge one another with a variety of skill games. VIP cages are available for special occasions!

36. Fritz’s Adventure

Get ready for an action-packed day at Fritz’s Adventure! This massive indoor adventure park is designed to challenge teens both physically and mentally.

Scale multi-story climbing walls, navigate a two-story ropes course, or tackle the ninja warrior-style obstacles. Try your hand at archery, explore the underground tunnels, or swing across the warped wall. There’s even a real reclaimed airplane to explore!

Every attraction is designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here, and wear comfortable athletic clothing!

37. Museum of Illusions Dallas

Mind-bending fun awaits at the Museum of Illusions in downtown Dallas! This interactive museum features over 60 exhibits that will trick your eyes and challenge your perception.

Walk through the Vortex Tunnel, defy gravity in the Tilted Room, or see your head served on a platter. The Infinity Room creates endless reflections, while the Ames Room makes people appear to shrink or grow. Every exhibit is designed to be photographed, so teens will have a blast creating optical illusion content!

This is a quick visit (about an hour), making it perfect to combine with other downtown activities.

38. Cosm Dallas

Experience sports and entertainment like never before at Cosm in The Colony! This groundbreaking venue features an 87-foot LED dome that creates an immersive viewing experience for live sports and concerts.

Teens will be blown away by the wraparound 12K+ resolution screen that makes you feel like you’re actually at the event. The stadium-style seating and premium audio system create an atmosphere that’s part movie theater, part concert venue, part sports bar.

Check their schedule for featured games and events. The venue also has upscale dining options and a full bar (for adults). Tickets sell out quickly for popular events, so book in advance!

39. Escape Rooms

Put your teen’s problem-solving skills to the test at one of Dallas’ many escape room venues! The Escape Game in Grapevine Mills has some impressive set design. Escapology in Fort Worth is another great option.

Most escape rooms accommodate groups of 4-8 people and take about an hour. It’s a great way to encourage teamwork and critical thinking while having fun!

40. Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

Take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Dallas from 470 feet up at Reunion Tower! The iconic ball-shaped tower’s GeO-Deck observation level features floor-to-ceiling windows with interactive touchscreens.

Teens can use the digital telescopes to zoom in on landmarks and learn about the city’s history. Visit at sunset for spectacular views as the city lights up!

The Cloud Nine Café on the observation deck serves drinks and snacks. For a special occasion, make reservations at Crown Block restaurant, which rotates as you dine.

41. Trinity Groves Food District

Foodies will love Trinity Groves, a restaurant incubator where Dallas’ most innovative chefs test new concepts! Located on the west side of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, this area features a rotating lineup of unique eateries.

Teens can sample everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine. The outdoor seating areas offer stunning views of the Dallas skyline, especially at night. Many restaurants have Instagram-worthy presentations perfect for sharing!

Make it a progressive dinner and try appetizers at one spot, mains at another, and dessert at a third. The variety means everyone in your group will find something they love.

42. Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air locations throughout DFW offer more than trampolines! Teens will love the warrior courses, climbing walls, rope courses, and slam dunk zones.

Try the sky rider zip line, battle on the jousting beam, or navigate the warped walls. The tube playground and dodgeball courts are perfect for group challenges. Many locations also have adventure rooms and virtual reality experiences.

Buy jump time in increments or purchase an all-day pass. It’s a great way to burn energy while having fun!

43. PopStroke

Get ready for mini-golf like you’ve never experienced at PopStroke in Grandscape! This upscale putting experience was co-created by Tiger Woods and features two 18-hole championship-level courses with automatic ball return.

Teens will love the competitive yet fun atmosphere as they navigate creative obstacles and perfectly manicured greens. The courses are designed with real golf elements, making it challenging enough for serious golfers while still being accessible for beginners.

After your round, head to the full-service restaurant and bar featuring burgers, tacos, and ice cream. The outdoor seating areas have fire pits and games like cornhole and giant Jenga. It’s a perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening, especially when the weather is nice!

44. WorldSprings

Treat your teen to ultimate relaxation at WorldSprings! This outdoor mineral hot springs experience features over 40 different mineral pools with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 100s, bringing the world’s greatest mineral waters all to one place.

Teens will love exploring the variety of pools, each with unique mineral compositions and therapeutic benefits. Cool off in the refreshing cold plunges at 55°F, warm up in the Finnish saunas (both barrel and rectangular-style), or relax by the fire pits in Adirondack-style seating.

The facility has both adults-only and all-ages sections, making it perfect for family visits. Poolside servers bring food and drinks right to your lounge chair. Book your soak session in advance, especially for weekends!

45. Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Step back in time on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad! This authentic 19th-century steam locomotive runs between Grapevine and Fort Worth Stockyards.

While younger kids might enjoy the themed rides like the Polar Express during holidays, teens will appreciate the historic significance and the unique experience of riding a Victorian-era train. The journey takes about 90 minutes round-trip with time to explore your destination.

The train cars have been beautifully restored, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Book in advance as trains sell out quickly, especially for special events!

Have a Blast with Your Teens in Dallas and Fort Worth

The teen years are a great time to do things that you couldn’t do when your kids were younger. In the metroplex area, you’ll find outdoor excursions, high-end shopping, and everything in between. With a little planning, you’ll have a wonderful experience visiting Dallas with teens!