30+ Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Teens

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dallas with teens, you have plenty to choose from! Besides being home to some of the most popular sports teams, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a cultural hub for art, cuisine, history, outdoor activities, and more. Below you’ll find over 30 ways to spend a fun day in the Dallas area with the whole family!

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1. 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!

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. Perot Museum

When you’re visiting Dallas with teens, I recommend checking out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. This is a really 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.

5. 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.

6. Try a Floating Obstacle Course

We promise this is unlike anything you’ve tried before! Located on Grapevine Lake, WhoaZone is an action-packed obstacle course on water. Your teens are going to love this!

7. 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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8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 more 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.

11. 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 Batman The Ride, El Diablo, 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 too.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Tour AT&T Stadium

The Cowboy’s 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.

16. Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and the Dallas Arboretum

Quite possibly some of the most instagrammable spots in Dallas-Fort Worth are the botanic 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.

17. 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!

18. 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 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.

19. 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 lots 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.

20. 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!

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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!

24. 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.

25. 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!

26. 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).

27. 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!

28. 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)!

29. Go Rock Climbing at Movement Gyms

Movement is a great place for teens! After a short orientation, the knowledgeable staff can assist you in 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.

30. 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.

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!