Top Things To Do In Dallas

Located in Victory Park near the heart of Downtown Dallas, The Perot Museum is said to be a "world of wonder" by The Dallas Morning News. If you're looking for things to do in Dallas when the temperature gets hot, there is no better place to spend your day than meandering around the Perot.

What to do
Explore the world of mysterious adventure and practice your detective skills with Perot's International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. If you're up for it, see if you have the speed to outrun a virtual cheetah. The Perot Museum has many hands-on exhibits that get you involved in learning rather than just observing.

What to see
Complete with 6 floors of educational beauty and insight, discover Perot's 6 learning labs and 11 permanent exhibit halls including everything from the world of sports to gems, minerals and the universe beyond Earth. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne, the building itself is a sight to see.

>> Learn more about the Perot Museum.

Interested in seeing Dallas from above? Elevate yourself hundreds of feet in the air to experience the unique 360-degree perspective that landed the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck on Dallas Morning News "Top 10 Jaunts of 2013."

What to do
GeO-deck is far more than a jaw-dropping view of Dallas. Perch yourself 470 feet above the city streets and enjoy a myriad of views through top-of-the-line telescopes, interactive digital displays and high-definition cameras that will show you the true beauty of Dallas from above.

What to see
As if stunning views of the city are not enough, the Reunion Tower offers guests a unique photo opportunity. Be sure to have your picture taken on the first floor, ready to be framed by the time you reach the top. The perfect way to remember Dallas!

>> Learn more about the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck.

There's no better way to spend time outdoors than at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a 66 acre wonderland of lush green fields, flowers and fountains, with a wonderful view of both the lake and the unique skyline of the city.

What to do
Breathe in the fresh air as you make your way through the arboretums 19 named gardens. This is a Dallas attraction that will surely have you appreciating the wonders and beauty of nature.

What to see
The Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden was designed specifically with children in mind. As one of the 19 named gardens on the arboretum grounds it offers over 150 individual kid friendly activities and an awe-inspiring educational experience for school children and families.

>> Learn more about the Dallas Arboretum.

Founded in 1888 and the first zoo in the southwest, the park has come a long way from just two deer and two mountain lions. Today, it is home to more than 2,000 animals and is one of the largest zoos in Texas.

What to do
One of the most popular Dallas attractions, the city’s zoo is one of only 10 zoos in the nation to have koalas. While you're exploring the various exhibits, be sure to stop by and check out these one-of-a-kind creatures.

What to see
If the koalas aren't your thing, be sure to say hello to the three different species of flamingos that call the Dallas Zoo home! If you're taking the kids for a full-day excursion, they'll certainly enjoy the "Giants of the Jurassic"-- a full exhibit dedicated to more than 20 roaring, animatronic prehistoric dinosaurs.

>> Learn more about the Dallas Zoo.

Located at Dealey Plaza in what was formally known as the Texas School Book Depository, the Sixth Floor Museum features films, photographs and artifacts that chronicle President John F. Kennedy's legacy as one of our country's most influential and beloved presidential figures as well as his earth-shattering assassination.

What to do
While visiting the museum and taking an in-depth look into Kennedy’s life, be sure to visit both the museum store and reading room to view the extensive library of books, artifacts and audiovisual resources.

What to see
Venture up to the seventh floor to see the amazing photo mosaics made up of the museum's very own collection of Dallas Times Herald photographs, featuring approximately 5,000 individual image tiles. This is certainly something you will not want to miss out on!

>> Learn more about the Sixth Floor Museum.

Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in the University City section of Dallas, the George W. Bush President Library & Museum is a resource dedicated to the life and career of our former President George W. Bush.

What to do
Home to over 70 million textual records and 1,200 cubic feet of audiovisual archives, the museum features a permanent exhibit that uses relics, documents, pictures and videos from its extensive collection to capture the significant decisions and events of President George W. Bush's presidency.

What to see
The museum features a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, a full sized Oval Office and a Texas Rose Garden. Take an up close and personal look at some of Bush’s presidential records, as well as a variety of his public policies and accomplishments while in office.

>> Learn more about the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.

5.2 acres of fresh Texas air, Klyde Warren park opened its doors in 2012 and unlike many of Dallas’ other urban parks, is operated by Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation and has hours from 6:00am to 11:00pm.

What to do
Pop by the park during lunchtime hours (12:00-1:00 daily) to experience live music in the Dallas Morning News Reading & Games Room. Also, if you're looking for something tasty on hump-day, swing by Klyde Warren every Wednesday from 11:00-3:00 pm to indulge in a variety of food truck specialties from Dallas' most popular eateries.

What to see
Klyde Warren offers beautifully kept botanical gardens, playgrounds to keep the children happy and the increasingly popular Ginsburg Family Great Lawn where you can sign-up for a number of activities including boot camp and yoga.

>> Learn more about Klyde Warren Park.

Sticking with the outdoors theme, White Rock Lake Park offers visitors and locals alike an escape from the city. Located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown, the park let's you take a break from the hustle and bustle of Dallas to experience nature in its finest form.

What to do
If you're feeling extra energetic strap on your workout sneakers and hike or bike the 9.33 mile trail that takes you on exciting twists and turns throughout the beautiful park.

What to see
Did you decide to bring your pooch along for the adventure? If so, check out the dog park and picnic areas, the perfect way to spend a sunny Texas day.

>> Learn more about White Rock Lake Park.

If you’re looking for a real, state-of-the-art experience brimming with excitement, make your way to American Airlines Center. The cutting edge space is as flexible as its athletes, taking shape as the Mavericks home basketball court, a concert hall, or an in-your-face Dallas Stars hockey game. The center even has an amazing 1080 HD replay system and surround sound.

What to do
If you’re at the AAC to catch a thrilling hockey game, you can roam around the concourse and run into Vic, an 84-pucks high fuzzy alien and the Dallas Stars biggest fan. Get an autograph or a photo from a mascot that’s just out of this world. Looking for a tasty and unique treat? Head to the Dr. Pepper Fan Zone for some DP-inspired meals like the Dr. Pepper BBQ Brisket Sandwich. Yum!

What to see
The Dallas Mavericks, a valuable NBA team, frequently boast a sell-out game. Get a ticket early and spend your time at The Hangar, a store full of blue and silver fan-wear perfect for a Mavs enthusiast. Ice in the south? The Dallas Stars Ice Girls will dazzle you with a spirit-raising cheer and dance that’s sure to have you rooting.

>> Learn more about the American Airlines Center.

Round up your Cowboy gear and see the famous NFL team make touchdowns at AT&T Stadium. It’s climate-controlled so you don’t have to worry about getting too excited and working up a sweat, and its versatile seating arrangements suit any type of fan—from the hollering sitter to the standing screamer.

What to do
With a unique collection of contemporary art from end to end, sports fans can get in touch with their artistic side with a stadium art tour. Children can burn off the ice-cream sugar rush at Kids Zone—a wonderland of interactive games, inflatable jumpers, face painting, and much more.

What to see
Aside from watching the Cowboys do what they do best, you can relax and enjoy the musical talent of the Rhythm and Blue group. A unique hip-hop twist on team spirit, the dance and drum corps collaborative performance will rattle the sky with loud, blood-tingling rhythm and tight choreography.

>> Learn more about AT&T Stadium.

A re-creation of Texas history, Pioneer Plaza is a great destination for any visitor and a relaxing getaway for locals. Lavish plants and trees, a cool stream, and a soothing waterfall surround the large cattle sculptures, making Pioneer Plaza a great Dallas destination.

What to do
Fun doesn’t always have to come at a price, and at Pioneer Plaza you can take a break from the jam-packed Dallas itinerary for free. Have a relaxing picnic in the shade and enjoy the fresh air. Make sure to take plenty of photographs of the life-sized cattle and bronze cowboys, they’ll be sure to stand still.

What to see
One of the largest exhibits of bronze sculptures to be seen, artist Robert Summers designed 40 longhorn steer to represent the cattle drive that first brought settlers into the heart of Texas many years ago. The 6-foot high steer were created with great attention to detail and the realistic arrangement of the bronze sculptures makes the winding path through the plaza all the more enjoyable.

>> Learn more about Pioneer Plaza.

On November 22nd, 1963, American viewers around the nation were silenced as they watched a tragedy unfold on their television sets—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was in Dealey Plaza that this unforgettable event occurred, and in 1993, the area was preserved as a national historic landmark. Today, tourists visit the site to get an in-depth look into America’s history, and John F. Kennedy’s tragic end.

What to do
Atop the old Texas School Book Depository where it's said Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed the President, the Sixth Floor Museum exhibits the life and legacy of President JFK as well as his early and unexpected death. Delve into rich history as you examine film and photographs of the assassination and learn about how this moment in history rocked the nation thereafter.

What to see
The entirety of Dealey Plaza is a 1963-era landmark frozen in time. The buildings and signs around Dealey Plaza are preserved to capture the reality of the events that unfolded decades ago. You can’t miss the authenticity Dealey Plaza has to offer—it’s American history in its most interactive form.

>> Learn more about Dealey Plaza.

Out of the many one-word descriptions you could stick on Dallas, dull would not be one of them! At Galleria Dallas, a mega-mall filled with entertainment and shopping galore, there are always more than a few options.

What to do
Most people will want to explore the mall looking for high-end goodies, but for the not-so-typical mall-goer you can strap on your skates and glide through the mall’s center ice-skating rink. Even children have an adventure waiting for them in Galleria Dallas. Galleria’s Play Place, a rainforest themed escape, is the perfect place to let your child’s imagination run wild.

What to see
With four floors of boutiques, restaurants, candy stores and more, Galleria Dallas is one of the city’s most glamorous features. Vibrant is an understatement, and over-the-top is just right at this popular shopping center. Whether you’re looking for a Gucci purse or a juicy burger, Galleria Dallas has it all. Go big or go home, as they say.

>> Learn more about Galleria Dallas.

Whether it’s turkey time-of-year or not, giving thanks and showing gratitude for the good things in life is something that should be celebrated on a daily basis. Thanks-Giving Square, comprised of a garden, chapel, and a museum, is dedicated to the celebration of gratitude and the unity that derives from mutual understanding.

What to do
Conveniently located in downtown Dallas, Thanks-Giving Square is a great place to let go and relax. Meditate to the rushing waters of the garden, and give thanks as you take in the beautiful architecture and scenery. Tour the Thanks-Giving Square museum, an interesting display of the history behind Thanksgiving in the United States and around the world.

What to see
The chapel showcases a magnificent interior spiral of stained-glass panels that draw the eye toward its illuminating center. Called the "Glory Window," it’s a must-see dizzying masterpiece. A place of prayer, Thanks-Giving Square is also known for the Wall of Praise—it features texts from Psalms 100 and a mosaic based on Norman Rockwell’s "The Golden Rule."

>> Learn more about Thanks-Giving Square.

Outside of Dallas’ flashy and vibrant interiors is a lovely and lively path known as Katy Trail. A public park that stretches for three and a half miles, Katy Trail is a buzzing area with great shade and great beauty.

What to do
Along Katy Trail, there is a delicious place to eat and rest up before continuing your scenic journey. The Katy Trail Ice House is a beer garden and restaurant with mouth-watering barbeque and ice cold beer. Even if you’re not hungry at the start of your walk, the smell of sizzling brisket will lure you in.

What to see
If you’ve had a beer or two and have gotten a little bored people watching on the Ice House’s outdoor patio, put your walking shoes on and trail onward! With space for everyone, you can travel at your own pace and stop to smell the flowers along the way. With more than a dozen entrances and plazas that link the Trail to other parks, you can make your adventure as long or as short as you want, and the sights and smells of nature will follow you from beginning to end.

>> Learn more about the Katy Trail.