Fun things to do in Dallas, Texas

If you’re planning a trip to Dallas, you’ll likely be impressed by the number of attractions and activities you find in the area. Dallas is home to historic landmarks and sights, top-tier dining and a thriving arts and music scene. So whether you’re seeking outdoor entertainment, family-friendly activities or cultural experiences, you’re bound to find something in Dallas. 

Here’s a list of fun things to do in Dallas, no matter what you’re looking for. 

What you’ll learn:

• Dallas has a variety of attractions, including museums, shopping centers, art districts and more.

• Even though the city is a bustling metropolitan area, there’s plenty of green space—like parks, zoos and gardens—you can take advantage of too.

• You can use resources like Capital One Travel to help manage bookings. And travel rewards credit cards offer benefits to help you prepare and make the most of your trip.

The Dallas Museum of Art is a must-visit attraction when you’re in town. Its impressive collection includes ancient pieces, contemporary works and everything in between. There are also traveling exhibitions to check out, depending on when you visit. The best part? There’s no cost to view the general collection, allowing you to put more money toward other activities. 

Klyde Warren Park spans more than five acres, providing green space amid towering skyscrapers. It offers plenty of amenities, like:

• A dog park 

• A kids’ playground and splash pad

• A pavilion for events and performances 

• Food trucks

It’s free to enter the park and participate in the many activities offered there.

If you’re looking for a respite from the heat, venture to the Dallas World Aquarium. While it features an extensive variety of marine life, it also has other animals, birds and reptiles you can observe. It’s located in the West End Historic District and is a short walk from the West End light rail station and other main points downtown. 

For a family-friendly thing to do in Dallas, check out the Dallas Zoo. It’s the biggest and oldest zoo in Texas and covers a massive 106 acres. From elephants to penguins, and even some insects and butterflies, the Dallas Zoo shelters many animals and creatures. You can also enjoy animal encounters, a carousel and a kid-sized train. Previous visitors recommend spending two to four hours at the zoo, so you’ll likely have time for your zoo visit and another activity on the same day.

If you need a break from the bustling city, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. For a peaceful and tranquil afternoon, wander through lush gardens filled with seasonal plants. And if you’re looking for a spring family activity or something to do in the fall, go to the arboretum for the Cool Thursdays Concert Series, featuring live music you can enjoy while watching the sun set over White Rock Lake.

The Sixth Floor Museum is located at Dealey Plaza, the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The museum, located a few blocks from the West End station, memorializes JFK’s life and legacy and also features exhibits that focus on life in the 1960s. While you can visit Dealey Plaza for free, there’s an admission charge to enter the museum.

NorthPark Center is an upscale shopping destination near downtown that epitomizes Dallas’ culture of small-town charm mixed with urban luxuries. Between prestigious boutiques, high-end stores and premium dining options, NorthPark provides a lavish atmosphere if you’re looking to indulge for the day. As you’re shopping, experience the impressive original artwork throughout the mall.

Situated in the northeast section of downtown, the Dallas Arts District covers more than 20 blocks—so be sure to bring your walking shoes. From museums and public art exhibits to performance venues and eclectic dining, there’s no shortage of attractions in this neighborhood. Stop by for a few hours and enjoy a cup of coffee while people-watching. Or spend more time strolling the neighborhood while discovering different galleries and shops.

If you’re traveling by car, look for PARK FAST—a public parking facility conveniently located in the Arts District, featuring plenty of parking spaces along with electric car-charging stations.

Looking for outdoor things to do in Dallas? White Rock Lake is only about five miles northeast of downtown Dallas and offers many activities—ranging from swimming and biking to hiking and bird-watching. White Rock Lake is called the “jewel in the crown of the Dallas park system.” Here, you can get your feet wet by renting a kayak at the park. You can also fish from the piers or launch your boat from one of the ramps. 

Sometimes dubbed “The Ball” because of its spherical shape, Reunion Tower is a great place to get a bird’s-eye view of downtown. Ride the elevator up to the indoor and outdoor observation deck to see 360-degree views of Dallas. You can go during the day to view famous landmarks from 470 feet up. Or visit Reunion Tower at night to see everything lit up. 

If you’re looking for a fun place in Dallas to take your kids, check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It features hands-on exhibits and fun events throughout the year. Plus, the Moody Family Children’s Museum, located within the museum, is specifically designed with kids in mind. It features a toddler area, an outdoor space, a multisensory experience, a climbing structure and more. Perot Museum of Nature and Science participates in CityPASS®, which gives you access to:

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science

• Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

• Two of the following three attractions—the Dallas Zoo, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum 

The Dallas Farmers Market is a food hall and vendor market spanning 26,000 square feet in the heart of downtown. Offering a mixture of restaurants, local vendors and seasonal produce, the farmers market is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Immerse yourself in Dallas’ culture by exploring the halls filled with homegrown goods and regional specialties. Or grab a bite to eat while taking in the views of the city skyline.

AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington, Texas—halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth—and is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Whether you’re catching a game or jamming out at a concert, you’ll be impressed by the sheer size of the stadium, which lives up to the cliche “everything’s bigger in Texas.” With one of the largest video display boards in the world and the stadium’s more than 3,000 LCD screens, you won’t miss a play—no matter your vantage point. You can get an up-close view or admire the art collection when you take a guided tour of the stadium.

Featuring picturesque yet challenging courses, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a golfer’s paradise. With over 100 public golf courses, each providing its own character, there are plenty of options to choose from at every level of golf. And for a full golf getaway, you’ll find stay-and-play resorts that have hosted championships and offer pristine conditions to test your skills. 

Take your taste buds on a journey around the world by exploring Dallas’ bustling culinary scene. Dallas boasts MICHELIN®-recognized and MICHELIN-starred restaurants, Bib Gourmand honorees and an Exceptional Cocktails Award winner—competing with some of the premier dining destinations. And whether you’re leaving the details up to your chef with an omakase-style meal or looking for a refined menu in an intimate setting, Dallas serves up a dish for every flavor. Learn all about Capital One Dining and how you can access unforgettable experiences. 

As you begin planning your trip, start by making a budget and determining your accommodations. If you’re flying into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and are an eligible cardholder, you can check out the Capital One Lounge.* Find grab-and-go food, a coffee bar, high-speed Wi-Fi and more.

For a smarter way to travel, you can use Capital One Travel to book flights, hotels and rental cars.

Dallas has plenty of dining options, so you won’t have to go far to find a place that satisfies your taste buds. To make the most of your experience, check out Capital One Dining to snag a reservation at top-tier restaurants and explore a collection of quality restaurants in the area.

Not only is Dallas a commercial hub, but it’s also home to a rich cultural scene, historic landmarks and an array of fun attractions to keep you entertained.

And if you’re looking to make the most of your trip, check out travel and miles rewards cards from Capital One to take you further. These cards offer benefits specifically designed with travel in mind, plus unlimited miles you can actually use—to keep more money in your pocket. Get pre-approved today, with no harm to your credit scores.