Things to do in Dallas

February 17, 2026|10 min read

Whether you’re all about history, the great outdoors or a culinary journey, Dallas promises an enriching experience for a multigenerational group. Check out this mix of classic must-do’s and quirky, only-in-Texas experiences for when you pay a visit with your kids, teens and even grandparents.

What you’ll learn:

Family-friendly attractions include the Dallas World Aquarium, the lively Bishop Arts District, and many parks and green spaces.
There are hotels that suit both families and design-focused guests, from uptown boutiques to downtown and Design District favorites.
Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

Where to eat in Dallas

Get ready for a gastronomic adventure, whether you’re fueling up on pastries in University Park, tackling Tex-Mex classics or reserving a table for an elevated evening out.

Sugar & Sage

Before heading out for a day of sightseeing, families can start with a quick breakfast at Sugar & Sage in the University Park residential neighborhood. The bright, contemporary space includes an outdoor patio, perfect for those with young ones in tow. Adults can try the caramelized kouign-amann pastry, and kids can enjoy the banana bread. The bakery partners with a local microroaster, whose delightful brown sugar sage latte complements the pastries.

Sugar & Sage: 4314 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225; 469-759-6697

Jose

When it comes to lunch and dinner, Dallas has no shortage of bold flavors and diverse cuisines to explore. Unique Dallas flavors can be found in smoked and grilled meats, barbecue, and Tex-Mex spots. For adults, it might be worth grabbing a margarita: The origins of the first frozen version are in Dallas. Jose, a Guadalajaran-inspired restaurant with a colorful, family-friendly vibe, offers one of the best frozen margaritas in town.

Jose: 4931 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209; 214-891-5673

Klyde Warren Park

Family-style dining is popular in Dallas, with many establishments offering shared plates and spacious patios. Klyde Warren Park features a lively collection of restaurants and food trucks, a regular slate of live music and yoga, and a children’s park. (Kids can play while the adults catch up.)

Klyde Warren Park: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75201; 214-716-4500

Downtown Dallas.

Gemma

For an adults-only night out, you could hire a sitter and reserve a table at Gemma, an inviting European-inspired bistro serving up fresh oysters, steak frites and pappardelle with braised rabbit, Swiss chard and pancetta.

Gemma: 2323 N. Henderson Ave., #109, Dallas, TX 75206; 214-370-9426

Uchi Dallas

Uchi Dallas offers an array of nontraditional Japanese dishes, signature tastings and seasonal specialties. The wagyu tataki with chimichurri, fried egg and miso foam is said to be delicate and full of flavor.

Uchi Dallas: 2817 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75201; 214-855-5454

The Charles

The Charles is an upscale restaurant where Italian classics are interpreted through a Texas lens. Kids can try the sausage and pepper meatballs with creamy polenta, while adults may opt for the Berkshire pork chop.

The Charles: 1632 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; 469-917-9000

Roots Southern Table

For a more traditional yet elevated take on Southern cuisine, Roots Southern Table’s supper menu features hearty, family-style duck fat fried chicken and fried shrimp and grits.

Roots Southern Table: 13050 Bee St., Ste. 160, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; 214-346-4441

Where to explore in Dallas

There’s a wide array of compelling options for your Dallas itinerary. History-rich museums, lively neighborhoods and markets, and scenic outdoor spaces offer a mix of culture, curiosity and fresh air for visitors of all ages.

Dallas museums and libraries

Dallas is a city rich in history. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza pays homage to President John F. Kennedy and is a fascinating site for grade-schoolers, adults and seniors alike. History buffs will also enjoy the George W. Bush Presidential Library, which provides access to official records and artifacts from the Bush administration.

The Sixth Floor Museum: 411 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202; 214-747-6660

George W. Bush Presidential Library: 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205; 214-346-1650

Dallas World Aquarium

The majestic Dallas World Aquarium immerses you in ecosystems that span rainforest canopies, Mayan cenotes and deep-ocean habitats. One highlight is the Cloud Forest Trek exhibit, which features a towering LED screen simulating rainforest mist and rare animals like three-toed sloths. Another standout: the Mundo Maya exhibit, which features a 400,000-gallon saltwater cenote with sharks, stingrays, sawfish and large groupers. The aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and actively supports education and conservation efforts, making it both family friendly and enriching for visitors of all ages.

Dallas World Aquarium: 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202; 214-720-2224

The downtown Dallas city skyline.

Dallas Farmers Market

Another family-friendly stop is the Dallas Farmers Market downtown. There’s plenty to explore here, including a 26,000-square-foot food hall and an artisanal vendor market. On weekends, local food producers offer a wide variety of fresh veggies, free-range meats, delicious cheeses and baked goods. It’s like having a garden in the middle of the city.

Dallas Farmers Market: 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201; 214-664-9110

Bishop Arts District

Out-of-towners will also enjoy exploring the nearby Bishop Arts District, a bustling neighborhood with eclectic boutiques, hip coffee spots and award-winning restaurants. It’s super cool and known for its historic and artsy vibe.

Outdoor Dallas attractions

If you’re lucky enough to visit Dallas in spring or fall, you can take advantage of the cool, dry weather and spend time outside with the whole family. White Rock Lake, just 5 miles from downtown, is a peaceful oasis with a 9-mile walking path and plenty of fishing holes and picnicking spots. The nearby Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has live entertainment, a children’s garden and stunning blooms in the spring.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218; 214-515-6615

Where to stay in Dallas

Where you choose to stay in Dallas can shape your entire visit. Whether you’re looking for downtown energy, suburban calm or a design-forward boutique, Dallas has hotels to meet your needs.

When you’re planning your perfect trip to Dallas, consider choosing one of the handpicked premium hotels, resorts or vacation rentals of the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection featured below. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown

Located in the chic Uptown neighborhood is Hotel ZaZa, a luxury boutique hotel that offers something for every family member, from spacious bungalows where the family can spread out to a day spa and an award-winning restaurant. The Magnificent Seven Suites come with fully equipped kitchenettes and oversized balconies so the adults can continue their conversations once kids and teens are tucked in for the night.

Hotel ZaZa: 2332 Leonard St., Dallas, TX 75201; 214-468-8399. Book through Capital One Travel.

Kimpton Pittman Hotel

The Kimpton Pittman Hotel can be a good choice for families with kids because it’s within walking distance of many family-friendly Dallas attractions, such as the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The hotel has common areas that are ideal for family game nights and an outdoor deck with live music and a firepit.

Kimpton Pittman Hotel: 2551 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226; 469-498-2500. Book through Capital One Travel.

The downtown Dallas city skyline by night.

Virgin Hotels Dallas

Virgin Hotels Dallas is another spacious family option: Rooms are fitted with sliding privacy dividers so parents can relax after putting the kids to bed. The hotel is in the city’s trendy Design District and has a rooftop pool area and terrific views of the city.

Virgin Hotels Dallas: 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; 855-326-4544. Book through Capital One Travel.

The Joule

The Joule, a revitalized neo-Gothic landmark in downtown Dallas, offers a luxurious boutique experience and contemporary design. With a range of sophisticated amenities, including a spa, rooftop pool and fitness center, the hotel is an option for multigenerational groups seeking to balance sightseeing in the heart of the city with some downtime.

The Joule: 1530 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201; 214-748-1300. Book through Capital One Travel.

Hotel Swexan

In the centrally located, walkable Harwood District, Hotel Swexan blends old-world charm with Southern hospitality. The weekend afternoon tea provides a bonding opportunity for grandparents, parents and grandchildren, with tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, sweet treats and panoramic city views from the hotel’s 20th floor.

Hotel Swexan: 2575 McKinnon St., Dallas, TX 75201; 469-405-1911. Book through Capital One Travel.

Key takeaways: Dallas vacation

Dallas brings together everything that makes a family getaway memorable: great food, fascinating history, immersive experiences and plenty of room to explore. Add a few thoughtful hotel choices and some strategic reservations to the mix, and your trip becomes a full-bodied experience of the Texan metropolis.

If you’re planning a trip to Dallas, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.
Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card.
Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

Make travel more rewarding with Capital One

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card.
Flexible options for redeeming rewards. Redeem rewards for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel.
Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.
Security features. You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.

Footnotes

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Premier Collection
Hotels: Premier Collection hotel experience credit will be applied at checkout by hotel to qualifying charges up to $100 USD or the local currency equivalent. Qualifying charges vary by location, are subject to availability, and must be charged to your room during your eligible stay. Contact hotel directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences.

In addition to the $100 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Premier Collection hotel bookings include: daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per room, per stay. Hotel terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the hotel for booking.

Vacation rentals: Premier Collection vacation rental experience credit will be applied at time of booking the experience by the host provider to qualifying experience charges up to $100 USD or the local currency equivalent. Experiences must be booked with a Capital One credit card. Qualifying experience credit options vary by location and are subject to availability. Contact the host provider directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences. For certain properties, the experience credit will be provided in the form of a gift card.

In addition to the $100 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Premier Collection vacation rental bookings include: complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per stay. Back-to-back bookings of the same property within a 24-hour period will be considered one reservation and are not eligible for double benefits. Host provider terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the host for booking.

Both Hotels and vacation rentals: Premier Collection booking must be made through Capital One Travel in the eligible cardholder’s name, with the cardholder as a member of party traveling, to qualify for benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers unless specified. Participating properties and benefits are subject to change. Offer not intended for commercial use unless otherwise permitted. We may disqualify any cardholder from participation and benefits at our sole discretion. Additional terms apply; see travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service for details.

Lifestyle Collection
Hotels: Lifestyle Collection hotel experience credit will be applied at checkout by hotel to qualifying charges up to $50 USD or the local currency equivalent. Qualifying charges vary by location, are subject to availability, and must be charged to your room during your eligible stay. Contact the hotel directly to confirm qualifying experiences - Advance reservations recommended for certain experiences.

In addition to the $50 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Lifestyle Collection hotel bookings include complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per room, per stay. Hotel terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the hotel for booking.

Vacation rentals: Lifestyle Collection vacation rental experience credit will be applied at time of booking the experience by the host provider to qualifying experience charges up to $50 USD or the local currency equivalent. Experiences must be booked with a Capital One credit card. Qualifying experience credit options vary by location and are subject to availability. Contact the host provider directly to confirm qualifying experiences - advance reservations recommended for certain experiences. For certain properties, the experience credit will be provided in the form of a gift card.

In addition to the $50 experience credit, other benefits available to eligible cardholders for Lifestyle Collection vacation rental bookings include: complimentary Wi-Fi, and (when available) early check-in and late checkout. Benefits applied per stay. Back-to-back bookings of the same property within a 24-hour period will be considered one reservation and are not eligible for double benefits. Host provider terms and conditions apply; a minimum number of nights may be required by the host for booking.

Both hotels and vacation rentals: Lifestyle Collection booking must be made through Capital One Travel in the eligible cardholder’s name, with the cardholder as a member of party traveling, to qualify for benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers unless specified. Participating properties and benefits are subject to change. Offer not intended for commercial use unless otherwise permitted. We may disqualify any cardholder from participation and benefits at our sole discretion. Additional terms apply; see travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service for details.

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