Cowboys, the Texas State Fair, and big business deals? While all of those accurately represent Dallas culture, this fantastic city has much more to explore. It has something for everyone, from outdoor activities and sporting events to history museums and fine dining.
The most epic thing to do in Dallas is to get a tattoo. Ink-Match has an extensive collection of tattoo artists in this region and inspiring designs.
The article will give you a glimpse into some of the best activities that Dallas has to offer. So put on your cowboy boots and get ready for some fun!
Why is Dallas worth visiting?
There are many reasons to visit Dallas – it’s a great city with plenty to see and do. Dallas has something for everyone, from its world-renowned museums and art galleries to its lively nightlife and restaurants. This city is not only the business center of the United States, but it also offers a lot of entertainment and attractions. For starters, it is home to some of the best barbecues in the country. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Plus, it is one of the most affordable major cities, making it an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.
Best activities in Dallas
Dallas is the place for you if you’re looking for a city with endless activities to keep you busy. From museums and art galleries to parks and hiking trails. Here are the seven best activities to do during your next adventure in Dallas.
Art adventure
If you’re looking for an activity that will inspire your creative side, look no further than the art districts.
The Dallas Arts District has 19 blocks of world-renowned museums, performance halls, and public art.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Dallas Arts District include:
- The Dallas Museum of Art;
- The Meyerson Symphony Center;
- The Nasher Sculpture Center;
- The AT&T Performing Arts Center.
The Deep Ellum Arts District is home to over 200 businesses, including art galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops. There are over 50 murals, and each one is unique. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are also several hotels.
Suppose you’re looking for a thrill, head to Reunion Tower, situated 550 feet in the air. The tower’s GeO-Deck Observation Level is the perfect place to take panoramic views of Dallas and its surrounding areas. For an even more adrenaline-pumping experience, try out the Sky Pod, which takes visitors up to an impressive 800 feet.
Museum marathon
The number of museums in Dallas exceeds all expectations of the tourist. We gathered the most popular that are worth seeing.
Practical tip: If you want to visit some museums, it is better to purchase tickets in advance as they often sell out quickly.
Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository in Dealey Plaza park. The museum examines the life, times, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. It includes the JFK Memorial, a cenotaph that honors the President’s memory.
African American Museum
The African American Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Dallas’ African American community. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and events that are sure to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
It is a must-see for any science lover. The museum has eleven permanent exhibit halls, plus a range of special exhibitions that change periodically. You can also participate in hands-on activities, such as digging for fossils or learning about animal adaptations.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Visitors can explore the life and career of President Bush through artifacts, documents, photos, and videos and work through the 15-acre park.
Practical tip: Admission to the museum is free for active-duty military personnel and their families.
Best parks in Dallas
Dallas has no shortage of fantastic parks, so you’ll want to add a few of these to your list of places to visit. Here are just a few of the best:
- Klyde Warren Park is a deck park named after an oilman and philanthropist. It contains several features, including a children’s playground, an amphitheater, several food trucks, a dog park, a putting green, and an interactive water fountain.
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre public garden founded in 1984 and features a variety of greens, including the Pecan Grove, the Rose Garden, and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Visitors can also participate in educational programs, like gardening classes or bird-watching tours.
- Texas Discovery Gardens feature native plants from all over the state and a variety of beautiful flowers. You can also find a butterfly house and a hummingbird garden. The gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- White Rock artificial lake is perfect for a picnic, fishing, sailing, canoeing, bird watching, or just relaxing by the water. You can also go for a hike, rock climbing, or bike ride around the nine-mile trail that surrounds the lake.
Practical tip: Make sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray if you’re planning on spending any time near the water — the mosquitoes can be brutal!
Sport sightseeing
The home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is a must-see for any football fan. But even if you’re not a sports fan, the stadium offers plenty of other attractions. For example, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium or catch a concert or show in its massive auditorium. It is also home to the world’s giant HDTV, which hangs from the ceiling and weighs 600 tons!
The American Airlines Center is a top-notch venue for NBA basketball, NHL hockey, and concerts. The arena is also home to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, so it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of either team. You can also find great restaurants and bars in the area.
Fort Worth Stockyards
If you’re looking for a taste of the old west, look no further than the Fort Worth Stockyards. This historic district is full of cowboy culture, with longhorn cattle drives, western shows, and country music. Visit the National Cowgirl Museum, Hall of Fame, and The Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Plenty of great restaurants serve up Texas-style BBQ if you work up an appetite from all that activity.
Practical tip: Check the schedule of events before you go so you can plan your visit around what interests you most.
Animal-lover activities
If you have kids or want to have a fun time in Dallas, the best way to do this is to watch animals’ life.
The Dallas Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and for a good reason. Home to over 800 species of animals, it’s one of the largest zoos in the country. And with over 106 acres to explore, you could easily spend a whole day here.
The Dallas World Aquarium is one of the best places to go; with over 100,000 animals and plants, it’s one of the largest aquariums in the world. There’s also a rainforest exhibit where you can see how different animals live in their natural habitat.
Practical tip: Purchase your tickets online to avoid long lines.
ShangriLlama Castle offers visitors the chance to take a stroll around their beautiful property while enjoying the company of one of their friendly llamas. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, they even offer camel rides.
Practical tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as llamas can spit from time to time.
Festivals in Dallas
No matter what time of year you visit Dallas, there’s bound to be a festival happening. There’s something for everyone, from the Oak Cliff Film Festival to the Food Truck Festival to the Lights All Night music festival. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the Dallas International Art Fair or the Red River Revel arts festival.
Here are just a few of the festivals you can check out during your next adventure in Dallas:
- State Fair of Texas: This annual event is one of the country’s largest and most popular fairs. It lasts over three weeks in October and features rides, food, games, live music, and more.
- Dallas International Film Festival: One of the largest film festivals in North America, this event takes place over two weeks in April and showcases more than 200 films from around the world.
- DFW Auto show is one of the largest auto shows in the country and takes place over four days in April.
- Art&seek Fort Worth free music festival takes place in September and features over 100 bands on eight stages across Fort Worth.
Summary
Dallas is a city full of culture and history, and there are plenty of ways to experience it. This great city has so much to offer, so these seven epic activities will satisfy you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!