Visiting a new city with children of all ages can be an exciting opportunity for both creative play and education. Festivals, fairs and parks abound in Dallas, Texas. However, visitors can also find numerous activities that encourage children to stay active and healthy and expand their horizons during a visit to this vibrant metropolitan area.
A Unique Shopping Experience
Dine in or take out from the Central Market, a unique grocery store that caters to both adults and families with kids. If you have kitchen facilities during your Dallas stay, make a meal with a few of over 700 types of fresh produce, which includes 150 varieties of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs offered in season. Children can help choose fresh meats or seafood from over 100 offerings. Fresh cheeses and meats are offered in the deli, and there are even chef-prepared "take-and-go" meals, including healthier choices. The Central Market Cafe showcases chef-prepared pastas, entrees, sandwiches and salads, and a free kid's menu item is given with an adult purchase. In addition, kid-friendly entertainment is provided every Tuesday evening from 4 to 9 p.m.
Walking the Garden
Keep the kids outdoors by visiting the 7.5 acres at the Texas Discovery Gardens, the first certified 100-percent organic park in Texas. Wander the gardens to look at the collection of native and global plants. Help release butterflies daily in the butterfly habitat. Children can explore the different smells of plants in the scent garden. Ponds on the property provide a peek at plant and aquatic life. Adults can enjoy the featured art display while exposing kids to the arts. Check with the park for scheduled family events, which are sponsored throughout the year. Tours and workshops are available, as well as birthday parties and children's group activities.
Game Play
For indoor fun, the Celebration Station offers up plenty of activities. While the usual arcade games are provided, more healthful activities include rock wall climbing, laser tag, miniature golf, paintball and batting cages. Additional options are go-karts and attraction rides. While the restaurant offers kid favorites such as pizza and nachos, additional options include vegetarian pizza and grilled chicken salad. Group and birthday party packages are available and the company's website provides information on specials and coupons
Western Fun
For a taste of the West, introduce your kids to the family-friendly Mesquite Champion Rodeo. Every Friday and Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of bulls, horses, clowns, cowboys and cowgirls. Before the rodeo starts, kids can take advantage of pony rides, a petting zoo, cowboy autographs, face painting or a visit to the Western store for a souvenir of their trip. A restaurant is on site, providing a traditional Texas country BBQ buffet. At 7:30 p.m., events begin that include team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and horseback riding. Kids can enter the ring to attempt the Borden "Dash-For-Cash" or a "Mutton Bustin'" competition.
Water Education
Boasting a 40-foot waterfall, Dallas World Aquarium, constructed from a former warehouse, showcases plants, animals and fish from three oceans and 14 countries, as well as other rivers and seas. Exhibits include educational information on South Africa, Borneo, Orinoco and the rainforests. Animal feedings and performances take place throughout the day and are included in the price of admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the slower season and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from March 1 to August 31.The aquarium closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
