Families heading to Dallas for the Red River Rivalry can make a weekend of it by exploring the city’s many attractions. From museums to gardens, there is something for everyone beyond the stadium.
Texas Discovery Gardens
Located on 7.5 acres at Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens contains 100% organic gardens and a two-story butterfly house and insectarium, which showcases hundreds of exotic butterflies. Young adventurers can explore the outdoor playscape with rock climbing, a rope bridge and more. The garden can be accessed by the DART Green Line at Fair Park or MLK Jr. stations.
The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children 12 and younger. During the State Fair of Texas, admission to the gardens is only available through fair tickets purchased online.
Dallas Firefighters Museum
Opening in 1975 after serving as a fire station, the Dallas Firefighter’s Museum is managed and operated by firefighters. With more than a century of history, the museum features engines from the 1920s, original uniforms and equipment from the station. Kids can try on uniforms and learn about fire safety with interactive presentations.
The museum is accessible from Fair Park Station, and parking is available nearby.
It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission costs $8 for adults, $7 for members of the military and first responders and $6 for those 18 or younger. Tickets can be purchased at the museum.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Opened in 2012 and named after the Perot family for their $50 million donation, the Perot Museum features a variety of science and natural history exhibits. The current “Bug Lab” exhibit includes giant models, interactive stations and hands-on activities to teach visitors about insects. Entry to the exhibit costs $8 for children 12 and younger and $10 for adults, in addition to general admission.
Visitors can explore displays on everything from dinosaurs to the human body. An on-site cafe is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m daily.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2201 N. Field St. Admission costs $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger and can be purchased online. Parking is $15 and can be purchased at the box office or upon exit.
Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium began as a group of warehouses and has grown into an accredited aquarium in downtown Dallas. Visitors can walk through exhibits representing different regions and climates from across the globe. Beyond marine life, guests can see rainforest animals, birds and other wildlife. The aquarium houses endangered species and helps to support global conservation efforts.
The aquarium is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 1801 N. Griffin St. Admission costs $31.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors and $21.95 for children 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online.
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park, a 5.4 acre green space built over a downtown freeway, has served as Dallas’ “town square” since 2012. The park features sustainable landscaping, walking areas, family-friendly activities and regularly scheduled special events. During OU-Texas gameday weekend, events include Spark in the Park on Saturday and Diwali in the Park on Sunday. A full schedule of events is available online.
The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway and offers free Wi-Fi, public restrooms and wheelchair accessibility. Security officers monitor the park at all times. The park offers nearby parking and valet services. Information about parking can be found online.
White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake covers 1,015 acres and offers a 9.3-mile trail, multiple fishing piers for fishing and scenic spots for picnics. Visitors can rent boats, explore community spaces such as the Bath House Cultural Center and White Rock Lake Museum, or visit event venues like Winfrey Point and Big Thicket. For nature lovers, the Audubon Society bird watching area and surrounding wetlands provide a peaceful escape.
The lake’s park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. A map of the park is available online.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Chelsea Low, Ryan Little and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
