It's time for the Red River Rivalry, and fans are heading to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. While in town, explore the city’s rich mix of culture and history through its museums and parks.
Museum of Illusions Dallas
The Museum of Illusions Dallas features optical illusions, visual tricks and interactive displays that create an educational experience designed to challenge the brain. The exhibits encourage creativity and curiosity as the illusions are not what they seem.
There are over 60 Museum of Illusions operating around the world. Tickets are available online and range from $19.95 for children to $26.99 for adults. Students, military and seniors receive discounted admission, and children 4 or younger get in free.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 701 Ross Ave.
Meadows Museum
Specializing in the art and culture of Spain, the Meadows Museum features Spanish paintings, architecture and sculptures representing eras such as the Baroque period and Spanish Golden Age. As part of the Southern Methodist University art division, the museum aims to share knowledge of Spanish culture through its extensive collection.
Admission is free for SMU students, faculty, staff and active military families. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $4 for non-SMU students. Tickets are available online.
Meadows Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 5900 Bishop Blvd.
City Park
Formerly known as Old City Park and Dallas Heritage Village, City Park was established in 1876 as Dallas’s first public park. The green space features historical buildings and furnishings dated back to 1840.
The historical buildings are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 1515 S. Harwood St. Guided tours are available by reservation on Thursday and Friday. For details, contact citypark@dallas.gov.
Bachman Lake
Northeast of downtown near Love Field Airport, Bachman Lake includes a 5k hike and bike trail, an exercise circuit with 16 stations, an indoor pool and many more amenities. It also features a skate park and two playgrounds.
The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, encouraging visitors to spend time together or explore individually.
The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 3500 W. Northwest Highway.
Civic Garden
Formerly known as Belo Garden, Civic Garden is owned and maintained by the city of Dallas and managed by the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy. The park used to be a parking lot, but it was chosen as a park site in the Dallas Park & Recreation Department’s 2004 Downtown Parks Master Plan.
In the heart of downtown Dallas, the park is filled with plants and trees and gives visitors a quiet place to take time for themselves.
The park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1014 Main St.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Kylie Caldwell and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
