While in Dallas for the game, visitors can take some time to explore the city’s rich variety of parks and museums. From botanical gardens to ancient art, the city has something for everyone.
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection
In the heart of Dallas, The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum contains hundreds of artifacts with a focus on the beautiful armor that adorned samurai. Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller began this collection over 30 years ago, and it is now one of the largest collections of its kind. With a heavy focus on detail and quality, this museum has a lot to teach about Japanese warrior culture.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, at 2501 N. Harwood St. Admission is free and can be reserved at the museum's website.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Resting on the shores of the idyllic White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is the perfect place for a nature-lover in Dallas. Noted as one of the world’s top botanical gardens by USA Today in 2022, the arboretum contains over 66 acres of land and 11 separate gardens, all full of beautiful seasonal plants. Notable areas include Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden and A Woman’s Garden.
The arboretum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 8525 Garland Road. Tickets can be reserved on their website.
Dallas Contemporary Museum
For the more creatively inclined, the Dallas Contemporary Museum offers a unique art experience. This dynamic institution features no permanent exhibits but continuously rotates through new pieces by emerging artists. Currently on display is “Patrick Martinez: Histories," an exhibition featuring several styles that aim to bring the spirit of Los Angeles to Dallas.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at 161 Glass St. Admission is free.
The Dallas World Aquarium
Featuring about 248 species, The Dallas World Aquarium invites attendees to “explore the mystery of nature.” As the largest aquarium in Dallas, the myriad of exhibits have something for everyone. The aquarium isn’t limited to just fish, as several of exhibits, such as the “Cloud Forest Trek” and “Mundo Maya,” feature land animals such as toucans, sloths and even ocelots.
The Dallas World Aquarium is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at 1801 N. Griffin St. Adult tickets are $29.95 and can be purchased at the door or on the aquarium’s website.
Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal
In Grapevine, Texas, Meow Wolf’s fourth permanent installation offers visitors a unique experience. The Real Unreal is described as a “family-friendly cosmic adventure,” taking viewers on a journey through the abstract style of art the venue is famous for. The project is a collaboration between Texas-based and New Mexico-based artists, giving visitors a taste of what Dallas has to offer.
The Real Unreal is a 20-minute drive from Dallas proper at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway Suite 253. Open daily, times can be reserved at the installation’s website. General admission is $40 with military discounts and discounts for children.
Klyde Warren Park
In the heart of Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is described as the “Town Square of Dallas.” The park aims to bring people together with free events that can be enjoyed by all ages. This weekend, the park will host a wide array of events including live music, dance and exercise.
Klyde Warren Park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway. For more information on events, check out the park’s website.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Grace Rhodes and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
