Dallas, Texas, is packed with fun, family-friendly attractions, but when the weather isn’t ideal for being outside, you might be wondering: What to do in Dallas with kids indoors? Luckily, the city offers a variety of exciting indoor destinations.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best indoor activities for families in Dallas:
Explore the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum is an absolute must-visit for families, offering hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and a children’s museum designed for little explorers. Kids can dig for fossils, experience an earthquake simulator, and race against a T-Rex in the sports hall. The first time we visited, my younger son spent a full hour carefully brushing away “bones” from his find.
Visit the Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas World Aquarium isn’t just an aquarium, it’s a full-on rainforest experience filled with exotic birds, playful otters, and even a (adorable!) sloth. The lush walkways take visitors through recreated natural habitats, giving an up-close view of creatures from around the world. Educational presentations and feedings make the experience even more engaging. Whether your child loves marine life or jungle animals, this destination offers a little bit of everything.
Enjoy Interactive Play at Crayola Experience Plano
Unleash your child’s inner artist at Crayola Experience, where they can create their own crayons, design digital coloring pages, and explore over a dozen hands-on activities. The Color Playground offers an exciting space for kids to climb and explore. With interactive play zones and vibrant colors everywhere, this place provides endless creative fun for little ones.
Discover KidZania for Real-Life Role-Playing
At KidZania, children step into real-world roles—firefighter, doctor, chef, and more—while earning KidZos currency. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about different careers in an interactive city made just for them. The detailed setup lets kids work in mini versions of real businesses, complete with uniforms and job training.
Get Creative at Spark! Imagination and Creativity Center
Spark! is an innovative space where kids can climb on artistic play structures, create in the craft lab, and engage in hands-on STEAM activities. This immersive environment allows kids to experiment with painting, sculpting, and digital art and encourages hands-on tinkering and engineering projects.
Bounce Around at Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is the perfect place for kids to burn off energy indoors. From wall-to-wall trampolines to climbing walls, there’s something for all ages. My boys are three years apart, and we’ve visited Urban Air over and over from the time they were toddlers until pre-teens. In addition to trampolines, the park also features dodgeball courts, foam pits, and a warrior obstacle course for kids who love a challenge.
Skate Indoors at Ice Skating at Galleria Dallas
The Galleria’s ice rink offers year-round skating fun in the middle of a bustling shopping center. Perfect for first-timers and experienced skaters alike, the rink provides skate rentals in all sizes, making it easy for everyone to join in. Skating lessons are available for beginners looking to build confidence on the ice.
Solve Puzzles at an Escape Room for Families
Escape the Room Dallas offers family-friendly challenges where you work together to solve puzzles and “escape” before time runs out. With themed rooms that cater to different age groups, families can choose adventures ranging from detective mysteries to fantasy quests. The collaborative nature encourages teamwork and critical thinking, making it a fun bonding experience for families.
Watch a Family Movie at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
Cinepolis is a luxury movie-going experience with reclining seats and a full menu, making movie night extra special. Families can enjoy a blockbuster while snacking on gourmet popcorn or ordering a meal from their seats. The comfortable environment makes it a stress-free outing for everyone in the family.
Bowl and Play Games at Pinstack
Pinstack Plano offers a fun-filled day of bowling on state-of-the-art lanes or trying out an array of exciting arcade games. At the full-service restaurant, you can refuel with pub-style food and drinks. Whether you’re there for a competition game or a casual outing, Pinstack is a superb choice.
Explore the Play Street Museum
The Play Street Museum is a hands-on, interactive play space designed to ignite young imaginations. When my boys were little, they loved “shopping” for groceries, which had the added Texas touch of HEB branding. With a variety of themed exhibits, children can explore and role-play in a kid-sized world of adventure. Ideal for younger children, it’s a great place to consider if you’re thinking of what to do in Dallas with kids indoors.
Build and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a must-visit for fans of the iconic building blocks. This indoor attraction offers a world of creativity, where children can build and play with thousands of LEGO bricks in themed areas. Be sure to check out the 4D cinema and the LEGO replica of the city. If your kids love LEGO, this is what to do in Dallas with kids indoors.
Go Cosmic Bowling at Strikz Entertainment
Strikz Entertainment offers a thrilling twist on traditional bowling with its cosmic bowling experience. Glow-in-the-dark lanes, neon lights, and upbeat music create a fun atmosphere perfect for families. Whether you’re an experienced bowler or a first-timer, the cosmic bowling experience adds a cool twist to the game. In addition to bowling, Strikz features arcade games and a full-service bar, making it a complete entertainment destination.
Experience Trampoline Fun at Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is the ultimate destination for high-flying fun and excitement. With wall-to-wall trampolines, kids (and adults!) can jump, flip, and bounce to their heart’s content. The park features various attractions, including dodgeball courts, foam pits, and a basketball area. Whether you’re looking to burn energy or practice tricks, Altitude offers an energetic environment for all ages. It’s an excellent place for group activities, birthday parties, or a fun day out with family and friends, and it’s a great answer to the question, “What do you do in Dallas with kids indoors?”
Challenge Minds at The Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a mind-bending experience full of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and perplexing puzzles. With a mix of playful exhibits, mind puzzles, and immersive rooms, the museum provides entertainment and education for all ages, complete with staff-supported photo opps that will make your social feed shine.
Get Competitive at Arcade Games at Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s is the ultimate arcade for both adults and kids, offering a massive selection of games that range from classic favorites to virtual reality experiences. Challenge friends to racing games, test your skills at basketball, compete in multiplayer challenges for prizes, or throw it way back with retro favorites. With an exciting atmosphere and a variety of entertainment options, Dave & Buster’s is the place to enjoy friendly competition while indulging in both kid-friendly food and adult-forward cocktails.
Visit the Trains at NorthPark Center
The Trains at NorthPark Center is home to a unique and enchanting model train exhibit that delights visitors of all ages. The trains, running through a detailed miniature landscape, provide a captivating and nostalgic experience. Perfect for train enthusiasts and families, the exhibit is a highlight of the center, and its not limited to the holiday season. When you ask yourself what to do in Dallas with kids indoors, NorthPark Center is a fun and memorable stop for visitors seeking entertainment and relaxation.
Experience Virtual Reality at Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR brings a whole new level of entertainment with fully immersive virtual reality experiences. Step into a world where you can explore new realms, fight off zombies, or go on epic adventures, all while being physically engaged in the action. With the latest VR technology, you and your friends can interact and explore together in shared experiences. Whether you’re a VR newbie or a seasoned gamer, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Relax and Learn at Dallas Public Library Programs
The Dallas Public Library has many cool programs designed to educate, entertain, and inspire the community. From storytimes for kids to adult learning sessions and book clubs, the library is a hub of knowledge and creativity. With a menu of FREE programs available throughout the year, there’s something for everyone, including workshops on financial literacy, technology classes, and community events.
Save Us a Seat
So, what to do in Dallas with kids indoors? The options are endless!
Whether your family loves hands-on science, creative play, active adventures, or a little bit of everything, Dallas has an indoor activity to keep everyone entertained. Next time the weather isn’t cooperating, try one of these amazing spots (and let us know how it went below).