16 Fun Things to Do for Spring Break in Dallas in 2024
If you are planning a thrilling spring break and are looking for the best things to do in Dallas, Texas, for spring break, we’ve got you covered. Over the years, we have traveled a lot to Texas and have gotten the chance to explore the best cities there, including Dallas-Forth Worth.
Dallas is a fantastic place to plan a spring break vacation. There are lots of activities for all ages and interests. Whether you’re traveling with kids and teenagers or looking for some family-friendly outings, we’ve got the best planned for you. So, let’s dive into the exciting things to do in Dallas for spring break.
Best Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
1. Dallas Zoo
If you are traveling with kids, you will want to start your spring break adventure at the Dallas Zoo. This also happens to be the oldest and largest zoo in Texas.
Your little ones will adore the Children’s area. There is an awesome carousel and a mini-train. And if they’re anything like ours, they will love the chance to ride a pony ($2 per ride).
The highlight for us was The Barn, where we met adorable bunnies, pigs, and horses. You’ll also won’t want to miss the petting area, where you can interact with some donkeys, sheep, and miniature goats.
The Wander play area in the Children’s Zoo is also an absolute blast. It has animal-themed slides and tunnels and other fun stuff like a spider web net. Lastly, kids also love the Travis and Zach’s Bird Landing, where you can feed cockatiels and other birds.
2. Dallas World Aquarium
If you’re looking for an experience that is equally captivating and educational, the Dallas World Aquarium is our must-visit recommendation. No one can deny how fun it is to get to see these amazing aquatic creatures up and close.
The Dallas World Aquarium has some really amazing immersive exhibits. This place also has five major exhibits:
- Mundo Maya: This exhibit mirrors the heart of Central America and features exotic birds, fish, and reptiles.
- Aquarium: This exhibit has a mesmerizing tunnel where you can observe sharks and other aquatic species gliding overhead.
- Borneo: This exhibit features fauna from Southeast Asia.
- Orinoco: This exhibit has toucanet birds, red-handed tamarin & pied tamarin monkeys, and, of course, Orinoco crocodiles, which are critically endangered.
- South Africa: This exhibit showcases African penguins, coral reefs, and many other marine species native to this region.
There is also a tropical sea life aquarium, sharks, sea turtles, and beluga whales.
The Dallas World Aquarium is not just a place for entertainment. It’s also an educational institution that promotes understanding and conservation of the world’s aquatic ecosystems.
Make sure you pay a stop at their gift shop, one of the best places to grab a souvenir from your trip.
Whether you’re traveling with little ones, teenagers, or even adults, the Dallas World Aquarium is for all. It’s a place where curiosity and wonder come to life. We promise your family’s spring break will be enriched by this remarkable journey into the underwater world.
3. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
One of the biggest perks of being a parent is getting to see little kids learn. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science was created to teach young kids while having fun in mind.
There are a ton of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that your little ones will love. Some of our favorite experiments were racing against pro athletes and digging for dinosaur bones.
The museum is filled with interactive and multimedia exhibits for all ages. You get to learn everything from the universe, our planet, animals, dinosaurs, and our own bodies and technology.
It’s quite amazing how much you can get into it and learn a new thing or two as an adult. It is definitely worth a visit or two if you get the chance.
4. Epic Waters Indoor Water Park
We might be a little biased, but we love a good spring break, enjoying the outdoors or in the water. Epic Waters Indoor Water Park really lives up to its “epic” name. This place is gigantic – just like all Texas-sized things. There are over 80,000 sq ft of slides and tons of pools.
The lazy river is pretty long, too. It actually surrounds the entire outline of the massive building from the inside.
We also enjoyed their Flowrider surfing attraction. Their wave pool is located outside and usually is open, weather permitting. And if you are not done having fun, you can always head over to their arcade games center.
This is easily a whole-day adventure to fill your spring break with. It is certainly one of the best fun things to do in Dallas, Texas, for spring break.
5. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
If you want to spend some fun outside with littles, you will love the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. You can take a picnic with you and enjoy hiking through this park.
The park has around 3 miles of paved hiking trails and 3 miles of unpaved hiking trails. The playground is the perfect time for kids to have some fun outside.
This 200-acre park provides a nice outdoor break from the city and a chance to catch up with nature. So, if you like outdoor activities and outdoor adventures and want some outdoor spring break fun, check out Arbor Hills.
6. Great Wolf Lodge
When it comes to a spring break staycation in Dallas-Fort Worth, Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate destination. This renowned lodge is a hub of non-stop excitement. Their indoor water park, adventure activities, and themed family suites truly make this stay unforgettable.
The resort has a ton of great amenities, including four indoor pools, an arcade/game room, a children’s pool, and complimentary access to the water park for all guests.
Rooms come with conveniences like a microwave and refrigerator. We really appreciate this for our longer stays, it really helps make family dinners much easier. They also have laundry facilities, so you can wash and re-wash those swimsuits for the pool.
The ropes course and the arcade are fun additions that even a teenager will have no problem enjoying. The Great Wolf Lodge never disappoints. You will not regret spending spring break right here at their Dallas-Fort Worth location.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at The Great Wolf Lodge
7. Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is our choice for free family fun in Dallas-Fort Worth. This perfect place is the coolest urban park. We love the atmosphere!
Take a picnic or get some tasty treats from food trucks. They often host a lot of different events. Anything from outdoor concerts and film screenings to art exhibitions and fitness activities.
Our entire family really enjoyed the Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park. The playground has super fun and futuristic-looking games. We especially love their rock climbing tower.
Another stunner is the Nancy Best Fountain. This is a day-to-night marvel. An interactive play area for kids during the day and a captivating light and music show in the evening. We loved making memories here, right in the heart of downtown Dallas.
8. Fort Worth Stockyards
Let us introduce you to the Fort Worth Stockyards – where the spirit of the Wild West is alive and well. You absolutely can’t miss their daily cattle drive. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Here, you can make all your Western dreams come true. They have live music, authentic Western gear, and a lot of Western history to learn from.
There is also a year-round rodeo to catch if you’re looking for that genuine cowboy vibe. Don’t skip the Cowgirls Museum and The Legends of Texas Western Gun-Fight Reenactment. They are both super fun to explore and watch.
If you are bringing the little ones, they’ll have a blast at the petting zoo and tackling the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, Stockyards Station serves up some delicious food.
If you didn’t know, you can join a historical walking guided tour as well. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, take a spin on the mechanical bull. This really is a great family experience, but we think older kids and teens will really enjoy letting their Wild West side come out here.
We know teens will surely enjoy the thrill of the Stockyards Ghost Tours. As long as you’re comfortable talking of bordello legends, shootouts, and hangings, this will truly captivate them.
We know that you will leave with a newfound appreciation for the captivating history of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Dallas Spring Break with Teenagers
9. Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags over Texas, a thrilling amusement park, is a great choice for fun in Dallas. Yes, you could bring younger kids and have a fun time, but you’ll honestly have an easier time with teenagers on this one. Their DC-themed roller coasters are no joke, they will have you screaming out of fear or just pure adrenaline.
You will want to spend a full day at this amusement park, so make sure you come prepared. Bring some comfy shoes, water bottles, and a light backpack. We always bring some snacks for lines and an external battery just in case we run out of juice.
They also have a cute children’s area called Bugs Bunny Boomtown that is quite fun for the littles. So either way, from little kids to big kids or no kids, this theme park is a lot of fun.
10. Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Center
Challenge your teens at Dyno-Rock. This indoor climbing center has many climbing options of various difficulty levels for all experience levels. This place is huge, literally 16,000 sq ft of indoor climbing space with 25 ft high walls.
Even if you’re new to the sport, you will find appreciation for this place. This place makes for a great afternoon or evening of fun, and it’s quite inexpensive as well. So try your hand at bouldering and rope climbing, and have some fun working out during your spring break.
11. Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is a great place to explore on an easy spring day. We loved all the different cultures they exhibit through their art exhibits.
The best part about this activity is that it is completely free, that’s right, free admission. It’s also one of the 10 biggest museums in the United States and is located in the biggest art district in the country. It’s something you might not want to miss.
12. Arlington Music Hall
Another great place to go enjoy the arts is the Arlington Music Hall. Here, you can enjoy a live concert or performance. It is also a historic venue, so in going, you’re supporting its conservation.
They do have shows suitable for all ages, and some of their live performances include dancing and movies as well. It makes for a great evening activity to do in the city.
Tours in Dallas
13. Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour with Transportation from Downtown Dallas
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability
If you or your teens consider yourselves sports enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat with this Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour. Visiting the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on a tour brings the fantasy into reality football. It’s not your average stadium tour. You get a 3-hour plunge into the epicenter of American football.
The tour kicks off in downtown Dallas at JFK Memorial Plaza, and then you head to Arlington, TX, to the AT&T Stadium. Once there, you’ll roam through the stadium’s top spots, like the press boxes, private suites, and even the field itself.
The tour was great. On the beginning you learned about Texas and Dallas history then you drive to the stadium for an amazing tour and they show you everything you can imagine.
– Lockie_j (Read more reviews)
Yep, you get to experience the very space where the Cowboys do their thing. And the locker room? You’ll step right into it, along with the post-game interview room and a peek at the Dallas Cowboys’ Cheerleaders locker room.
This tour is that and a whole lot more that you get to experience with a group of fellow fans. So, don’t forget your jersey and get ready for an adventure that’ll have you feeling like an NFL star.
▶️ BOOK Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour with Transportation
14. Sightseeing Tour of Dallas
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability
If you’re looking to enjoy the city’s sights and want everything planned for you, look no further. This sightseeing tour promises all the best sights, like Pioneer Plaza, Dallas City Hall, the Dallas Arts District, and Dealey Plaza (where JFK was shot).
Matt was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide. He brought Texas and Dallas history to life. I would recommend this tour to friends visiting Dallas for the first time.
– Suzanne S (read more reviews)
You’ll learn some good history about the city and get a great layout of the land for the rest of your spring break explorations. It’s a great tour in Dallas/Fort Worth you won’t want to miss.
▶️ BOOK Sightseeing Tour of Dallas
15. Guided Chocolate Tour in Dallas
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 – 4 Hrs | Check Rates and Availability
This is our recommendation if you want to indulge in something new and sweet. This half-day chocolate tour takes you to five top chocolate makers in Dallas. You get to travel on a comfy, air-conditioned bus.
Had such fun and the chocolate was delicious. A great way to spend an afternoon. I would recommend this tour.
– Suzanna A (read more reviews)
You will also enjoy some fun trivia games and maybe even score some chocolate-themed prizes between stops. The real treat is the tasting of top-notch chocolate at every shop. They’ll provide soft drinks and water on the bus. Don’t miss this sweet experience!
▶️ BOOK Guided Chocolate Tour in Dallas
16. JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability
This JFK Assassination and Museum Tour offers an insight into one of the most impactful historical events in American History. The tour highlights the facts from the theories of what happened on this infamous day.
Our tour guide Dan is a historian that has studied the JFK assassination. He was very knowledgeable and very detailed in his description of the event. The Oswald boarding house and the sixth floor Book Depository museum was great.
– John B (read more reviews)
The JFK assassination is truly a fascinating historical event, and you get to see all the important sights. This tour includes round-trip transportation, a guide, and entrance fees. If you’re looking to learn a little, this is one of the things to do during spring break in DFW.
▶️ BOOK JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House
Where to Stay in Dallas
The Addison Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western – Budget
⭐️ Rating 8/10 |📍Location: 4505 Beltway Dr, Addison, TX, 75001 | 🏩 View on Expedia
If you’re looking for value without compromising on comfort, The Addison Hotel is a solid choice. This accommodation includes conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor relaxing pool, complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and free self-parking. It’s a pet-friendly hotel with family-friendly amenities.
It was good. Front desk ladies was polite and helpful. Breakfast was good and it was clean. Would stay here again.
– Isai (read more reviews)
They really care for all their guests to enjoy a comfortable stay. They also offer in-room microwaves, high-speed internet, and have a 24/7 front desk. The self-serve breakfast and smoke-free environment make it a practical choice for travelers exploring Dallas on a budget.
▶️ BOOK The Addison Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Hampton Inn & Suites Farmers Branch Dallas – Mid-Range
⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 |📍Location: 1570 Mira Lago Blvd, Farmers Branch, TX, 75234 | 🏩 View on Expedia
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay with a little extra, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Farmers Branch is our top pick. This hotel provides a lot of nice amenities, including a pool, complimentary breakfast, and a hot tub.
We had a great restful stay after visiting the state fair. The front desk at checkin was pleasant and friendly. The room and bed were clean and comfy. Welcome screen with my name on the TV, that’s new! Breakfast staff and checkout front desk were also nice and friendly.
– Zee (read more reviews)
It’s a pet-friendly establishment with air conditioning, free WiFi, and a fully equipped fitness center. If you are traveling as a family, they offer free cribs, in-room microwaves, and an indoor pool. Their business services and 24-hour front desk are a nice addition to your stay.
▶️ BOOK Hampton Inn & Suites Farmers Branch Dallas
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas – Luxury
⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 |📍Location: 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX, 75201 | 🏩 View on Expedia
If luxury is your preference, you will want to indulge in the opulence of The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. This 5-star property has an exceptional rating and is within close proximity to the American Airlines Center.
Everything was wonderful, you get treated like royalty!!!! If you want to feel like a queen, come to this hotel.
– Maya Mae (read more reviews)
It has a pool, hot tub, and a full-service spa, so you know relaxation is a given. You can enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast and savor gourmet cuisine at one of their on-site restaurants. They also offer room service for convenience.
This is also a pet-friendly haven. They also offer an array of family-friendly amenities, from DVD players to free cribs. You will love getting the royal treatment in Dallas at The Ritz-Carlton.
▶️ BOOK The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
FAQ: Things to Do for Spring Break in Dallas
Where Should I go for Spring Break in Dallas?
There are tons of attractions in this great city. Honestly, though, you will not run out of things to do for Spring Break in DFW.
Is Dallas Good for Spring Break?
Absolutely! Dallas has a wide array of activities, from cultural attractions to thrilling activities. It’s a fantastic spring break destination.
Keep in mind that this state is a great vacation option year-round. If you can’t make it in the spring, consider Texas in December, during winter break, too!
What Are the Best Things to Do During Spring Break Near Dallas, TX?
We hope that our list has given you a few ideas. We also recommend you keep an eye on upcoming events and things to do for spring break in Dallas, TX. This city always has plenty of options and various activities to offer.
We also recommend checking out Galveston if you’ve got time for a day trip. The dolphin tours there are well worth the drive!
What is there to do in Fort Worth on Spring Break?
In Fort Worth, we have loved exploring the Stockyards and visiting museums. You can also enjoy a variety of Western-themed activities, a unique Texan experience.
Conclusion: Things to Do for Spring Break in Dallas
There you have it! All the amazing things to do in Dallas for spring break. For us, Dallas-Fort Worth is the perfect spring break or summer getaway destination, full of fun activities. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. You’ve got family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures to make your vacation unforgettable.
So whether you’re traveling with kids or teenagers or looking for a staycation, Dallas has something for everyone to enjoy during the spring break. So, pack your bags and get ready for an exciting spring break in Dallas, Texas!
