11 Awesome Indoor Places to Take the Kids
When the weather outside is frightful, these indoor gems are quite delightful.
If you're tired of hearing your kiddos complain about not having anything to do because it's too cold, wet or windy to go outside, here's a list of ten awesome indoor venues that are sure to keep them entertained and score you a couple of days of quiet. Just keep in mind that every venue is following COVID-19 guidelines so see their websites for more information.
Note: Looking for more? Here's another recently updated list of kid-friendly activities.
The Museum of Memories
Downtown
While most art museums are designed so you can appreciate the pictures on the wall, the Museum of Memories was created to let you become part of the exhibit. Infusing art and creativity with coming-of-age experiences, this museum is filled with brightly colored backdrops making it the perfect place to make your kids Instagram famous. The Museum of Memories is open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cidercade
Bishop Arts District
Loaded with a variety of classic video games, fighting games, scrollers, first-person shooters and racing games, player one better be ready to kick some serious pixels. Tired of getting destroyed by your kids on the games you grew up on? Challenge them to a game of basketball or skee-ball and dominate them with your superior hand/eye coordination. Cidercade is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. Just keep in mind it's adult only (21+) after 8 p.m.
Museum of Illusions
West End
Get ready to have your kids' minds blown. This unique museum is designed to give you a visual, sensory and educational experience that will leave you scratching your head. Get turned upside down in the Rotated Room, have a dinner party with yourself at the Clone Table or see why size doesn't matter in the Ames Room. The Museum of Illusions is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Summit Indoor Rock Climbing
Far North Dallas
Want to wear out your kids so they actually go to sleep tonight? Summit Indoor Rock Climbing is the key to wiping them out. Learn the basics like footwork and body positioning so you can conquer one of the many climbing walls Summit has to offer. Try it for a day or sign your kid up for one of their camps and programs. Summit is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 12 - 8 p.m.
Dallas World Aquarium
Downtown
Always a family favorite, the Dallas World Aquarium is home to a vast variety of amazing fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and mammals. Three-toes sloths, Antillean manatees, Japanese spider crabs and giant otters are just a small example of the extraordinary animals that will truly amaze you and your kids. Dallas World Aquarium tickets are sold everyday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Galleria Ice Skating Center
North Dallas
Hit the ice at the Galleria Ice Skating Center. Watch the wind blow through your kid's hair as they glide or stumble around the frozen rink - either way, you'll want to keep your eyes on them as you watch from the safety of solid ground. The Galleria Ice Skating Center is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, 12 - 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m.
Perot Museum
Dallas Arts District
When was the last time you raced against a T-Rex? At the Perot Museum, you can do that and so much more. Explore the solar system. Experience an earthquake. Gaze in wonder at a five-foot purple geode. Or just go look at the dinosaur fossils. Whatever you do, your kids are sure to have fun and learn something new in the process. The Perot Museum is open Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Top Golf
Various Locations
In an interesting spin on the ancient pastime of hitting a ball with a stick, Top Golf has partnered with Rovio Entertainment to bring the hit video game Angry Birds to life! Channel your inner avian rage and destroy virtual structures and those dastardly pigs by hitting golf balls out across the course. Top Golf Dallas is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Frontiers of Flight
Northwest Dallas
Want to know what it's like to really fly like a bird? The Frontiers of Flight Museum offers you a chance to explore the different ways humans take flight. From jet fighters to spacecraft to hot air balloons, your kid will have their head in the clouds after seeing this amazing collection of aircraft. Frontiers of Flight is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.
Medieval Times
Design District
Travel back in time for an unforgettable experience at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Feast on fine food and witness the brave knights fight for honor and glory in a two-hour medieval jousting tournament. Just remind your kids that they can't try this at home! Medieval Times dinner and tournament times vary so check the website to reserve your seats.
Reunion Tower
Downtown
Travel 470-feet up in the air for the ultimate views of Dallas at the iconic Reunion Tower! Enjoy the tower's 360-degree video experience, an indoor and outdoor observation deck, and collect a free digital photo to commemorate your visit. Reunion Tower is open every day of the week; check their website for updated hours.