Epic Indoor Things to Do in Dallas with the Kids

Dallas has weather! Be it a sweltering summer, a rainy spring weekend or a winter cold snap, sometimes it's just no fun being outside. So what's a parent to do? Take the pressure off yourself; we've come up with the best indoor places around town to keep your little angels (a term used lightly) entertained.

Second Note: We created a second guide to indoor activities - see it here.

Update July 2024

Dallas Children's Theater

East Dallas

With a range of professional productions aimed at entertaining and educating kids and youth, the Dallas Children's Theater offers an enriching experience for the entire family. Familiar stories, literary works, histories and biographies are performed in compelling ways and productions often promote social values, moral integrity and reflect the cultural diversity of our community through casting and themes.

Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Arts District

Besides being a place to admire the wonders of global art, the DMA has a wide range of programs for younger kids and teenagers. Be sure to check out the DMA Teen program to connect and inspire teens with art. There are also art classes for babies and toddlers at various times, so check out opportunities in the art studio.

Escape The Room

North Dallas

The perfect way to test your mind and see how well your family communicates and works as a team under pressure. This one has all types of levels to keep you thinking and great for older kids and teens who love puzzles. While the puzzles are designed for adult minds, teens will be more than fine with the challenges but children under 14 years old will need to be with an adult.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Downtown Dallas

If you think this place is only for lovers of dinosaur bones, think again! Kids will be entertained for hours with a variety of things to do like the early childhood creative time art lab, science activity stations, films, discovery camps and much more.

Specialty Movie Theaters

Various Dallas locations

We all love a movie experience, but for something a little more special take the kids to an art house specialty theatre where your family can experience a wide range of independent and nostalgic films. Theaters like the Angelika Film Center offer a wide range of current and classic films in a setting that will be a little more unique than your average commercial cinema experience.

Another Round Indoor Mini Golf

West Dallas

Help the kids burn off some energy with a game of concentration as they make their way through 12 holes of indoor mini golf. Some are easier than others - one of the holes has you fighting your way through curiously placed traffic cones, while another has you aiming in the dark. The grownups can take advantage of golf-themed cocktails at the bar, while the littles one will appreciate finger foods and snacks. Tee time reservations are required.

Ice Rink at Galleria Dallas

North Dallas

When the weather is cold outside, combining a shopping experience with some ice skating will always be a fun day out with the kids. Whether your kids are interested in a one-off session or want lessons to learn how to perfect their skills further, the ice-skating center has a variety of different options to embrace.

King Spa and Waterpark

North Dallas

Unlike any waterpark you have been to before, King Spa focuses on family-oriented wellness. Kids will enjoy the play pool with water slide and games, but be sure to bring another adult with you because chances are you'll want to sneak away to the bade pool that offers a wine and cocktail lounge with Jacuzzis and massaging jets! King Spa also provides full spa and massage packages, sauna and acupressure. There is also a food court that offers a variety of options to satisfy the entire family. At the end of the day, you may be the one begging your kids to stay.

Summit Indoor Rock Climbing

North Dallas

Get your kids moving and stretching with classes for all ages. Summit provides introduction lessons for kids ages 3-6 with fun games, obstacles and balance work and teen programs for more agile movers. Parents are also encouraged to be involved and get into the action.

Top Golf

North Dallas

Fun for the entire family, parents can perfect their drive and enjoy a beverage, while the kids can swing to their heart's content. Top Golf also offers half-day clinics throughout the year and specialized coaching with certified golf pro's if you're looking for a little extra lift for your kids' game. It's also climate controlled to keep you cozy in the colder months.

Dallas World Aquarium

Downtown Dallas

One the highlights of the Dallas World Aquarium is that this place isn't just about the sea life. While kids will love aquarium displays featuring sharks, rays and jellyfish - this place also has an impressive rainforest exhibit full of exotic birds, sloths, endangered animals like Orinoco crocodiles, Antillean manatees and so much more. Kids can touch and feel some of the animals and learn about conservation projects so kids can be more aware of the environment and ocean and rainforest conservation projects.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

North Dallas

Your young pilots, astronauts and engineers will enjoy a day at the Frontier of Flight Museum to explore the history of aviation and space flight, STEM activities and hands-on exhibits. The museum also offers family programming and guided tours.

Play Street Museum

East Dallas

This interactive museum is purposefully designed to encourage a young child's sense of independence, exploration and creativity. Focused on children ages eight and younger, Play Street Museum fosters imagination and provides educational exhibits and activities in a world specifically crafted just for them. Your young explorer will love being able to self-navigate through this museum.

Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House

South Dallas

While the Texas Discovery Garden is set on 7.5 acres of beautiful organic gardens in Fair Park with a variety of outdoor play options, they also have an incredible inside two-story butterfly house where kids can get up close and personal with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Besides the chance of having a butterfly land on your nose, kids will love the toddler talks and butterfly release programs held daily.