Summary of Activities in Dallas
Dallas is Texas’ second largest city and, due to its geographic location in North Texas, is a popular getaway for people from across the Southwest and the Southeast United States. And, for good reason — there’s no shortage of activities and attractions to fill out a summer vacation in the Big D. From outdoor activities such as visiting the Dallas Zoo or spending a day at Six Flags or White Rock Lake to indoor activities such as shopping at Dallas’ upscale malls or visiting one of Dallas’ many museums, there is certainly something for everyone each day.
Get Wild Inside at Dallas World Aquarium
A great alternative to being outside during the middle of the day — especially in the midst of a sweltering Texas summer — the Dallas World Aquarium features a rain forest, aquarium, and a variety of interactive educational activities and experiences. Exhibits at the Dallas World Aquarium include Mundo Maya, which features a 400,000-gallon tank displaying marine life of the Yucatan Peninsula; Orinoco, showcasing wildlife indicative of a South American rain forest; South Africa, featuring animals from Madagascar; and Borneo, highlighting animals and marine life from the Australian continent.
Spend a Thrilling Day at Six Flags
Open year-round, Six Flags Over Texas offers rides, shows, and more for Dallas area visitors. With a variety of rides geared to visitors of all ages, Six Flags is an exciting destination for family fun. Young children can enjoy rides such as the Bugs Bunny Spirit of St. Louie, where they can ride in airplanes and “fly” in a circle, while older kids can relish the thrill of the Acme Rock-N-Rocket and other fast-paced attractions. ‘Wet’ rides, such as the Aquaman Splashdown, provide a refreshing way to cool down during the summer heat.
Go Wild at the Oldest Zoo in Texas
Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest zoo in Texas and was actually the first zoo in the Southwest United States. In addition to its history as Texas’ longest-running zoo, the Dallas Zoo has evolved into one of the most impressive zoos in the Lone Star State. Although it is just one of the many attractions in Dallas, it certainly stands out as a major highlight that takes an entire day to explore. Spanning over 100 acres, the Dallas Zoo is now the largest zoo in Texas by area, making it a perfect spot to spend a full day. The zoo features an array of popular exhibits, including the Giants of the Savannah, showcasing elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and more.
Spend a Day at the Lake
Located just north of downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake is a 1,000-acre oasis in the middle of one of the nation’s largest cities. Boasting 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing piers and bird-watching areas, White Rock Lake is an ideal spot to spend a summer day unwinding and escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Take a Fall at Zero Gravity Thrill Park
The Zero Gravity Thrill Park is a unique theme park known for its extreme thrill rides, including bungee jumps and six-story free-falls into a safety net. Families seeking an adrenaline rush while on vacation should not miss out on this exhilarating experience in Dallas.
Take a Tour on McKinney Trolley
Dallas’ McKinney Trolley is a historical trolley system that recreates the experience of early to mid-20th century transit. Also known as the M-Line, the McKinney Avenue Trolley picks up and drops off passengers near significant points of interest, including Magnolia Theater, Cityplace Tower, Hotel ZaZa, Shops at the Crescent, Dallas Museum of Art, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Each of the four trolleys — Rosie, The Green Dragon, Matilda, and Petunia — has an intriguing history of its own.
