It can be challenging to find fun things to do in Dallas with kids right now considering we are in the midst of a pandemic. Businesses and family attractions are slowly opening up in North Texas. Thankfully, many are opening with strict safety, health, and social distancing rules. If you are comfortable and ready to get out of the house with the family, consider supporting the following Dallas Fort Worth family attractions.
Disclaimer: I am not telling you these activities are 100% safe and COVID-19 free. You are responsible for making the decision of whether or not to visit public businesses. If you feel uneasy, consider these stay at home activities for kids and/or virtual summer camps. Play in public at your risk. Practice safe social distancing rules and consider wearing a mask per CDC recommendations. When in doubt, stay home.
Don’t have a mask? Get adult masks here or kids masks here.
Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
From outdoor fun in the sun to indoor attractions to beat the heat, the Dallas Fort Worth area is host to a variety of family fun options. Don’t forget to have your kids complete their time capsule so you can look back as a family during this weird time. Capture the memories and play the Fall Photo Challenge or Spring Photo Challenge for Kids.
(Note: Please double check their websites before visiting for hours of operations. Businesses’ hours and operating rules per business are subject to change without notice. Last updated: December 2020)
Parks & Outdoor Space
Dallas Arboretum – General admission tickets and parking must be pre-purchased online a week out from the desired visit date. Members will still get in free but are also required to reserve timed tickets.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden – Now open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with the first and last hour of the day reserved for GROW members only (8–9 a.m. and 5–6 p.m.).
Little Elm Beach – I suggest going during the week to avoid larger crowds. They recently installed fencing to control crowds. Parking fees apply each time you enter the park. Here are things to do at the Little Elm beach.
Waterparks
Epic Waters Indoor Park – Open 7 times a week with reduced capacity and increased safety measures. Online reservations strongly encouraged to guarantee space. This indoor waterpark features slides, rides, a lazy river, and pools!
Hawaiian Falls – Both The Colony, Mansfield, Garland, and Roanoke locations have reduced capacity and increased all health and safety measures.
Pirates Cove Water Park – Located 20 miles south of Fort Worth and 46 miles west of Dallas, this waterpark is located next door to North Jellystone Park. Admission is on a first-come-first-serve basis and opens under the 50% occupancy requirement. (see information below)
Amusement Parks
Six Flags Over Texas & Hurricane Harbor – All guests over the age of two and all team members are required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their time on the property (exceptions apply in the waterpark).
Hotels/Resorts
Summerfest at Gaylord Texan – Gaylord Texan’s 17th annual SummerFest featuring events and activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the resort! Outside, resort guess will make a splash at Paradise Springs – our 10-acre outdoor resort pool featuring four winding waterslides and a relaxing lazy river! Take advantage of the Gaylord Texan Summer Package through September 7. (Read about our Gaylord Texan experience here)
Jadewaters at Dallas Hilton Anatole – Face coverings are now required while inside the hotel. JadeWaters indoor pool and verandah club are open at 50% capacity. They have two separate outdoor pools: one for adults and the other for kids. Grab and go food is available, but adult drinks are only available at the adult swim-up bar. (Read about our Jadewaters experience)
Great Wolf Lodge – One of the largest indoor water parks is open and enforcing their Paw Pledge program. Guests can use the Great Wolf App to do mobile check-in, check-out, order food, and more! Character appearances will take place on a stage instead of in-person to maintain social distancing. (Read about our Great Wolf experience)
North Texas Jellystone Park – Fresh air and outdoor activities are always a plus right now. You are able to walk and/or bike around the roads, and elsewhere on the property, as long as you are not in a group and maintain the required 6-foot distancing requirement. Take-out activities such as crafts and scavenger hunts are available. The Kountry Kreamery Restaurant is open with dine-in, take out, or free delivery options. Go next door via walking or a golf cart ride to Pirates Cove Water Park. The park is open and operating under 50% occupancy and other health and safety restrictions. Admission is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Movie Theaters
Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth – Our family visited the Lewisville location a few years ago and loved it. We were super sad when they closed it. The good news is they have one still open in Fort Worth.
Cinema Pop-Ups at the Star – Brings a drive-in theater experience to the Gaylord Lot at The Star in Frisco with Edge of Tomorrow, 42, and more! Tickets are $25 per car and are on sale now.
Studio Movie Grill – The Colony location is open now while the Dallas location opens June 26.
Cinemark – Check out the theatre reopening schedule to make sure your location is open.
Zoos
Dallas Zoo – All guests, including Dallas Zoo Members, must now reserve tickets and parking online prior to visiting.
Fort Worth Zoo – Everyone (except children 2 and younger) must have a reservation. All reservations must be made online before arriving at the Zoo – ticket booths will be closed. Reservations become active and available on the website 3 days prior to the day you visit.
Frank Buck Zoo – This is a bit of a drive outside of the DFW area, but those who have gone rave about this zoo in Gainesville, TX. Limited capacity so arrive early.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – All tickets to Fossil Rim (including self-drive tours) must be purchased online prior to arriving at the facility. Masks required when you are outside of the vehicle.
Museums
Perot Museum of Nature and Science– The museum is open but with new policies.
National Videogame Museum – According to their Facebook, all museum visitors age 3 and older are required to wear a mask while on-premises. Masks not provided. Gloves are optional but recommended. See other modifications here.
Indoor Attractions
Kidzania Dallas – KidZania Dallas is now open with extreme sanitation measures and limiting the park’s total capacity. Read about our Kidzania experience (pre-pandemic) here. KidZania is powered by kids taking on various roles & responsibilities throughout the city. Kids can independently explore the city and take part in the experiences they choose.
Legoland – Reserved two-hour play slots and other Bricktastic safety procedures applied.
Sealife Aquarium – Book online to reserve space!
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – 25% Off Tickets with Code 25MT. Shows start July 15 in Dallas. Guests must wear a mask upon entering. Read more about their safety measures.
Crayola Experience – Opening July 1st! Face coverings required for guests ages 2 and up.
Conclusion
Dallas/Fort Worth is a great place to explore with the family. Given the current pandemic, use your best judgment on which attractions you would like to visit with your family. Research before you plan your visit and when in doubt, stay home. Personally, my family will be patronizing a few of these DFW businesses in a safe manner. Get adult masks here or kids masks here and sanitize, wash your hands and keep your distance from others that aren’t in your party.
Did I miss a must-attend DFW family attraction?
Contact me via Instagram or Email me at michelle@modernmomlife.com to let me know all about it.
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