Multigenerational Travel Guide: Dallas for Grandparents, Parents & Kids
Have grandparents visiting from out of town? Trying to plan a family vacation kids, parents, and grandparents will all enjoy? Dallas makes entertaining the whole family easy with climate-controlled indoor activities, highly accessible attractions, expansive outdoor gardens, and dining options that will please all ages.
Dallas World Aquarium
Plan a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium to see marine life, birds, and other animals. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the rainforest exhibit, where birds fly overhead and flamingos, sloths, and monkeys can be seen. Then, pass through the tunnel to watch sharks swim overhead. Because the aquarium is wheelchair accessible and has nursing stations, grandparents and parents with infants will be comfortable.
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Everyone in the family will be engaged and entertained by the interactive exhibits and activities at the Perot Museum. Kids age 5 and under will love digging for dinosaurs and creating their own art at the Moody Family Children's Museum. If anyone needs a break from the action, the museum also has a movie theater that shows science films throughout the day. All public entrances and all levels of the Perot Museum are accessible by either elevator or walkways. Admission is valid all day, so if kids need a nap you can always return later.
Reunion Tower
Head to Reunion Tower for a quick, crowd-pleasing activity. During your visit, ride the elevator to the GeO-Deck. At 470 feet above street level, the 360-degree view of the city is dramatic enough to impress kids and grandparents alike without much walking.
McKinney Avenue Trolley
Explore Dallas by riding the M-Line! Hop on and off the free trolley to visit the different parks and museums in the city or simply ride the trolley and enjoy the scenery. Trolleys arrive every 17-20 minutes and riding the entire route takes about an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Give kids room to play while parents and grandparents stroll through the gardens at their own speed at Dallas Arboretum. Seasonal florals are on display year-round and the Children’s Garden has interactive exhibits and STEM-centered programming to keep little kids entertained.
Dallas Zoo
Spend a few hours at the Dallas Zoo, where your family can feed the giraffes, see all the zoo animals, and attend a Keeper Chat to learn more about the zoo together. The paved paths make it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate, and the shaded areas and bench seats provide plenty of chances to rest without missing a thing.
Klyde Warren Park
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Klyde Warren Park. This expansive park has many different activities each member of your family will appreciate. The Children’s Park has interactive fountains, playgrounds, a storytelling tree, and more for younger kids. Teens and adults can play ping pong, petanque, and foosball along The Grove. Or, simply lay out a blanket and relax. When your family gets hungry, grab a bite at Mi Cocina, the park’s modern Mexican restaurant, or stop by the food trucks so everyone can get something they’re in the mood for.
Trinity River Audubon Center
Follow the trails at Trinity River Audubon Center to see local wildlife and birds. There are nearly 5 miles of trails and kayaking opportunities to suit a range of energy levels and ages.
Dallas Farmers Market
Stop by the Dallas Farmers Market, open 7 days a week, for a variety of eateries, shopping experiences, and events. With so many different options in one place, every member of your family will find something they’re in the mood for, making it a delight for the senses and a great place to have a meal together.
Dallas Museum of Art
Wander the galleries at the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the U.S. and free to enter, excluding a few special exhibits. The galleries are always changing, so there is always something new to see. The DMA also has an activity room where kids and their families can create their own art together.
Where to Stay
Traveling with three generations means everyone needs their own space, but nobody wants to be a floor away when the grandkids wake up early or someone wants to unwind while the rest of the group is still up.
The hotels below are the perfect solution, with connecting rooms or multi-room suites, so you can stay together without being on top of each other. No separate check-ins or hallway meetups required.
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