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.

Updated July 2025

Dallas Children's Theater

Oost-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

Kunstwijk Dallas

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

Noord-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 voor Natuur en Wetenschap

Het centrum van 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. Don’t miss Bug Lab, a captivating exhibition that explores insects and offers a one-of-a-kind chance to see the world from a bug’s perspective.

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.

Spark!

The Cedars

Let the kids tap into their creativity at Spark!, a hands-on space designed for ages 7 to 17. They can climb through tunnels, slide down chutes, build with recycled materials, or try screen printing and painting in dedicated maker zones. It’s all about exploration, expression, and a chance to create something that’s completely their own.

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

Noord-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

Noord-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

Noord-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

Noord-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.

Down to Play

Noord-Dallas

Let the kids run, climb, and explore at Down to Play, a 3,500-square-foot indoor playground designed for children of all abilities. From exciting play structures to a custom sensory room perfect for quiet breaks, this space encourages every child to play their way. Grownups can unwind with free Wi-Fi and a coffee bar, while little ones burn off energy in a safe, inclusive environment made for fun.

Dallas World Aquarium

Het centrum van 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

Noord-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

Oost-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

Zuid-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.

Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park

Zuid-Dallas

The Children’s Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park is designed to spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Focused on hands-on discovery, kids can feed stingrays, play in the tide pool touch tank, and even bring their imagination to life by creating sea creatures on the immersive art screen. With up-close views of marine life and interactive exhibits throughout, this aquarium is the perfect playful underwater adventure.

Play Street Museum

Lake Highlands

Play Street Museum invites little ones into a kid-sized city built just for them. From hopping on a pretend trolley to cooking up fun in the pint-sized pizzeria or getting crafty at the art station, kids are free to explore and imagine at their own pace.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Grand Prairie

Step into a world of the unbelievable at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie, where kids can let their imaginations run wild. With five indoor attractions under one roof, there’s something for everyone. From exploring the oddities in Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium to getting starstruck at Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax, the fun never stops. Brave the thrilling 7D Moving Theater, get lost in the enchanting mirror maze, or power up for video game excitement in Ripley’s newest addition. It’s the perfect spot for endless family adventures!

The Cookery

Designwijk

Got a budding chef in your family? The Cookery makes cooking fun for teens 13 and up! These hands-on classes focus on international and seasonal cuisine, teaching young foodies how to whip up delicious dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Teens can join alongside a registered adult to learn, laugh, and create culinary masterpieces. If your kid is a future Food Network star or just loves spending time in the kitchen, these classes serve up equal parts fun and flavor.

Creative Arts Center

Oost-Dallas

Let your child’s imagination take the lead at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas, where creativity knows no bounds. Teens can try their hand at pottery, painting, mosaics, or even metal and stone sculpture! With over 500 classes offered year-round, this community-focused art school is the perfect way to nurture artistic talents in a welcoming environment.