67 Best Things to Do in Dallas
Spanning a swath of North Texas larger than the state of Connecticut, the sheer size of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex means there is no shortage of things to do in Dallas.
But what are the very best things to do in Dallas, Texas? Eating and shopping top the list for many visitors and locals alike, but there are also outdoor activities, historical sites, museums and gaming experiences to discover. Look no further for what to do in Dallas; this list has you covered.
Jump to Section
- Foodie Things to Do in Dallas
- Things to Do in Dallas at Night
- Shopping Things to Do in Dallas
- Outdoorsy Things to Do in Dallas
- Cultural Things to Do in Dallas
- Things to Do in Dallas for Families
- Sports-Centric Things to Do in Dallas
- Free Things to Do in Dallas
- Things to Do in Downtown Dallas
- Iconic Things to Do in Dallas
Foodie Things to Do in Dallas
1. Take a Cooking Class
Cook up a delicious foodie experience with the guidance of a world-class chef in cooking classes in Dallas. Whip up authentic tacos, rich Italian fare and more. With so many options available, you’re almost guaranteed to find fun cooking classes near you. But if you’d rather enjoy a night in, opt for an interactive, live online cooking class hosted by a talented chef instead.
2. Enjoy a Private Chef Experience
Make the most out of food you enjoy by hiring a five-star private chef in Dallas to prepare a meal for you and your guests. These culinary experts handle all of the shopping, prepping, cooking and even kitchen clean-up, and they come right to you. Once you find a private chef near you, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the upscale private dining experience.
3. Enjoy a Virtual Class or Tasting
If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth without leaving your cozy home, look no further than an online tasting or class. Take an online mixology class and learn how to make intricate cocktails from a professional mixologist, or recruit a few friends to join you for a fun evening of virtual wine tastings.
4. Eat Along Lower Greenville
Lower Greenville is a stretch of dining, shops and more just east of Downtown Dallas and the perfect thing to do in Dallas for a night out. Grab a drink on HG Sply Co.’s rooftop bar, or enjoy a bowl of umami-packed ramen at Wabi House. After dinner, wander down the bustling avenue to people-watch or grab dessert.
5. Grab a Drink at the Katy Trail Ice House
The Katy Trail Ice House is a favorite among locals for cold brews, warm fries and a relaxed atmosphere. After a long walk on the Katy Trail, cool down on one of the Ice House’s picnic tables with a local beer and if it’s a weekend, some live music.
6. Feast at Pecan Lodge BBQ
For fans of Texas BBQ, Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum is hard to beat. This will be the thing to do in Dallas for any BBQ lovers or those who want an authentic (and delicious) Texas BBQ experience. It’s one of the most-awarded BBQ spots in Dallas, so you’ll want to get there early to beat the crowds. The doors open at 11 a.m. and stay open until the meat runs out.
7. Visit Local Coffee Shops
Dallas is home to many local and Texas-based coffee shops serving craft espresso and specialty drinks. Grab a coffee at White Rock Coffee, an East Dallas local favorite, before a walk around White Rock Lak — or enjoy fine espressos at Houndstooth Coffee or Merit Coffee, two Texas-based coffee shops with Dallas outposts.
8. Get a Taste of the High Life at Rise No1
Dining is one of the best things to do in Dallas, and Rise No1 in Inwood Village is a can’t-miss spot. This restaurant serves decadent savory and sweet soufflés in a cozy, France-inspired space.
9. Grab Tex-Mex at Joe T Garcia’s
Joe T Garcia’s is an iconic Fort Worth Mexican restaurant located near the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. With a massive patio adorned with lush plants and colorful café tables, you’d think this place would never run out of seating; but on the weekends Joe T Garcia’s is the place to be, and lines form out the door to get a taste of the steak fajitas inside.
10. Enjoy Authentic German Fare at Kuby’s
A fun thing to do in Dallas for German food fans, Kuby’s is an authentic German restaurant serving sauerkraut, wurst, schnitzel and more in a quaint Bavarian setting. Adjoining the restaurant is a European-style deli where you can stock up on European treats and foodstuffs.
11. Sample Your Way Through Legacy Food Hall
Located just north of Dallas in Plano, Legacy Food Hall is a massive hub for dining, drinks and events. With chef-run restaurants in every cuisine imaginable as well as bars and dessert spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a trip to this Dallas attraction.
12. Eataly Dallas
Wander through an Italian market surrounded by authentic Italian restaurants on a trip to Eataly, one of the newest things to do in Dallas located in Northpark Mall.
Things to Do in Dallas at Night
13. Grab Drinks in Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is the place to go if you’re in search of things to do in Dallas at night, or even a low-key date idea in Dallas. This grungy enclave is packed with bars, restaurants and quirky shops to explore. After a drink at Off the Record Craft Beer & Vinyl, a record shop with beer on tap, grab a piece of freshly-made pie at Emporium Pies, a local favorite.
14. Experience Virtual Reality at a VR Arcade
Fight zombies, aliens and more at the Zero Latency virtual reality arcade in North Dallas. You and your crew will don VR gear for a 45 minute experience that’s not of this world.
15. Catch a Show at the House of Blues
Concerts are a popular form of Dallas entertainment for locals and visitors. If you’re looking for places to go in Dallas at night, catch a show at the House of Blues, a downtown music venue and restaurant with classic Southern fare and live music.
16. Go Dancing at Cowboys Red River
For a true Texas experience, dancing at Cowboys Red River is one of the best things to do in Dallas. Bring a group of guys and girls, don your boots and get ready for an evening of authentic country western dancing.
17. Try and Beat The Escape Game
Challenge your friends to an hour-long experience at The Escape Game, where you’ll be locked in a themed room and tasked with uncovering a series of clues in order to escape.
Shopping Things to Do in Dallas
18. Shop 'Til You Drop at the Galleria
The Galleria mall is a sprawling indoor shopping mall with restaurants, shops and even an ice skating rink. You can shop luxury stores as well as more budget-friendly options. It also hosts North Texas’ only American Girl store, a big hit for little ones.
19. Don Designer Goods at Highland Park Village
Get a taste of a life of luxury (and try not to max out your credit card) at Highland Park Village, an outdoor shopping center studded with designer shops in the ritzy Highland Park neighborhood.
20. Take in Art at Northpark Mall
Northpark Mall is an iconic indoor shopping mall known for high-quality shops as well as curated sculptures studding the interior avenues. There are also special displays and things for kids during the holiday season, making it a fun thing to do in Dallas during the holidays.
21. Pick Up a Pair of Boots at Wild Bill’s Western Store
For more than 60 years, Wild Bill’s has been outfitting Texans and Texas fans with cowboy boots, hats and apparel from its location in the heart of Downtown Dallas. It’s a can’t-miss spot and one of the best things to do in Dallas for western wear fans.
22. Wander Downtown Grapevine
Downtown Grapevine is a quaint little area of Grapevine located just a few minutes north of Dallas. The historic downtown has winery tasting rooms, restaurants and dozens of locally owned boutiques.
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Dallas
23. Bike White Rock Lake
Enjoy the fresh air and lakeside views on a bike ride around White Rock Lake, which boasts a 9.4 mile paved walking and biking path around the circumference of the lake. For a longer ride, detour onto the White Rock Greenbelt to explore North Dallas.
24. Paddle Board on White Rock Lake
For an experience on the water in the middle of the city, rent a paddle board for a few hours and explore what the lake and this Dallas activity has to offer. If paddle boards aren’t your style, canoes and kayaks are also available.
25. Enjoy the Flora at the Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is renowned for its elegant displays and variety of species. Wander rows of tulips in the spring or fields of pumpkins in the fall — the Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit year-round and one of the best things to do in Dallas.
26. Get a Taste of Wild Country at Fort Worth Nature Center
Head west of Dallas to Fort Worth for an outdoor adventure at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Hike miles of trails to discover prairie dogs, canyons and ancient forests and to get a taste of what north Texas was like before settlement. There are also bison on exhibit off of Buffalo road.
27. Visit the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel north of Dallas to the Heard Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will learn about native plants and creatures and have the opportunity to explore miles of trails that wander through lush grassland and trees. There is also a butterfly house and garden open during the summer months.
28. Venture Out to the Trinity River Audubon Center
Enjoy a morning hiking at one of North Texas’ only audubon centers, with a mission to preserve and protect local birds. The center has lush trails wandering through marshes and trees, giving visitors a chance to discover local birds and enjoy unique terrain.
29. Go Camping at Cedar Hill State Park
Just south of Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park, a natural oasis with rugged hills and sweeping prairies as well as a lake. Camp at a developed campsite or hike out to a primitive site if the trails are open.
30. Take a Horseback Trail Ride
Try a western thing to do in Dallas by embarking on a horseback trail ride. The Ascend Camp and Retreat Center is a great place for this and located just outside of Dallas.
31. Zip Around the Trinity Forest Adventure Center
Another fun thing to do in Dallas, Texas is a visit to the Trinity Forest Adventure Center. The adventure center has aerial ropes courses at varying degrees of difficulty perfect for the new climbers and thrill seekers.
Cultural Things to Do in Dallas
32. Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center
Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center for a thing to do in Downtown Dallas that beats the heat and inspires the mind. The museum has rotating exhibits inside a light-filled building as well as a shady sculpture garden to wander outside.
33. See the Crow Museum of Asian Art
With stunning rotating exhibits and a permanent collection, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is one of the most interesting things to do in Dallas for art lovers.
34. Enjoy the Art and Architecture of the Kimbell Art Museum
Designed by renowned architect Louis Khan, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is a can’t-miss thing to do in Dallas-Fort Worth for those interested in art and architecture. Inside the sweeping travertine marble halls is a permanent collection featuring works by Caravaggio and Monet, as well as rotating exhibits in the adjoining pavilion.
35. Visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Architect Tado Ando designed the stunning concrete and glass Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. After taking in the artistic architecture of the building, venture inside for modern works of art by American and international artists.
36. See the Giant Eyeball Sculpture
There is a giant sculpture of an eyeball in Downtown Dallas and visiting it is a fun thing to do in Dallas for a fun picture and maybe some introspection. The piece is by artist Tony Tasset and is located at 1601 Main St.
37. Go on a Deep Ellum Art Walk
Quirky Deep Ellum is home to bars, music venues and plenty of interesting street art. Wander the streets and stop to take in elephant portraits, metallic sculptures and more while also enjoying a rare free thing to do in Dallas.
Things to Do in Dallas for Families
38. Cool Down at the Klyde Warren Park Water Features
Cool off on a hot Texas summer afternoon by taking the kids to Klyde Warren Park for a splash in the fountains, which turn on when the temperature reaches 60°F.
39. Visit the Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is home to hundreds of animals in natural habitat exhibits and is one of the best Dallas attractions for families. Pack a lunch and stay a while; there is plenty to see at the Dallas Zoo.
40. Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is not just for kids — Dallas’ premier natural history museum is packed with exhibits of interest for the whole family, from an earthquake simulator to bird facts to massive dinosaur skeletons.
41. Feel the Adrenaline Rush at Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas is a sprawling theme park with roller coasters for every thrill seeker. Dare to ride the towering Titan roller coaster or feel your stomach drop on the Superman ride — whatever you do, it will be a rush!
42. Break the Bank at Toys Unique Toy Store
Toys Unique is a local spot for picking up creative and fun toys for kids of all ages, from babies to pre-teens. Treat the kids to something new on your trip to Dallas and support a local business at the same time!
43. Visit the Legoland Discovery Center
If you’re wondering what to do in Dallas with kids, head north to Grapevine for a visit to the Legoland Discovery Center, a fun thing to do in Dallas with kids. See the D-FW skyline made out of Lego bricks, ride on Lego-themed rides, tour the Lego factory and more.
44. Make a Splash at Hurricane Harbor
North Texas’ largest water park is one of the best things to do in Dallas on a hot summer day. Venture out to Arlington to enjoy dozens of rides and slides and a massive wave pool.
45. Ice Skate at Galleria Dallas
Ice skate year-round at the Galleria Mall in Dallas, the perfect Dallas entertainment option for families, couples or friends. And, you can skate around a towering three-story Christmas tree during the holiday season!
46. Enjoy the Crayola Experience in Plano
Another fun idea of things to do in Dallas for families is visit the Crayola Experience in Plano. Kids can create their own crayon labels, learn how crayons are made and more.
Sports-Centric Things to Do in Dallas
47. Catch a SMU Football Game
Southern Methodist University, located in the heart of Dallas, draws fans from near and far for fall football games. Dress in red and blue to fit in with the other SMU Mustang fans.
48. See a Basketball Game at the American Airlines Center
Venture downtown to the American Airlines Center to catch a Mavericks basketball game. Dirk Nowitski may no longer play, but it’s a great experience for any basketball fan.
49. Watch a Dallas Cowboys Game
Drive over to Arlington to the massive AT&T stadium to support the Dallas Cowboys football team and get a taste of Texas football culture with this thing to do in Dallas.
50. See a Texas Rangers Game
The Texas Rangers are North Texas’ baseball team and it’s a fun thing to do in Dallas to catch a game and grab a hot dog on a warm spring day.
Free Things to Do in Dallas
51. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
Located in the Downtown Dallas arts district, the Dallas Museum of Art’s main collection is free to explore. This free thing to do in Dallas is perfect for hot summer days and for arts and culture seekers.
52. Spend Time at Klyde Warren Park
Right across from the Dallas Museum of Art is Klyde Warren Park, a greenspace with arching trees, food trucks, a dog park and a playground for kids. It’s free to visit and an enjoyable thing to do in Dallas for an afternoon.
53. Visit Thanks-giving Square
With a white, shell-like exterior and sparkling stained glass patterns inside, Thanks-giving Square is a small chapel designed by architect Philip Johnson nestled in Dpwntown Dallas. It’s free to visit this Dallas attraction, and the surrounding benches and trees create a peaceful atmosphere.
54. Bike or Walk on the Margaret McDermott Bridge
Bike and pedestrian walkways recently opened on the Margaret McDermott Bridge, one of the arching white bridges south of downtown. Take in skyline views while getting some exercise with this thing to do in Dallas.
Things to Do in Downtown Dallas
55. Take a Downtown Segway Tour
Get a lay of the land with a Downtown Dallas segway tour, which will take you to many famous Dallas sites from the fun perch of a zippy segway.
56. Explore the Bishop Arts District
Quirky and beautiful, the historic Bishop Arts District is just south of downtown in Oak Cliff. Brunch at Oddfellows, a local favorite, or pop into the bookstore-bar combo The Wild Detectives. There is plenty to explore!
57. Dine at Trinity Groves
Trinity Groves is a dining and shopping destination in view of the beautiful white bridges south of downtown. This is a fun place to go in Dallas for views of the bridges and for a great meal.
58. See Butterflies at the Texas Discovery Gardens
Visit the Texas State Fair grounds any time to see the Texas Discovery Gardens, which has seven acres of gardens, a butterfly house and even a snake exhibit.
59. Dallas Heritage Village
Learn about what life was like in Dallas more than a century ago at the Dallas Heritage Village, an interesting thing to do in Dallas for history buffs. Tour 19th century buildings and check their website to see if there are any special events going on during your visit.
60. Visit Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is often called the birthplace of Dallas, as it is the former location of the first home built in the area. Now, it’s a grassy plaza with memorials honoring prominent Dallas residents, but it’s most known for being the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assasination in 1963.
61. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum is a thing to do in Dallas to get a sense of the history that has happened in the city. The museum is located in the top two floors of the Texas School Book Depository, which was the vantage point of Lee Harvey Oswald. The museum chronicles the assasination of JFK and the following investigation.
62. Take in the View at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower stands tall on the Dallas skyline as “the ball” that lights up at night in many colors. Grab a ticket to zip to the top of the tower and take in the views of the city. There is also a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the tower to enjoy after seeing the sights.
63. Visit the Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is home to thousands of stunning creatures from the depths of the sea to the heights of the jungle tree tops. From the rainforest exhibit with monkeys, sloths and bright birds to the many tropical fish exhibits, a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Downtown Dallas.
Iconic Things to Do in Dallas
64. Immerse Yourself in Fort Worth Cowboy Culture
Visit the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Cowgirl Museum, and the Hall of Fame during a day trip to Fort Worth. You’ll learn about the rugged history of the area and a fair share of western lore.
65. Visit the Texas State Fair
If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas in the fall, the Texas State Fair is a Dallas attraction that can’t be beat. Ride roller coasters, dine on creative fried fare (fried butter, anyone?) and see fascinating exhibits.
66. Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Former President George W. Bush has his presidential library on the SMU campus in Dallas. Visit the library to learn about the Bush presidency, see memorabilia and dine in the café.
67. Visit the JFK Memorial
In Downtown Dallas stands a striking memorial to former president John F. Kennedy not far from where he was assassinated. It honors the spirit and legacy of the beloved president.
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