Family vacations in Dallas-Fort Worth can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters — it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Dallas-Fort Worth family vacations.
Fort Worth Stockyards
The
originally served as a rest stop for long cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail. Beyond Fort Worth, cowboys and their cattle faced the challenges of crossing the Red River and entering Indian Territory. The Stockyards is now a mecca for attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining and special events. Eat barbecue brisket and ribs at Billy Bob’s, watch the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, visit the Stockyards Museum and shop at dozens of specialty shops.
Address: 500 N.E. 23rd Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164Phone: 817-626-7921Hours: Open daily 24 hours. Visit website for hours for a particular business.Price: Free admission to The Stockyards, fees for special events
Dallas Museum Of Nature And Science
The
is made up of three museums in Dallas. Three separate museums merged in 2006 to create one of the largest museums in the country, featuring the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place and Dallas Children’s Museum. Families can explore the dinosaur exhibits, walk along the beautiful Lagoon Nature Walk and explore the human anatomy in the Your Incredible Body exhibit.
Address: 3535 Grand Ave. and 1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75315Phone: 214-428-5555Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Extended summer hours from May 28 through September 5: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.Price: Adults ages 18 to 61, $10; children ages 2 to 11, $7; children under 2 years old, free; students ages 12 to 17, $9; seniors ages 62 and up, $9
Six Flags Over Texas
has thrilled families and kids of all ages for many years. The amusement park offers thrill rides, shows and other entertainment for kids. Costumed superheroes and cartoon characters from Warner Bros. and DC Comics roam the park to surprise and amuse the little ones. Many of the rides also have cartoon or superhero themes. Ride the Texas Giant, a huge wooden roller coaster, or the wet and wild Roaring Rapids. Those wanting more low-key entertainment can catch a concert or live show, like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Celebrate Texas.
Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010Phone: 817-640-8900Hours: The park opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.Price: General admission, $56.99; child under 48 inches, $36.99; ages 2 and under, free
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo sits on 106 acres featuring several species of animals for families to learn about. The Children’s Zoo offers kids the chance to pet pygmy goats, miniature donkeys or baby sheep. The Worlds of Africa features a gorilla habitat that mimics the animal's natural environment. Enjoy burgers or pizza at the Prime Meridian Food Court or attend a class to learn about the conservation and research mission at the zoo.
Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203Phone: 469-554-7500Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. dailyPrice: Adults ages 12 to 64, $12; children ages 3 to 11, $9; seniors ages 65 and up, $9; children ages 2 and under, free
Museum Of The American Railroad
The
in Dallas explores the long history and high-tech future of the railway system. The museum displays the classic trains of yesteryear and is one of the biggest railroad museums in the Southwest. Examine the Pullman Sleeping Cars and the Santa Fe Waycar or take a guided tour and learn the history of the transportation system.
Address: 1105 Washington St. Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75210Phone: 214-428-0101Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $7; children ages 3 to 12, $3; children under 3 years old, free
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The
helps children up to 8 years old learn through play in the
. Kids can toy around in a natural science work space or examine live reptiles and amphibians, learning how they live and interact. There's also an area that's specially designed to help infants develop new skills while having fun.
Address: 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX 76107Phone: 817-255-9300Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.Price: Adult, $14; children and seniors, $10; Children under 2 years old, free
Texas State Fair
Every September and October, the State Fair of Texas opens for business and offers families loads of entertainment. Attend marquee concerts and the annual Red River Rivalry football game between the University of Oklahoma and University of Texas, which happens at the adjoining Cotton Bowl. The fair's main entertainment area, or midway, offers fun and games and tons of food. There are also several museums with special events during the fair, a children’s activity center and rodeos.
Address: 3921 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210Phone: 214-565-9931Hours: September and October, gates open at 10 a.m.Price: General admission, $16; kids under 48 inches tall, $12; seniors ages 60 and over, $12; children ages 2 and under, free
Have you been to Dallas-Fort Worth? What's your favorite attraction?
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story referred to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History as "The Children's Museum," which was the museum's name until 1968.
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