Family-Friendly Spring Activities in Dallas, TX

Spring is in the air, and the next school break is right around the corner. If you’re anything like our team at The Hand and Wrist Institute, you’re likely looking forward to spending some quality time with your family. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do outside on a sunny day or indoors when it rains, there’s plenty to explore in the Dallas area this time of year. Read on to discover eight family-friendly spring activities in Dallas.

Walk Around the Dallas Zoo

Image via Unsplash by taylor gregory

Surprise your kids with a trip to the Dallas Zoo to see all their favorite animals. From elephants and chimpanzees to goats and flamingos, the Dallas Zoo has plenty of exciting exhibits to explore. You can also feed the giraffes, walk through the interactive aviary, and catch a ride on the T-Rex Express Mini-Train. If you’re looking for something fun for just the kids, the Dallas Zoo offers day camps every weekend, starting in April. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Explore Fossils at the Perot Museum

Explore virtual paleo-habitats and view rare fossils at the Perot Museum. The T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall even has a brand new Paleo Lab, where you can take a sneak peek at what type of research paleontologists are doing at the museum in real time. This interactive and awe-inspiring exhibit even features a fun scavenger hunt and children 5 and younger can dig for replica fossils in the outdoor dig area.

The Perot Museum also features plenty of other exhibits, including halls dedicated to sports, engineering, birds, and the expanding universe. If you’re looking for something fun for your kids to do while you’re at work, check out their extensive list of spring camps and classes. The Perot Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Visit the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower

Plan a family visit to the iconic GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower over spring break. To celebrate the season, Reunion Tower is hosting daily events and activities from March 7 through March 18. Hang out with the Dallas Jackals rugby team, enjoy storytime presented by the Dallas Public Library, or get creative during the Crayola Experience. 

Whichever events you choose to attend, you’re sure to find the 360-degree panoramic view of the Dallas skyline from 470 feet up absolutely breathtaking. The GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower is open most afternoons and evenings. For a full list of hours, visit the Reunion Tower website. 

Tour the Frontiers of Flight Museum

Take your little astronauts to the Frontiers of Flight Museum to learn about the history of space flight and aviation. With 21 galleries, exhibits, and displays to choose from, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is also hosting its annual Spring Break Camp from March 14 through March 18. This camp includes games, educational tours, and creative projects for students in fifth through eighth grade. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Spend an Afternoon at the Children’s Aquarium

Plan a deep sea adventure at the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. Packed with interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, the Children’s Aquarium always has something fun going on. View exhibits with large sharks, colorful fish, and all sorts of aquatic animals from around the world. Then, head on over to the touch tanks to pet and feed the stingrays. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Children’s Aquarium Mining Company to pan for fossils, gems, and other unique treasures to take home. The Children’s Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Go Horseback Riding at River Ranch

Saddle up for an adventure at River Ranch at Texas Horse Park. From horseback riding sessions for the whole family to lessons for kids, there’s something for every horse lover at River Ranch. Schedule a trail ride, visit the arena, or book a spring party event that everyone will remember. River Ranch Educational Charities runs the ranch, and its main goal is to offer naturally therapeutic nature-based and equine services, along with teaching the basics of horseback riding and horsemanship. All sessions and events are currently by appointment only, so book your family’s next adventure online to reserve your spot. 

Go For a Hike at the Cedar Ridge Preserve

Enjoy the fresh air outside by taking the family for a hike at the Cedar Ridge Preserve. Explore 13 trails that connect throughout the preserve to provide endless opportunities for adventure. Bring a camera to snap photos and see how many types of birds you can identify during your visit. If you’re looking for something rewarding to do on the weekend, join the Habitat Restoration and Trail Maintenance volunteers on the third Saturday of each month to help remove nonnative plants or work in the beautiful butterfly garden. Cedar Ridge Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. 

See a Show at the Dallas Children’s Theater

Last but certainly not least, you can get tickets for a family-friendly show at the Dallas Children’s Theater. With a whole lineup of entertaining shows, classes, and events, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy this spring. Some popular upcoming shows include “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” and “10 Seconds.” The Dallas Children’s Theater also features spring classes for aspiring actors and actresses, and it aims to inspire and challenge children of every demographic to contribute to a more peaceful, united world. 

We hope our list of eight family-friendly spring activities in the Dallas area provided you with some fun ideas to spend time with your loved ones this season. If we missed one of your favorite springtime events or activities, let us know so we can share it with readers on our next list. 

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.