Dallas-Fort Worth is overflowing with attractions. On weekends, school breaks or any day adventures outside the house, local families have plenty to choose from. In our DFWChild’s 2026 Best for Families survey, our readers in Dallas County weighed in with their favorite destinations and activities. Read on for the winners and why they keep your kids asking to go again and again.
Looking for more of the highest-rated family attractions around Dallas-Fort Worth?
Reader-Favorite Places for Family Fun
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking to shake up your routine, you’ll want to bookmark these family fun destinations that deliver on what matters most.
Best Museum in Dallas County
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
Here you can race a T. rex, challenge friends in robot competitions, experience a simulated earthquake, journey through the universe, and test what it means to “be human.” Everything from dinosaurs to DNA to diamonds is packed into five levels of hands-on discovery. And its newly opened Moody Family Children’s Museum offers awe just for the littlest visitors, 7 and under.
Runner-up: Dallas Museum of Art
Best Place to Explore Nature in Dallas County
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
You can easily spend a whole day just wandering and seeing where things lead. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is a favorite for a reason—kids can climb, explore, and actually touch and try things instead of just looking. Bring a picnic, find a spot on the lawn and let the kids roam a bit.
Runner-up: White Rock Lake, Dallas
Best Park in Dallas County
Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
A vibrant green space in the heart of Downtown Dallas, here you can play, explore and spend time together. Connecting the Arts District, Downtown and Uptown, the Park welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year and offers a wide variety of free programming for all ages—from children’s activities and story times to outdoor concerts, dance performances and movie nights under the stars. Family-friendly favorites include the Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park, the Nancy Best Fountain splash pad, My Best Friend’s Park dog park and wide-open green space perfect for games and picnics.
Runner-up: White Rock Lake Park, Dallas
Best Play Place for Littles in Dallas County
bb piñata, Dallas
Kick off your shoes (socks only!) let the kiddos explore soft play areas, pretend setups and sensory spaces designed just for littles. The space is bright and thoughtfully designed, including an area for you to actually sit with a coffee while they play.
Runner-up: Play Street Museum, Lake Highlands
Best Entertainment for Older Kids in Dallas County
SPARK! Dallas
No wonder families love this spot—it’s part playground, part art studio and all about letting kids be creative. You can climb, crawl and slide through the underground play space, then jump into hands-on art and imaginative activities. It’s interactive, a little messy (in a good way), and totally kid-led. It’s high-energy, a little different and always sparks something new.
Runner-up: Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Multiple locations
Best Shopping Center for Families in Dallas County
NorthPark Center, Dallas
More than a shopping destination, NorthPark Center is a family-friendly Dallas landmark where kids are always welcome. Along with its renowned art collection and wide, stroller-friendly walkways, NorthPark offers free children’s programming, including fun story times hosted by Bookmarks, a Dallas Public Library branch. Families will also find standout shopping options, making it easy to mix style, play and special finds into one visit.
Runner-up: Galleria Dallas
Best Family Golf Course in Dallas County
Brookhaven Country Club, Farmers Branch
Members have access to top-notch racquet sports, fitness and pool amenities, great dining and plenty of family-friendly programming, all paired with a busy social calendar and a welcoming atmosphere.
Runner-up: Tenison Park Golf Course, Dallas
Best Waterpark in DFW
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie
At Epic Waters, it feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. You can race down huge slides, float the longest indoor lazy river in North Texas, or even try surfing on the FlowRider. There’s a dedicated kids’ zone (Rascal’s Round Up) that’s basically its own mini water playground—think smaller slides, spray features, and a big tipping bucket that goes off every few minutes.
Runner-up: NRH2O Family Water Park, North Richland Hills
Best Amusement Park in DFW
Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Bounce between roller coasters, kid rides, shows and snacks from start to finish. You can chase big thrills or stick to the family-friendly areas, so everyone has something to look forward to. And if you’ve got thrill-seekers in your crew, there’s a huge reason to go: a brand-new coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run is set to open this year as the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world, climbing over 300 feet before dropping you straight down at a beyond-vertical angle and hitting speeds around 87 mph.
Runner-up: Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills
Best Place to See Animals in DFW
Fort Worth Zoo
Always a favorite among our readers, this is one of those places that kids and parents love. You can cool off at Safari Splash, a 14,000-square-foot splash pad with slides, water cannons, and a toddler area that’s a lifesaver in the Texas heat. Families also love spots like Elephant Springs, where you can watch elephants play in the water, and the up-close animal habitats that make it feel more interactive than your typical zoo.
Runner-up: Dallas Zoo
Best Family Road Trip Destination
Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK
Plan a quick getaway and you can be here in about three hours from Dallas—close enough to be easy, but far enough to feel like a true escape. You can spend the day on the lake, hike scenic trails, or mix in some indoor fun like arcades and shopping. DFW families love that it works for any kind of trip, too, with 3,000+ cabins ranging from cozy spots for a weekend away to big group rentals. It’s one of those places you can make exactly what you want.
Runner-up: San Antonio/River Walk
Best Local Staycation in DFW
Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
Check in and head straight for the water park—that’s how most families kick things off. You can spend hours on slides, in the wave pool or in the kid-friendly splash areas, then take a break for arcade games, story times and all the extra activities built into the resort. Everything’s right there, so you don’t have to leave once you arrive. It’s an easy, all-in-one staycation that keeps everyone busy (and happy).
Runner-up: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
Best Wild West Experience in DFW
Fort Worth Stockyards
Step into the Stockyards and it really does feel like you’ve gone back in time. You can watch the twice-daily cattle drive, wander the wooden sidewalks, and pop into shops, restaurants and live music spots along the way. Kids love seeing the longhorns up close, and there’s always something happening—from rodeos to little Western moments you just stumble into. It’s fun, a little touristy in the best way.
Runner-up: National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth
RELATED: See all the Best for Families winners across DFW here