dallas
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WanderLittles Blogs about Dallas
coming soon! |
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East Dallas
Close to White Rock Lake and the Arboretum (see our "play" section), head here after a day of fun in the sun for good food, cold beer, and cool patios (complete with the ultimate sandlot playground). Kids menu boasts the traditional favorites along with a cashew butter and honey sandwich... mmm. |
Lower Greenville
They call it a beer garden and adult playground, but there is plenty here to delight the senses of younger patrons, as well. A rotating schedule of food trucks ensures that you can find something for every palate, and the 15,000 square feet of (shaded) outdoor space ensures plenty of room for little legs to stretch. Dogs are allowed here as well, so The Truck Yard scores extra points for its canine entertainment factor. |
Several locations
With nine different locations to choose from (including Arlington, Westlake, Garland, and more), Babe's is sure to give you that stick-to-your-ribs meal you came to Dallas for. Fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, Grandma's corn, banana pudding, and more . . . all served with a side of good old-fashioned family fun (you had better practice your Hokey Pokey before you come). |
East Dallas
Doesn't a kid-free brunch, maybe quiche and mimosas, sound lovely? Well, I can't give you that, but I can get you close. At Bake and Play Cafe, kiddos can burn off their meal (maybe even the cookies they just decorated!) by climbing and sliding in the play area, while you can sit back in the cafe (supervising through the large window, of course) and enjoy lunch or dinner and a drink . . . and some peace. (Note: kiddos and adults will all need socks. They have some for purchase if you forget). |
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Fairview (although there are several other locations)
A little further out, in the tiny suburb of Fairview (not much here except for shopping; the Allen outlets are basically across the street), Gloria's packs a one-two punch: incredible Salvadorian and Tex-Mex dishes (I like the shrimp enchiladas), and a fun splash pad right outside the patio gates. If your kiddos are old enough, sit back with your sangria and watch them soak up the joys of summer. |
2 locations: Uptown, Addison
You know a restaurant is kiddo-friendly when they stock wipes and baby powder in the bathroom. Combine that with tasty menu items and a playground at both locations, and everybody is happy. I personally like the Salad Sampler for lunch: pesto chicken salad, albacore tuna salad, and fresh fruit with a poppy seed dressing. They also serve dreamy breakfasts and dinners. |
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PLay:
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We really could just put this one museum on our list and feel wonderful about having served you. This place is just THAT good (and you could find something new to do here every day of your vacation!). From the children's museum with art lab, outdoor play space and courtyard; to incredible dinosaur fossils; to a yummy Wolfgang Puck cafe, and MUCH more. Wagons and strollers are allowed in the museum (or can be parked at the entrance) but are not available for rent; there are changing tables in both the women's and the men's rooms (nice) on Level 1. And did we happen to mention the children's museum tagline? We at WanderLittles simply cannot resist it: "Where Little Explorers Make Big Discoveries." MIC DROP. |
Downtown
Earlier in my life, my biggest beef with Dallas was honestly the highways, of which it has plenty. Well, in 2012, Dallas tried to offset that by opening Klyde Warren Park on a 5-acre deck literally over an 8-lane freeway. Incredibly walkable from Uptown, the arts district, and downtown, Klyde Warren hopes to "serve as a central gathering space for Dallas and its visitors," and does so successfully with its plethora of activities for old and young alike (yoga, chess, kirtan, storytimes, etc.). Check out the Children's Park with its playgrounds, fountains, ampitheater, and more. . Parking can be on the street, valet for $15, or in one of several nearby garages. Parking and other logistical info here. |
Downtown
Breathtaking in its beauty, the Dallas World Aquarium has so much more than just fish. Try sharks, manatees, penguins, sloths, jaguars . . . wait, did we say jaguars?? When you have had your fill of education and excitement, grab lunch in one of the two restaurants, or the more casual cafe. |
East Dallas
Incredible floral displays and photo ops galore. Sound like a snoozefest? Okay, then maybe I should mention the super fun Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. Seriously, it's fantastic, with exhibits such as First Adventure (large insects to climb on and explore); A Walk in the Cloud (incredible canopy netting, their version of "a bounce house in the air"); Petroglyph Walk; Kaleidescope Gallery, and much more. Grab lunch at the adjacent cafe, and don't miss the daily activities (storytimes, puppet shows, and more). Find the daily schedule here. |
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East Dallas
Need some fresh air? Head out to White Rock Lake, an oasis during your Dallas travels. Pick up a picnic lunch from the Whole Foods at Richmond and Abrams, then spend a beautiful day watching sailboats and enjoying the scenery. Spend some time at the different playgrounds, which can be found:
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Edge of Downtown
Dallas may well be a mecca of modern museums and glamorous shopping, but don't forget that you are in Texas, after all. Round out your vacation with a step back into 19th century Texas by visiting this gem of a museum. Instead of collecting artifacts, this museum collects buildings, proudly comprising itself of 30 relocated and refurbished historical buildings from all across central and North Texas. From hotels to schoolhouses to antebellum mansions, forget the skyscrapers beyond, and take a step back in time. |
If dinner and a Broadway show sounds ideal for a vacation, well, this is about as good as traveling with kiddos can get. Before you head to the Big-D, check out what the Children's Theatre has playing. (My daughter and I are super excited to be seeing the Fancy Nancy Musical soon! Disclaimer: I didn't even know there was a Fancy Nancy Musical. Did you??). Anywho, if your little one is a theatre lover, or just loves his or her characters, this would be a fun outing on your vacation. |
You know how much kids love visiting fire stations? Well this museum gives them that experience, plus the education of how firefighting has evolved over time. At the Dallas Firefighters Museum, kiddos are allowed to dress up and even play on the firetrucks! The best part: all curators are retired firemen. Who better to answer our kiddos' questions?? |
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North Dallas
Dallas is known for its world-class shopping, and The Galleria delivers and MORE, because it entertains your kiddos as well. A wonderful PlayPlace (third floor by Saks), an American Girl store and cafe, Disney store, even an ice skating rink (with a super tall Christmas tree during the holidays), and more. A win for you AND the littles! |
Grapevine
Is it too cliche to put 2 malls in for Dallas activities? Okay, okay, but for real, these are good ones. My daughter has been able to say "Grapevine Mills Mall" ever since we moved to Dallas when she was 3. It might be the wonderful Sea Life Aquarium, the Legoland, the Rainforest Cafe, the Disney store, the carousel . . . you get the picture. Grapevine Mills is definitely more than just a mall! |
Several locations
Okay, this place is super fun. I'm not normally into cheesy kid places, but this one gets even my more serious kiddo jumping and playing and making friends, so I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the perfect place to get energy out and good times happening. You can even order pizza in for for lunch from the check-in desk. |
Frisco and Plano
Oh, Play Street Museum, how I love thee. Simple, sweet, clean, uncrowded, Play Street is quite simply a tiny town for tiny people. Vet clinic, fire station, diner . . . watch your children's imaginations unfold as you relax in the snack area or simply enjoy your kiddos enjoying themselves. Afterwards, grab some Orange Leaf frozen yogurt (Frisco location). |
stay.
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Uptown
This luxurious Uptown hotel looks like a castle but astounds with modern amenities galore, but they come at a cost. The "Rose Buds" children's program offers:
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Another elegant Rosewood hotel, the Mansion at Turtle Creek offers the same Rose Buds amenities as the Rosewood Crescent, but in a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of Tuscany. Not as expensive as a trip to Italy, but definitely pricey. Convenience and luxury can be pricey! |
Dallas Downtown
If you are looking for something a little more budget-friendly, reviewers tell us this is one of the nicest Homewood Suites out there (and we love suites when it comes to traveling with kiddos!). Extremely large rooms, a fun indoor pool, free cribs and high chairs, full kitchen, full breakfast, and free wine and appetizers Mon-Thurs evenings (not that you need after traveling with kids or anything...!). Wonderful location-- walkable to many attractions-- and only 2 blocks from the DART station. |
Grapevine
Four fun-filled words: Indoor Water Park Resort. This chain resort (there are currently 12 GWLs across the US and Canada) is the ultimate all-in-one kid vacation. With a fun outdoor adventure ambiance, Great Wolf Lodge boasts more than just the incredible water park; what if we told you it also had:
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vacation rentals
For vacation rentals, there are a plethora of options on homeaway.com and vrbo.com. We will be bringing you specific property reviews soon! For now, let us steer you to these specific neighborhoods (some of these are different names for the same places in case properties describe them differently).
Downtown Dallas
Highland Park
University Park
Park Cities
East Dallas
M-Streets
Lake Highlands (White Rock Lake)
Uptown
Suburbs such as Grapevine, Plano, Southlake, McKinney
Downtown Dallas
Highland Park
University Park
Park Cities
East Dallas
M-Streets
Lake Highlands (White Rock Lake)
Uptown
Suburbs such as Grapevine, Plano, Southlake, McKinney
general tips:
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You're probably gonna need a car
So here's the deal. Yes, there is the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transport). And depending on what you are wanting to see and do, that may be absolutely fine. However, Dallas is a very big city with a things very spread out, so most likely, you will need to rent a car. If you are staying someplace like Uptown or M-Streets, you may be absolutely fine without one, but do your research.
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City Pass
If you plan to hit the Perot Museum (and we hope you do!), the Dallas Zoo, and the Arboretum, you might consider checking out the Dallas City Pass to save yourself some money (that you can then spend at The Galleria).
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