Fair Park’s Hall Of State
Built for the State of Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, Dallas’ Hall of State still stands an an incredible architectural wonder and is home to an array of special exhibitions and artifacts significant to the Lone Star State’s history. This 63,500 square foot limestone and granite building is located right in Fair Park and offers your group the chance to immerse themselves in Texas heritage. Visitors can uncover exhibitions highlighting everything from Texas aviation, photography, and furniture. Your group can even check out luxury automobiles from the 1920s and 30s in pristine condition. History buffs will be thrilled to learn about Texas culture and people over the past few centuries. You’ll even discover the famous Kennedy exhibit showcasing details of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. Touring the Hall of State is a wonderful educational opportunity for all ages and backgrounds. Pair your visit with other iconic Fair Park attractions like the classic Cotton Bowl Stadium, the foodie paradise State Fair of Texas, the Children’s Aquarium, or the fascinating Women’s Museum.
Hall of State at Fair Park 3939 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 (214) 428-4449
The Dallas Aquarium
Dallas is one of the largest major metropolitan areas in the country without access to an aquarium, but the wait is over. The massive new 106,000 square foot Dallas Aquarium recently opened right next to the Dallas Zoo and is home to everything from jellyfish to octopus, exotic fish species, sting rays, rescued Florida manatees, and so much more. It’s an immersive, indoor underwater world for your group to discover. Some aquarium highlights your crew will encounter include the three-level rainforest habitat showcasing creatures like sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and reptiles. The sunken temple exhibit brings an ancient underwater city to life while the shipwreck habitat shows off a replica antique pirate ship fully decked out with sharks circling around it. Of course, the Dallas Aquarium also has traditional aquatic exhibits like colorful coral reefs, a kelp forest, and a special ray touch pool. The massive aquarium dome lets your group gaze at hammerhead sharks and a diverse mix of fish as they swim above. An on-site restaurant, gift shop, and animal encounters make this an all-day adventure. Add the new Dallas Aquarium to your must-visit list on your next outing.
Dallas Zoo Aquarium 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203 (469) 554-7300
Heritage Farmstead Museum
History loves searching for an immersive, hands-on adventure will be right at home at Heritage Farmstead Museum. This living history museum sits on 4 acres and transports visitors back to life in the 19th century through preserved buildings and daily demonstrations. Costumed interpreters bring Heritage Farmstead to life as they depict what life was like for early North Texas settlers through activities like cooking, farming, and crafting. Explore replica cabins, barns, a smokehouse, chicken coop, blacksmith shop, and even an operational gristmill during your visit. Younger groups can enjoy old-fashioned games and trips through the hands-on discovery center. Heritage Farmstead Museum reveals what day-to-day living looked like before electricity and modern technology changed everything. It’s a wonderful blast into the past for groups of all ages.
Heritage Farmstead Museum 1900 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075 (972) 581-0050
Historic Wilson House
Also known as the McKee-Wilson House, this historic home gives visitors a glimpse into Dallas life during the early 20th century through tours of a preserved Victorian-era mansion. Built in 1901, the McKee-Wilson House was originally the family estate of wealthy Dallasites Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gilmer McKee. Both Mr. McKee and his brother-in-law were influential bankers in the early Dallas economic boom. Although private tours must be scheduled, your group can visit during the home’s limited public hours from Wednesday through Sunday and admire the 14 room Queen Anne-style home filled with original furnishings. You’ll see gorgeous original stained glass, fireplace mantels crafted from cherry wood, and stunning artisan woodwork throughout the house. Understanding Dallas’ formative years in the early 1900s is easier when you get an up-close look into how prominent families lived during the era. Schedule your visit to Historic Wilson House today.
Historic Wilson House 1409 Pennsylvania Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 421-5498
International Bowling Museum
Bowling may not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking about museums in Dallas, but the International Bowling Museum is certainly worth a visit. Located right near the massive Arlington Convention Center complex, this specialized museum documents the history of bowling and showcases impressive collections related to the popular sport. Historic bowling artifacts date back as far as 3200 BC in ancient Egypt. But the timeline continues through retro bowling artifacts from the sport’s 1950s golden era all the way into the modern era. Groups can even try their hand at bowling with interactive exhibits. Other museum highlights include the International Bowling Hall of Fame, antique bowling pins, vintage bowling shirts, and a variety of trophies and awards. You don’t have to be a bowling enthusiast to appreciate this fascinating museum dedicated to one of the most beloved sports worldwide. Add it to your DFW bucket list.
International Bowling Museum 621 Six Flags Dr, Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 385-8215
Harrison House Kessler Park
Built in 1905, Harrison House gives groups a glimpse into turn-of-the-century life in Dallas through tours of this restored Victorian-style home. Originally built for Dallas entrepreneur William Henry Harrison, this gorgeous historic house is now part of Dallas’ public park system. Your group can explore period-decorated rooms overflowing with original features like artisan woodwork, leaded glass windows, and ornate fireplace mantles. Understanding Dallas’ early 20th century boom is easier when you tour a well-preserved house from the era. Harrison House also showcases the architecture and lifestyle of Dallas’ prominent early families. Don’t miss this opportunity for your group to take a trip back in time to 1905 Texas.
Harrison House Kessler Park – 1217 Turner Ave., Dallas, TX 75208 (214) 948-4128
Riscky’s BBQ
If your group is looking for a hearty Texas barbecue meal paired with a totally unique form of live entertainment, make sure to add Risky’s Bar-B-Q to your Fort Worth itinerary. Pig races? You heard that right. Risky’s offers an expansive buffet loaded with Texas-sized portions of brisket, chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, beans, coleslaw, and all your barbecue favorites. But the main attraction is the live pig races that happen throughout lunch and dinner. The Racing Pigs burst out on their own little dirt racetrack and race for an Oreo waiting for them at the finish line. Kids and adults alike will be shocked and amused to watch potbelly pigs sprint for their favorite cookie. It’s free family entertainment that will leave your group smiling. Catch one of the daily pig races at Risky’s alongside your authentic Texas barbecue feast.
Riscky’s Bar-B-Q 7301 Lake Worth Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76135 (817) 238-6343
Traders Village
For affordable family fun, your Dallas group needs to visit Traders Village in Grand Prairie. At over 100 acres, Traders Village is one of the largest and most diverse flea markets in the Southwest. With so many vendors outdoors, indoor shopping areas, food options, and entertainment, groups of all ages will stay busy for hours exploring everything this huge flea market has to offer. In addition to great shopping and food, Traders Village has a few vintage rides like a classic carousel from 1928. Kids can enjoy rides on the carousel’s beautifully painted horses and carriages for just $1 a ticket. There’s also a miniature train ride that loops around the property. Leave the busy Dallas crowds behind and embrace nostalgic, affordable fun at Traders Village.
Traders Village 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052 (972) 647-2331
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