Best Things to Do with Kids in Dallas This Spring

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Dallas this spring, there are so many beautiful, simple ways to get out of the house and enjoy the season.

Spring in Dallas always feels like a reset.

The weather softens, everything begins to bloom, and if you have little ones, you can almost feel their energy shift the second they’re back outside.

If you’ve been looking for a few easy, go-to spots to get out of the house this season, these are some of my personal favorites things to do with kids in Dallas—places I’ve either spent time at myself or consistently recommend to families.

🌸 Dallas Arboretum

If you only choose one place to visit this spring, make it the Arboretum.

The tulips, azaleas, and layers of color throughout the gardens are stunning this time of year, and it’s one of those places that truly feels like an experience for both you and your kids.

If you’re visiting with little ones, I highly recommend parking at the garage and entering through Gate 4. It brings you right into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which makes the entire experience feel much more manageable.

Inside the children’s garden, there’s a really fun treehouse-style structure, hands-on exhibits, and seasonal water features that kids naturally gravitate toward. It’s interactive without feeling overwhelming, and the views of the lake throughout the property are just as beautiful for parents.

One of my favorite ways to do the Arboretum with little ones is to go in the morning, let them explore and play, and then pack a simple picnic to enjoy once they’re ready for a break. You can tuck everything into the bottom of your stroller and find a shady spot on the lawn to sit and slow down for a bit.

Spring in Texas is short-lived, and this is one of the loveliest places to actually soak it in.

And if packing a picnic doesn’t sound like your thing, Smoky Rose is right across the street and such an easy, kid-friendly option. The patio is spacious, relaxed, and the food is genuinely good.

🧸 Play Street Museum Lake Highlands

This is one of my favorite spots for toddlers, especially if you’re looking for something a little more low-key.

The Lake Highlands location (Walnut Hill & Skillman) is thoughtfully designed and intentionally smaller, which makes such a difference. They limit the number of children in each session, so it never feels chaotic or overstimulating.

Inside, everything is set up for imaginative play—little kitchen spaces, a mini hotel setup, dress-up areas—and it’s all scaled perfectly for younger kids.

They also offer rotating activities throughout the week, so there’s always something new to engage with.

It’s a really sweet, contained environment where kids can explore and socialize at their own pace.

🦖 Moody Family Children’s Museum

Located inside the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, this is such a fun option if you’re looking for something interactive and a little more structured.

The children’s museum is on the lower level and designed specifically for younger visitors, but it truly spans a wide age range—from babies up through around age 10.

There are hands-on exhibits throughout, including a water play table, a rotating craft area, and an outdoor space where kids can dig for dinosaur fossils—which is always a highlight.

It’s one of those places where your child can move from one activity to the next without losing interest, and everything is built to encourage curiosity and exploration.

🐠 Children’s Aquarium Dallas

This is such a great option if you’re looking for something simple, contained, and genuinely fun for younger kids.

The aquarium is on the smaller side, which honestly works in your favor with little ones. It’s just enough to keep their attention without becoming overwhelming.

Inside, you’ll find tanks filled with bright saltwater fish, freshwater exhibits (including axolotls, which are always a hit), and Stingray Bay, where kids can watch others interact up close with the animals.

It’s the kind of outing that feels easy—just enough stimulation, just enough variety—and by the time you’ve made your way through, your little one is usually ready for a good nap.

🦒 Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo is such a fun spring activity—but timing here really matters.

This is definitely one to do early in the season and early in the day. Mornings are your best bet for cooler temperatures, easier parking, and a more enjoyable pace with little ones.

It’s a lot of walking, so I always recommend bringing a stroller, along with plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. There are snack stands throughout the zoo if you need them (I’m especially a fan of the Dippin’ Dots), but having your own on hand makes things much easier.

A few of my favorite parts:

• The penguins are always such a hit
• Feeding the giraffes is such a fun, interactive experience

The giraffe feeding is especially sweet with little ones. Sometimes they’re a little unsure at first, but once they see you do it, they usually warm up quickly—and it becomes such a fun little confidence-building moment.

Before you head out, the carousel near the entrance is a really fun way to wrap up your visit, and the gift shop is worth popping into if you need a quick break from the heat or just want to browse something fun.

🤸🏼‍♀️ The Little Gym of Dallas

If you’re looking for something more routine-based, this is such a great option.

The Mockingbird & Abrams location has an incredible team, and the classes are genuinely so well run. I’ve personally attended with some of my nanny kids, and it’s one of those places where you’re not sure who’s having more fun—the kids or you.

The classes are a mix of movement, coordination, and play, but they also naturally build confidence and social skills in a really encouraging environment.

It’s structured enough to feel purposeful, but still fun and engaging for little ones.

A Note for This Season

Spring with young children is such a fleeting window.

The curiosity, the energy, the way they experience everything for the first time—it all passes more quickly than we expect, and the years somehow seem to move faster with each season.

These are the moments that feel ordinary while you’re in them, but end up being the ones you miss the most.

If you’ve been thinking about documenting this stage for your family, I would truly encourage you not to wait for the “perfect” time. It’s already here.

My spring calendar is currently full, but I am booking summer and fall family sessions. If you’d like to get something on the calendar, I’d love to start planning with you.

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