by Heinz Sladek

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Typical of a major city in the state of Texas, Dallas has a wealth of activities for young and old alike. For the younger set, it is important to find activities that are not only fun but cost effective for the whole family. The following list of activities are free and fun for children of all ages.

Fair Park
Mid-September through October is the month when the State Fair of Texas comes alive with activity. However, the rest of the year people are welcome to visit the more than nine museums and six entertainment facilities. Guests will enjoy the Science Place, the Natural History Museum, The Age of Steam Railroad Museum, Dallas Aquarium, the planetarium and the IMAX theatre. The African American Museum and the Hall of State Museum are both free to the public. The African American Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Hall of State is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

M-Line All Around
The M-Line Streetcar, Trolley Bus are both free to the public. Children will enjoy riding in these historic vehicles which will take guests to many hubs of activity within the Dallas area like the Dallas Museum of Art and the West End. Service runs Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and weekends, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Farmers Branch Historical Park
The Farmers Branch Historical Park houses many historic buildings and structures from the 1840s to the 1940s. Children will enjoy exploring log cabins and even a 1930's gas station. The park is interactive and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and weekends, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Observation Station
Children will enjoy visiting the observation station at Founder's Plaza at DFW International Airport. Children will have the opportunity to see thousands of takeoffs and landings each day. The facility is equipped with a graph board, control tower speaker system and long distance binoculars. The observation station is open 7 days a week from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.

Super Model Train
Children love trains and the permanent model train display at the Children's Medical Center of Dallas is a great place to see them. Eight trains run concurrently daily. Located at 1935 Motor Street, this exhibit is fun for the whole family and will bring out the kid in everyone.

Fantasy Landing
This playground caters to children of all ages and abilities. The playground features many things that allow children with and without disabilities to play and interact in the same space. The playground is located in Kiest Park in Oak Cliff.

Dallas Nature Center
The Dallas Nature Center offers guests access to over 10 miles of hiking trails and native Texas habitat. Children will enjoy exploring the wilderness and prairie area along with the opportunity to learn about the Texas Watersheds and native-plants. Located at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, families can truly enjoy the outdoors it this fabulous site.

Visitors to Dallas with children can not miss these free activities. Dallas has something for young and old alike, so gather the family and plan a trip to Dallas today.

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