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Welcome to the Dallas Fort Worth area. Whatever your reason for visiting I know you’re going to love it just as much as we did! Along with this post on what to do in Dallas make sure you check out “What to Eat” AND “The Best Dessert Spots!”

I don’t know if I’ve explained on here before but Robin and I move around a lot. Robin sells pest control so every summer, for about 5 months we move somewhere in the Unites States. So far we have lived in California twice and Texas this year (Robin also sold in Missouri the summer before we got married). It makes for a TON of moving but it also gives us the chance to really explore a new place every year.

So here are the things we tried and loved in the Dallas Fort Worth area during our summer here in Texas. I am also throwing in a bonus activity in North Richland Hills because I thought it was really fun!!

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.

Dallas

JFK Monument and Museum

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas in November of 1963. You can see the exact spot on the street where he was assassinated, it is marked by a big white x on the street. Right across the street from that spot, in the building where the shooter shot from, is the 6th Floor Museum that talks all about the assassination and how everything went down. A few blocks away is a giant white monument that was erected in the former President’s honor.

I recommend using CityPass to see the 6th Floor Museum. This pass gives you entrance to 4 popular Dallas sights for 40% off!!

You can walk between all these sights and enjoy being in Downtown Dallas, There are also some old time replica cabins that you can go inside and MANY western themed stores to stop into while you are in the area as well. So this is a great area to pick up a Dallas souvenir.

TIP: If you go in the summer be sure to bring water! It gets hot surrounded by all that concrete!! The Hydroflask is reusable and will keep your drink cold even while you’re walking around!

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is a fun neighborhood in Downtown Dallas that has the coolest murals! Take some time to walk around and get fun pictures in front of a few. While you’re down there make sure you get a meal or at least a dessert. Emporium pies and Picóle Pops, two of the dessert places from my dessert guide are in this neighborhood!

There is also the cutest succulent/cactus shop where you can plant your own cactus and they have a variety of pots and accessories to choose from. And apparently there is a cute pink VW van that frequents the area that is perfect for fun pictures. Just spend time time walking around and exploring but make sure to come with an appetite. Definitely a must visit part of the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Highland Park

Highland Park is a very cute, very trendy part of downtown Dallas that is definitely more high end. There is the Highland Park shopping center that has upscale shops like Chanel and Gucci. The area has amazing spots to take pictures, sit and talk and of course shop.

Nearby the shopping center are some city offices and a fire station that is also great for pictures and has really cute tile fountains and gardens that you can walk through.

The Highland Park area is also home to some EXQUISITE mansions. If you can, take some time to drive around and look at the beautiful million dollars homes. Some are old and some are newer and more modern looking. But they are all worth seeing.

And of course there are several nearby places to eat. Within 20 minutes or so is Fogo de Chao, an upscale brazilian grille and The Henry from my Dallas food guide. I am sure there are many other great places to try too but those are the two I got to try while in the area.

Kylde Warren Park

Also nearby (only about two blocks away walking) is a city park built above a highway overpass called Klyde Warren Park. This is a GREAT place to go if you have kids or you just want to hang out outside. There is a small dog park to go to, they have several oversized games like chess or building blocks and there are picnic tables and benches to eat at.

There is even a concert space where bands do shows and parking spaces for the food trucks that often frequent the area at meal times. It is a really cool area in the middle of Downtown Dallas that is not far from Highland Park area. In fact just two blocks away is Creamistry, a fun ice cream shop and The Henry, my favorite brunch spot in the area.

Picture Park Studio

If you like taking pictures with fun backgrounds, for social media or personal use, this place is great for you. Currently in Downtown Dallas but they do move locations. Be sure to check their Instagram for the updated address.

But they have at least 15 different backdrops that are each so fun and unique! They even provide changing rooms so that you can change and have different outfits for all the many, many pictures you are taking.

Related Posts:

• Dallas Dessert Guide
• Foodies Guide to Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

I went here with my grandma while she was in town. She loves gardening so I thought she would enjoy it. It is a really cool place with tons of plants but it involves a TON of walking. It makes for a beautiful place for family pictures and weddings though. The plants are very unique and you could spend hours walking through the gardens.

There is also a separate kids section with a play area and a small splash pad that would be great to play at if you have kids. It was very gorgeous so, despite the steep price to get in, it was still fun to visit.

In August they do dollar days too. If you are in the area in August this is a great way to get in for a lot cheaper than the rest of the year! Which is a great option since it is so expensive. They also offer group rates so call and check on that if you want to go as a group.

Ennis Bluebonnet Trail (Seasonal)

About 30 minutes outside of Dallas is a small city called Ennis. Here they have the protected Bluebonnet Trail and Festival. The trail is NOT a hiking trail. It is just land off the side of the road where TONS of flowers grow each spring and they are protected since they are the state flower.

Bluebonnet season is for the entire month of April and the Festival is April 12-14th. I recommend downloading the app: Ennis Y’all. It will tell you where the best blooms are currently and give much better directions than I ever could lol. The app also gives you more details on the festival and other details about the area.

Plan Your Own Trip: Ennis Bluebonnet Trail near Dallas, Texas: What You Need to Know

Fort Worth

Twin Points Beach

Ever wanted to go to the beach but you are nowhere near the ocean? I know I fell this way pretty often. This is a hidden gem of a beach in Fort Worth! Located on a lake there is a sand beach and clear water and a floating platform to jump off of and play on. They even had two sand volleyball pits and tons of shaded picnic tables. For being a man-made beach, on a lake, nowhere near the ocean, I was really impressed. So bring a floaty, pack your sand toys and enjoy!

One thing to note is that while the beach is free parking is $20 a car and there is no way to not have to pay parking. Parking is $25 on holidays.

The Stockyards

The stockyards is such a cool spot in Fort Worth! This is where they have rodeos that you can go watch. They have an indoor arena and it is so fun to see mutton busting and bull riding and all the other cowboy sports in existence. It was my first time going to a rodeo when we went here in Fort Worth and we had so much fun. It cost $25 per person but it was worth it!

Nearby the stadium is a whole “main street” type road that is entirely themed after an old western town. They have such fun looking shops, themed restaurants and of course plenty of bars. I definitely recommend coming here to see the country, cowboy side of Texas.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

The water gardens is actually a free outdoor place to go in downtown Fort Worth. It is made up of four different areas, each with a different water feature. The most fun in my opinion was the one in the picture that is a giant fountain descending into the ground that has steps so that you can climb down and take pictures.

Dogs are welcome here as long as they are leashed. I thing this would be a great area to bring a picnic (there are some grassy areas you can sit) and let the kids run around and climb to get some energy out on a nice day.

North Richland Hills

NRH20

There is a lot to do in the Dallas Fort Worth area but if you have a little extra time in the summer then this is a really fun water park in the city of North Richland Hills which is about 40 minutes from Downtown Dallas.

They have 4 really big water slides, a couple smaller ones and a lazy river. They also have a kids area and a giant wave pool so there is plenty to do for all ages. It can be pretty pricey at $25 a person BUT if you arrive at 5 pm or later then it is only $10 a person. They close at 8 pm so that gives you three hours of play for $10 bucks.

Either way you can also bring in food and chairs to set up a station within the park. Lockers are available for rent at an extra $10.

Other Sights

I didn’t get to do these but I have heard great things about them! The best news is they are both included in the Dallas CityPass! Like I mentioned earlier the CityPass gets you 40% off popular sights in Dallas.

Reunion Tower

This is the unique tower in Downtown Dallas. It has the big ball at the very top. This pass allows you to go to the observation deck in the ball. It is a great way to get a nice view of all of Dallas.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

A great museum to visit with kids. This museum is large and located right in Downtown Dallas.

Practical Information for Visiting Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Texas Travel Guide.

Sightseeing through Dallas and Fort Worth

I hope you have so much fun doing these fun activities while you are in the Dallas Fort Worth area! Or even if you are doing a staycation there are lots a great ideas for summer vacation or spring break. Dallas has so much to offer and my husband and I really enjoyed the time we had here these last 5 months. I hope we get to come back one day!

Now we are back in Utah! I will have to write up some guides to the Salt Lake City and Provo areas for you soon. I went to college in the area so I already have some great ones and I always love learning about new things!

While you are down south if you are traveling around I very highly recommend New Orleans because we LOVED it there. The food is amazing and the culture is unique and fun.