37+ Adventurous Things to do DFW in 2026 (From a Local)
Because I’m a full-time teacher, I cannot always be galivanting around the world or roadtripping the USA, so I use my time to explore locally! In the past 12 years (NO idea how it’s already been that long?!) that I have been living in Dallas, I have tried and explored all the things to do in DFW! I’m excited to share this epic list of unique and adventurous things to do near Dallas, TX. Yep, we are going BEYOND the bars and restaurants (although I’m a big fan of those as well.)
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Table of Contents
DFW Adventures Map
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, here’s a quick map of the most unique things to do in (and near) Dallas, TX. Feel free to download this map to use as your ultimate DFW adventure bucket list!
Helpful Booking Links for Your Dallas Getaway!
- Dallas CityPass: Save 50% on Dallas’ top attractions. Check it out on Viator or GetYourGuide!
- Dallas Car Rental: Check out DiscoverCars for the best deals and an all-inclusive search!
- Dallas Hotel: Search for Dallas hotels on Expedia or Hotels.com. I recommend staying right downtown at the highly rated, Omni Resort.
31 Adventurous Things to Do near Dallas, TX
Let’s dive into the details of very best things to do in DFW! Distances are noted from downtown Dallas.
1. Go Ape-Plano, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 25 minutes
- Price: 60 dollars pp. (but I found a Groupon, so worth checking!)
An adventure in the trees, with many obstacles and zip lines. There are options for an “easy” route and a challenging route. It took us over two hours to finish! So far, it’s my favorite adventurous thing to do in DFW (stay tuned in case I change my mind).
2. Fort Worth Stockyards and Rodeo- Fort Worth, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 37 Minutes
- Price: 25 dollars
You can’t visit Texas without making a stop in Fort Worth! The Fort Worth Stockyards has a rodeo every Friday and Saturday night (8 pm) with bull riding, barrel racing, and so much more! You can even ride a mechanical bull before the show starts (outside in the Stockyards). It is definitely one of the very best things to do in DFW!
Check out some other tours/things to do in the Stockyards below!
3. Snorkeling with Stingrays- Fort Worth, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 35 minutes
- Price: Adult Admission: 15 dollars
- Swim with Stingrays: 30 dollars (extra)
This was SO.MUCH.FUN! You can swim with the stingrays in the middle of Ridgmar Mall! Sequest provides you with wetsuits, and you hop in with a staff member. We were able to swim around on our own for almost 1 hour! We were also given shrimp to feed to the stingrays.
If you don’t want to jump in the tank, there are many viewing areas to watch other snorkelers. The aquarium is also very hands-on with many interactive opportunities.
Tip::I used a Groupon for this as well, so it’s worth checking before arriving!
4. Dinosaur Valley State Park- Glen Rose, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Price: 7 Dollars
Only a little over one hour from DFW, Dinosaur Valley is the dog-friendly escape. You can swim, hike, picnic, camp, and search for real dinosaur footprints. Yep, REAL dinosaur footprints! Don’t forget your water-friendly hiking shoes (these Keen sandals are my favorite) or check out my day hiking packing list before heading out!
Looking for more dog-friendly things to do in Dallas? Check out this guide!
5. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center- Glen Rose, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Price: 40 Dollars
Fossil Rim is such a unique thing to do near Dallas! We took the guided tour and were each given a cup of food to feed the visiting animals! You can also opt for a self-guided tour where you’d take your own vehicle along the 7.2-mile loop.
Tip:: If you are visiting Dinosaur Valley (without a dog), you should add this to your trip. It is only 15 minutes away!
6. Fort Worth Zoo- Fort Worth, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 34 minutes
- Price: 20 dollars
- Tip:: Wednesdays are half-price!
Come check out the giraffes, elephants, and gorillas at the Fort Worth Zoo! Each time I have visited, it has not felt busy, been extremely clean, and the layout is great!
7. Epic Water Park- Grand Prairie, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 20 minutes
- Price: $20-$54 Depending on Day and time
- Tip:: I also used a Groupon here, but you can also save money by visiting during the “Twilight” hours.
This is a fun indoor water park with 6+ (huge) waterslides, a surfing simulator, and pools. It’s actually the largest indoor waterpark in all of North Texas! When I visited on a weekday, there were no lines the entire time (the best part for someone as impatient as me).
8. Texas Wine and Wood- Dallas, TX
- Price: 40+ dollars
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
This was so much fun and perfect for a girl’s weekend in DFW! Texas Wine and Wood hosts various DIY wood sign workshops where you can create fun home decor! They even serve you brunch and bottomless Mimosas on Saturdays! You can reserve your spot and choose your design online. Perfect girl’s day!
9. Fort Worth Japanese Garden- Fort Worth, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 34 Minutes
- Price: 12 dollars
The Fort Worth Japanese Garden will transport you to a different country, all without leaving the city! With bridges, plants, and Koi fish, it is a definite must-see! You can also visit the other botanical gardens on site.
10. Top Golf
- Distance from Dallas: Multiple Locations
- Price: Starts at 27 dollars per hour (it is the cheapest earlier in the day)
There are several Top Golf locations scattered around the DFW metroplex, so you can surely find one close to you! In short, Top Golf is a hybrid between golfing and a video game. You have real golf clubs and balls, and you try to aim at different targets depending on the chosen game. It’s a fun way to add a bit of friendly competition to your night!
11. Dallas Botanical Gardens-Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 14 minutes
- Price: $26
- Tip: If you are military or law enforcement, you can get BOGO tickets with a valid ID.
Although the Dallas Botanical Gardens are open year-round, my favorite time to visit is in the Fall. They have thousands of pumpkins and festive decor set up. Christmas is also a fan favorite with lights and Christmas decorations!
12. Dallas Zoo- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 5 minutes
- Price: 17 dollars (adult), 11 dollars (child)
Another Zoo to check out! Visit in January or February to receive discounted admission fees or purchase the Dallas City Pass to save up to 50%!
13. Perot Museum- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: 17 dollars (adult) 11 dollars (child)
I have gone to the Perot on my own and with my class. It is fun for all! There are many hands-on experiences for kids, but also a lot of learning opportunities for adults. Expect to spend 3-4 hours exploring all it has to offer!
Tip! On select Thursday nights they have an adults-only event with live music and beer served throughout the museum. So fun!
The museum is also included in the Dallas City Pass, where you can save up to 50% on the city’s top 4 attractions!
14. Dave and Busters
- Distance from Dallas: Multiple Locations
- Price: Varies depending on how many games. (We can spend 50 dollars on a Wednesday and spend several hours there).
Every Wednesday, Dave and Busters has half-priced games (all day) and half-off drinks (after 9:00). We can always spend a couple of hours playing games and choosing our prize. Again, fun for adults and kids!
15. Ripley’s Believe it or Not- Grand Prairie, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 13 minutes
- Price: 37 dollars (adult), 32 dollars (child)- For all 5 attractions.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not is such a unique attraction near Dallas! There are actually 5 different attractions to explore on-site: The Odditorium, the Wax Museum, the Mirror Maze, the laser maze, and a 4-D ride. It is definitely enough to keep you entertained all day.
16. Dallas Stars Game- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: Varies depending on game (I usually spend between 25-45 dollars)
Head to the American Airlines Center and cheer on the Stars (or whatever team you want). Beware… Dallas fans are VERY serious about their team.
17. Ranger’s Game- Arlington, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 20 minutes
- Price: Varies depending on the game.
Just a short drive from downtown Dallas, you’ll find the Globe Life Stadium. It’s brand new with a (needed) retractable roof so you no longer have to worry about sitting outside on those 100 degree days. Be sure to grab a hot dog and cheer on your favorite baseball team.
18. Cowboy’s Game- Arlington, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 20 Minutes
- Price: Varies Depending on Game
Yes, we are always cheering for the wrong team. But…it’s always a good time! If you do not want to go to a game, you can always take tours of the stadium.
19. Trader’s Village- Grand Prairie, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 21 Minutes
- Price: Entrance is free. Rides are 14 dollars for an all-day wristband
Trader’s Village is the largest flea market in Texas with over 3,000 Vendors. It also has unique food choices and rides for the kids. It is extremely affordable for all-day fun!
20. Reunion Tower- Dallas, TX
- Distance From Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: 17 dollars.
Head to the Reunion Tower to check out the Dallas Skyline! There is also a restaurant at the top if you are looking for a real bucket list experience…dining with 360 views!
The museum is also included in the Dallas City Pass, where you can save up to 50% on the city’s top 4 attractions!
21. Grapevine Winery Tour- Grapevine, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 25 minutes
- Price: 10 dollars for tour and tasting!
Grapevine is the cutest little town. There are many different wineries and a cute downtown to shop and grab lunch. Make sure to stop at Delaney Vineyards for a tour of the grounds! It’s open Tuesday-Saturdays from 10am-7pm, however, you do need to text (817-421-0950) for a reservation!
Love Wineries? Be sure to check out Texas Wine Country in Fredericksburg! You will NOT be disappointed.
22. Klyde Warren Park- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: Free
Kyde Warren is a 5-acre park in the Middle of Downtown Dallas. You can borrow board games, play yard games, walk around, or grab a bite to eat from the food trucks. The Dallas Art Museum is right across the street as well! Plus it’s dog-friendly!!
23. Hurricane Harbor
- Distance from Dallas: 21 minutes
- Price: 42 dollars
I love water parks, and Hurricane Harbor has some of the best waterslides ever! It is extremely busy though, so go right at opening for the shortest lines.
24. Medieval Times Dinner
- Distance from Dallas: 6 minutes
- Price: 63 dollars (Adult), 37 dollars (child)– But, look for deals, because I paid the child’s price for all.
A fun dinner and show experience for all ages. They serve you a full meal while the knights are battling on their horses.
25. Hike/Rollerblade/Bike-Katy Trail- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: Free
Get your exercise in and nature fix without leaving the city! After your walk, make sure to stop at Katy Trail Ice House (along the trail) for a bite to eat and a refreshing margarita! It’s one of my favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Dallas!
26. Dallas Art Museum- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: Free
The Dallas Museum of Art is free to visit and offers 24,000 works of art! Very unique pieces to fit everyone’s taste!
Insider tip! Stop here when you visit Klyde Warren (it’s right across the street).
27. White Rock Dog Park- Dallas, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 15 minutes
- Price: Free
The best part about this dog park is that it offers a swimming area for your pup to cool off. There is also a trail to take a walk or bike ride afterward.
Tip! Do you love traveling with your dog? Check out this ULTIMATE Dog-friendly Texas Road Trip
28. Six Flags- Arlington, TX
- Distance from Dallas: 21 minutes
- Price: 42 dollars
I love rides, and Six Flags does not have a shortage, but it is always SO busy. (that’s why it’s towards the bottom of my list). If you visit, I encourage you to splurge and buy the fast pass. It would definitely be worth it.
29. Painting with a Twist
- Distance from Dallas: Many to choose from!
- Price: 35+ dollars
This is a fun activity for a girl’s night or date night, but I run out of room to store all the paintings. They could make great gifts though?!
30. Escape Room
- Distance from Dallas: Multiple around the area
- Price: Varies
Okay, we have only tried one escape room, and it was really hard. My husband and I were the only two there, they put us in handcuffs (one set) and locked us in the room. If you are better at clues…smarter than us…you might have more fun!
31. Play Cricket at Sixes
- Distance from Dallas:
- Price:
I had never heard about Cricket until visiting Sixes. And let me tell you...it’s harder than it looks. BUT it’s such a unique thing to do in DFW! Similar to Top Golf, you and your group rent a Cricket batting net/cage and then take turns trying to hit the targets. You can also order food and drinks while you play!
32. Explore Meow Wolf
- Distance from Dallas:
- Price:
New to the DFW metroplex, Meow Wolf is a MASSIVE interactive art display. It’s hard to explain this adventure in writing as it’s something you truly have to see to believe. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to make sure you secure your desired time slot!
If you end up loving this experience, you can check out the other locations in Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas, and Houston!
33. Have a Pickleball Tournament
- Distance from Dallas: 3 different locations (Grand Prarie, Grapevine, and Allen)
- Price: $30-$45 per hour
Pickleball is taking the world by storm. With its increasing popularity, it’s a must on this list of adventurous things to do near Dallas.
Although you can find various pickleball courts around the metroplex. I love playing at Chicken and Pickle, as you can eat, drink, and play at the same location. They have indoor and outdoor courts to choose from and 3 different locations throughout DFW.
34. Museum of Illusions
- Distance from Dallas: 0–2 miles (Downtown Dallas)
- Price: Adults start at $26.99, kids start at $19.95
The Museum of Illusions is a fun, quick-hit stop for a “we want something different” afternoon—think mind-bending rooms, optical illusions, photo ops, and interactive exhibits that are actually entertaining even if you’re not traveling with kids.
It’s especially great when you’re trying to build a full day around downtown (or need an indoor option when it’s blazing hot). Plan on 60–90 minutes, and if you go on a weekend, booking ahead is smart since timed entry can fill up.
If you loved this museum, there’s also one in Denver to check out!
35. Kidzania
- Distance from Dallas: ~28 miles
- Price: All-day tickets start at $49.95 for kids 4–14 (Comfort class); toddlers and adult tickets are lower, and there’s a $5 bracelet activation fee
KidZania is basically a mini indoor city where kids “try on” real-world jobs (pilot, doctor, firefighter, chef, etc.) through hands-on role play. It’s a must if you are visiting Dallas with kids! I went as a field trip with my class, and it was super cool to see!
It’s inside Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, which makes it an easy add-on if you want to pair it with lunch, shopping, or other Frisco attractions. If you’re doing a family weekend, this is one of the best “high engagement, low planning” options…especially for ages 4–10!
36. Active Arena
- Distance from Dallas: ~28 miles
- Price: Typically around $33 per adult for the 75-minute session (varies by date/time)
Active Arena is an indoor “try everything” experience—robot goalie, simulators (like skiing/paragliding), and interactive sports-style games where you’re moving the whole time (not just standing around watching).
It’s perfect when you want a high-energy activity that feels unique without needing a whole-day commitment (most people can do it in a single 75-minute session and leave feeling like they actually did something). This is a great pick for friend groups, family outings with older kids/teens, or a date-night that’s more playful than dinner-and-drinks.
37. IFly Dallas
- Distance from Dallas: ~28 miles
- Price: Starts around $109–$118+ per person for a typical “two-flight” first-timer package (varies by provider/date)
iFLY is perfect for those who have skydiving on their bucket list, but are too scared to ever actually cross it off (ahem, me!) It’s indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel where you get the free-fall feeling without jumping out of a plane.
It’s beginner-friendly because you’ll do a short training and fly with an instructor, so it works for a wide range of comfort levels. If you’re building a weekend itinerary, this is an easy anchor experience: you can do it in a 1–2 hour window and still have the rest of the day for food, shopping, or another activity nearby in Frisco.
Where to Stay in DFW
The DFW metroplex is HUGE! I’m talking over 7 million people. With this being said, there is no shortage of hotels or Airbnb’s to choose from.
Below is a quick guide as to where to stay in (and near) Dallas that I would recommend for your getaway!
Uptown / Turtle Creek (best “luxury life” base)
- Highlights: walkable restaurants + cocktails, close to Arts District/Katy Trail, feels polished and “treat yourself.”
- Hotel picks: The Ritz-Carlton, Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Downtown Dallas (best for a packed weekend itinerary)
- Highlights: central for museums/arts, great if you want to minimize driving and do “big Dallas” highlights.
- Hotel picks: Thompson Dallas, The Joule, The Adolphus
Fort Worth Stockyards (best “Texas-core” weekend)
- Highlights: western charm, live music/rodeo energy, walkable to Stockyards attractions—ideal if Fort Worth is your main focus.
- Hotel picks: Hotel Drover (Autograph Collection), Stockyards Hotel (historic)
Arlington Entertainment District (best for sports/events + middle-of-everything)
- Highlights: perfect if you’re doing Cowboys/Rangers games or events and want an easy in-and-out weekend as Arlington is right in between Dallas and Fort Worth.
- Hotel pick: Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX
Adventurous Things to do in DFW Leaderboard
I know a list of 37+ things can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of my top picks depending on what you are interested in!
- Animal-lovers: Fort Worth Zoo + Fossil Rim
- Date-night: Reunion Tower + Fort Worth Stockyards + Go-Ape
- Best for Kids: Perot + Kidzania
- Top Free Things to do: Dallas Art Museum + Klyde Warren + Katy Trail
- Outdoorsy Lovers: Dallas Botanical Gardens + Dinosaur Valley + White Rock Lake
- Unique Finds: Swimming with Stingrays + Meow Wolf + Cricket at Sixes
Other Texas Resources
If you are hoping to explore beyond DFW, here are some of my favorite guides!
- One Weekend in Austin, TX
- Dog-Friendly Texas Road Trip
- Dallas to Colorado Itinerary
- Dog-friendly Restaurants in Dallas
- West Texas Road Trip
What other things to do in DFW would you add to this list?! Let me know on Instagram or our private USA Road Trip Facebook Group!
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