Because I’m a full-time teacher, I cannot always be traveling abroad or roadtripping the USA, so I use my time to explore locally! In the past 9 years 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.
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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!
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 Fort Worth!
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!
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 botanic 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: $16
- Tip: Admission is buy one, get one every Wednesday and 5 dollars in January and February
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.
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 Thursday nights they have an adults-only event with live music and beer served throughout the museum. So fun!
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 Prarie, 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…but I’m too cheap to have tried it yet. Maybe someday. 🙂
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. I visited Delaney Vineyards for a tour and wine tasting!
Love Wineries? Be sure to check out Texas Wine Country in Fredericksburg! You will NOT be disappointed.
22. Klyde Warren Park- Dallas, TX
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!!
- Distance from Dallas: 0 miles
- Price: Free
23. Hurricane Harbor
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.
- Distance from Dallas: 21 minutes
- Price: 42 dollars
24. Medieval Times Dinner
A fun dinner and show experience for all ages. They serve you a full meal while the knights are battling on their horses.
- 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.
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 refreshing margarita!
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!
Tip::Stop here when you visit Klyde Warren (it’s right across the street).
27. White Rock Dog Park- Dallas, TX
The best part about this dog park is it offers a swimming area for your pup to cool off. There is also a trail to take a walk afterward.
Tip! Do you love traveling with your dog? Check out this ULTIMATE Dog-friendly Texas Road Trip
- Distance from Dallas: 15 minutes
- Price: Free
28. Six Flags- Arlington, TX
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 by the fast pass. It would definitely be worth it.
- Distance from Dallas: 21 minutes
- Price: 42 dollars
29. Painting with a Twist
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 would make great gifts though?!
- Distance from Dallas: Many to choose from!
- Price: 35+ dollars
30. Escape Room
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!
Tip::There are always Escape Rooms on Groupon
- Distance from Dallas: Multiple around the area
- Price: Varies
31. Rent Scooters
- Distance from Dallas: They can be found everywhere!
- Price: You pay per minute
This is last on my list because they terrify me. I can’t enjoy the ride when I’m picturing wiping out the entire time. But…other people think they are fun and a great way to get around!
32. Play Cricket at Sixes
33. Explore Meow Wolf
34. Have a Pickleball Tournament
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. If you are looking for a “home base” to explore all the options, I recommend staying in Arlington, TX as it is in between Dallas and Fort Worth.
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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