12 Must-Do Activities in Dallas

Big things are always happening in the Big D.

Looking to experience some Texas charm? Search no further, as you'll find the biggest and the best right in Dallas. The third-largest city in the state offers a number of seriously exciting experiences. From tasting scrumptious dishes to appreciating the vivid art scene, there's something charming for any age and any interest. Let's hope your boots are made for walking through these 12 Dallas highlights you can't miss.

Reunion Tower

This glowing globe tower is one of Dallas’ most recognizable landmarks. Take a ride 470 feet up on the Geo-Deck for a sky-high, panoramic view of the skyline and surrounding city. Feeling hungry? Above the Geo-Deck is the Cloud Nine Cafe that serves casual food and drinks. On the 50th floor, you'll step into Wolfgang Puck's popular revolving Asian cuisine restaurant, Five Sixty.

The Eye

Photo by: Travel Texas: Jaime Hudson

Travel Texas: Jaime Hudson

Yep, the name is self-explanatory. The Eye is a sculpture created by Chicago-based artist Tony Tasset that literally depicts a giant eyeball. It's a great photo-op spot if you're into larger-than-life objects. You can find the sculpture by strolling through the gardens of the nearby Joule Hotel.

Sixth Floor Museum

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

See the events chronicling the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy through multimedia displays at the Sixth Floor Museum, formerly the Texas School Book Depository. Don’t forget to walk across the street to Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll, where an X is painted on Elm Street to mark the spot of the fatal shot.

River Kayaking

Paddle along some popular wooded natural areas of Dallas, spots like White Rock Lake and the Trinity River. A number of outfitters offer kayak rental and tour guides, including White Rock Paddle and Paddlebound River Outfitters.

Texas Theatre

Dallasites will agree that this is the spot to catch a flick. The historic Texas Theatre regularly screens cinema classics and holds public events, though it's best known as the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested as a suspect for murdering a police officer. Check out their calendar to plan your next show. The theater is also located in the lively Bishop Arts District. After a movie, stroll around the unique mom-and-pop shops in the area and enjoy the detailed murals depicting Dallas history.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss the beauty of color within one of the top arboretums in the world. Stroll through 66 acres of various blooms, and make it a group outing with family-friendly activities for all ages. If you're in Dallas in the fall, be sure to check out the Arboretum's Pumpkin Village; it's a sight to behold with over 90,000 pumpkins and 150,000 fall-blooming plants. Take a look at the Arboretum's calendar for a list of all their seasonal events, performances and more.

State Fair of Texas

If you're in Dallas in late September, you can’t miss out on the State Fair. It runs for 24 consecutive days each year, making it the longest-running fair in the nation! After you’re greeted by state icon Big Tex, experience hours of fun by tasting bizarre fried food creations, watching a livestock show and taking in city-wide views from the Texas Star Ferris wheel. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try to show up as early as you can – lines for the famous corn dogs are no joke!

Dallas Farmers Market

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

If you're all about having a sustainable lifestyle, check out the Farmers Market just a few blocks from downtown. This 26,000-square-foot food hall evolved from horse-and-wagon businesses to holding a massive mixture of local specialty goods. You’ll find all your produce needs along with crafts by merchants and artisans alike.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

With its eye-bending architecture, the Perot already looks like one of the coolest structures in Dallas. You and the kids will enjoy learning through the endless interactive and educational exhibitions. Each level of the museum is dedicated to a portion of science, including larger-than-life dinosaur replicas and galleries detailing the phases of the moon. You're guaranteed to leave the Perot with a better understanding of the world around us.

Klyde Warren Park

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

This field of green in the Dallas Arts District is a refreshing space to unwind and soak up the sun. You can catch film screenings on the lawn or enjoy an evening of music from the performance pavilion. Kids will have a blast frolicking in the play area and water fountains. Worn out from chasing your pups around the dog park? Stop by one of the many food trucks serving a variety of dishes.

Dallas Museum of Art

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

Just across from Klyde Warren Park, you'll find one of the largest art museums in the country. Take in over 5,000 years of rich world history from the most important eras of art. Some popular exhibitions the DMA have housed include works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and fashion designer Iris Van Herpen. You'll also find a number of rotating art-friendly community events like lectures, classes and family activities - just check the DMA calendar. The best part? Admission is always free!

AT&T Stadium

Photo by: VisitDallas.com

VisitDallas.com

Everything's bigger in Texas, especially the sports! Can you believe the world's largest domed structure is located right in Arlington? Midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, AT&T Stadium houses the Dallas Cowboys football team and an incredibly high definition 72-feet-high-by-160-feet-wide video screen. On days when no events are scheduled, you can take tours of the most popular areas of the stadium, or of the sports-related art collections.

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