67 Best Things to Do in Dallas

Spanning a swath of North Texas larger than the state of Connecticut, the sheer size of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex means there is no shortage of things to do in Dallas.

But what are the very best things to do in Dallas, Texas? What's a good date spot? What events make good team building activities, or just a great thing to do with a friend one afternoon? Eating and shopping top the list for many visitors and locals alike, but there are also outdoor activities, historical sites, museums and gaming experiences to discover. Look no further for what to do in Dallas; this list has you covered. 

 Jump to Section

• Foodie Things to Do in Dallas 
• Things to Do in Dallas at Night
• Shopping Things to Do in Dallas
• Outdoorsy Things to Do in Dallas
• Cultural Things to Do in Dallas
• Things to Do in Dallas for Families
• Sports-Centric Things to Do in Dallas
• Free Things to Do in Dallas
• Things to Do in Downtown Dallas
• Iconic Things to Do in Dallas

Foodie Things to Do in Dallas

1. Take a Cooking Class

Cook up a delicious foodie experience with the guidance of a world-class chef in cooking classes in Dallas. Whip up authentic tacos, rich Italian fare and more. With so many options available, you’re almost guaranteed to find fun cooking classes near you. But if you’d rather enjoy a night in, opt for an interactive, live online cooking class hosted by a talented chef instead. 

2. Enjoy a Private Chef Experience

Make the most out of food you enjoy by hiring a five-star private chef in Dallas to prepare a meal for you and your guests. These culinary experts handle all of the shopping, prepping, cooking and even kitchen clean-up, and they come right to you. Once you find a private chef near you, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the upscale private dining experience.

3. Enjoy a Virtual Class or Tasting

If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth without leaving your cozy home, look no further than an online tasting or class. Take an online mixology class and learn how to make intricate cocktails from a professional mixologist, or recruit a few friends to join you for a fun evening of virtual wine tastings.

4. Eat Along Lower Greenville

Lower Greenville is a stretch of dining, shops and more just east of Downtown Dallas and the perfect thing to do in Dallas for a night out. Grab a drink on HG Sply Co.’s rooftop bar, or enjoy a bowl of umami-packed ramen at Wabi House. After dinner, wander down the bustling avenue to people-watch or grab dessert.

HG Sply Co. | 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

5. Grab a Drink at the Katy Trail Ice House

The Katy Trail Ice House is a favorite among locals for cold brews, warm fries and a relaxed atmosphere. After a long walk on the Katy Trail, cool down on one of the Ice House’s picnic tables with a local beer and if it’s a weekend, some live music. 

Katy Trail Ice House | 3127 Routh St., Dallas, TX 75201

6. Feast at Pecan Lodge BBQ

For fans of Texas BBQ, Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum is hard to beat. This will be the thing to do in Dallas for any BBQ lovers or those who want an authentic (and delicious) Texas BBQ experience. It’s one of the most-awarded BBQ spots in Dallas, so you’ll want to get there early to beat the crowds. The doors open at 11 a.m. and stay open until the meat runs out. 

Pecan Lodge BBQ | 2702 Main St., Dallas, TX 75226

7. Visit Local Coffee Shops

Dallas is home to many local and Texas-based coffee shops serving craft espresso and specialty drinks. Grab a coffee at White Rock Coffee, an East Dallas local favorite, before a walk around White Rock Lak — or enjoy fine espressos at Houndstooth Coffee or Merit Coffee, two Texas-based coffee shops with Dallas outposts. If you're looking for the best breakfast in Dallas, you won't want to miss checking out a few local coffee shops!

White Rock Coffee | 10105 E. NW Hwy, Dallas, TX 75238

8. Get a Taste of the High Life at Rise No1

Dining is one of the best things to do in Dallas, and Rise No1 in Inwood Village is a can’t-miss spot. This restaurant serves decadent savory and sweet soufflés in a cozy, France-inspired space. 

Rise No1 | 5360 W. Lovers Ln. Ste. 220, Dallas, TX 75209

9. Grab Tex-Mex at Joe T Garcia’s

Joe T Garcia’s is an iconic Fort Worth Mexican restaurant located near the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. With a massive patio adorned with lush plants and colorful café tables, you’d think this place would never run out of seating; but on the weekends Joe T Garcia’s is the place to be, and lines form out the door to get a taste of the steak fajitas inside. 

Joe T Garcia's | 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth, TX 76164

10. Enjoy Authentic German Fare at Kuby’s 

A fun thing to do in Dallas for German food fans, Kuby’s is an authentic German restaurant serving sauerkraut, wurst, schnitzel and more in a quaint Bavarian setting. Adjoining the restaurant is a European-style deli where you can stock up on European treats and foodstuffs. 

Kuby's Sausage House | 6601 Snider Plz., Dallas, TX 75205

11. Sample Your Way Through Legacy Food Hall

Located just north of Dallas in Plano, Legacy Food Hall is a massive hub for dining, drinks and events. With chef-run restaurants in every cuisine imaginable as well as bars and dessert spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a trip to this Dallas attraction.

Legacy Food Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano, TX 75024

12. Eataly Dallas

Wander through an Italian market surrounded by authentic Italian restaurants on a trip to Eataly, one of the newest things to do in Dallas located in Northpark Mall.

Eataly | NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Suite 2172, Dallas, TX

Things to Do in Dallas at Night

13. Grab Drinks in Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is the place to go if you’re in search of things to do in Dallas at night, or even a low-key date idea in Dallas. This grungy enclave is packed with bars, restaurants and quirky shops to explore. After a drink at Off the Record Craft Beer & Vinyl, a record shop with beer on tap, grab a piece of freshly-made pie at Emporium Pies, a local favorite. 

Off the Record Craft Beer & Vinyl | 2716 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226

14. Experience Virtual Reality at a VR Arcade 

Fight zombies, aliens and more at the Zero Latency virtual reality arcade in North Dallas. You and your crew will don VR gear for a 45 minute experience that’s not of this world. 

Zero Latency | 5100 Beltline Rd., Ste. 510, Dallas, TX 75254

15. Catch a Show at the House of Blues

Concerts are a popular form of Dallas entertainment for locals and visitors. If you’re looking for places to go in Dallas at night, catch a show at the House of Blues, a downtown music venue and restaurant with classic Southern fare and live music. 

House of Blues | 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75202

16. Go Dancing at Cowboys Red River

For a true Texas experience, dancing at Cowboys Red River is one of the best things to do in Dallas. Bring a group of guys and girls, don your boots and get ready for an evening of authentic country western dancing. 

Cowboys Red River | 10310 Technology Blvd. E., Dallas, TX 75220

17. Try and Beat The Escape Game

Challenge your friends to an hour-long experience at The Escape Game, where you’ll be locked in a themed room and tasked with uncovering a series of clues in order to escape. 

The Escape Game | Multiple Locations

Shopping Things to Do in Dallas

18. Shop 'Til You Drop at the Galleria

The Galleria mall is a sprawling indoor shopping mall with restaurants, shops and even an ice skating rink. You can shop luxury stores as well as more budget-friendly options. It also hosts North Texas’ only American Girl store, a big hit for little ones.

Galleria | 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75240

19. Don Designer Goods at Highland Park Village

Get a taste of a life of luxury (and try not to max out your credit card) at Highland Park Village, an outdoor shopping center studded with designer shops in the ritzy Highland Park neighborhood. It's an incredible spot for Dallas shoppers.  

Highland Park Village | 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, Texas 75205

20. Take in Art at Northpark Center

Northpark Center is an iconic indoor shopping mall known for high-quality shops as well as curated sculptures studding the interior avenues. There are also special displays and things for kids during the holiday season, making it a fun thing to do in Dallas during the holidays.

Northpark Center | 8687 N. Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225 

21. Pick Up a Pair of Boots at Wild Bill’s Western Store

For more than 60 years, Wild Bill’s has been outfitting Texans and Texas fans with cowboy boots, hats and apparel from its location in the heart of Downtown Dallas. It’s a can’t-miss spot and one of the best things to do in Dallas for Western wear fans.

Wild Bill's Western Store | 311 N. Market, Ste. 101. Dallas, TX 75202 (West End, Downtown)

22. Wander Downtown Grapevine

Downtown Grapevine is a quaint little area of Grapevine located just a few minutes north of Dallas. The historic downtown has winery tasting rooms, restaurants and dozens of locally owned boutiques. And a quick drive away, you'll find the sprawling Grapevine Mills Mall, a hub for shoppers.

Grapevine Mills Mall | 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051

Outdoorsy Things to Do in Dallas

23. Bike White Rock Lake

Enjoy the fresh air and lakeside views on a bike ride around White Rock Lake, which boasts a 9.4 mile paved walking and biking path around the circumference of the lake. For a longer ride, detour onto the White Rock Greenbelt to explore North Dallas. For outdoorsy Dallas activities, this one can't be beaten!

White Rock Lake Trail | 8300 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218

24. Paddle Board on White Rock Lake

For an experience on the water in the middle of the city, rent a paddle board for a few hours and explore what the lake and this Dallas activity has to offer. If paddle boards aren’t your style, canoes and kayaks are also available. 

White Rock Lake | 8300 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218

25. Enjoy the Flora at the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is renowned for its elegant displays and variety of species. Wander rows of tulips in the spring or fields of pumpkins in the fall — the Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit year-round and one of the best things to do in Dallas. It also makes a wonderful, scenic backdrop for a laid-back team building activity in Dallas.

Dallas Arboretum | 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218

26. Get a Taste of Wild Country at Fort Worth Nature Center

Head west of Dallas to Fort Worth for an outdoor adventure at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Hike miles of trails to discover prairie dogs, canyons and ancient forests and to get a taste of what north Texas was like before settlement. There are also bison on exhibit off of Buffalo road. 

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge | 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76135

27. Visit the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel north of Dallas to the Heard Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will learn about native plants and creatures and have the opportunity to explore miles of trails that wander through lush grassland and trees. There is also a butterfly house and garden open during the summer months.

Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary | 1 Nature Pl., McKinney, TX 75069

28. Venture Out to the Trinity River Audubon Center

Enjoy a morning hiking at one of North Texas’ only audubon centers, with a mission to preserve and protect local birds. The Trinity River Audubon Center has lush trails wandering through marshes and trees, giving visitors a chance to discover local birds and enjoy unique terrain.

Trinity River Audubon Center | 6500 S. Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217

29. Go Camping at Cedar Hill State Park

Just south of Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park, a natural oasis with rugged hills and sweeping prairies as well as a lake. Camp at a developed campsite or hike out to a primitive site if the trails are open. Either makes for a refreshing, adventurous activity in the Dallas metroplex.

Cedar Hill State Park | 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104

30. Take a Horseback Trail Ride

Try a Western thing to do in Dallas by embarking on a horseback trail ride. The Ascend Camp and Retreat Center is a great place for this and located just outside of Dallas. 

Ascend Camp and Retreat Center | 5218 Kiwanis Rd., Dallas, TX 75236

31. Zip Around the Trinity Forest Adventure Center

Another fun thing to do in Dallas, Texas is a visit to the Trinity Forest Adventure Center. The adventure center has aerial ropes courses at varying degrees of difficulty perfect for the new climbers and thrill seekers. 

Trinity Forest Adventure Center | 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd., Dallas, TX 75217

Cultural Things to Do in Dallas

32. Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center

Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center for a thing to do in Downtown Dallas that beats the heat and inspires the mind. The museum has rotating exhibits inside a light-filled building as well as a shady sculpture garden to wander outside. 

Nasher Sculpture Center | 2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201

33. See the Crow Museum of Asian Art

With stunning rotating exhibits and a permanent collection, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is one of the most interesting things to do in Dallas for art lovers. 

Crow Museum of Asian Art | 2010 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201 (Located in Trammell Crow Center)

34. Enjoy the Art and Architecture of the Kimbell Art Museum

Designed by renowned architect Louis Khan, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is a can’t-miss thing to do in Dallas-Fort Worth for those interested in art and architecture. Inside the sweeping travertine marble halls is a permanent collection featuring works by Caravaggio and Monet, as well as rotating exhibits in the adjoining pavilion. 

Kimbell Art Museum | 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

35. Visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Architect Tado Ando designed the stunning concrete and glass Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. After taking in the artistic architecture of the building, venture inside for modern works of art by American and international artists. 

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, TX 76107

36. See the Giant Eyeball Sculpture

There is a giant sculpture of an eyeball in Downtown Dallas, and visiting it is a fun thing to do in Dallas for a fun picture and maybe some introspection. The piece is by artist Tony Tasset. 

Giant Eyeball Sculpture | 1601 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201

37. Go on a Deep Ellum Art Walk

Quirky Deep Ellum is home to bars, music venues and plenty of interesting street art. Wander the streets and stop to take in elephant portraits, metallic sculptures and more while also enjoying a rare free thing to do in Dallas. 

Deep Ellum | East Dallas, TX 75226

Things to Do in Dallas for Families

38. Cool Down at the Klyde Warren Park Water Features

Cool off on a hot Texas summer afternoon by taking the kids to Klyde Warren Park for a splash in the fountains, which turn on when the temperature reaches 60°F. 

Klyde Warren Park | 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

39. Visit the Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo is home to hundreds of animals in natural habitat exhibits and is one of the best Dallas attractions for families. Pack a lunch and stay a while; there is plenty to see at the Dallas Zoo.

Dallas Zoo | 650 South R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203

40. Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is not just for kids — Dallas’ premier natural history museum is packed with exhibits of interest for the whole family, from an earthquake simulator to bird facts to massive dinosaur skeletons. 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science | 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, TX 75201

41. Feel the Adrenaline Rush at Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is a sprawling theme park with roller coasters for every thrill seeker. Dare to ride the towering Titan roller coaster or feel your stomach drop on the Superman ride — whatever you do, it will be a rush!

Six Flags Over Texas | 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011

42. Break the Bank at Toys Unique Toy Store

Toys Unique is a local spot for picking up creative and fun toys for kids of all ages, from babies to pre-teens. Treat the kids to something new on your trip to Dallas and support a local business at the same time!

Toys Unique | 5460 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas, TX 75209

43. Visit the Legoland Discovery Center

If you’re wondering what to do in Dallas with kids, head north to Grapevine for a visit to the Legoland Discovery Center, a fun thing to do in Dallas with kids. See the DFW skyline made out of Lego bricks, ride on Lego-themed rides, tour the Lego factory and more. 

Legoland Discovery Center | 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051

44. Make a Splash at Hurricane Harbor

North Texas’ largest water park is one of the best things to do in Dallas on a hot summer day. Venture out to Hurricane Harbor in Arlington to enjoy dozens of rides and slides and a massive wave pool.

Hurricane Harbor | 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006

45. Ice Skate at Galleria Dallas

Ice skate year-round at the Galleria Mall in Dallas, the perfect Dallas entertainment option for families, couples or friends. And, you can skate around a towering three-story Christmas tree during the holiday season!

Galleria | 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240

46. Enjoy the Crayola Experience in Plano

Another fun idea of things to do in Dallas for families is visit the Crayola Experience in Plano. Kids can create their own crayon labels, learn how crayons are made and more.

Crayola Experience in Plano | 6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite A100, Plano, TX 75093

Sports-Centric Things to Do in Dallas

47. Catch a SMU Football Game

Southern Methodist University, located in the heart of Dallas, draws fans from near and far for fall football games. Dress in red and blue to fit in with the other SMU Mustang fans. 

Southern Methodist University | 6425 Boaz Ln., Dallas, TX 75205

48. See a Basketball Game at the American Airlines Center

Venture downtown to the American Airlines Center to catch a Mavericks basketball game. Dirk Nowitski may no longer play, but it’s a great experience for any basketball fan.

American Airlines Center | 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219

49. Watch a Dallas Cowboys Game

Drive over to Arlington to the massive AT&T Stadium to support the Dallas Cowboys football team and get a taste of Texas football culture with this thing to do in Dallas. 

AT&T Stadium | 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

50. See a Texas Rangers Game

The Texas Rangers are North Texas’ baseball team and it’s a fun thing to do in Dallas to catch a game and grab a hot dog on a warm spring day. 

Globe Life Field | 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington, Texas, 76011

Free Things to Do in Dallas

51. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art

Located in the Downtown Dallas arts district, the Dallas Museum of Art’s main collection is free to explore. This free thing to do in Dallas is perfect for hot summer days and for arts and culture seekers. 

Dallas Museum of Art | 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201

52. Spend Time at Klyde Warren Park

Right across from the Dallas Museum of Art is Klyde Warren Park, a greenspace with arching trees, food trucks, a dog park and a playground for kids. It’s free to visit and an enjoyable thing to do in Dallas for an afternoon.

Klyde Warren Park | 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

53. Visit Thanks-Giving Square

With a white, shell-like exterior and sparkling stained glass patterns inside, Thanks-Giving Square is a small chapel designed by architect Philip Johnson nestled in Downtown Dallas. It’s free to visit this Dallas attraction, and the surrounding benches and trees create a peaceful atmosphere. 

Thanks-Giving Square | 1627 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

54. Bike or Walk on the Margaret McDermott Bridge

Bike and pedestrian walkways recently opened on the Margaret McDermott Bridge, one of the arching white bridges south of downtown. Take in skyline views while getting some exercise with this thing to do in Dallas. 

Margaret McDermott Bridge | Over Trinity River, Dallas, TX 75208

Things to Do in Downtown Dallas

55. Take a Downtown Segway Tour

Get the lay of the land with a Downtown Dallas segway tour, which will take you to many famous Dallas sites from the fun perch of a zippy segway. Segway Nation Dallas has fantastic knowledgeable guides that help you see the great city close up.

Segway Nation Dallas | 1390 Patterson St., Dallas, TX 75202

56. Explore the Bishop Arts District

Quirky and beautiful, the historic Bishop Arts District is just south of downtown in Oak Cliff. Brunch at Oddfellows, a local favorite, or pop into the bookstore-bar combo The Wild Detectives. There is plenty to explore!

Oddfellows | 316 W. Seventh St., Dallas, TX 75208

57. Dine at Trinity Groves

Trinity Groves is a dining and shopping destination in view of the beautiful white bridges south of downtown. This is a fun place to go in Dallas for views of the bridges and for a great meal.

Trinity Groves | 331 Singleton Blvd., Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75212

58. See Butterflies at the Texas Discovery Gardens

Visit the Texas State Fair grounds any time to see the Texas Discovery Gardens, which has seven acres of gardens, a butterfly house and even a snake exhibit. 

Texas Discovery Gardens | 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210

59. Dallas Heritage Village

Learn about what life was like in Dallas more than a century ago at the Dallas Heritage Village, an interesting thing to do in Dallas for history buffs. Tour 19th-century buildings and check their website to see if there are any special events going on during your visit. 

Old City Park | 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75215

60. Visit Dealey Plaza

Dealey Plaza is often called the birthplace of Dallas, as it is the former location of the first home built in the area. Now, it’s a grassy plaza with memorials honoring prominent Dallas residents, but it’s most known for being the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. Don't forget to also check out the Sixth Floor Museum, which honors the legacy of JFK.

Dealey Plaza | West End Historic District, Downtown Dallas, TX 75202

61. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum

The Sixth Floor Museum is a thing to do in Dallas to get a sense of the history that has happened in the city. The museum is located in the top two floors of the Texas School Book Depository, which was the vantage point of Lee Harvey Oswald. The museum chronicles the assasination of JFK and the following investigation. 

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza | 411 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202

62. Take in the View at Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower stands tall on the Dallas skyline as “the ball” that lights up at night in many colors. Grab a ticket to zip to the top of the tower and take in the views of the city. There is also a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the tower to enjoy after seeing the sights. 

Reunion Tower | 300 Reunion Blvd. E., Dallas, TX 75207

63. Visit the Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is home to thousands of stunning creatures from the depths of the sea to the heights of the jungle tree tops. From the rainforest exhibit with monkeys, sloths and bright birds to the many tropical fish exhibits, a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Downtown Dallas. 

Dallas World Aquarium | 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202

Iconic Things to Do in Dallas

64. Immerse Yourself in Fort Worth Cowboy Culture

Visit the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Cowgirl Museum, and the Hall of Fame during a day trip to Fort Worth. You’ll learn about the rugged history of the area and a fair share of western lore.  

Fort Worth Stockyards | 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164

65. Visit the Texas State Fair

If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas in the fall, the Texas State Fair is a Dallas attraction that can’t be beat. Ride roller coasters, dine on creative fried fare (fried butter, anyone?) and see fascinating exhibits. 

Texas State Fair | Fair Park: 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210

66. Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Former President George W. Bush has his presidential library on the SMU campus in Dallas. At the George W. Bush Presidential Center, visit the library to learn about the Bush presidency, see memorabilia and dine in the café. 

George W. Bush Presidential Center | 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205

67. Visit the JFK Memorial

In Downtown Dallas stands a striking memorial to former president John F. Kennedy not far from where he was assassinated. It honors the spirit and legacy of the beloved president. 

JFK Memorial | 646 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202

Now that you know of some of the best things to do in Dallas, Texas come on down to enjoy a few days in North Texas full of western charm and flair. 

For even more fun things to do in Dallas and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.