They say it’s important to date to your partner—even (or especially) as the number of years and children between you continues to add up. But the same is true for your family as a whole. Family dates let you step away from work, school, chores and routines and maximize quality time together. Check out these drive-in movie screenings, children’s theaters, escape rooms, activity complexes and for some family fun date night ideas here in Dallas-Fort Worth.
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CHILDREN’S THEATERS
North Texas Performing Arts
There’s nary a weekend without a show at this network of theaters and troupes. And its headquarters, the Willow Bend Center of the Arts in Plano, happens to be the largest performing arts center for youth in the country. You’ll also find tickets to shows for all ages in Fairview, Frisco and Southlake. NTPA also offers Deaf Theatre, bringing together Deaf and hearing actors, as well as ASL interpreted shows. And while there’s no dress code, NTPA says many patrons enjoy dressing up and making a night of it. Tickets start at $12.
DFW area
972/422-2575
ntpa.org
Artisan Center Theater
Come take in a show at North Texas’ largest community theater with its own children’s theater producing a fun variety of classics each year. Though their main stage is currently closed while the theater fundraises, you can still find their shows on stage at other venues in Hurst, specifically First UMC Hurst. Tickets start at $15.
Hurst
817/284-1200
artisanct.com
Casa Mañana
The historic theater is the largest Broadway and Children’s Theatre in Fort Worth. Each they produce a handful of family friendly shows ranging from Christmas classics to modern day musicals. Children’s theater shows are suitable for all ages and some offer add-on kid-friendly experiences (think tea party with Belle).
Fort Worth
817/332-2272
casamanana.org
Dallas Children’s Theater
Everything here is geared toward kids with a mission to instill an early appreciation for the arts. Most shows are short, about one hour (though some may be longer) and intended for children ages 3 and up. The theater offers regular sensory-friendly performances (which are only $5) and ASL interpreted shows. Also check out DCT Digital, a way to watch some shows on-demand from the comfort of home including their Social Justice Series which features short plays to spark meaningful conversations.
Dallas
214/740-0051
dct.org
DRIVE INS
Coyote Drive-In
Pop open your tailgate, raise your hatch or set up your lawn chairs in front of your vehicle at this retro outdoor movie theater open daily—rain or shine—and located just across the river from downtown Fort Worth. Book your tickets through the app and try to arrive an hour early to avoid lines.
Then kill time in the children’s play area or the concession pavilion as the sun goes down. Keep in mind, no outside food and drinks are allowed, but they offer everything for standard movie theater snacks like popcorn and nachos, to meal options like burgers, pizza and sandwiches. And bring the whole fam—dogs welcome too. Tickets $10 for adults; or $7 for kids 5–12.
Fort Worth
817/717-7767
coyotedrive-in.com
Galaxy Drive-In
The town best known for its bluebonnets also boasts North Texas’ biggest drive-in movie theater with seven screens and a retro atmosphere. Head 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas to catch a show, seven nights a week. Tickets, $8 for adults and $4 for kids under 12, are available on-site at the entrance kiosk. No outside food and drinks.
Ennis
972/875-5505
galaxydriveintheatre.com
Brazos Drive-In Theater
The family-owned drive-in located 45 minutes southwest of Fort Worth is truly a throwback—it’s been in operation since 1952. Watch from your vehicle or from the porch chairs at their full-service snack bar where you can grab grub like hot dogs, ice cream and Frito pie. The drive-in is open Fridays and Saturdays (generally open during April–October) and with tickets sold by the carload—just $20, or $10 for singles—it’s one of the cheapest family date nights around.
Granbury
817/573-1311
brazosdrivein.com
ESCAPE ROOMS
North Texas Escape Rooms
Can you solve the puzzles and escape before time runs out? Test your skills under pressure in these fully immersive themed adventure rooms. Book a 45-minute or a 1-hour challenge and pick from Easy (for ages 9 and up), Moderate (ages 13 and up) and Hard (16 and up). Pricing starts at $27 per person.
McKinney and Plano
469/712-6837
ntergames.com
Breakout Games
All ages can join every room challenge here, from a runaway train or erupting volcano. (Be sure to review your room’s theme to make sure it’s appropriate for your child.) Breakout doesn’t limit the number of hints you can ask for as you play the game, so it’s up to you how challenging it will be. Tickets start at $32.99 per person.
Arlington, 817/394-4833
Plano, 972/474-0111
breakoutgames.com
Escape the Room
Test your wits with a choice of experiences these Dallas or Fort Worth locations. Kids are welcome in all rooms, except the Cartman’s Escape Room, themed after the show South Park and recommended age 14 and up at the Dallas location. When bringing the whole family, try out The Theater room in Fort Worth for its wholesome Toy Story meets Howdy Doody vibe. $40 per person.
Dallas and Fort Worth
972/338-4510
escapetheroom.com
The Secret Chambers
These escape room challenges are designed to be fun, not frustrating. There are four rooms (including a pirate adventure and a train heist) in Fort Worth; there’s no minimum age for the rooms at this location, although some are more challenging than others. The Pirate Adventure is for all ages.
Parents and teens 13 and up can book the Fort Worth location’s Rage Room for 20 minutes of smash time with hammers and bats. Safety gear is included. For something more lowkey, check out the location’s arcade with classic ‘90s themed games. Escape rooms are $140 to book, which includes 4 players; $35 per additional player.
Arlington, 682/347-4033
Fort Worth, 817/857-3555
Grand Prairie, 972/896-2574
thesecretchambers.com
The Escape Game
At its two locations in DFW there are multiple rooms to explore. Choose from a variety of themes and difficulties and ask for many hints as you need. Most challenges are recommended for 13 and older, but all ages are welcome and kids 4 and younger are free. Both locations offer a Playground room, which will provide the most kid-friendly experience, and is great for first timers. $36.99 per person.
Grapevine, 214/692-2180
The Colony, 469/551-8344
theescapegame.com
Escapology
The minimum age for these high adrenaline rooms is 10, but they are rated difficult and tailored more for teens and adults. Bring up to eight players at a time to locations at Victory Park in Dallas, at Urban Air Adventure Park in McKinney and at Shenaniganz in Rockwall. Pricing starts at $20 per person, depending on the day, and you can score a deal if you go during the weekdays (Monday–Thursday).
Dallas, 469/421-1445
McKinney, 469/421-1250
Rockwall, 972/546-4120
escapology.com
LANDMARKS
Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
Feel your ears pop as you take the glass elevator 470 feet up into the sky for panoramic views from Big D’s most iconic landmark. You’ll see all of downtown and beyond from indoor and outdoor observation decks, plus up-close views using interactive touch screens. Check the calendar for fun events every month like magic shows and wildlife visitors. General admission is $40 for adults and starts at $10 for kids 4–12; under 3 free.
Dallas
214/712-7040
reuniontower.com
ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS
Main Event
Look no further than this hub of fun for the ultimate family night out. All seven DFW locations offer bowling, billiards and arcade games, plus more attractions select locations. Frisco and Grand Prairie centers run the gamut with laser tag, karaoke and gravity ropes to keep your blood pumping.
Fort Worth North, 817/306-0000
Fort Worth South, 817/292-5555
Frisco, 469/362-7227
Grand Prairie, 972/641-2695
Grapevine, 817/416-1111
Lewisville, 972/459-7770
Plano, 972/881-8181
mainevent.com
Top Golf
Looking for an outing that’s not par for the course? Book a climate-controlled hitting bay at one of four area locations. And come hungry—the kitchen serves up yummy and unique eats ranging from injectable donut holes to burgers and even brunch. Looking for a deal? Game play is half price on Tuesdays.
Allen, 469/675-9730
Dallas, 214/341-9600
Fort Worth, 817/349-4002
The Colony, 469/213-5204
topgolf.com
Pinstack
Don’t wait until the weekend to visit this bowling alley. Three area locations offer weekday specials including half-price appetizers on Mondays, half-price arcade games on Tuesdays and half-off wine bottles on Wednesdays (jot that down for a mid-week date night). Plus, there’s more to do than bowl—try the climbing wall, high ropes obstacle course, and bumper cars (must be 44 inches tall).
Allen, 972/869-2695
Las Colinas, 214/765-2695
Plano, 972/781-2695
pinstackbowl.com
Six Flags Over Texas
Come for the thrills at this theme park with some of the tallest and fastest rides in Texas, plus all your favorite Looney Tunes rides rated for kids of all heights and levels of thrill tolerance. Keep an eye on their calendar for events like Oktoberfest, Fright Fest, Summer Nights Spectacular and Holidays in the Park. Online tickets start at $39.
Arlington
817/640-8900
sixflags.com/overtexas
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
For the hottest days of summer, cool off at the neighboring water park, open for the season through mid-September and featuring the new thrill rides as well as low-key water fun like a lazy river and surf lagoon.
Arlington
817/640-8900
sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas
Group Dynamix
Here, when you play together, you learn together. Find out how with activities like the high ropes challenge course, archery tag, human foosball and a giant jumping pillow—all designed to encourage collaboration and increase camaraderie. Open to kids as young as 12 or entering sixth grade, and open to adult groups with a reservation.
Carrollton
972/416-9646
groupdynamix.com
Adventure Landing
With laser tag, bumper boats, mini golf, go karts, batting cages and an arcade, there’s truly something for everyone in the fam here. Children must be at least 44” tall for the bumper boats, but most other activities are good for littles, including the go-karting which offers double karts for driving with your little ones as young as 4. Come on Thursdays after 4pm for half-price arcade games.
Dallas
972/248-4653
dallas.adventurelanding.com
Pinstripes
Go bowling or try your hand at bocce ball at this family entertainment complex at the swanky Shops at Clearfork. Come for games and lunch or dinner to dine on Italian-American cuisine, including pizza made in a wood-burning oven. Or enjoy a weekend brunch outing and elevated breakfast fare. Bowling starts at $14 per person, depending on the day; and bocce starts at $9.
Fort Worth
682/352-0808
pinstripes.com
Monster Mini Golf
Treat your little monsters out for a night of glow-in-the-dark fun this an indoor entertainment center with mini golf, mini bowling (bowling shoes not required), laser maze, a virtual reality room, arcade games and spooky elements all around. Mini golf $13 for adults; $11 for kids. Additional cost for other attractions.
Frisco
469/598-0444
monsterminigolf.com
Strikz
Bowling is just the beginning of the fun at this 43,000-square-foot entertainment complex where you can also play laser tag, pool and arcade games. For something a little different, the grownups can test their aim in axe throwing. Then wash down all the family fun with a trip to the Grill, where street tacos, pizza, wings, burgers and a full kid’s menu are available. Ask about the Family Fun Pack deal, which includes 90 minutes of bowling and shoes for five guests, a large one-topping pizza and drinks for $79.99 on weekdays, $89.99 on weekends.
Frisco
972/668-5263
strikz.com
Alley Cats
Reserve your bowling lanes in advance at this retro bowling alley, with special entertainment for the sports fanatics (batting cages and putt-putt) and for the ultra-competitive kids of your family (laser tag and a 26-foot-tall rock-climbing wall). Head to the Hurst location for additional attractions: go-karts, the Rattler mini coaster and a drop tower ride (height restrictions apply).
At the Arlington location, take in a family-friendly comedy show every Saturday night. To enjoy it all, the best deal here is the Best Day Ever Pass, which includes all the attractions, and is $40 in Arlington; $60 in Hurst.
Arlington and Hurst, plus a Burleson location open in June 2024
817/589-0523
alleycatsbowl.com
Fixation VR
The world of virtual reality is your oyster at this VR arcade in the heart of DFW. Browse the more than 100 first-person virtual reality games and experiences, such as the kid-friendly Rec Room and Fruit Ninja, and play individually or with up to 15 friends simultaneously. Best for ages 8 and up. The arcade is open daily by appointment only and is BYOB for adults after 7pm.
Hurst
682/404-6445
fixationvr.com
Celebration Station
No matter what you’re celebrating (read: you don’t need a reason for a family night out), this is the place to go for the Eurobungy attraction, bumper boats, batting cages with baseball and softball, and more. This location features a 10,000-square-foot paintball arena, open to kids as young as 10, with safety gear and coveralls. Unlimited attractions wristbands start at $46.99.
Mesquite
972/279-7888
celebrationstation.com
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Channel the power of racing legend Mario Andretti at this Grandscape complex. You’ll speed around the indoor track in an all-electric go-kart, open to kids as young as 7, and mini Mario karts for drivers as young as 4. Multiple virtual reality experiences, laser tag and an upscale bowling lounge (especially great for parents) are all found at this family fun stop, along with scratch-made meals and signature drinks.
The Colony, plus two more locations in Fort Worth and Grand Prairie set to up later in 2024
469/527-3278
andrettikarting.com
FAMILY VOLUNTEERING
Little Helpers of Dallas-Fort Worth
Mom of two Michelle Carter established this local chapter of the national Little Helpers group in 2017. Join the Facebook group to connect with other families sharing ideas on how to get even their littlest kids involved in and excited about volunteering in the community—such as feeding those experiencing homelessness and writing letters to isolated seniors. Most activities are held in northeast Tarrant County, but everyone is welcome.
Colleyville area
facebook.com
North Texas Food Bank
Help neighbors in North Texas experiencing food insecurity, including one in five kids. Go online or use the mobile app to sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities based on age: 16 and older can volunteer to sort bulk produce or work at NTFB’s sustainable, small-scale learning garden called Jan’s Garden; 12 and older may help package the boxes and bags of food for distribution.
Plano
214/330-1396
ntfb.org
Feed My Starving Children
With a title that doesn’t mince words this Christian nonprofit works all over the globe to provide food assistance to communities experiencing chronic hunger. Join the effort by shopping the artisan marketplace online and volunteering at a food packing session at the permanent FMSC site in Richardson. Advance registration required for meal-packing events held every Monday through Saturday. The minimum age for volunteering is 5 years old.
Richardson
214/453-5480
fmsc.org
BEE TOURS
Round Rock Honey
You may have seen their honey at the Dallas Farmers Market, but did you know this local honey house offers tours at its original location north of Austin? Register for the one-hour factory tour highlighting the beekeeping and process of harvesting, blending and bottling honey for only $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and younger. Shop for unfiltered wildflower honey, soaps and skincare from the store while you’re there.
Round Rock
512/828-5416
roundrockhoney.com
Two Hives Honey
Visit this ranch, 20 minutes northeast of downtown Austin and open to visitors on Thursdays through Saturdays (no reservations needed). Come visit the honey bar or book a beehive tour, beekeeping class or honey-tasting class on select days, available as adults-only or family-friendly for kids 6 and older. You’ll suit up in protective gear, light a bee smoker and get up-close-and-personal with more than 100,000 bees.
Manor
737/203-8598
twohiveshoney.com
BeeWeaver Honey Farm
On your next family excursion south toward Houston, plan a long pit stop at fifth-generation farm. The general store is open daily, with public hives tours on weekends where you’ll see up-close into a hive of bees (from the comfort and protection of a screened observation deck).
Navasota
512/535-2219
beeweaver.com
Photo courtesy of Reunion Tower
