During a child’s earliest years, it often happens that new parents—especially new mothers—spend a greater amount of time in the comfort and safety of home. But what if more destinations around DFW were friendlier to babies and toddlers? We sought out a few new and mainstay spots where families are always welcome to stretch their legs and where littles are encouraged to expand their horizons.
Outdoor Gardens
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
No place will ignite your baby’s senses quite like this gorgeous children’s garden, located at Dallas Arboretum. Of the dozen playspaces here, head first to the First Adventure gallery, immediately to your left. This walled garden introduces science concepts to its youngest visitors through play in natural settings: caterpillar maze for exploration, a sandbox for getting a little messy, and lots of mini or oversize structures for play, such as giant insects, a potting shed and a tree house. $3, plus general garden admission, which for adults varies depending on the season but is always free for children under 2 years. Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Contact: 214/515-6500
Learn more: In our Guide to Dallas Arboretum
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
You’ll want to explore as far as your toddlers’ little legs will carry them, because every garden here is glorious. Don’t miss feeding the koi fish in the Japanese Garden and climbing on the hollow logs along the Native Texas Boardwalk. Be sure to follow close behind them while maneuvering the up steps of the Rose Garden, but that view? Worth the climb. For stories and more nature fun next door at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), join monthly programs like the Bella’s Book and Nature Club for 18 months and up. Spots fills up quickly, so be sure to register in advance.
Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Contact: 817/463-4160
Learn more: In our Guide to Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
No matter the weather outside, it’s a tropical paradise inside this two-story glass butterfly house, where free-flying butterflies live peaceful lives (no predators in sight) among the plants picked just for them. And littles are free to explore the winding path in search of the butterflies. Visit between 10am–5pm daily for a guaranteed sighting, but the best time to come is at noon for the butterfly releases. Then head out of doors for more playtime with the garden train set and children’s playscape. General admission: $12 adults; under 4 free.
Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas
Contact: 214/428-7476
Learn more: txdg.org
RELATED: Glass Butterfly Houses Around Texas
Sheila & Jody Grant Children’s Park
In addition to the expansive lawns at Klyde Warren Park, located just steps away from the Dallas Arts District, this park also offers this special spot for littles to roam. This gated, 18,000-square-foot playground is built with mounds to climb, water features for splashing, a tree-top lookout, and even a climbing tower for older kids. And of course you’ll find spacious family restrooms with changing tables, outdoor sinks and long counters allow for an easy diaper change. It’s a great spot for everyday play, and even more so during special events, such as story readings and entertainers, happening all around the park.
Location: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas
Contact: 214/716-4500
Learn more: klydewarrenpark.org/childrens-park
Indoor Playspaces
BB Piñata
This newly debuted playspace in Oak Cliff is a hot spot for baby and toddler play. Bring your littles for the soft play areas, slide and a ball pit (and all-you-can-drink self-serve espresso and drip coffee for parents) that you can access with an all-day play pass: $18.99 on weekdays and $21.99 on weekends. Free for an accompanying adult and for a baby under 6 months with a paying sibling. For extra enrichment, come during the rotating special activities, including bilingual storytimes (typically on Wednesday mornings) and the Parents Night In (select Saturday nights) when couples are welcome to eat snacks and get crafty with portrait painting while staff entertains the littles.
Location: 206 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas
Contact: 214/242-8553
Learn more: bbpinata.com
RELATED: Top Indoor Play Areas in DFW
CheerLand Play & Party
This cool new spot just had its grand opening in summer 2024, and its play areas are not only super fun but also really pretty. You won’t be able to resist snapping photos of your kids as they slide down a light-up piano slide that spills out into a ball pit, and then feed the pastel-colored balls into tubes that shoot up and rain the balls down back onto them like raindrops. Quite possibly the cutest play area, though, is the Little Engineers area with toy cars on lifts so kids can play pretend as car mechanics. You’ve got to see it. Thankfully, two more locations are expected to open too in Little Elm and Melissa. $15.99 per child for 2 hours of play or $19.99 for all day.
Location: 3935 S. Lake Forest Drive, Suite 115, McKinney
Contact: 469/678-5088
Learn more: cheerlandusa.com
Play Street Museum
No, these aren’t technically museums but rather indoor play places where toddlers and kids (1- to 8-year-olds) can enjoy imaginative play with props, costumes and sets. Think, a mini farm house or a mini town square. Each location has its own theme, and several more have sprouted up over the years. To try it out, come for an open play time, or sign up online for even more options for special craft activities and themed events.
Locations: Allen, Lake Highlands/Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Mansfield, McKinney, Murphy, Plano and opening soon in North Fort Worth
Learn more: playstreetmuseum.com
Moody Family Children’s Museum
The Perot Museum of Nature & Science, an attraction of stunning architecture, is a destination all its own. You’ll definitely want to take the escalator up to see the views of downtown Dallas, but one of the biggest draws for young families is actually on the lower level. This children’s museum, designed for kids birth–5, has its own dino dig, as well as a mini farmers market and city skyline, all transformed into play form. General admission is $25 for adults; children under 2 free.
Location: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas
Contact: 214/428-5555
Learn more: In our Guide to the Perot Museum with Kids
Fort Worth Children’s Museum
There’s so much to see and do inside the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History (the DinoDig is a hit for all ages) but be sure to make it all the way down to this destination’s own Children’s Museum. Enter through the jaws of the giant gator head and explore all the play spaces, from the mini grocery store and the railcar to the space-themed playground with access just outside. When your little needs a diaper change, use the family restroom and nursing room. General admission includes all special exhibitions, including $16 for adults; children under 3 free.
Location: 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth
Contact: 817/255-9300
Learn more: fwmuseum.org
RELATED: Our Favorite Toddler Activities in Fort Worth
NorthPark Center
For moms on the go, you’ll get your time’s worth at NorthPark Center, a luxury shopping center which is so much more than that. The Bookmarks children’s library (open Tuesday–Saturday) is a must-stop spot for its regular story times for infants and toddlers. When the weather is nice, head outdoors to the CenterPark Garden to let them run around on the grass and get some sunshine. But of course, no visit to NorthPark is complete without visiting the ducks and turtles wadding in the shallow indoor pond at Neiman Marcus Court and sliding down the adjacent sloped planters.
Location: 8687 N. Central Expy., Suite 1514, Dallas
Contact: 214/363-7441
Learn more: northparkcenter.com
Animal Fun
Toyota Children’s Ranch & Petting Corral
Fort Worth Zoo has been knocking it out of the park with newly renovated and expanded habitats, such as the Elephant Springs (they’ve got a waterfall, y’all) and Predators of Asia & Africa, but we also love the zoo for its toddler-friendly petting corral. There your littles can see and touch all sorts of farm animals, like fuzzy sheep, goats and mini donkeys. Another reason why it’s reader-favorite zoo? Safari Splash. This water playground, with a toddler play area too, opens every spring and summer to help young guests keep cool—since, you know, rolling around like the pigs in the mud isn’t an option. General admission is $20 for adults; $16 for children 3–12; and free for children 2 and younger.
Location: 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth
Contact: 817/759-7555
Learn more: In our Guide to Fort Worth Zoo
Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo
Though babies cannot comprehend how rare and exotic many of the animals are inside Dallas Zoo, they can experience the thrill of petting and feeding them face to face. For a full-on animal experience here inside the children’s zoo, let them hold a cup of nectar or a birdseed stick, or pet the alpacas and goats in the barn, or crawl through the Underzone to see the naked mole rats. Tickets are from $22 for adults (or $8 on Tiger Tuesdays); children under 2 free every day.
Location: 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas
Contact: 469/554-7500
Learn more: In our Guide to Dallas Zoo
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
Originally opened in 1936 as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition and remodeled again in 2021, this aquarium is a Dallas staple. Today you can see—all kids’ eye level—all sorts of fish, sharks, turtles and cownose stingrays. In fact, guests can feed and touch the rays in the outdoor pavilion called Stingray Bay. We also love the coastal touch tank for your baby to touch horseshoe crabs, sea urchins or sea whelks with the help of a volunteer.
Location: Dallas
Contact: 469/554-7340
Learn more: In our Guide to the Children’s Aquarium Dallas
Movie Theaters
screenPLAY!
Yes, we love streaming shows through our smart TVs, but we also miss going out to the movies. Now, it’s easier than ever to take your toddler with you to the cinema, thanks to these special movie screens. Two area B&B Theatres have an incredible playground with tubes and slides built into the side of the auditorium, plus a toddler area in front of the screen. Playtime opens 30 minutes before the show and is included with your movie ticket, no tickets needs for children under 3.
Location: 615 N I-35 E Road, Red Oak
Contact: 469/373-7473 for Red Oak theater
Learn more: bbtheatres.com/screenplay
Location: 711 Woodbridge Parkway, Wylie
Contact: 972/419-8505 for Wylie theater
Learn more: bbtheatres.com/screenplay
Camp Cinemark
This kid-friendly movie theater feels like a trip to an overnight camp in the woods. This specially designed auditorium, located inside Cinemark Allen 16 and XD, is a smaller, camp-themed theater with bean bag chairs and cushy chaise lounges that are more comfortable than your average movie chairs—and easier for curling up with your kids. The string lights overhead dim when the movie begins but never go out, so if you’re breastfeeding, you can actually see.
If you’re bringing your toddler, be sure to come early to let them get their wiggles out before the show begins. When you book your movie tickets online, look for the screen labeled “Camp Cinemark” and select your seats. Tickets are typically $12 for adults; $9 for children 1–11 years; under 1 free, but may vary depending on the specific time and day.
Location: 921 State Hwy 121, Allen
Contact: 214/383-9712
Learn more: cinemark.com/camp-cinemark-allen
RELATED: Drive-In Movie Theaters around North Texas
Indoor Waterparks
The Cove at Lakefront
When your kids love splash time too much for the size of your bathtub, head to the pool. And this 42,000-square-foot waterpark is climate-controlled, open year-round. Toddlers are welcome anytime, of course, but especially during Toddler Time from 9–11am on two select mornings. During the off-season, it’s every Monday and Wednesday. (Check back in the summer for the in-season days.) That’s when toddlers and their siblings get in for only $5 per person and have exclusive access to the Cove’s spray ground and the play structure in the Dock Play Pool. Tickets sold at the door, and your snacks from home are welcome too.
Location: 417 Lakefront Drive, Little Elm
Contact: 214/618-2047
Learn more: thecoveatthelakefront.com
RELATED: Indoor Water Parks in and Around DFW
Art Museums
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
This museum is one of our faves not only because it’s always free but also because it doesn’t skimp on the regularly scheduled programming for several age groups. Among them are Itty-Bitty Art, for babies up to 24 months on third Saturdays, and Toddler Studio, for 2- to 3-year-olds on first Saturdays. Each month has a new themed activity inspired by the exhibitions, so no two visits are the same. Admission is free, but you’ll need to sign up in advance for a spot in these programs, so be sure to go online and register once it opens at the start of each month.
Location: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
Contact: 817/738-1933
Learn more: cartermuseum.org
Dallas Contemporary
For every toddler who loves breaking out the craft supplies and every parent who’d love to look at some elevated artworks not taped to the fridge, there’s the monthly Stroller Tours at the Dallas Contemporary. This noncollecting art museum in the Design District means there’s always something new and fashionable. On each second Wednesday on the month, a gallery educator guides parents and their toddlers or preschoolers up to age 5 through the current exhibitions on view and leads a story time or hands-on activity inspired by those specific works. Admission is always free, so is the complimentary coffee. Program spots are limited, so sign up online to RSVP.
Location: 161 Glass Street, Dallas
Contact: 214/821-2522
Learn more: dallascontemporary.org
Dallas Museum of Art
Even while its Center for Creative Connections remains closed, this local museum remains a reader favorite thanks to its extensive calendar of family programming specifically for the younger crowd and their caregivers, including Art Babies for up to 24-month-olds, Toddler Art for 2- to 3-year-olds and Arturo’s Art & Me for 3- to 5-year-olds. Check out upcoming dates and themes (often related to the special exhibitions on view) and register, then meet in the galleries for stories, songs and games. $10; $7 for DMA members. Don’t want to pay? Come during the Wee Wednesdays or other free activities and event.
Location: 1717 N. Harwood Street, Dallas
Contact: 214/922-1200
Learn more: dma.org
RELATED: Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Museums in DFW
Texas Culture
Fort Worth Stockyards
Looking for something to do any day of the week? There’s nothing more unique to Texas than witness the twice-daily cattle drives down the Stockyards’ Exchange Avenue. The city-owned herd of Texas longhorns signifies more than 150 years of cattle herding history. Costumed drovers lead The Herd through the brick-paved streets at 11:30am and 4pm every day except major holidays. And it’s completely free to watch. For more fun, trot down the street to the petting zoo.
Location: 129 East Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth
Contact: 800/433-5747
Learn more: fortworth.com/the-herd
RELATED: 10 Authentic Texas Experiences in DFW & Beyond
Exercising Together
FIT4MOM
You’ve heard of Stroller Strides but that’s only one of several group workout programs under the FIT4MOM umbrella. Up your endorphins and stay close to your baby during Run Club, Stroller Barre, or other classes for new and expecting moms. You’ll find franchises all over Dallas-Fort Worth and first class is free, so go online to search for the one in your neighborhood and try it out. And if you’re also in want of mom friends, check out the mom-centric social outings such as moms night out and book clubs as part of the Our Village program.
Location: Multiple locations around DFW. Plug in your zip code here to find the group nearest you.
Contact: 866/348-4666 (FIT-4MOM)
Learn more: fit4mom.com
Nanda Yoga
This child-focused yoga studio nearby the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a breath of fresh air for moms. Nanda Yoga not only offers aerial classes for toddlers and older kids, but also mommy and me yoga for babies as young as 6 weeks. Sign up your crawling babies for Movers & Shakers, a half-hour class on Thursday mornings, for playful stretching, singing and breathing. Discount for siblings.
Location: 2408 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth
Contact: 817/752-4044
Learn more: nandayogafw.com
RELATED: Fitness Centers with Child Care in DFW
Top image courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art
