DFWChild’s Best for Families 2025

As parents, we know that no one is a more valuable resource than other moms and dads. That’s why each year we turn to the experts—our readers—to help us determine the very best businesses and services in Dallas-Fort Worth for families. Read on for your fellow parents’ local favorites in our 2025 Best for Families honors. 

Best Places for Family Fun

Best Art Museum

Dallas Museum of Art
It’s hard to argue with always-free general admission, plus free special exhibit admission on first Sundays too. You’ll want to take advantage of this for heavy-hitter exhibitions, like the return of Yayoi Kusama’s immersive infinity room. (She’s the Japanese artist known for her obsession with pumpkins and polka dots.) Throughout the year, the DMA regularly offers arts and craft workshops for every age group, including babies, and its locale in the Dallas Arts District puts it steps away from Klyde Warren Park’s children’s playground and splash fountains.
1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, 214/922-1200; dma.org

Runner-up: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth 

Best Family Fair or Festival

State Fair of Texas

Maybe it’s the Kidway games and rides, or the family selfie beneath Big Tex—or the increasingly bizarre fried confections—but everyone’s got their own favorite reason(s) to keep coming back to Fair Park, and plenty do. Nearly 2.4 million fairgoers walked through the gates in 2024. To keep the tradition going, clear your calendar for the 2025 fest returning September 26–October 19, and keep an eye out for many more performers and details to be revealed soon.
Dallas; 214/565-9931; bigtex.com

Runner-up: Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Best Nature & Science Museum

Perot Museum of Nature & Science
From the leap frogs on the lawn up to the living rooftop, the Perot is a wild ride from head to toe—even more so now with several big additions. Its renovated Moody Family Children’s Museum with an expanded toddler play area and enhanced outdoor space with a waterfall, is expected to debut at the end of May and the interactive Bug Lab at the end of June. But this world-class museum isn’t only for kids. Need a date night with your S.O.? Come in the evenings during Thursdays on Tap, weekly through October.
2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, 214/428-5555; perotmuseum.org

Runner-up: Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

Best Place for the Whole Family & Best Place to Explore the Outdoors

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Scoring wins for two separate categories, you might be wondering what’s been going on at this botanic garden? And the answer is a lot. Established in 1934, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden sets itself apart with its Japanese festivals, preschooler programs in the Backyard Vegetable Garden, and even its newly offered membership for dog lovers who like to romp around the gardens too. The butterflies return biannually to the Rainforest Conservatory, and their spectacular outdoor exhibitions aren’t just fun to look at. Pencil in your calendar for the interactive Musical Swings, debuting mid-September.
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, 817/463-4160; fwbg.org

Runner-up for Best Place for the Whole Family: The Cove at Lakefront
Runner-up for Best Place to Explore the Outdoors: Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Best Shopping Center for Families

Galleria Dallas
Gone are the days when you only go to “the mall” to shop for clothes or the occasional gift. This Galleria is an entertainment destination in its own right, with all sorts of regular, free fun for kids and events throughout the year. Take the free Showtime Saturdays and on first Thursday PALs Showtimes starring children’s entertainers on the third floor Children’s Play Place. The indoor ice rink is open year-round for ice skating under spectacular displays hanging overhead, and of course, during Christmas, they pull out all the stops with Santa and his SnowDay wonderland.
13350 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, 972/702-7100; galleriadallas.com

Runner-up: Grapevine Mills

Best Transportation Museum

Frontiers of Flight Museum
The sky above and outer space are made accessible here at this world-class aviation and spaceflight museum with 40 aircraft and space vehicles housed in its own airplane hangar at Dallas Love Field. And they’re always innovating with new exhibits and offerings. They’ve got a new retail space and coffee bar (great for parents who need a caffeine pick-me-up). Stay tuned for a renovation of its 30,000-square-foot children’s play area too, and mark your calendars for its annual Moon Day party on July 19. During the Christmas season, Santa makes his own grand entrance on an Airbus Helicopter.
6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, 214/350-3600; flightmuseum.com

Runner-up: Museum of the American Railroad, Frisco

Best Play Place for Littles

Play Street Museum

With so many new play places springing up around DFW these days, our readers keep coming back to Play Street Museums, with eight DFW-area locations and more coming soon to North Fort Worth and Southlake/Grapevine. Each has its own themed miniature, child-size city. Lake Highlands, for example, is a downtown skyline. Here you can play a birthday party, pop-in for a playdate or reserve your spot during special craft events. New this year, Play Street has launched their own sensory kits, and its PSM Craft Co. offerings now include slime (a kid-favorite sticky activity).
playstreetmuseum.com

Runner-up: Legoland Discovery Center, Grapevine

Best Play Place for Older Kids

Bolder Adventure Park

“Bolder” is a play on words that does this attraction justice because it goes beyond bouldering. Inside the 66,000-square-foot, 75-foot-tall dome, there’s a whole world of rock climbing, ropes courses, zip lines and much more high-energy rec activity for kids. Tubing down long and steep slides, and bumper cars that are actually cushy (read: not the whiplash kind you might find at fairs). Even your toddlers can safely run around in the Exploration Play Area. Getting out late? Don’t miss a view of Lluvia, EpicCentral’s own Vegas-style water and light shows.
2324 W. Warrior Trail, Grand Prairie, 469/858-0577; bolderadventurepark.com

Runner-up: Trinity Forest Adventure Park, Dallas

Best Wild West Experience

Fort Worth Stockyards
If you notice that—while visiting this national historic district with roots dating back to 1866—your own Texas drawl becomes more pronounced, well, you’ll fit right in. The cobblestoned Exchange Avenue is a catwalk for tourists wearing Western fashions, where the city’s official herd of Texas longhorns go on their twice-daily cattle drive, and where much more fun takes place throughout, like mock gunfights. History museums, horse stables and a petting zoo, regular rodeo competitions inside the Cowtown Coliseum arena—there’s always something to see and experience.
140 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817/625-9715; fortworthstockyards.com

Runner-up: Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Best Place to See Animals

Fort Worth Zoo

From the western lowland gorilla and African lions to critically endangered gharial crocodile hatchlings, all creatures great and small are valued and protected here. (Even Iggy, the giant iguana sculpture, got a touch-up this year.) The Fort Worth Zoo has really knocked it out of the park in the last few years, with renovating and reimagining several of its educational areas and animal habitats. Even the elephants now have their own glorious waterfalls. Your kids will want to cool off too, which is possible thanks to the zoo’s own Safari Splash pad open every summer.
1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, 817/759-7555; fortworthzoo.org 

Runner-up: Dallas Zoo

Best Local Dining

Best Restaurant with Play Area

Hat Creek Burger Company

This Austin-based burger chain is a regular stop on our dinner rotation, and for good reason. Not only is the food itself a hit with the kids—Tiny Hat burgers, hot dogs, nuggets and grilled cheeses—but the treehouse-style playgrounds make for an easy hour or three of play. Parents can hang out on the outdoor patio in clear view of the fenced-in play area. We also love the easy-to-use app, so you can earn rewards for free food at any of its 11 DFW-area locations, stretching from Mansfield to McKinney.
hatcreekburgers.com

Runner-up: Zoli’s NY Pizza, Addison and Fort Worth

Best Themed Restaurant

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Dallas

This is no mere dinner show but an unrivaled experience for any kid who loves horses—and going absolutely bonkers cheering for their color section’s designated knight. (By the way, Red Knight rules!) In a 2-hour theatrical production, the armored knights mount their highly trained Andalusians to compete in genuine jousting competitions and hand-to-hand battles with swords and battle axes. (It’s all in good fun, and no one gets hurt.) This Dallas castle, open since 1992, is the only one in Texas and not one our readers take for granted.
2021 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 469/342-5555; medievaltimes.com/dallas

Runner-up: Rainforest Café, Grapevine

Best Kids Classes

Best Dance Class

Dance Industry
For 25 years, Dance Industry has transformed lives and guided countless students into professional dance careers while instilling discipline, confidence, and joy in dancers of all ages. Here you’ll find a passionate community where exceptional talent meets true professionalism. Just getting started? Their recreational program starts as young as 2 years old, with a variety of styles and levels in a fun atmosphere.
6614 Communications Pkwy., Plano, 972/403-3208; danceindustry.net

Runner-up: Texas Ballet Theater School, Dallas, Fort Worth and Richardson

Best Performing Arts Class

Dallas Children’s Theater
The Academy Classes at Dallas Children’s Theater provide a space for children to explore and express themselves, all while gaining skills in theater arts. Taught by theater professionals, these classes are structured by age and experience level. The littlest thespians—as young as 3—can bring storybook characters to life through roleplay and read-a-longs, explore character and dance. Classes for older children—all the through grade 12—range from voice work and monologues to stage makeup and even combat.
5938 Skillman St., Dallas, 214/978-0110; dct.org

Runner-up: Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth 

Best Sports Class

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

With 10 neighborhood branches, a 360-acre camp and programs in three counties, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth continues to grow alongside the community it serves. For families, the cornerstone is its youth sports and recreation programs. Here, sports are about so much more than winning a game—they’re about building self-esteem, teaching teamwork and creating a sense of belonging. Classes, camps and leagues are affordable, welcoming to all skill levels, and designed to meet kids where they are.
ymcafw.org

Runner-up: YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

Best Swim Class

Goldfish Swim School

This learn-to-swim school offers classes from 4 months through age 12. Expert swim instructors teach kids to swim, float and tread water successfully through a proven curriculum that builds on step-by-step development. And each class is small—capped at just four students—allowing for close supervision and optimal progress.
4240 International Pkwy., Suite 130, Carrollton, 972/846-4469; goldfishswimschool.com

Runner-up: British Swim School, Multiple locations

Best Tutoring

Pacioretty Academic Support Services
With their extensive teacher training, holistic approach and results-driven, individualized instruction, Pacioretty Academic Support Services gets to the root of academic challenges to help children master their goals. Working with students from K–12, they ensure every student develops the skills they need to meet their full potential—from those with learning disabilities to talented and gifted, and those who just need some supplemental support. Private and small group instruction available.
6170 Sherry Ln., Dallas, 469/466-9385, pacioretty.com

Runner-up: Mathnasium, Multiple locations

Best Camps

Best Day Camp

Skylark

Skylark brings the magic of summer camp to five locations in DFW. Their trained and vetted counselors guide kiddos from kindergarten to grade 7 through the perfect blend of structured activities and creative play—from sports to crafts, reading programs to outdoor adventures. Plus, they offer flexible scheduling that allow you to pick different sites and weeks, along with early- and after-care, simplifying life for busy families.
214/531-3203; campskylark.com

Runner-up: North Texas Performing Arts, Multiple locations

Best Camp for Kids with Special Needs

We Rock the Spectrum
This network of autism-focused, indoor kids gyms and playgrounds has several locations across Dallas-Fort Worth. Here, children of all abilities can play in a safe, sensory-friendly and inclusive environment. Camps offer small camper-to-staff ratios and nurturing fun.
Multiple locations, werockthespectrum.com

Runner-up: North Texas Performing Arts, Multiple locations

Best Overnight Camp

Sky Ranch

With over 70 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to safety, fun and spiritual growth, Sky Ranch isn’t just another summer camp—it’s a transformational experience for kids and families. Here, kids and teens unplug from screens and step into a week of adventure, connection and purpose, from high-energy activities to meaningful moments with counselors.
24657 Country Road 448, Van, 800/962-2267, skyranch.org

Runner-up: Camp Olympia, Trinity

Best Family Services

Best Bank or Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union
Convenient banking, low fees, and member-exclusive offers and discounts are among the reasons readers love Navy Federal Credit Union. Are you eligible to join? Their field of membership goes beyond current and retired members of the armed forces to include their families (parents, grandparents, spouses, children and even grandkids), household members, Department of Defense personnel and more. Plus, they’re an exemplary employer for parents too, prioritizing the well-being of families through a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support parents and caregivers.
navyfederal.org

Runner-up: Credit Union of Texas

Best Farmers Market

Dallas Farmers Market

Nestled in the heart of downtown you’ll find this reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Yes, you can shop for fresh produce, free-range meats, fresh eggs, artisan pantry staples and handmade crafts, but the Dallas Farmers Market is so much more. With two kids play areas, live chickens and free kids’ activities on the weekends—think book readings, crafts, gardening—this is also a spot for family fun. Visit during the annual Watermelon Festival or Pumpkin Days for even more kid-friendly amusements, like a free petting zoo and train.
920 S. Harwood St., Dallas; 214/664-9110, dallasfarmersmarket.org

Runner-up: Clearfork Farmers Market

Best Grocery Store

H-E-B
The beloved local grocery chain (exclusive to Texas and Mexico) is a favorite among families for its quality, variety, customer service, philanthropy, and family vibe. From the freshest produce to bulk items to ready-made meals, they’re always stocked with family staples.
heb.com

Runner-up: Central Market, Multiple locations

Best Kids Hair Salon

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Haircuts don’t have to be stressful—at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids the experience is actually fun. Here, littles can sit in their choice of play car (from fire engines to Barbie jeeps, even Lightning McQueen!) and watch their favorite shows while getting styled. Older kids love to play XBox One or pick a Netflix show while getting their haircut. Plus, Sharkey’s stylists are experts in working with kids; offering the utmost professionalism—and patience.
Multiple locations, sharkeyscutsforkids.com

Runner-up: Great Clips, Multiple locations

Best Pediatric Urgent Care

Cook Children’s Urgent Care
Bumps, fevers and unexpected illnesses can pop up at any time—and usually at the most inconvenient moments. That’s why Cook Children’s seven urgent care centers in DFW are open late, seven days a week, offering same-day care that’s fast, convenient, and just for kids. From high fevers and stubborn coughs to minor cuts needing stitches or X-rays for a possible fracture, Cook Children’s experts are ready to help. Walk in when it works for you, save your spot online, or choose a virtual visit when staying home is easier.
cookchildrens.org/visit/urgent-care

Runner-up: Children’s Health PM Pediatric Urgent Care, Multiple locations

Best Family Travel

Best Staycation Resort or Hotel

Great Wolf Lodge

Its indoor waterpark already makes this resort a top attraction for families, but especially now—after its $40 million renovation wrapped up earlier this year—Great Wolf is greater than ever. Daytime and overnight guests can live out their “best day ever” exploring all-new dining and entertainment add-ons, like the laser trail, bowling alley and “The Legend of Luna” nightly light show and snow flurries in the redesigned Grand Lobby. Booking a room? Their optional Pack ‘n’ Plays help make a restful sleep possible for your kids too.
100 Great Wolf Dr., Grapevine, 817/488-6510; greatwolf.com/grapevine

Runner-up: Gaylord Texan, Grapevine

Best Destination in Texas (Outside DFW)

San Antonio
Fun fact: This Spanish settlement is older than the U.S. government. Fast forward to today, and its rich history and unique attractions make it a uniquely Texan city that’s worth the 4-hour road trip. Here you can trek deep underground through Natural Bridge Caverns and let your kids—no matter their abilities—play and splash to their delight at Morgan’s Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park. But of course, no visit to San Antonio is complete without visiting the River Walk (tip: come see the ducks in the morning when it’s less crowded) and the storied Alamo site, which recently introduced a new augmented reality experience.
visitsanantonio.com

Runner-up: Austin

Best Destination in Arkansas

Hot Springs

Turns out that Hot Springs is the hot place to go for our readers, and it’s easy to see why. There’s so much to do here you can’t find in DFW, like digging for real quartz crystals at Ron Coleman Mining in the Ouachita Mountains or (for the brave) holding baby alligators at the Arkansas Alligator Farm. Its Magic Springs Theme and Water Park—with both roller coasters and water slides—also make it a great destination for family summer vacation.
hotsprings.org

Runner-up: Bentonville

Best Destination in Oklahoma

Beavers Bend
No, not the Beavers Bend Park in Frisco, but Beavers Bend—in mountainous Broken Bow, Oklahoma, about a 3-hour drive northeast from Dallas—is a destination all its own. This is the spot to finally break out the s’mores over a firepit at one of 2,600 cabins. Where you’re staying for a week or a weekend, you can take the family on hikes through the woods. For your littlest kids, seek out the sluicing activities, Hochatown Petting Zoo, mini train ride, and go canoeing on Broken Bow Lake, where—who knows—you just might spot a real beaver.
beaversbendcabincountry.com

Runner-up: Turners Falls Park

Best Destination in Louisiana

New Orleans
The legendary city is so much more than a Mardi Gras party town, but it’s also a magical destination for kids—if you know where to go. First stop should always be toward the beignets at Café du Monde off Jackson Square. (Here, getting powdered sugar on your clothes is never frowned upon but even encouraged.) Then the Audubon Aquarium (with stingray touch pool also includes several species of sharks). Back on land, kids will wear themselves out at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, where you can pretend navigate the Mississippi in a tugboat. And of course, you can experience the real thing on a riverboat ride onboard the Steamboat Natchez.
neworleans.com

Runner-up: Lafayette

Best Destination in New Mexico

Santa Fe

When you want to take the family on a ski trip, but that’s not all you want to do, consider a quick, 2-hour flight from DFW to Santa Fe. On the slopes at Ski Santa Fe, you can ski or snowboard for a half or full day (lessons are open to kids as young as 3), then head into the town of adobe buildings for more unexpected fun, like riding on the open air flatcar on the historic Sky Railway, making giant soapy bubbles at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, or painting with watercolors during monthly Family Days at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
santafe.org

Runner-up: Ruidoso

Best Party Services

Best Party Entertainers

Enchanted Parties DFW

When your party’s in need of some real-life magic, look no further than Enchanted Parties DFW, which offers the highest quality princess parties and events. The team has extensive backgrounds in acting, modeling, singing, dance, theater and childcare. They take the time to bring your child’s most beloved characters to life, from their stunning costumes down to their mannerisms.
enchantedpartiesdfw.com

Runner-up: Wildlife on the Move DFW

Best Party Venue for Sports-Minded Kids

Cosm Dallas

There is truly not a bad seat in the house at Cosm. With its innovative, design-forward venue and 87-foot diameter 12K+ LED dome, Cosm redefines the way you experience live sports, immersive art, and experiential entertainment—it’s an experience that bridges the virtual and physical worlds by merging state-of-the-art visuals with the energy of the crowd. Plus, the venue offers an elevated food and beverage service and turnkey event planning.
5776 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony, 469/689-6135; cosm.com/dallas

Runner-up: Game On, Fort Worth

Best Party Venue for Younger Kids

KidZania
This epic indoor city for kids—complete with paved streets and real tools and equipment—hosts turn-key parties that you can customized based on your needs. All party packages include full-day access to KidZania and some kidZos for the birthday kid (KidZania currency that they can earn and spend).
2601 Preston Rd. Suite 3011, Frisco, 214/618-0248, dallas.kidzaniausa.com

Runner-up: Monster Yogurt, Dallas and Richardson

Best Party Venue for Older Kids

Meow Wolf Grapevine
Journey through hidden doors, colorful portals and interactive spaces bursting with imagination inside The Real Unreal at Meow Wolf Grapevine, an explorable art experience designed to inspire kids and grown-ups alike. The exhibition blends vibrant storytelling with playful creativity, making it a top pick for birthday parties. You’ll also find weekly hands-on art-making sessions inside the exhibition—as well as our complimentary sensory toolkits, thoughtfully created to ensure every child feels welcome and comfortable.
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Suite 253, 866/636-9969; meowwolf.com

Runner-up: Main Event, Multiple locations

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