With thousands of animals and 95 acres to explore, the Dallas Zoo is a great destination for families visiting Dallas.
Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $10
Children (ages 3-1): $7
Seniors (65+): $7
Contact Information:
Website: www.dallaszoo.com
Phone: 214-670-5656
Location: South of downtown Dallas
Google Map
The Dallas Museum of Natural History is the end result of the merging of the Dallas Children’s Museum, the Science Place and the original Dallas Museum of Natural History. With over 200 permanent exhibits and an IMAX theater, you just might find yourself staying here all day.
With the addition of the children’s museum this is a high profile attraction for those of you who are looking for things to do with the young children.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission:
Adult: $8.75
Children (ages 3-11): $5.50
Youth (ages 12-17): $7.75
Student: $7.75
Senior (62+): $7.75
Full Pricing Sheet
Contact Information:
Website: www.natureandscience.org
Phone: 214-428-5555
Location: In fair park in Dallas.
Google Map
The beautiful Dallas arboretum is full of living color all year around and there are tours offered daily.
There are two different restaurants that are on site. Neither restaurants take reservations, but they are also only available to paying customers of the arboretum.
Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
*Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years*
Admission:
Adults: $9.50
Children (ages 3-12): $6
Seniors (65+): $8
Parking: $5
Contact Information:
Website: www.dallasarboretum.org
Phone: 214-515-6500
Location: Northeast of downtown Dallas near White Rock Lake State Park.
Google Map
The Dallas Aquarium and Zoological Garden is an outstanding educational and fun filled experience for people of all ages.
There are several different exhibits for your enjoyment including; South Africa, the seasonal Madagascar, and Mundo Maya exhibits. And of course there is the beautiful aquarium that features marine life from around the globe.
Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $18.95
Children (ages 3-12): $10.95
Seniors (60+): $14.95
Contact Information:
Website: www.dwazoo.com
Phone: 214-720-2224
Location: Downtown Dallas near the West End Historic District
Google Map
At a staggering 309 feet tall this is the tallest capitol building in the nation (see everything really is bigger in Texas). Tours are given daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and inauguration day.
Tours will generally last ~45 minutes so you will have plenty of time visit the rest of downtown Austin as well.
Hours:
Visitor Center hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Admission:
FREE
Contact Information:
Website: www.visitthecapitol.gov
Tour Booking
Location: Downtown Austin
Google Map
The JFK memorial and exhibit showing where there was significant evidence found after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. People from all over the world come here for information and a possible understanding of what happened on the day of November 22, 1963.
The museum is a great educational experience but it is also fun, especially for the history buff in the group. Also while you are in the area this is a great time to check out downtown, as you will be in the heart of downtown Dallas.
Tours are self guided and the price of admission includes an audio guide.
Hours:
Monday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission:
Adult: $13.50 U.S.
Senior (Ages 65+): $12.50 U.S.
Youth (Ages 6-18): $12.50 U.S.
Children (Ages 0-5): Free or $3.50
*Prices include an audio guide*
Parking: $5 Adjacent to the museum.
Contact Information:
Website: The Sixth Floor Museum
Phone: 214-747-6660
Location: West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. Parking spaces are available adjacent to the museum. Large vehicle parking can be found on Houston street, 2 blocks north of the museum.
Google Map
The Kemah Boardwalk has rides, shopping, and dining. A great place to hang out and experience Houston.
Dine at one of the many fine restaurants while you sit on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean.
This is a great place for families and young adults as well. Everyone will have fun on the boardwalk! Don’t miss out on one of Houston’s best attractions.
Check their calendar of events to see whats going on while you are there.
Kemah Boardwalk
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:30 AM-11:00 PM
Admission:
All day ride pass:
Under 48″: $16.99
Over 48″: $18.99
Contact Information:
Website: www.kemahboardwalk.com
Location: Outside of Houston to the southwest.
Google Map
The Johnson Space center named after, president Lyndon B. Johnson is a wonderful place to visit while in Houston. They have a variety of different attractions including the NASA tour, the feel of space, and the space museum.
The NASA tour is the main attraction and takes you around the grounds and takes you to several buildings including historic mission control and the room that houses a full size replica of the space shuttle and the international space station. This is definite must see attraction while in Houston!
When I visited this was not available to see but the tour guide told me that during special times they also offer a tour of their underwater training facility. If you have the opportunity that would be an awesome sight to see.
Hours:
10:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays.
10:00 AM-7:00 PM on weekends.
Hours are extended during the summer and some holidays. Check specific dates on their calendar.
Admission:
Adults: $19.95
Children (ages 4-11): $15.95
Seniors: $18.95
Contact Information:
Website: www.spacecenter.org
Phone: 281-244-2100
Location: 1601 NASA Parkway about 25 miles south of downtown Houston in the NASA/clear lake area.
Google Map
Battleship Texas was the first battleship memorial museum and she served in both world war I and II. When the USS Texas was first commissioned back in 1914 she was one of the most advanced and powerful weapons in the world, now we use her to look into the past as she sits on the Buffalo Bayou in the Houston ship channel.
When you arrive at the park you pay a very small entrance fee (~$2) that will also let you visit the Battle of San Jacinto monument. There is not an extra fee for the monument but you do have to pay again to board the ship. Once you get aboard the ship it is just a self guided tour. You can visit several decks above and below the main deck to see how crews on board lived and worked every day.
Visiting the USS battleship will not take all day long. Most likely your visit will not last more than a few hours, so you will have plenty of time to visit near by Houston attractions like the Kemah Boardwalk and the Johnson Space Center.
Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
*Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.*
Admission:
Adults: $10
Children (12 & under): FREE (when accompanied by an adult)
Seniors (65+): $5
Contact Information:
Website: Battleship Texas
Phone: 281-479-2431
Location: East of Houston in the Battleship Texas State Park
Google Map
The Alamo
The Alamo is one of Texas’ most famous and important historical attractions. It is an old mission that was used during a very important battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico. The 4.2 acre complex offers a variety of different exhibits that offer you an inside look at Texas history and the Texas Revolution.
Located in downtown San Antonio, The Alamo is a great place to learn all about the history of Texas, and the best part about it, its free!
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
During the months of June, July and August they will stay open until 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Admission:
FREE!
Contact Information:
Website: www.thealamo.org
Phone: 210-225-1391 ext 13
Location: Downtown San Antonio
Google Map