5 Educational Destinations for Families in Dallas, Texas

Educational activities and destinations are great ways for families to learn and have fun while spending time together. Whether you live in Dallas, Texas or are just visiting, you will not want to miss these educational opportunities that your whole family will love.

Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E)
Dallas, Texas 75203

With ongoing improvements, the Dallas Zoo is a great destination for families to have fun and learn about the animal kingdom. It has exhibits and activities to keep everyone entertained. The Lacerte Family Children's Zoo has activities especially designed for the little ones. The interactive, educational exhibits include a playground, petting zoo, pony rides and more.

Budding photographers can take amazing photographs throughout the Dallas Zoo. The Giants of the Savannah area offers vantage points that mimic observing animals in the wild.

Be prepared because some areas of the zoo, particularly Zoo North, have hilly paths. The steep incline is somewhat challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. Currently, admission is $9 to $12 and free for children aged two and under. Parking is $7. There is an additional charge for attractions, such as pony rides, camel rides, and the monorail. The zoo has two restaurants. Visit the Dallas Zoo website for complete details.

The Museum of Nature and Science
1318 South Second Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75210

Located in Fair Park, the Museum of Nature and Science (formerly called the Science Place) also hosts a variety of family-friendly activities. Younger children will likely enjoy the razzle-dazzle of the displays, but they also have an area of their own. Everything is suitable for their needs and interests as they enjoy hands-on activities, such as exploring farm life and learning a reverence for nature.

Older children and adults can explore the interactive displays, such as the Hands-on-Physics gallery. The museum is home to some permanent displays, but also features traveling exhibits such as Body Worlds.

The IMAX theater has a 79-foot domed screen that brings images to life. Although the theater plays educational films, the selections are entertaining as well. IMAX admission currently costs $6 for children ages two to eleven and $7 for adults.

The complex has many attractions, including the planetarium, with separate admission fees. The museum offers various money-saving admission ticket bundles. Visit the Museum of Nature and Science website for complete details.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas 75218

The attractions at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens bloom year round. The verdant gardens provide a perfect way for families to learn about nature first hand. It also offers special exhibits and events, such as concerts and formal tea service throughout the year. Although the arboretum has two restaurants, it also allows patrons to bring outside food, so you can have a great family picnic.

Admission is free for children under 3 and $7 to $10 for everyone else. Parking costs $7. Visit the Dallas Arboretum website for the latest information on special events such as face painting and petting zoos.

The Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora Street
Dallas, Texas 75201

Open since 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center is across the street from the Dallas Museum of Art and is a great place to bring out the inner artist in your children. Art is on display indoors and out and the scenic sculpture garden is a great place to relax or sketch the scenery. The café also offers a comfortable view of the outdoors.

From the summer concert series and yoga classes to children's art activities, the Nasher Sculpture Center has special events throughout the year where you and your kids can learn and express your inner creativity together. Visit the Nasher Sculpture Center website for details.

Admission ranges from $5 to $10 and is free for children ages 12 and under. Cell phones usage is not allowed in the garden or galleries.

Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, Texas 75201

The Dallas Museum of Art offers family-friendly entertainment in a comfortable climate and offers great opportunities to learn and have fun. Some of the special activities they offer families include art classes and camps, games and they even offer a Kid's Club that provides discounts, and exclusive access to events that normally available by invitation only. The museum also offers free admission for families on the first Tuesday of each month. Get activity ideas by visiting the museum's list of 100 Experiences.

Admission is free for children under 12 and $5 to $10 for everyone else. The museum also offers special combo tickets for the museum and the Nasher Sculpture Center. Parking is $10. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art website for complete details.

Dallas has many educational opportunities for families where you will not only learn but also have fun together, so get out there and start exploring!

Sources:
http://www.dallaszoo.com
http://www.natureandscience.org
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/
http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/
http://dallasmuseumofart.org