Dallas Staycation Ideas for Families

When I first heard about staycations, I thought they were a rip-off for parents who have to play social director on top of the usual parenting duties. Then I went on a family vacation. Navigating the airport, traveling with nearly a dozen Zhu Zhu pets and struggling to stay on schedule taught me otherwise.

My new-found wisdom taught me that staycations offer families flexibility. There is less pressure to see all the sites and experience everything before the vacation ends.

Tourist Goggles
Dallas is an amazing area for a staycation because there are so many entertainment options, but it is easy to overlook the great attractions available in our own city because we are immune to the wow factor. Play tourist to get a fresh perspective.

Gather brochures and research prices for affordable staycation destinations. Check with the tourism information center for tips and advice. Local hotels and some shopping malls have large displays of free brochures for local attractions.

Budgeting
Stretch your budget by including free and affordable activities. Dallas has plenty of cheap and free events for families, especially during the summer.

Once you choose your destinations, check the venue websites for discount offers and register your e-mail address for the newsletter. Some businesses offer special deals via social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Scheduling Tips
Make the most of valuable vacation time by creating an itinerary, but allow ample downtime to keep tired kids from getting too cranky. Save gas and travel time by choosing destinations that are near each other.

If possible, plan time for a parental break. Being close to home means kids may be able to visit or spend the night with a friend or family member. Some venues, such as The Little Gym, offer special hours when the staff is available to provide childcare.

Staycation destinations will depend on your budget and family's preferences, but these three attractions are a great sampling of the diverse options available in and around Dallas.

Budget-Friendly Fun: Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas
Phone: (214) 515-6500
Venue Website

Located near White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum features 66 acres of beautiful gardens. Thanks to Mother Nature, the scenery changes throughout the year. The arboretum also creates specials displays and there are plenty of unique photo opportunities.

Check the special events calendar because the arboretum regularly offers family events, concerts and activities. Peter Rabbit will make special appearances this summer and kids can explore the seven fairy tale castles as they complete his scavenger hunt.

Pack a picnic or dine at one of the on-site restaurants.

Overnight Getaway: Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Drive
Grapevine, Texas
Reservations: (800) 693-9653
Hotel Direct: (817) 488-6510
Venue Website

There are multiple family-friendly water parks near Dallas, but the Great Wolf Lodge boasts a climate controlled indoor water park that is only available to guests of the hotel. The lodge's 80,000-square-foot indoor water park has nine water slides, six pools, and a four-story tree house water fort.

Prices vary significantly depending on the type of room and date of stay. Many of the room options feature an open floor plan or loft design. A recent price comparison showed better deals available for non-weekends, Sunday through Thursday.

When comparing prices, remember the lodging fees include water park passes. Hotel check-in is at 4 p.m. but guests can visit the water park as early as 1 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. but departing guests are welcome to use the water park until closing time.

Cool Energy Burner: Ice Skating at the Dallas Galleria
13350 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, Texas
Phone: (972) 392-3361
Venue Website

Amazing Christmas decorations make the Galleria a popular winter destination, but it is also a fun place to cool down during warm weather. Admission is $9 and skate rental is $3. Check the website for a schedule of public skate sessions.