Dallas Fun: Children’s Museum

Yes, you read that right. Dallas has a Children’s Museum. Well, let me rephrase that. TheDallas Museum of Nature and Science has a Children’s Museum that makes the whole trip worth it.

The Museum of Nature and Science is located in Fair Park and is surprisingly not very crowded. I’ve been both on a weekday morning, and a weekend afternoon. Although the weekend was substantially more busy, it was not too crowded to enjoy the exhibits, but I would still recommend a weekday trip if possible. It is just so fun to feel like you have the whole museum to yourself.

If you have small kids (under 2 and maybe even under 3), I would suggest skipping most of the other areas and going straight to the Children’s Museum. Unlike the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, not all of the exhibits are super hands-on where even a toddler can enjoy. But once you get to the Children’s Museum, park that stroller and get ready to chase around a kid having way too much fun. Literally, my child was just darting back and forth between all the activities in sheer joy. There were so many options he couldn’t choose just one at a time. They’ll be crawling through tunnels, navigating through spider webs, operating a fire truck (Kyler’s favorite), building a bridge, making music, playing in water, picking crops, milking a cow, and so much more. There is even a play area for kids under 2 that is closed in and is like a little mini Gymboree. We parked ourselves in here and let the kids play for a good while just chatting and enjoying the fact that our kids were confined. Ahhh….bliss.

If you have older kids, the whole museum is fair game. They will love the dinosaur dig, the giant nose that sneezes on you (yes, sick but fun), and all the other rotating exhibits. Don’t forget to head over to the science building (a short walk outside) and check out the interactive light exhibit. There was literally NO ONE in this area when I went to check it out. I think it just gets overlooked, but for a kid who can play with this stuff, it would be perfect. They can bounce light off the walls, create silhouettes of themselves, and just explore the fascinating capabilities of light. The IMAX would also be a great addition for those older kids with the appropriate attention span.

There is a small cafe with a large eating area in the main part of the museum that would be great for lunch. You could also pack lunches and eat outside near the little pond in Fair Park. I like that the museum is in Fair Park because it opens up a whole new slew of activities to go along with it. Oh, and parking is free. Cha-ching!

Definitely go with a friend to this one. And don’t forget to hang out in the glorious play room for way too long, it makes for great naps…and great conversation! Make sure you check with their website for deals and specials before you plan your trip.