Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the Mid-Cities - 2019
2019 Best Places for Kids in the Mid-Cities region!
The best places to take kids around the Mid-Cities, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey (May-June each year). Of course, there is LOTS more to do in our area! Get great ideas below, make sure to check out the Everything That's Free page, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter packed with things to do, and then explore the rest of KidsOutAndAbout.com for lots more!
My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Midcities area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!
Urban Air Indoor Trampoline Park
Urban Air Trampoline Parks are the perfect venue in Dallas Fort Worth for some good old family fun, kids birthday parties, church events, corporate events, or any other event you can dream up.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Dedicated to lifelong learning and anchored by rich collections, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History engages the community through creative, vibrant programs and interactive exhibits. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History houses a variety of traveling and permanent exhibitions. Permanent exhibits include DinoLabs & DinoDig, Energy Blast, the Fort Worth Children’s Museum and the Cattle Raisers Museum. Innovation Studios— a five glass-walled studio that houses Inventor, Doodler, Designer, Imaginer and Explorer—is where imagination, curiosity and creativity are encouraged and nurtured. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is also home to two theaters, the Omni Theater, an IMAX dome and the Noble Planetarium.
Irving Arts Center
A Smithsonian affiliate institution, Irving Arts Center is home to two fully-equipped theaters; four galleries; meeting, classroom, reception and rehearsal facilities. A sculpture garden – a two-acre natural oasis – features winding paths, gardens, whimsical fountains and the bold visions of local and international artists. Year-round youth and family programs include story times, Art Adventure Camps, live performances and Second Sundays Family Fundays. Located in the heart of DFW, Irving Arts Center is open 7 days a week and parking is free. For more information, call 972-252-7558 or visit irvingartscenter.com
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture. The Kimbell's collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century and include European masterpieces by artists such as Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Poussin, Velázquez, Monet, Picasso and Matisse; important collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and the art of Asia, Africa and the Ancient Americas. Admission is always FREE to view the museum’s permanent collection. Special exhibitions require a ticket. For more information, visit kimbellart.org/visit.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Head to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad in Historic Downtown Grapevine and climb aboard an authentic 1920's Victorian coach for a train trip along the historic Cotton Belt Route that travels from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards most weekends throughout the year.
Alley Cats Entertainment
40,000 sf of INDOOR entertainment. Alley Cats is open year-round. We offer a variety of packages for Kids and Adults. Groups are a Specialty at Alley Cats. With an indoor catering department, and Full Bar Service, we are the perfect place for Corporate Outings. And of course, nobody does Birthday Parties better than Alley Cats! Open every day of the year. Check www.alleycatsbowl.com for hours. Located next door to Putt-Putt near I-20 and Cooper in Arlington.
Golf Center of Arlington
We aim to provide the best driving range and miniature golf in the DFW metroplex. Whether you are looking to improve your golf game, or just to hang out in a friendly atmosphere, Golf Center of Arlington offers the ultimate golf experience! Grass tees, plus covered, heated and lighted with ball tracking system.
American Airlines CR Smith Museum
The CR Smith Museum preserves the history of American Airlines and explains what it takes to run the airline, as told through the perspective of the team members who work there. Through its activities, the museum serves American Airlines team members and the aviation industry – past and present, and interested members of the general public. The museum is committed to education, with a focus on hands-on, interactive learning.
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
From its inception in 2011, Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center has been welcoming visitors to its sanctuaries and inviting them to participate in nature education programs. The center has an innovative approach in which they preserve open space not just to protect wildlife and native habitats from people, but to actively engage people in its conservation through learning and exploration.
Fritz Park Petting Farm
The Fritz Park Petting Farm opened in 1970 and offers an ideal setting for people of all ages to learn about farming and farm animals. For more than 30 years, Fritz Park has been the place to experience farm life, including hands-on contact with an assortment of animals — from sheep and goats to chickens, horses, ducks and rabbits.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - Grand Prairie
Come explore the unexplainable at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! With 5 unique attractions, there is something for everyone of all ages! Take selfies with the stars in our Louis Tussauds Palace Of Wax, see unique artifacts and artwork from all over the world in our Ripley’s Odditorium, get lost in our Enchanted Mirror Maze, test your senses in our new 7D Moving Theater, and duck under lasers to beat the clock in our Impossible Laser Race. You can even make custom wax hands and green screen photos, see you there!
UTA Planetarium
UTA Planetarium is one of the three largest planetariums in Texas located in Arlington on The University of Texas at Arlington campus. With its 60-foot dome projection surface, fully digital projection system, and advanced software, UTA Planetarium provides unparalleled views of the night sky, the solar system, stars, and distant galaxies — all complemented with Dolby® surround sound. The theater provides comfortable reclining seats for an audience of nearly 150, is wheelchair friendly, and can provide radio headsets for the hearing impaired.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Now in its sixth decade of operation, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art offers a diverse array of exhibitions, publications, and programs that connect visitors to masterworks of American art. Come connect to the American Experience through incredible art pieces. The Museum is currently closed for renovations, but it will be reopening to the public on September 14th, 2019.
Art Centre Theatre
The Art Centre Theatre is a place to "ACT" for life. All ages, races, sexes, experience levels, reilgions, orientations and individuals are accepted and welcome under our roof. Come play! We aim to create a sense of unity and cohesion through the presentation of works that challenge conventional ideals and commonly accepted mores. ACT accomplishes this goal through the presentation of a highly varied program of musical theatre, drama, comedy, opera, operetta, dance, children's theatre, concerts and art exhibits in a season that runs year-round.
Nash Farm
Learn about Grapevine and the city's heritage by visiting Nash Farm. Purchased by Thomas Jefferson Nash in 1859, this historic landmark brings history to life through exhibits, interpretive programs and touchable displays.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.
Pump It Up of Arlington
Who wants to wait for the next birthday party? Check out our Event Calendar to put some jump into your normal routine.
The Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Sculpture
Water Works Park
Come cool off at Water Works Park in Denton! From the lazy river to the awesome water slides, WWP is the place to be. Kids and adults alike can beat the summer heat here splashing in the water or relaxing under one of our cabanas. Water Works Park is also a great option for kid's birthday parties. With several different party packages to choose from, you can't go wrong!
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in six categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Place for Arts Education
Irving Arts CenterPerformances, musical theater, theater, symphony concerts, cultural events, dance, youth and family programs, national - regional - local exhibitions and more! The Arts Center's 10-acre complex, nestled in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, features two fully-equipped theaters; four galleries; meeting, classroom, reception and rehearsal facilities; and a verdant sculpture garden. The Arts Center was designed to accommodate a wide range of cultural and civic needs.
Favorite Place for Physical/Sports Education
Golf Center of ArlingtonWe aim to provide the best driving range and miniature golf in the DFW metroplex. Whether you are looking to improve your golf game, or just to hang out in a friendly atmosphere, Golf Center of Arlington offers the ultimate golf experience! Grass tees, plus covered, heated and lighted with ball tracking system.