50 Places to Take the Kids This Summer in DFW

Penguins

If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained this summer, we’ve got you covered! Check out this list of indoor playgrounds, water parks, museums, and other fun activities for the kids. Add them to your summer calendar or bucket list.

Enjoy exploring DFW a little more or find something local for your next adventure!

Altitude Trampoline Park :: Richardson :: This indoor trampoline park is perfect for burning energy.

Cathy’s Critters :: Princeton :: Have any animal lovers? Check out its open farm days on the weekend which include outback tours with kangaroos, pony rides, and petting zoos.

Cheeky Monkeys :: Plano and The Colony :: The perfect indoor playground for your own little monkeys ages zero to eight years old.

>> RELATED READ :: A Guide to Pools, Splash Pads, and Water Parks in Collin County <<

Crayola Experience :: Plano :: A fun, air-conditioned day of arts and crafts. Plenty of space to run and climb as well. If you plan to go more than once this year, save money with a season pass.

Dallas Arboretum :: Dallas :: Perfect for a nature walk. Plan your trip to the children’s garden around its programmed events for STEM activities, story time, and more.

Dallas Museum of Art :: Dallas :: Various family programs for even the youngest of art fans. It also has downloadable family art guides for your ocean, cat, or dog lover!

Dallas World Aquarium :: Dallas :: Transport your family to the rainforest, complete with alligators, sharks, adorable penguins, and more.

Dino Kidz :: Allen :: For children up to seven years old, this is a cute indoor playground with opportunities to learn and role play.

Epic Waters :: Grand Prairie :: Spend the day at this indoor water park with all of the excitement and no risk of sunburn.

Explorium :: Denton :: This is a a non-profit children’s museum designed for ages up to 12 years old. $5 admission.

Frisco Fire Safety Town :: Frisco :: Open on select days, but FREE! Kids can ride Jeeps or Bikes through the adorable mini town, as well as learn about fire safety and tour a fire truck.

Frisco Roughriders game :: Take the kids to support our local baseball team. Sundays offer postgame fireworks and theme nights!

Hawaiian Falls :: The Colony and Garland :: Enjoy this outdoor oasis waterpark for the whole family.

>> RELATED READ :: Guide to Childcare in Collin County <<

Heard Museum :: McKinney :: This natural science museum features nature trails, wildlife exhibits, a butterfly house and hosts zip line days for kids age 10+.

Heritage Farmstead Museum :: Plano :: Explore this historic property, view animals, and bring a picnic!

Hope Park :: Frisco :: This all-abilities park also boasts a splash pad perfect to beat summer heat.

Interurban Railway Museum :: Plano :: Have a train lover? FREE story time on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. Explore the museum and historic Car 360.

Kid Mania :: Fort Worth and Plano :: Part indoor playground with climbing nets and bungee walls, and part arcade.

KidZania USA :: Frisco :: For kids ages four to 14, this indoor city was built for kids to explore more than 100 professions.

Klyde Warren Park :: Dallas :: A treasure in the midst of Dallas. Food trucks, a children’s park with water features, climbing walls, and lawn games. You’ll love it as much as your kids do. Check its webpage for fun events!

Legoland :: Grapevine :: Take the kids to build and create, ride attractions, and play on the Lego indoor playground.

Little Elm Beach :: Little Elm :: FREE parking Monday through Thursday, $10 on weekends. Build sandcastles without the hassle of driving to the coast.

Living Spaces :: Frisco :: This furniture store may seem out of place, but it has an indoor gymnasium your kids will love playing on while you shop.

Local Recreation Centers :: There are so many things to do here for indoor and outdoor fun. Many of them have waterparks, too! Day or season passes available.

Monster Mini Golf :: Frisco :: Indoor mini golf, laser mazes, arcade games, and more.

National Videogame Museum :: Frisco :: Old and new gamers alike will love learning the history behind games, while playing almost every classic game system invented.

National Video Game Museum in Frisco, Texas

Oak Hills Splash Park :: Carrollton :: This is not your average splash pad! It’s free and features a mini water slide or two, perfect for littles.

Paint ‘n Party :: Plano :: Drop by to paint a ceramic keepsake. No studio fee and a huge selection of pieces averaging $20 to $30.

Peppa Pig World :: Grapevine :: This is a must for any Peppa Pig fan, a perfect place for littles to run and play.

Peppa Pig World

Perot Museum :: Dallas :: Fun and educational for the whole family. There’s also a children’s area for five and under that’s sure to delight.

Pinstack :: Allen, Dallas, Plano; or Dave & Busters, Dallas, Frisco :: Head here for bowling, arcade games, and more! There are tons of activities for all.

Playstreet Museum :: Allen, Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Plano :: Clean, indoor children’s play area that fosters imagination and creativity for ages 0-8. Each location centers on a different theme so try them all!

Prestonwood Baptist Church :: Plano :: This is a fun indoor playground! It’s FREE, but only open weekdays.

Prosper Playhouse :: Prosper :: A soft indoor playground including ball pits, toddler area, a cafe and free Wi-Fi so you can work while the kids play.

Public library :: Take advantage of all the free programs for the whole family at your library and in the neighboring communities.

Windhaven Meadows Park :: Plano :: Another all-abilities park complete with a splash pad.

Safari Run :: Plano :: A fun indoor playground with separate toddler area. Open play on weekdays only.

Sea Life Aquarium : Grapevine :: Take the kids to visit stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and more!

Scheel’s :: The Colony :: Get some outdoor gear while letting the kids enjoy the store’s indoor ferris wheel, arcade, mini aquarium and more.

Sci-Tech Discovery Center :: Frisco :: Next to the Frisco library, explore fun hands-on STEM activities here.

The Cove at the LakeFront :: Little Elm :: An indoor water park with a wave simulator, Lazy River, water slides and pools.

The Dinosaur Company :: Allen :: Tour the only life-sized animatronic dinosaur factory in America, best for elementary or older aged kiddos.

The Texas Pool :: Plano :: This historic saltwater pool has a diving board, water slide and wading area for littles. Look into their Mermaid Meetups for something truly unique. *Have a mermaid or pirate fan at home with a summer birthday? Book their party here and add on an appearance for an unforgettable day!

The Tree Fort at Watermark Church :: Dallas :: Kids love this FREE indoor playground! Great for all weather!

The UTA Planetarium :: Arlington :: Look up the next night sky show, led by an astronomer in a 60-foot dome.

Thunderbird Roller Rink :: Plano :: Roller skating for all ages and they also offer lessons.

Urban Air Adventure Park :: Dallas and Frisco :: Go for the warrior course, trampolines, foam pit, ropes course and more.

Walls of Clay :: McKinney :: Pottery and stoneware painting, glass fusing, or create your own candle.

We Rock the Spectrum :: Dallas and Plano :: A sensory safe gym for all kids with intentionally designed toys and equipment and even a calming room.

You-pick farms :: See our CCM list of berry-picking farms in the area!

Bridget Scarbrough
Bridget grew up in the DFW area and is a proud TCU Horned Frog alum. After moving from Fort Worth to Dallas, she and her husband settled in Plano in 2013. She is an oncology registered nurse but has temporarily hung up her stethoscope for the glamorous life of being a personal chauffeur, chef, and maid to her two tiny bosses, Elizabeth (5) and Henry (1). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring new places. Her happy place is a cozy coffee shop with her journal in one hand and a latte in the other.