Planning a family trip doesn’t have to mean long flights, big budgets or hours of “are we there yet?” from the backseat. For Oklahoma families, Dallas is just a short drive away, offering the perfect mix of new adventures and familiar comforts. It’s a city that feels big enough to explore but close enough to make a weekend getaway easy, even with little ones in tow.
With a few budget tricks — like using Oklahoma memberships for discounted or free entries — Dallas becomes not only affordable, but the kind of trip that turns into a family tradition.
A tradition that grew
Every fall and winter, my family piles into the car and makes the familiar drive south to Dallas. What started years ago as a girls’ weekend with my mom and sister has become a family tradition with diaper bags, strollers and little ones in tow. Since my sister and I just welcomed new babies this year – including a set of twins for my sister – our next Dallas trip will be an even bigger adventure! I can already picture the chaos (& fun) of traveling with five little ones.
Why Dallas works for families
Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks that make Dallas the perfect weekend getaway. It’s close enough for a leisurely drive but feels like a true change of scenery, and the city is full of budget-friendly ways to explore. There are plenty of wide-open green spaces where kids can run and play, plus budget-friendly attractions for families that make each trip feel unique.
When creating our itinerary of things to do with kids in Dallas, we usually mix one or two “big” activities with plenty of free or low-cost stops that keep us entertained without blowing the budget.
Our favorite budget-friendly stops
- Klyde Warren Park sits above a freeway downtown, but you’d never know it. With food trucks, free concerts, splash pads and an imaginative children’s area, it’s where we love to let the kids stretch their legs.
- Dallas Farmers Market is another family staple. It’s an easy place to grab lunch, pick up local treats and soak up a little Dallas flavor without spending much, plus there is plenty of open space for the kids.
- The AT&T Discovery District and Victory Park (where the large eyeball installation is) are always buzzing with pop-up events, art installations and play zones, offering easy entertainment when pushing a stroller.
- On nice days, we enjoy walking the Katy Trail. It’s stroller-friendly, lined with food stops and offers a dose of greenery in the middle of the city. It’s become one of my favorite ways to engage in a fun activity while spending intentional time in conversation on our walk.
Memberships that travel
Here’s a pro tip I wish I’d known sooner: Oklahoma memberships can unlock some of the best Dallas attractions for less! An OKC Zoo pass provides 50% off admission to the Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Also, a Science Museum Oklahoma membership unlocks free admission to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History through the ASTC Passport Program. It’s a reminder that memberships make incredible gifts this holiday season, as they don’t just offer year-round local fun; they unlock family adventures in other cities, too.
Splurge-worthy must-sees
While there are many low-cost or free options
in Dallas, we also don’t mind spending on unforgettable experiences.
- The Dallas Arboretum tops our list every season. In the fall, the Arboretum transforms into a pumpkin wonderland with more than 100,000 pumpkins arranged into whimsical displays. It’s such a magical backdrop for family photos and has become a highlight of our trips. When we visit during the holidays, the gardens sparkle with the 12 Days of Christmas displays and the charming European-style Christmas Village.
- The Dallas Zoo is another splurge that delivers plenty of value. Between the giant playground, splash areas and up-close animal experiences, it’s worth the energy for a full day of fun.
- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science always wins points on rainy days. It’s a kid-friendly children’s museum with hands-on exhibits that make learning feel like play.
Holiday magic in Dallas
If you’re visiting in winter, Dallas knows how to celebrate the season!
“Dallas is a magical place for families to visit during the holiday season,” said Zane Harrington, the director of communications for Visit Dallas. “From ice-skating under the world’s largest indoor Christmas tree at Galleria Dallas to catching a Dallas Stars win at the American Airlines Center, the city comes alive with holiday cheer for visitors, who will find unforgettable holiday traditions waiting around every corner.”
He shared a few holiday must-dos worth adding to any Dallas itinerary:
- The Dallas Holiday Parade will fill the streets of downtown Dallas on Dec. 6.
- Opening Dec. 11 at the Galleria Dallas, the highly anticipated Netflix House promises an immersive experience inspired by some of the platform’s most popular shows. Add to the fun with a visit to the photo-worthy SNOWDAY attraction.
- Visit North Park for the beloved Trains at North Park, with more than a thousand feet of train tracks winding through miniature holiday scenes.
- Families can also make memories at Christmas at the Anatole with the outdoor ice-skating rink, festive holiday train rides, Breakfast with Santa and more.
- For those celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dallas, the iconic Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show is a must.
Why we keep going back
What keeps us coming back year after year isn’t just the attractions, but how Dallas balances easy, affordable fun with special splurges. Dallas always seems to meet us where we’re at in this season of life, whether that’s a stroller walk, a nap-time break at the hotel or chasing the kids through a pumpkin patch.
Dallas is close enough for a weekend getaway for Oklahoma families, but big enough to feel like an adventure. And with memberships that travel farther than you think, giving one as a gift isn’t just thoughtful, it’s an invitation to pack up, hit the road and make new memories together.
Three-day Dallas itinerary
To make your next trip to Dallas even easier, I’ve created a sample itinerary for your family. Enjoy!
Day 1
- Road trip + easy exploring
- Drive from OKC, stopping in Ardmore or Gainesville for snacks and stretch breaks.
- Klyde Warren Park – kids’ play area, food trucks, wide-open space.
- Wander into the AT&T Discovery District, where there’s always something happening, whether it’s live music, a pop-up art installation or open space to run.
Day 2
Splurge + stroller-friendly fun
- Dallas Zoo to explore playgrounds and animal exhibits (remember, OKC Zoo members receive 50% off admission).
- Katy Trail – A stroller-friendly walk and talk + a stop along the trail for lunch. The Katy Trail Ice House has a great patio with space for kids to play.
- Dinner, then the Dallas Arboretum for seasonal fun and many photo-worthy opportunities.
Day 3
Big finish + head home
- Perot Museum of Nature & Science (Science Museum Oklahoma members get free admission)
- Dallas Farmers Market for lunch and local shopping.
- Head home to OKC.
