Things to do in Dallas

Klyde Warren Park is a popular urban park with food trucks and events, while White Rock Lake Park offers trails, boating, and bird-watching. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre space with seasonal exhibits, and Fair Park is a large complex with gardens and cultural sites. All are open to the public.

The Dallas Zoo houses 2,000 animals and has a children's area, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has hands-on exhibits. The Dallas World Aquarium and Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park both offer aquatic life. For a different kind of fun, Cidercade Dallas has over 170 arcade games, and escape rooms like Escapology are good for older kids.

Terry Black's Barbecue is a well-known spot for pit-smoked meats and homemade sides. It's an Austin import run by fourth-generation pitmasters, and it serves lunch and dinner. For other options, many local restaurants in Dallas offer Texas-style barbecue, but Terry Black's is a solid choice.

Dealey Plaza is a National Historic Landmark tied to President Kennedy, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza covers that history. The Giant Eyeball is a 30-foot sculpture that's a fun photo stop, and Thanks-Giving Square is an all-faiths park with a garden and chapel. Pioneer Plaza features large bronze longhorn sculptures.

Deep Ellum is the main neighborhood for live music, with venues like Trees and Three Links Deep Ellum hosting a range of bands. House of Blues has a larger stage with rock and blues acts, and the Granada Theater is a historic art deco venue. For a bigger concert experience, Stereo Live has a 1,400-seat hall.