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Top 10 Best Family Activities in Dallas

  • Thursday September 7th 2023

Ocean Tunnel | SEA LIFE Aquarium

Are you looking for exciting family activities to do in Dallas? This vibrant city provides endless opportunities for families to create memories and bond over exciting activities. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist visiting with your kids, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with your loved ones. This blog post highlights the best family-friendly activities that Dallas has to offer. 

1. Explore Stingray Exhibits at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

The stingray exhibit is a major attraction to guests who visit SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium. Something about the way rays swim fascinates most people. They swim by flapping their large pectoral fins rather than using a side-to-side swimming motion like most other fish. This style of swimming makes them appear to be flying through the water. 

You’ll enjoy watching these flat-shaped creatures gliding effortlessly through the water using their whip-like tail to propel forward. Their cartilaginous skeleton makes them more flexible than bony fish and allows them to move their bodies in unique ways. You can watch these marvelous creatures at SEA LIFE Grapevine through crystal clear glass. And as you do so, you’ll learn more about them through the informational panels that provide facts about stingrays and their habitat.  

Book your visit today to witness these majestic creatures flapping their “wings,” and gliding their sleek bodies effortlessly through the water. Our knowledgeable staff will enlighten you through talks about stingrays and even feed them as you watch. Join us for a mesmerizing and educational experience that you won’t forget. Buy tickets now to see stingrays and other creatures at SEA LIFE Grapevine! 

2. Experience the Rainforest Adventure at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

As soon as you enter the rainforest exhibit at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, You’ll feel like you are in a tropical rainforest. The exhibit resembles the Amazon jungle with rivers, lush greenery, a cascading waterfall, and rainforest sounds.  

You’ll get to see many creatures like you’d encounter on the Amazon, including piranha, python, caiman, and fish of different colors. The only difference is that the water is crystal clear, allowing you to see the rocks, logs, plants, and every creature swimming or crawling on the floor.  

If you’re ready for a thrilling and educational tour, visit the rainforest adventure at SEA LIFE Grapevine. This immersive exhibit offers a unique experience where you can take in the diverse ecosystem of the Amazon without leaving Texas. Plan your visit today by booking tickets online to experience the wonder and magic of the rainforest! 

3. Touch and Interact With Animals at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

Interactive rockpools are exhibits with shallow water pools resembling a rocky beach during low tides. The pools are designed to simulate the creatures’ natural habitats, with rocks, plants, and other features that provide a safe and comfortable environment for the creatures.  

When you come to SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, You’ll get a hands-on experience with these colorful rockpools. They host different sea creatures living along the beaches, including starfish, sea urchins, crabs, and other marine invertebrates. You’ll see tiny starfish and a massive pink starfish.  

You’ll also enjoy watching the sea anemones in different natural colors, including white, green, and pink. The best part is when you get to feel the tentacles of sea anemones with your finger and the back of a starfish. 

In addition, the aquarium’s staff will give a talk explaining more about the creatures you see, such as their behavior and biological characteristics. So buy your tickets now to experience marine life firsthand.    

4. Attend Animal Feedings and Talks at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

Visiting SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium is an educational tour that sharpens your knowledge of marine life. Besides experiencing the stunning views of different marine creatures, you can learn more about the environment they call home.  

You’ll have a chance to listen to talks from experts who care for marine creatures. These talks feature different topics, such as the ocean’s top predators, the behavior of various animals, and the importance of protecting sea turtles. The talks are interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share your experiences with marine life. 

What’s more, you get to watch the aquarium’s staff feed the animals, such as the turtles, stingrays, and sharks. And as they do so, they’ll explain to you what food they’re feeding the creatures.  

If you have school-going kids, bring them to SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium for this educational tour. Besides having fun watching marine life, they’ll also learn a few things that can help them in school and life. Book a ticket online to ensure you don’t miss this event. You can save a few dollars if you buy tickets in advance and when you buy combo tickets.    

5. Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

If you have questions about how SEA LIFE Aquarium creates an ocean in mainland Texas, you should take the behind-the-scenes tour. The tour offers a unique look at the inner workings of the aquarium and gives you a chance to experience what it’s like to be an aquarist.  

During the tour, you’ll learn how the aquarists prepare food for the various creatures living in the aquarium. Guests can also see the complex systems that keep the aquarium’s tanks and exhibits running smoothly, such as the filtration and water circulation systems, and learn about the breeding programs.        

In a word, the behind-the-scenes tour allows you to see areas of the aquarium that other visitors don’t get to see. It will maximize your aquarium experience and satisfy your curiosity. But to enjoy this tour, you’ll need to buy a separate ticket during admission. So, book online to access the aquarium, then buy the behind-the-scene ticket once admitted.     

6. Explore MINILAND at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Once you visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Dallas/Fort Worth, you’ll get to see the MINILAND, a model representation of the Dallas and Fort Worth Cities. It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit that captures the essence of the two cities in a miniature form. The MINILAND is built using over 1.5 million bricks and showcases major iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and diverse neighborhoods.  

Some of the structures you’ll see in the MINILAND include the Reunion Tower in Dallas, AT&T Stadium, Southfork Ranch, Fort Worth Stockyards, DFW International Airport, and many others. The MINILAND displays are vivid, with keen attention to detail, such as realistic-looking airplanes, ships, cranes, skyscrapers, and people. Besides viewing the MINILAND, kids can also interact with some of the displays, like the crane.  

When it gets dark, it mimics a replica of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex City at night with lights shining from the buildings and vehicles on the street. It’s truly a marvelous display that both kids and adults can enjoy. To experience these and much more, buy tickets online. To get better deals, pay for combo tickets and visit SEA LIFE Aquarium and Peppa Pig World of Play on the same day.  

7. Pedal the Merlin’s Apprentice Ride at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The Merlin’s Apprentice ride is named after the legendary wizard Merlin from Arthurian legend and takes you on a magical journey through a medieval castle. It’s a great way to experience the magic of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and engage in physical activity at the same time.  

The ride features two-seater cars attached to a central pole, and you must pedal your way around the ride. You can sit in the car with your kid and enjoy the ride together. As you pedal, you’ll move up and down to conjure the sorcerer’s spell. 

Taking Merlin’s ride requires focus and skill, and it is a great way to test your coordination and agility. So why not plan a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and experience the Merlin’s Apprentice ride with your kid? Once you’re done with this ride, you’ll also enjoy the kingdom quest and many other activities. Book your tickets online and receive discounts when you pay in advance and when you buy combo tickets.    

8. Build and Test LEGO Racers at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

At LEGOLAND Discovery Center, kids can use their creativity and imagination to build and test Lego Racers. The Center has thousands of LEGO bricks available, so kids can let their imagination run wild and create a truly unique car. Minors can choose from different colors, shapes, and sizes of bricks to build a vehicle that reflects their personal style and creativity. 

The first step is designing and building the car. Then once the car is ready, they put it to the test on the race track. The race track is a specially designed-course full of twists, turns, and obstacles. Kids can see how fast their cars move and compete with other kids to see whose car is faster.  

One of the best things about building and testing LEGO Racers is that families can do it together. You can work with your kids and teach them how to build with Lego. And you can also make your own LEGO car to compete with your kid and create a bonding moment. If you want your kid to enjoy this and much more at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, buy tickets online. Save on tickets when you book in advance and when you buy combo tickets. 

9. Meet Peppa Pig and Her Friends at Peppa Pig World of Play 

If your kids watch the children’s animated television series, Peppa Pig, bring them to Peppa Pig World of Play to meet the characters from the show. This theme park is a paradise for young fans of the TV series as they get to meet, greet, and play with Peppa Pig, her family, and friends.  

Kids will meet Peppa Pig, the show’s main character, who is a curious and adventurous young pig who loves to play with her friends and family. They’ll also meet her parents, Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig, and her younger brother, George. Peppa’s friends include Danny Dog, Candy Cat, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and many others.  

At Peppa Pig World of Play, Kids will run into and take photos with characters from the show, watch live shows and performances, and participate in fun activities and games. The theme park features attractions and exhibits designed to mirror locations from the show, such as Peppa’s house, the school, and the park. If you want your kid to experience these and much more, buy your tickets online now. Enjoy discounts when you book in advance and when you buy combo tickets.   

10. Ride to Grandad’s Dog Garage at Peppa Pig World of Play 

Grandad’s Dog Garage is one of the highlights of family trips to Peppa Pig World of Play. It’s designed to look just like the garage from the Peppa Pig show, with bright, colorful walls and lots of tools hanging on them. The great effort taken to recreate every detail of this little slice of the Peppa Pig world makes it look realistic. It allows the kids to experience the world of their favorite TV show in a fun and immersive way.   

Kids can get into the car that’s designed to look like one of Grandad Dog’s trucks, complete with a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake. They can also ride two-wheel and three-wheel bicycles, taking them through the colorful landscapes and passing by familiar characters of the show. The playground encourages them to use their imagination. As they ride the small bicycles, they can take them to a gas station and a car wash that looks exactly like the ones in the TV show.  

If your kids love the Peppa Pig TV show, bring them to the Peppa Pig World of Play to experience the Grandad’s Dog Garage in a unique way. This popular family destination is ideal for children of six years and below. Buy tickets online to create a memorable and enjoyable experience with your loved ones. 

Enjoy the 10 Best Family Activities at Grapevine Mills Mall 

Dallas has plenty of activities for families to enjoy. But if you want to enjoy all the activities listed above and even more, visit the Grapevine Mills Mall. You can make it a family fun day by visiting the three places on the same day. Not only will you make better use of your time, but you’ll also save on tickets. 

You’ll receive a discount when you buy a combo ticket that allows you to visit the Sea Life Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and the Peppa Pig World of Play. Visit the tickets page and book your place today to guarantee entry on busy days. 

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