We are in the hottest part of summer, when the temperatures stay above 90 all day and into the night. What do you do when you’ve exhausted your spraygrounds options, and it’s too hot for a picnic at the park? Here are some indoor play options for the hot summer (or even cold and rainy fall and winter) months.
The Fish Gallery
It’s an insider secret, but one of the best story times in Dallas (no offense to our second entry) happens every Wednesday in July at the aquarium supply store The Fish Gallery. Read a book, have a snack, watch some fish get fed, pet some fish, and do some arts and crafts. There are only a few dates left this summer, so bookmark the store’s Facebook page and keep an eye out next summer. Free, but registration is required. 15003 Inwood Rd.
Dallas Public Library
There are library branches near every community in Dallas, and each one offers an array of summer programs to entertain children for an hour or longer. You can also check out Bookmarks, the children’s library at NorthPark Center, and the second floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library downtown, where there are plenty of entertainment options. Free. Locations throughout Dallas
The Play Place at the Galleria
The Galleria has several options for kids. Littles will like the Play Place, an indoor playground near Nordstrom on Level 3. Even elementary and preschool-aged kids will like the PALS program and the fun Saturday shows featuring circus clowns, magicians, comedians, and more. And even the oldest kids in your family (that means you, Mom and Dad) will have fun lacing up some ice skates and hitting the big rink. Prices vary, but most of the activities on Level 3 are free. 13350 Dallas Pkwy.
The Woods at Highland Park Presbyterian Church
The playground at Highland Park Presbyterian Church typically closes for a couple of weeks in July, so you’ll want to double-check the website before heading out. But for the rest of the year, it’s open to kids 4 and younger. Preschoolers and toddlers can build with blocks, slide down slides, climb on animals, crawl through tunnels, and play in the pint-sized kitchen. There is also a library full of books. Parental supervision is required. Free. 3821 University Blvd., University Park
The Tree Fort at Watermark Church
Completely free, the tree fort at Watermark Church is three stories of fun. The smallest can play on the well-padded bottom floor, while the older kids can climb up as their bravery allows. There’s a full-service coffee spot next to the fort, and free wi-fi. Pro-tip: Just like your neighborhood playground, parental supervision is required. Free. 7540 LBJ Fwy.
Frontiers of Flight
From fun exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration to a whole airplane you can walk through, the Frontiers of Flight Museum has plenty to keep the family occupied. But there’s more. A whole section of the museum is dedicated to kids, with a large, open play area with a control tower, plane play structure, tree house, and mini-theater. Pro-tip: Spring for the $75 annual family membership and visit the play space often. (You can even have birthday parties there.) Children ages 2 and younger are free, and day passes are $7 for children and $10 for adults. 6911 Lemmon Ave.
Dallas Children’s Aquarium
Located in Fair Park, the Dallas Children’s Aquarium offers plenty of fun — everything from feeding stingrays to petting fish to watching sharks and even a sea turtle. All the exhibits were designed with kids in mind—eye level and interactive. Admission starts at $9.95. 1462 1st Ave.
We Rock the Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum was set up so that children with special needs could play alongside their siblings. It provides a sensory-friendly environment full of opportunities to have fun and improve fine and gross motor skills. Admission is $14 per child, and siblings are $12 each. 11722 Marsh Lane, Ste. 336
Play Street Museum
Play Street has plenty of imaginative play opportunities for kids up to age 8. It includes a pretend pizzeria, a trolley, and an arts and crafts station. Open primarily on weekdays, it’s a good afternoon break before naptime. Admission starts at $14 per child, and there are various add-ons. Reservations are required.
Spark!
Spark! is designed to entertain children from second grade through high school with an immersive, creative environment and plenty of hands-on learning. The nonprofit, located on the ground floor of the South Side apartment building in the Cedars, also offers plenty of workshops, pop-up events, and more. Kids younger than second grade can also join in the fun, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Check out the open play times (there are plenty) to plan your visit. Admission starts at $15. 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste. 004
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
This is an outing for the whole family. Everyone will enjoy the STEM-themed exhibits, skyline views, and dinosaurs. The tiny people in your life will love the Moody Family Children’s Museum, which provides plenty of play structures to climb up and slide down, pretend play at a farmer’s market, and the water play table. The children’s museum is for kiddos ages 5 and younger. Pro-tip: Peruse your parking options before you arrive. Admission starts at $15, children 2 and younger are free. 2201 N. Field St.
Kids Empire
Kids Empire offers plenty of indoor play spaces with activities ranging from building to climbing, sliding, and even dancing. Admission is $19.90 per child, with two adults for free. Each additional adult is $5. 6859 Arapaho Rd.
Down to Play
Ready to burn off some energy? The newly opened Down to Play is 5,200 square feet of space, including 3,500 square feet of playground divvied up for babies through elementary-aged children. There is plenty of space to climb, slide, zip-line and more, and a sensory-friendly area, too. There’s also wi-fi, which means you can let the kids blow off some steam while you knock out some work. Open play starts at $20 per child and includes two adults, each additional adult is $5. 6464 E. Northwest Hwy., Ste. 138
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