What to Do in Dallas Today? Top Things to Do by Day & Night 2024

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There’s a reason Dallas is considered one of the most popular destinations in the US. With its rich history, expansive shopping, dining options, and plenty of activities to immerse yourself in, during your visit—it makes for an unforgettable vacation experience. Visit one of the many museums or art galleries that feature some famous paintings by Picasso and Van Gogh.

If you’re wondering what to do in Dallas today, you could explore the great outdoors, meet with the animals at Dallas Zoo, or perhaps you prefer the underwater creatures at Dallas World Aquarium! Regardless, Dallas offers some unique activities, for all hours of the day!

With many incredibly fun activities, and places to visit during your stay in Dallas, whether you plan to traverse the city during the day, or night, there’s nothing that Dallas cannot offer. Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Dallas today!

Things to Do in Dallas Today

Dallas, Texas is a buzzing city, with something for everyone. You can literally do anything here. From fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment to great outdoor spaces, historical landmarks, sports games, and more. If you want to get out and enjoy the incredible weather then there are plenty of parks streaming with comforting sunlight, where you can go for a walk, or ride your bike, spotting the little wonders of nature. Here are some ideas for things to do in Dallas today:

Sixth Floor Museum
Dealey Plaza
Pioneer Plaza
Arts District
Dallas Museum of Art
Perot Museum
Klyde Warren Park
Nasher Sculpture Centre
Meadows Museum
Deep Ellum
Dallas Zoo
Dallas World Aquarium
Fair Park
Hall of State
Frontiers of Flight Museum
Dallas Heritage Village
Texas Discovery Gardens

Sixth Floor Museum

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is the most popular place to see in Dallas today. This museum offers a look at the events of November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while traveling through Texas in a motorcade along with his wife Jacqueline on Elm Street.

The museum’s exhibits offer a comprehensive look into this tragic event and its aftermath, including historical photographs from eyewitnesses who were present when Lee Harvey Oswald fired on Kennedy from the windows of the nearby Texas School Book Depository. You can also learn about other significant moments in U.S history during that era.

Dealey Plaza

The Dealey Plaza is one of the most key sites in Dallas and American history. This iconic plaza has been a part of the city since 1854 when it was used as an area to pasture horses. The plaza was later named after George Mifflin Dallas, who served as vice president under James Polk.

The plaza is home to many important events, including John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963; Lee Harvey Oswald’s murder by Jack Ruby two days later; and President Bill Clinton’s speech in 1998 marking the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death. It was declared a national historic landmark in 1993—the same year that some conspiracy theorists believe the assassination actually took place!

Pioneer Plaza

Pioneer Plaza is a great place for tourists and locals alike. It’s located in the heart of downtown Dallas, which means it’s easily accessible by public transportation or driving. Pioneer Plaza is a great place for tourists to visit because it has lots of history about how this city was founded by pioneers who came from all over America and Europe. The plaza also tells us about how important cattle ranching was for early Dallas residents with many people raising cattle there to this day!

The plaza was built as a memorial to the pioneers who settled in and around what is now called Dallas. The plaza also features a large bronze statue depicting 49 longhorn steers, 49 hats, and 49 pairs of boots – one for each year since Texas became part of the United States.

Arts District

If you’re in the mood for some fine culture, head over to The Arts District. This neighborhood is a hub for several arts organizations, including the Dallas Museum of Art, which houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of fine art; the Nasher Sculpture Center; and the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art. The Arts District also contains an eclectic selection of restaurants and shops that are worth checking out while visiting, so that you can grab a bite to eat whilst enjoying the incredible artistry.

Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Museum of Art is located at 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201. The museum is open every day except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The museum is closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. This museum of art happens to be one of the world’s great museums specializing in 20th-century American art and European art. dating back to the 1700s. These include works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, and Rodin.

In addition, there are outstanding collections from all over the world from ancient times to the present day including Chinese ceramics, Japanese woodblock prints, an Egyptian mummy sarcophagus, Islamic calligraphy scrolls; African masks, pre-Columbian goldwork, contemporary photography, and video installations by artists such as Bruce Nauman.

Perot Museum

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is an exceptional attraction that has 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors. The building is designed as a large cube over a water garden, with views of the city’s skyline through its glass walls. Visitors can experience simulated earthquakes, make music in a sound studio, build their own robots and even interact with some dinosaurs.

The museum opened in 2012 and is located in Victory Park. It’s part of the Perot family’s long-standing tradition of civic engagement.

Klyde Warren Park

In the heart of downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a great place to go for a walk, picnic, and a concert. It was built over Woodall Rodgers Freeway, which separates the park from Downtown Dallas. The park has two levels: an upper level that overlooks downtown and a lower level where you can find restaurants and shops.

Klyde Warren Park is a great place to spend your afternoon, located in the heart of Dallas, it’s a great spot for anyone in need of some fresh air. Walk around the park, enjoying its natural beauty, have a picnic on the grass with your friends and family, stretch out your tired legs, and get cozy with nature and your favorite book.

There’s so much to appreciate, you’ll definitely lose some hours in this park – with no regrets of course! The park is open daily from 5:30 am to 11 pm, so go there today!

Nasher Sculpture Centre

Nasher Sculpture Centre is a museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture. The Nasher Museum’s permanent collection includes works by Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró. It also features temporary exhibits curated by world-renowned artists, architects, and designers including Olafur Eliasson and Zaha Hadid.

The grounds around the museum include a sculpture garden with over 40 works from renowned artists like Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Ellsworth Kelly.

Meadows Museum

The Meadows Museum is located on Southern Methodist University’s campus in Dallas, Texas. The museum houses a collection of approximately 2,000 objects that date from the fourth-century B.C.E to the present day, representing all major eras of art history and cultures from around the world.

Among its highlights are many Old Master paintings; sculptures by Rodin, Brancusi, Giacometti, and others; and decorative arts ranging from ancient Egyptian tomb fragments to contemporary American ceramics by Peter Voulkos.

Deep Ellum

If you’re looking for a fun date night or night out with some friends, Deep Ellum is the place to be. It’s a neighborhood in Dallas that’s known for its music, attracting people of all ages. There are bars and live music venues everywhere, with plenty of options, when choosing how you prefer to spend your evenings in this city.

During the day, it’ll feel like an ordinary Dallas, but come sundown the area transforms into a lively scene brimming with young people enjoying themselves at various restaurants and bars.

Dallas Zoo

Across the Trinity River from Downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo would be a worthwhile family outing even without its greatest attraction. It’s free to visit and there are a brilliant variety of animals to see, as well as lots of things to do, places to eat and shop.

The zoo boasts more than 2,000 species—and it’s one of only four zoos in the world that have successfully bred white Bengal tigers. The $32.5-million habitat, unveiled in 2011 has reticulated giraffes, zebras, impala, ostriches, and guinea fowl sharing the same large space with African elephants, South African cheetahs, warthogs, and African wild dogs who share their space with red wolves.

In another area you’ll find a herd of mixed bovines including water buffalo, American bison, and blackbuck antelope sharing their enclosure with Himalayan tahr goats, ibexes, yaks, Banteng cattle, Scottish highland cattle, black Welsh mountain sheep with long curly horns, and one very large llama who likes to occasionally spit at his visitors, so watch out!

Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is the city’s largest aquarium, housing more than 10,000 animals representing more than 350 species. The facility is divided into two areas: one with freshwater exhibits and a second with saltwater exhibits, including separate areas for snakes and lizards.

The Dallas World Aquarium is a great place to take the kids, your friends, your family, or even just yourself. Mundo Maya keeps ocelots, American flamingos, and a variety of colorful passerine birds and owls to go with its vibrant angelfish and axolotls. The ten main tanks are on the lower level, where you’ll come within inches of aquatic life from all over the world from giant Japanese spider crabs to brilliant Percula clownfish, tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, and moon jellyfish.

Fair Park

Fair Park is a 277-acre outdoor complex with a history of fairground dating back to the late 1800s. It was designed by architect George Kessler and officially opened in 1936, but it has roots as far back as 1886. The space was transformed to lift spirits in the Great Depression and has been home to more than 1,200 events annually, including concerts, sporting events, and art festivals.

The park also hosts annual events like Klyde Warren Park’s Art & Music at Fair Park which normally take place in October. Featuring live music performances on multiple stages while artists showcase their work. If you’re visiting Dallas anywhere between September to October, you can also check out the State Fair of Texas which is a 24-day event, celebrating everything to do with Texas!

Hall of State

Hall of State is a history museum that displays the best of Texas’ past, present, and future. The museum contains over 35 exhibits including Texas politics, music, and sports memorabilia. There’s also an interactive exhibit that lets you use your cell phone to take pictures of historical figures like Sam Houston or Willie Nelson.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Located in the southeast corner of Dallas’ Love Field airport, this museum has more than 30 planes and space vehicles on display. A good chunk of these was built in or around North Texas, including a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Wright Flyer and a full-size model of their 1903 Wright Flyer.

Other highlights include an F8U Crusader jet fighter; a life-size replica of the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero fighter plane used during World War II; aircraft from the Korean War era such as an F9F Panther jet fighter and TBF Avenger torpedo bomber; various helicopters including a UH-1 Huey helicopter used during Vietnam; and many other military aircraft from around the world.

There are also 13 galleries with exhibits about aviation history, including some fun interactive games for kids, as well as artifacts from famous flights like those taken by Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.

Dallas Heritage Village

Dallas Heritage Village is a living history museum in the city of Dallas, Texas. The tree-shaded sidewalks of the Dallas Heritage Village are lined with the largest ensemble of historic buildings in the city. These properties, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, are arranged as an outdoor museum on 20 acres, where the only hint of the passage of time comes from the Downtown Dallas skyline over the trees.

Texas Discovery Gardens

The Texas Discovery Gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and are located at 1001 First Avenue in Fair Park. The gardens are free to the public, and there’s no admission fee. The Texas Discovery Gardens host events throughout the year which include an annual plant sale in March or April, as well as free tours on select days throughout much of the year.

This is a great place to visit if you have children who enjoy learning about plants and gardening. The garden features native plants that attract butterflies and birds, which makes it perfect for photographers or anyone who loves nature photography.

What to Do in Dallas Tonight?

While wandering this incredible city filled with limitless opportunities, is great during the daytime. The epic transformation that occurs once the sun disappears, replaced by the glowing moon, creates a dramatic difference. With lights that fill the city, enticing people out of their homes, in need to explore the night that breathes! Here are several amazing things to do in Dallas tonight:

Reunion tower geo-deck
Haunted Dallas evening pub
Medieval times dinner and tournament
The escape game
The dinner detective
Dallas arts district and city lights segway tour

Reunion Tower Geo-Deck

One of the best things to do in Dallas at night visits Reunion Tower. The 550-foot observation deck is one of the most popular attractions in all of Texas, offering panoramic views of Dallas and a glimpse into its history. As you ascend 400 feet above ground level, you’ll enter an enclosed area with windows that provide a 360-degree view.

You’ll have to pay an admission fee, which is generally around $12 per person, but it’s worth it! You might want to bring along some extra cash, just in case you want to buy something inside or grab some food at their restaurant on top.

Haunted Dallas Evening Pub

The haunted pub tour is a fun way to check out the best bars in Dallas. You’ll visit five different bars, each with its own unique cocktail and food specialties. At every stop, you’ll get a brief history of the bar as well as some fun ghost stories. The tour includes transportation via an old-fashioned trolley that stops at each location. The cost of this tour is roughly $30 per person. This does not include any drinks; you will have to pay for those separately at each bar on your crawl!

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a dinner show with a medieval jousting tournament, as well as other games and entertainment. This amazing experience takes place at the world-famous Medieval Times castle, which is located just outside of Dallas in Plano.

Medieval Times is a dinner and show that has been entertaining families for decades. The four-course meal is served family-style with your choice of chicken or steak, followed by a tournament where you’re seated in sections around the arena. You’ll cheer on your knight as he battles his opponent in front of you!

The Escape Game

The Escape Game is a live-action game where you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles, find hidden objects and work alongside your friends to escape. There are many different rooms ranging from the Titanic to an old-west jail cell. You can book private games or group games at the same time so everyone has their own room, allowing up to 8 people per game.

The location is right in the center of downtown Dallas which makes it accessible for anyone staying around the area. You can get to the Escape Game by walking or taking public transportation. You can play with kids and adults, making this experience, incredibly fun!

The Dinner Detective

The Dinner Detective is a live, interactive murder mystery show in which guests are invited to solve a hilarious crime while enjoying a fabulous four-course plated dinner. The evening begins with guests being greeted by professional actors and actresses as they are ushered into the grand theatre for check-in. As you arrive, you will be given an alias that no one else will know about.

Next, you will be introduced to other guests who may or may not be suspects in the case of who murdered Mr. X. Then it’s time to start solving the crime! You’ll have access to a private investigator who can answer any questions that arise along the way while you enjoy some delicious food and drinks throughout the night. The Dinner Detective is perfect for first dates and large groups alike; there’s so much going on at once that no one gets bored!

As you finish your meal, the team of actors will reveal themselves as suspects in this murder mystery game as well as informing you of what happened during each course at dinner, therefore enlightening many suspicious acts that took place during that time.

Dallas Arts District and City Lights Segway Tour

The Dallas Arts District is a great place to start your evening. It’s home to many of the city’s most iconic buildings and sculptures, including the Nasher Sculpture Center and Klyde Warren Park. If you want to take things one step further, try out City Lights Segway Tour.

This fun and easy-to-use way to tour Dallas gives you an insider look at some of its most famous buildings in a short amount of time—and it’s also more environmentally friendly than driving! To make things even easier on yourself, book your ride with Dallas Segway Tours & Rentals before hopping onto your Segway!

With locations throughout the city serving up tours ranging from 1 hour long all the way up through full-day experiences, you’ll have no trouble finding something that fits into your schedule while still giving you plenty of time to explore our beautiful city’s history.

With the economy dropping dramatically in certain parts of the world due to the coronavirus, some places have locked their gates tightly with no intention to open them during this time. However, with some sensible rules in place, most areas have decided to keep their attractions and entertainment open, providing that social distancing is undertaken. Here are some activities for you to enjoy in Dallas, during covid:

Dallas farmers market
Sci-tech discovery center
Go ape treetop adventure
Drive-in movie

Dallas Farmers Market

The Dallas Farmers Market is the best place to go to, especially if you’re looking for local produce and fresh goods. The market has been around since 1989, and it’s home to over 130 vendors featuring artisans from all over Texas. The Dallas Farmers Market is located at 902 S Harwood St in downtown Dallas.

It’s open seven days a week, including weekends from 10 am-5 pm. All shoppers and sellers are required to wear masks and socially distance while shopping or selling their goods at the market.

While there are plenty of food options available throughout the market, it’s best to bring your own snacks, however, some vendors do sell small bites such as kettle corn or cupcakes. From local honey and regionally-grown produce to herbs and gourmet ingredients; this indoor/outdoor marketplace offers something for everyone!

Sci-Tech Discovery Centre

Sci-Tech Discovery Centre is a hands-on science center for children and adults located in Dallas, Texas. They have over 100 interactive exhibits that allow you to explore how bodies work, design games, build robots and fly drones! This interactive museum also has kid-friendly shows like The Science of Food.

Or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at something low-key like Giant Bubbles. Sci-Tech Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week from 10 am – 5 pm with the last entry at 4:30 pm. The best part about this place is that it is located inside the Frisco Discovery Centre at 8004 Dallas Parkway in Frisco, so there are many more things to experience during your visit.

Some exhibits remain closed due to covid but they do offer limited capacity, so ensure that your whole family can fit into one activity before you visit. You can always opt for their virtual programs instead if this is what you prefer.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your time, why not try an outdoor adventure? This Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Dallas is an attraction that offers 39 exciting crossings, including Tarzan swings and numerous rope ladders. You can do it with a group of friends, or as a family—and there are even special activities for kids under 5 years old.

The Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve also sits on 800 acres, providing plenty of hiking trails, scenic walks, and other outdoor activities to enjoy after your treetop adventure. Be sure to check out our COVID-19 precautions and important updates here so nothing gets between you and your family bonding or company team-building goals this year!

Drive-In Movies

Certain activities are put on hold in Dallas due to the pandemic, but drive-in movies are here to save your night! Providing you entertainment from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can enjoy a movie night with a hint of pizazz. With massive screens showcasing popular movies, you’re only required to wear a face-covering if you ever step out of your vehicle. There are 3 different drive-in options for you to choose from:

The drive-in at the central
Fun movie grill’s drive-in theatre
Coyote drive-in

Drive-In at the Central

Central Track’s Drive-In at the Central is a great way to enjoy some summertime fun while not having to deal with the crowds and humidity of a traditional outdoor movie screening. Movie choices are subject to change based on demand; they’ll add more films as they see fit so that you can always find something awesome to watch! If you’re looking for an especially fun movie night out with friends or family this summer, or just by yourself, then this one is for you.

Fun Movie Grill’s Drive-In Theatre

Fun Movie Grill’s Drive-in Theatre is located in Dallas, Texas, and is a movie theatre that allows you to enjoy the luxuries of moving motions on a giant screen, from the safety of your own vehicle. So if you’re concerned about the covid-19 pandemic, which naturally would have you cooped up in your homes, bored and full of worry, perhaps a movie night under the stars will alleviate some of these fears! A great way to socialize whilst remaining in your own vehicle.

Coyote Drive-In

Coyote Drive-In, located at 3800 West Northwest Highway in Dallas, Texas, is a great place to see a movie and enjoy some social distancing activities. The theatre shows first-run movies with reserved seating and has many concession options, including beer and wine for adults.

If you want to bring your own food or drinks, then that can be arranged, as long as you bring them in appropriate containers, as bags are not permitted inside the theatre. It is important that you arrive early enough before showtime so that you can park your vehicle without having any issues. Bear in mind that parking spaces fill up quickly during peak hours, which is around 6 pm, so try to arrive early.

Dallas, Texas

You’ll never find yourself bored while exploring Dallas, with its offering of several museums that are perfect for socializing with friends and family members. You can enjoy the daylight activities, quickly transitioning to nightlife, where you can let your guard down, and explore the night away! There’s no point withering away when there’s so much that awaits in Dallas, no matter the hour!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is there to do in Dallas Fort Worth area today?

There are many great things to do in Dallas today, from visiting Fort Worth Zoo to taking a bike tour through the town. You can explore the water gardens, take a tour of the Kimbell Art Museum, stumble upon the stunning views of Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and much more.

What’s open in Dallas right now?

There are many accessible places in Dallas, ready to explore immediately: Dallas Aquarium, Dallas City Parks, Crow Museum of Asian Art, and Dallas Heritage Village.

What is free in Dallas today?

Dallas is very generous in providing fun, and free activities for many of its visitors to enjoy, these include John. F Kennedy Memorial, Pioneer Plaza, Fair Park, Klyde Warren Park, Deep Ellum, and Dallas Museum of Art.

What is going on in downtown Dallas tonight?

For events to explore tonight, you can choose from: the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Magical Night of Lights, House of Blues, Addison After Dark, Piano Balloon Festival, and so much more!

Additional things-to-do-related pages: