Family-Friendly Adventures in Dallas!

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Start: 9:00 AM

Getting There: Located at 411 Elm Street, the museum is best reached by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Get off at West End Station and walk about 10 minutes south towards the museum. Alternatively, parking is available near the museum for those driving.

Explore the Museum: Begin your educational experience at The Sixth Floor Museum, which focuses on the life, assassination, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Set in the former Texas School Book Depository building, it"s famously known as the place from where Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy in 1963. Engage with historical films, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of that day. Don’t miss the sniper’s perch and the fascinating multimedia exhibits.

Lunch: 12:00 PM

Enjoy a Picnic at Dealey Plaza: Step outside to the grassy knoll and surrounding areas of Dealey Plaza, the infamous site of the assassination. It’s now a National Historic Landlandmark. Pack a picnic or grab a bite from a nearby café and enjoy a family meal outdoors.

Afternoon: Visit to Reunion Tower

Start: 1:30 PM

Getting There: A 15-minute walk from Dealey Plaza, head towards Reunion Tower, one of Dallas" most recognized landmarks.

Experience: Take an elevator up to the GeO-Deck observation area to enjoy panoramic views of Dallas. Learn about the city’s landmarks through high-definition telescopes and interactive touch screens. It"s a great way for kids to see the city from a different perspective.

Departure: By 4:00 PM, begin your journey home or to your accommodation, wrapping up a day filled with education and enjoyment.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Why Visit?

Morning Arrival:

Start your day at John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas. This solemn yet beautifully simple monument, designed by architect Philip Johnson, commemorates the 35th president of the United States. It"s easily accessible by public transportation—take the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to either St. Paul or Akard stations, both a short walk to the plaza.

Exploring the Plaza

Once you arrive, take a moment to appreciate the "cenotaph" or "open tomb" structure that symbolizes Kennedy"s free spirit. The memorial, free to the public and open 24 hours a day, invites contemplation. It"s an excellent opportunity to discuss history and the impact of leadership with your kids.

Interactive Learning

Nearby, just a few minutes’ walk, is the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, located in the former Texas School Book Depository building. This museum offers an in-depth look at Kennedy’s life, presidency, and assassination. Be sure to rent the audio guide, which provides a rich narrative suitable for older children and adults. The museum"s family-friendly programs and interactive exhibits will engage children in understanding historical events in a more relatable way.

Lunch Break

For lunch, head to the Dallas Farmers Market, a 15-minute walk from the museum. It offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, from BBQ to vegan. It’s a great spot for kids to explore local flavors and for parents to enjoy some of Dallas"s best culinary offerings.

Afternoon Stroll

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll back to the plaza or explore more of downtown Dallas. The nearby Pioneer Plaza, featuring a large sculpture installation of a cattle drive, is particularly popular among families. It"s educational and fun to capture photos with the bronze steer statues.

End of Day

Wrap up your visit by reflecting on the day’s learnings and experiences back at the Kennedy Memorial before heading home. This itinerary not only enlightens but also provides a memorable family day in downtown Dallas.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dealey Plaza

Why Visit?

Dealey Plaza, located in the historic West End district of downtown Dallas, Texas, is a must-visit landmark for families intrigued by American history. Known primarily as the site of President John F. Kennedy"s assassination in 1963, the area is steeped in educational opportunities and fascinating details.

Morning: Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Start your family day at the Sixth Floor Museum (411 Elm Street), which is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building. This museum provides an insightful look into the life, legacy, and tragic death of President Kennedy through multimedia exhibits. Families can benefit from a self-guided audio tour, available in multiple languages, which tailors the information to be accessible for younger audiences. Be sure to peek out of the corner window which provides a view similar to that believed to have been used by the assassin.

Lunch: Founders Grill

After your museum tour, grab lunch at Founders Grill, just a short walk from the museum. They offer a variety of kid-friendly options and some local favorites, providing a comfortable setting perfect for discussing the morning"s learnings.

Afternoon: Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District

Post-lunch, explore the wider Dealey Plaza area, designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Wander through the grassy knoll, a significant site in the assassination lore where some conspiracy theorists believe a second gunman stood. Interactive signs around the plaza help visitors understand the historical significance of various spots.

Visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Conclude your Dealey Plaza tour with a visit to the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, a sober yet striking monument dedicated to President Kennedy. The open-roofed, cenotaph structure invites contemplation and provides an excellent moment to discuss his impact and legacy.

Throughout your visit, use the D-Link bus service, free public transportation that makes stops at key attractions around downtown Dallas, making it easy and stress-free to move around the area. This day promises to be both educational and memorable for the whole family, ensuring a deeper appreciation of American history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Reunion Tower

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling family adventure at Dallas" iconic Reunion Tower, a must-visit landmark that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Here"s an engaging itinerary for a memorable day:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of your visit. Reunion Tower is conveniently located at 300 Reunion Boulevard E, Dallas, TX. If you"re driving, parking is available on-site for a fee. Alternatively, you can use public transportation, as the tower is easily accessible via Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART); alight at Union Station, which is just a short walk from the tower.

Exploring the GeO-Deck

Head to the GeO-Deck, the indoor/outdoor observation deck located 470 feet above the ground. It opens at 10:30 AM. Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. This deck provides interactive touch screens that allow you to zoom in on different parts of the city and learn about Dallas" landmarks and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to use the high-definition telescopes for an even closer look.

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a delicious meal at the Cloud Nine Café, where the floor rotates to offer a 360-degree view of Dallas. The café offers a variety of options that cater to all ages, making it perfect for a family meal.

Afternoon Fun

Participate in one of the educational sessions typically held in the afternoon, where families can learn more about the tower"s history and the city"s architecture. Check the schedule beforehand as these can vary.

Souvenirs and Departure

Wrap up your visit by stopping at the gift shop for some unique souvenirs. From postcards to model towers, there"s something to remember your visit.

Interesting Fact

Reunion Tower is affectionately known as "The Ball" due to its distinctive spherical top, and it lights up with LED lights to celebrate special occasions and holidays, making every visit unique.

Enjoy your family day out at Reunion Tower, where Dallas is seen from a different perspective!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Why Visit?

Welcome to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where the Old West comes alive! Perfect for families, this iconic Texas spot offers a delightful blend of historical attractions and fun activities. Here"s a one-day itinerary to make the most out of your visit:

Morning

Start your day at the Stockyards Visitor Center (130 E Exchange Ave) to grab a map and any last-minute details about daily events. Just a short walk from there, step into the past at the Stockyards Museum located in the historic Livestock Exchange Building. Learn fascinating facts like the Stockyards" role in the cattle industry since 1866.

Next, mosey over to the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive at E. Exchange Avenue, held daily at 11:30 AM. Watch in awe as drovers in authentic gear drive Texas Longhorns right through the streets. It"s a unique spectacle highlighting the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive.

Lunch

Grab a bite at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, where kids can enjoy watching their food being cooked over a live fire pit.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a historical walking tour starting from the Visitor Center. The tours are engaging and filled with stories suitable for all ages. Then, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame on Rodeo Plaza to introduce the kids to rodeo legends and their achievements.

Evening

Cap off your day with a thrilling show at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo (Cowtown Coliseum), held every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 PM. Reserve your tickets online to ensure availability.

Wrap up your visit with a stroll through the Stockyards Station, where you can pick up some souvenirs and enjoy some local ice cream.

Getting Around

The Stockyards are pedestrian-friendly, and all attractions are within walking distance from one another. Parking is plentiful, with several lots and street parking available around Main Street and Exchange Avenue.

Enjoy your day stepping back in time and experiencing the vibrant spirit of the Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.