5 Kid-Friendly Super Bowl Alternatives In DFW
These attractions in Dallas-Fort Worth are family-friendly alternatives to the Super Bowl. These are all-ages attractions and accommodations so that the non-football fans can still have a great time.
Perot Museum Of Nature And Science
2201 N. Field St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 428-5555
www.perotmuseum.org
While everyone is watching the big game, check out one of the largest science museums in North Texas that also sports its very own sports exhibit. With amazing exhibits that begin with the solar system and the Big Bang and end with geology and the earth's precious gems and minerals, the Perot Museum is a sophisticated architectural piece in downtown Dallas. The true wonderment begins outside of the museum with musical frogs and ecological landscaping that is a testament to the ability of the museum to be a sustainable structure. As you make your way up the outside escalator, you will get to see a great view of downtown Dallas. Kids will enjoy learning about the solar system on the top floor. The fourth floor is crawling with dinosaurs such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex and an 85-foot Alamosaurus fossil in the T. Boone Pickens' Life Then and Now Hall. The third floor contains exhibits about gas drilling, gems and minerals as the second floor has exhibits on the human body and the engineering hall. The first floor is the Moody Family Children's museum especially for children that are five years old and younger. They can play, pretend and climb along familiar sites such as Dallas' Margaret Hunt Hill bridge and the Dallas Farmer's Market replicas.
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6500
www.dallasarboretum.org
With 66 acres of gardens and manicured landscapes, the Dallas Arboretum attracts over 950,000 visitors every year. Families can come and enjoy the seasonal exhibits and learn about the plants and gardens that thrive during the winter and during Super Bowl weekend. Children will also enjoy the Rory Meyer's Children Adventure Garden located in the Dallas Arboretum. The Children's garden includes 150 exhibits with canopy walks, foot trails and an adventure bridge. All ages are welcome to explore the children's garden allowing for a unique learning experience about natural habitats.
Legoland Discovery Center Dallas-Fort Worth
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, TX 76051
(877) 444-3050
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
If you plan on a two- to three-hour visit, families can get some fantastic play time while everyone watches the big game at Legoland Discovery Center. Located in the Grapevine Mills mall, families can enjoy rides such as the Forest Ranger pursuit in off-road Lego vehicles. Visit mini-lands such as the Star Wars display and the display of Dallas-Fort Worth. Kids can also enjoy a play zone and a factory tour along with a Duplo village and the Lego Girls princess palace. With a multitude of activities along with a mini café, families will have a great time at Legoland Discovery Center.
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
www.klydewarrenpark.org
Bring the whole family out to Klyde Warren Park. This 5.2-acre deck park covers one of the busiest freeways in the country. With the hustle and bustle of the traffic below, the park is an oasis of green and activities for all to enjoy. Bring the kids out to the children's park which has its own amphitheatre and storytelling tree. The playground is one of the coolest around with activities for kids that range in age from toddlers to 12 years old. The bright colors and the creative style of the caterpillar fountain as it sprouts wings with water is an enjoyable sight for the kids. Stay connected with free wifi in the park and get something to eat from the food kiosks or the food trucks that stop by periodically and every Sunday.
Related: Best Playgrounds in DFW
Dallas Museum Of Art
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-1200
www.dallasmuseumofart.org
Starting this year in 2013, admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free and serves a perfect kid-friendly alternative to the big game. Bring your smartphones and take in more lessons about the artwork inside. With 22,000 works of art, families will enjoy workshops, classes, camps, games and interactive exhibits. Kids can meet Arturo, the family mascot for the museum. Anytime you see this friendly blue parrot at the museum, you can be sure that you will see a great family friendly exhibit. In the Center for Creative Connections (C3), you can drop by the Art Stop to make your own creations.
Heather Buen is a social media and communications consultant as well as a mother of three that has lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over ten years. She covers all things family and has experience as both a writer and single mom. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
