No Super Bowl tickets? There's plenty to do in Dallas with the family, from The Fort Worth Botanic Garden to The Mesquite Rodeo.

They do everything big in Texas, so it makes sense that there is too much for any family to see on one trip to the state's largest city of Dallas. These are some of our top picks, but for more general information, contact the Dallas Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800/232-5527 or 214/571-1000. For information about attractions in the Greater Metroplex region, visit the Arlington C&VB or call 800/342-4305. For Family Travel Forum's advice on Dallas with the family, read on...

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Dallas Children's Museum & The Museum of Nature & Science
3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 South 2nd Avenue in Fair Park
Dallas, TX 75315
214/428-5555
Although once two separate entities, the Dallas Children's Museum and the Museum of Nature & Science have joined forces in a mission to become the ultimate family destination in northern Texas. Both are now both housed in the old site of the Museum of Nature & Science, with the Children's Museum dwelling in the downstairs of the former Science Place. Together these museums bring families fun exhibits, such as "Ice Age Dallas," which features a 10,000 year old mammoth fossil that was found by the banks of the Trinity River as well as other fossil models, the current location of Dallas; also on display is "Little Urban Farm"-- an exhibit that teaches the importance of agriculture. Also housed in these two Fair Park buildings are a 79-foot IMAX Theater and a Planetarium (both of which call for a separate admission fee). Make sure to frequent the website because every month there are different Family Festivals.

Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203
214/670-5656
Kids will enjoy the "Wilds of Africa" exhibit, the petting zoo, and the Kimberly Clark Chimpanzee Forest in this 50-acre zoo open from 9am-4pm daily. There is also the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo which features a Pony Trek. Visitors less than 80 pounds mount a pony and trot around for a few minutes. Also, for an extra charge of $2.50, families can hop on the monorail for a 20-minute tour of the zoo. Children under two years old ride free. Or for $2.00, the Endangered Species Carousel might be for you. Admission to the zoo is $8.75 for adults; children aged 3-11 are $5.75 and those under two are free.

Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817/759-7555
This enormous zoo offers an even more impressive collection than the Dallas Zoo, and its shaded grounds are perfect for strolling. There are more than 5,000 species on display including rare specimens such as komodo dragons, rhinoceroses and white tigers. A very kid-friendly, 8-acre addition highlights native Texan animals in a Wild West style setting. Admission is half-price every Wednesday.

Dallas World Aquarium
1801 North Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214/720-2224
This aquarium and environmental learning center offers excellent exhibits of marine wildlife along with themed exhibits. A special added attraction is the American rain forest exhibit featuring plant life and wildlife indigenous to the largest river in Venezuela. Take your family down the bamboo-planked path into the heart of the jungle to observe manatees, crocodiles and piranhas.

Dallas Puppet Theater
3905 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226
214/515-0004
Reservations are required at this delightful little puppet theater whose performers most often reenact classic versions of popular children's fairy tales such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

Dallas Firefighters Museum
3801 Parry Avenue (across from Fair Park)
Dallas, TX 75226
214/821-1500
This inexpensive museum constructed from a vintage fire station features rare firefighting memorabilia. Keep in mind that the museum is closed from Sunday to Tuesday.

Fun for Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

The Sixth Floor Museum
411 Elm Street (at Dealey Plaza)
Dallas, TX 75202
214/747-6660
Parents will probably remember the Dallas Book Repository as the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald lay in waiting to assassinate President John F. Kennedy when his motorcade drove through downtown Dallas. In the more than three decades since, it's become a museum of memorabilia, including a display of amateur photographs taken by the crowd and, most interestingly, a video library of the many home movies related to his killing.

Childrens Aquarium at Fair Park Dallas
1462 First Avenue (Fair Park)
Dallas, TX 75226
214/670-8443
Once a traditional, fish-in-a-tank aquarium, this newly renovated marineland is the largest in the Southwest and a highlight of the Old Texas State Fair grounds. It boasts a collection of 3,500 specimens representing more than 320 different species of aquatic life. Exhibits include an Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit and a breeding lab as well as some unique creatures: a 135 pound alligator snapping turtle and a five foot long electric eel. For a dazzling feeding frenzy, call ahead for the shark and piranha feeding schedule. If the kids have limited interest, check out the smaller downtown World Aquarium (noted above).

Galleria Ice Skating Center
13350 Dallas Parkway #200
Dallas, TX 75240
972/392-3361
A fun, active diversion for the whole family can be found at this ice rink in a very upscale shopping mall. The pretty sky lit space attracts skaters of all ages throughout the year. For nervous little skaters, there are also private and group lessons, though the ice quality can make skating tough.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
214/515-6500
These beautiful gardens, with many shaded benches designed for leisurely or weary grandparents, are open every day. Admission is free to children ages 2 and under; adults are $8 and children age 3-12 are $5. Visitors will not be disappointed by the 66 acres of lush flora, fountains, sculpture, and historic mansions.

The Shops at Legacy
Legacy Drive & Bishop Road
Plano, TX 75024
Located in Plano, Texas (just 15 miles north of Dallas), this 150-acre development is a blend of creative boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops, fun sidewalk cafes and some great culinary dining experiences.  Whether you are in the market for upscale clothing and jewelry, want to explore a 24,000 square-foot independently owned bookstore, or catch a movie at the Plano’s very own famous Angelika Film Center, you can do it here.  Kids will also love to check out the life-size Trails of Legacy cattle drive sculptures on the north end of the strip.  The location makes for a nice day trip away from the city.

Fun for the Family

Dallas Cowboys Stadium
1 Legends Way
Arlington, Texas 76001
817/892-4161
The hottest thing in town -- even before the 2011 Super Bowl play -- is the brand new Cowboys Stadium, a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility that leaves fans with their heads spinning. Families are lining up for the VIP Guided Tours led by guides who will wow your football fans with their facts and figures. The enormous video screen, over 150 feet, is enough to thrill even the football-hater. On the 90-minute VIP Tour, you will see private and media boxes, the Cotton Bowl offices, the field, several clubs, the post-game interview room and both the Cowboys' and Cheerleaders' locker rooms. Best yet, at tour's end, you get a complimentary family portrait taken on the field. Self-guided tours also available but limited schedules work around game times, so be sure to book ahead.

Kimbell Art Carter Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817/332-8451
An outing to the Kimbell, with its exhibitions of the world's finest artists such as El Greco, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Matisse, can be a real treat for parents with younger children. A special "Kimbell Treasure Hunt" is offered to families that wish to partake in a self-guided tour to discover the hidden meanings of the artwork. Their cafeteria is also a surprising treat. There are also various children's workshops and family festivities hosted the museum throughout the year. Across the way, Old West buffs will not want to miss the Amon Carter Museum (817/738-1933), whose collection of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell works is unparalleled.

The Fort Worth Stock Yards
130 East Exchange Avenue, National Historic District
Fort Worth, TX 76164
817-625-9715
Known for their western-themed amusement park for kids, the Fort Worth Stockyards evolved from what was once the local hog and sheep pens. Parents will be delighted by more than 30 shops, restaurants and meeting facilities as well as walking tours that depart from the visitors center seven days a week. Also of interest are the seasonal events that are put on at the Stockyards: championship rodeos, petting zoos and pony rides are just a few. Make sure to check the website for dates and times.

Old City Park
1414 South Harwood
Dallas, TX 75215
214/421-5141
Not far from downtown Dallas is this collection of restored homes and historic businesses set on 13 acres. A great Living History destination, kids can visit a doctor’s office, railroad depot and farm. Tours are available everyday except Monday when the area is closed to the public.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817/871-7686
These gardens extend over more than 109 acres with both native and exotic plant life. It's worth a stop if you're nearby and admission to the gardens is cheap. Don't forget to visit the Japanese Garden section. Also, connecting all the main features of the Botanic Gardens is the Texas Native Forest Boardwalk, an elevated ramp with viewing platforms and educational activities. Adults will love it for its learning value, while kids will enjoy walking on the balance beam logs, exploring fake hollow trees, and crawling through whisper tubes.

Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, TX 75201
214/922-1200
This museum features exhibits of more than 17,000 works of art created by artists from around the world, as well as excellent ethnic and folk art galleries. A visit provides a chance to see the city's ultra-modern skyscrapers up close. Kids can also meet Arturo, the mascot of the museum or they can attend one of many weekly family activities: Studio Creations, Family Films, Collection Connection, Storytelling and Sketching.

Mesquite Rodeo
1818 Rodeo Drive
Mesquite, TX 75149
972/285-8777
This old-fashioned rodeo hosted in a pleasant, air conditioned arena will prove to be quite a family-pleasing event. The bull riding and calf-roping contests are suspenseful enough to engage even the youngest children, and a wholesome all-you-can-eat barbecue and some gift shops featuring silly Texas and rodeo memorabilia can be found nearby. Children can even get in on the action with the Mutton Bustin' and Calf Scramble events designed just for them.

Also, for places to stay in the area, see Hotels in Dallas.