[littlemomma]

Howdy Partners! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br><br>
We are taking a trip to Dallas for a friends wedding, and we are really trying to make it a "vacation" for our family. We will be in Dallas May 17-20. I'll be pretty busy with wedding stuff, and my DH will have the kids (boys- 16mo and 6 yo).<br><br>
We will be staying at the Springhill Suites downtown/west end Dallas. I know the aquarium is nearby, and the zoo is pretty close. What about just parks and playgrounds? The boys love that- and it's free!<br><br>
I'd love any recommendations!<br>
Thanks!

 

[lalaland42]

Come visit us on the March DFW mommies thread. There will be a bunch of people to give recs. I googled it, that is the one by Love Field, right?<br><br>
Bachman lake has a walking trail and I'm sure a ton of play areas. Really, all people in Dallas do is breed so there are parks everywhere. The zoo is nice, the aquarium is overpriced IMO (coming from Seattle where they have a nice one that is actually about fish). There is a hospital (google Scottish Rite hospital) that has a fantastic playground that is free. There is a huge farmer's market downtown.<br><br>
There are a few places I have never been to that are on my list:<br><br>
1. There are some fossilized dinosaur tracks south of Dallas. I am not sure where they are or how impressive they are but some of the mamas at the other thread might know.<br><br>
2. There is a place called Fair Park that has a small (and much cheaper) aquarium. Fair Park also has some museums including an African American heritage museum that is free I think.<br><br>
3. If your 6 y.o. is interested in planes, there is a flight museum in Addison (neighborhood of Dallas with a bunch of restaurants).<br><br>
That is just what I have off the top of my head. I can come up with more but I am supposed to be working.

 

[eviesmommy1106]

I'm from the DFW area... so here goes!<br><br>
Bachman lake is undergoing major renovations... so unless you wanna dodge cranes, I'd nix the idea for the next year or so.<br><br>
Here are some thoughts:<br>
1. Fair Park is home to a nice smaller aquaurium (they feed their sharks daily at set times and that is kind of neat to watch). It is also home to: The Museum of Nature and Science (<a href="http://www.natureandscience.org/" target="_blank">http://www.natureandscience.org/</a>) and The Discovery Gardens (<a href="http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/)" target="_blank">http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/)</a>. I HIGHLY recommend the Museum of Nature and Science.... I think I could spend from open to close there, no problem! It's also the new home of The Dallas Children's Museum... which is also lots of fun!<br><br>
2. The Dallas Nature Center (<a href="http://audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html" target="_blank">http://audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html</a>)<br><br><br>
Oh & here is a great website with links & directons for things to do in town... <a href="http://www.guidelive.com/portal/page?_pageid=33,97308&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL" target="_blank">http://www.guidelive.com/portal/page..._schema=PORTAL</a><br><br>
HTH & that y'all have fun! Feel free to email me with any ???<br><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>