Things to do in Downtown Dallas – Attractions, Nightlife, Events & More Near Downtown

Planning on a trip to Downtown Dallas soon? Or maybe you just want to keep exploring the city in case there are still some awesome places you haven’t gone to yet?

There are indeed plenty of fun things to do in Downtown Dallas, offering different types of sights and adventures to fit everyone’s flavor for fun. After all, Downtown Dallas events and places are the heart of the city — literally and culturally. It is a haven of classic and contemporary museums, city landmarks, Dallas downtown attractions, bustling nightlife, and so much more.

Whether you’re going out on your own, with the family, or with your buddies, there is a place for you to go and plenty of Dallas Downtown activities to try.

Get ready to cross out your “Things to do Downtown Dallas” bucket list and check out these places to explore these amazing places!

 

Museums in Downtown Dallas

With such a rich history, it comes as no surprise that one of the many attractions in Downtown Dallas are the many museums sprawled across the area. These museums are not only at par with world-class museums but also house plenty of valuable art collections, as well as contemporary masterpieces from local and international artists.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

This is the place to go if you want to learn about the historical assassination and legacy of President Kennedy. It hosts plenty of educational and special events that promote cultural and artistic influences while housing an estimate of 90,000 artifacts related to the assassination of President Kennedy and its local and global aftermath.

Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Located At: 411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
How Much: Adult – $18; Senior (65+) – $16; Youth (6-18) $14; Child (0-5) – Free

 

Dallas Museum of Art

The DMA is one of the 10 largest museums in the entire country. It has over 24, 000 artworks, with some dating back to as far as 5,000 years ago. It also hosts different events you should check out if you are interested in creative engagements and learning more about history and culture, as well as music and theater arts.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Monday: Closed
Where: 1717 North Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201
Tickets: General Admission is FREE

 

Perot Museum of Natural Science

The Perot Museum is a great place to go for the family, and for people who like learning about Science in a more fun and interactive way. You’ll be sure to discover plenty of fun facts and amazing discoveries as you explore the museum.

Open From: Tuesday: Closed; Monday and Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 2201 N Field St., Dallas, Texas, 75201
General Admission Tickets: Adult – $20; Youth – $13

 

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

This museum, founded by Holocaust survivors, has the mission of teaching and reminding generations after generations of the struggles of such a dark time. It is known to host creative programs, famous exhibits, and for inviting world-class speakers. If you ever find yourself curious about this part of history, this is the perfect place to visit.

Open From: Tuesday: Closed; Monday and Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 300 N. Houston, Dallas, Texas 75202
Tickets: Adult – $16; Senior (55+), Military & First responders, Educators and Visitors with disabilities – $14; Students – $12

 

Museum of Illusions

If you are looking for some mind-boggling, almost magical, kind of adventure, then head on out to the Museum of Illusions Dallas! Forget about trusting your senses when you are in this museum, as it tricks your eyes and senses into reality-bending illusions. Of course, get to understand and learn how these tricks work, too. This museum is great for some interactive art and adventure so visit it with your family, kids, or friends.

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Located At: 701 Ross Ave., Dallas, Texas 75202
How Much: Adult – $19; Children (5-12) – $15; Students and Military – $17; Children under 5 – Free

 

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Learn about the history and accomplishments of President George W. Bush through various artifacts, audiovisuals, and interactive experiences at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The museum has different sections, each highlighting a different part of his story in an interactive and fun way.

Open From: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75205
Tickets: Adult – $26; Senior (62+) – $23; Youth – $24; Child – $20; College Student(non-SMU) – $23

 

The Dallas World Aquarium

Curious about the underwater world? Then look no farther than visiting The Dallas World Aquarium! See sharks, jellyfishes, seadragons, and even penguins, crocodiles, otters, and many more.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
Where: 1801 North Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202
Tickets: Adult – $26.95 + tax; Child – $18.95 + tax (3 thru 12); Child – free (2 and under); Senior – $22.95 + tax (65+)

 

Downtown Dallas Nightlife and City Attractions

Even as the sun sets, the night doesn’t turn cold in Downtown Dallas nightlife starts to heat up. From sightseeing and enjoying the nightscape to dining and nightcaps at restaurants and sports bars, there is a place to go for night owls and anybody who wishes to spend a good night of fun in the city.

Things to do in Downtown Dallas at night include:

Reunion Tower

For the perfect view of the Dallas skyline, visit the heart of the city at the Reunion Tower. Going up 470 feet up this tower iconic tower will allow you to see an exceptional, panoramic view of the city. It is also filled with interactive screens and telescopes that allow you to observe the city. The perfect spot for some memorable photos when you visit Downtown Dallas!

Hours of Operation: Varies daily. Check their calendar to plan your visit.
Location: 300 Reunion Blvd East, Dallas, TX 75207
General Admission Tickets: Adults $19 – $35; Seniors (65+) $14 – $30; Youth (4-12) $9 – $15; Children 3 and under are free.

 

AT&T Discovery District

What can you do at the AT& T Discovery District, you ask? Well, the possibilities are endless! The AT&T Discovery District® is a new downtown destination where tech, culture, and entertainment combine to create unique experiences. From outdoor event spaces to a variety of restaurants to innovative tech experiences – there is always something new for everyone. Visit the place for wellbeing classes, movie screenings, local and international music concerts, and so much more.

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hrs; store hours vary, please visit each location to view individual hours.
Located At: 208 S. Akard St., Dallas TX 75202
How Much: Free

 

Green Door Public House

Looking for a place to unwind and eat good food? Your neighborhood Bar and Grill — Green Door Public House — is a perfect pick! There is a patio for some outdoor fun and laughter with your buddies while having a great view of the city.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Where: 600 South Harwood Street, Dallas Texas 75201
Tip: Happy Hour @ Green Door is from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays

 

Hardwood Tavern

Another great place for a nightcap in Downtown Dallas is this sports bar that has all the basics — several monitors playing your favorite sports, billiard tables, darts, and delicious food and drinks!

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight; Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sunday: Closed
Located At: 333 Harwood Street,  Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas, 7700

 

City Tavern Dallas

For some good time, great food, and fantastic drinks, head on out to City Tavern! This is gastropub is a favorite among locals and has been in operation since 2003, providing great service to locals and tourists alike. This place is a staple when you are in Downtown Dallas, so make sure to include it in your list of go-to places!

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Located At: 1514 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Parks and Recreation

Dallas is a concrete jungle, but there remain places of luscious greens that you and your family can visit for some morning exercise, walks, or simple picnics. Thanks to the city’s warm weather all year round, you’ll never have problems about when to visit. Plus, there are plenty of parks in Downtown Dallas, too. So, choosing which park to go to is just as easy. Or, go ahead and visit them all since they all offer different attractions that all outdoorsy people will surely find fun.

Farmers Market

Have fun while supporting the local community when you visit the Farmers Market. In between the tall buildings lie this haven of shops, restaurants, and recreational places that never run out of something fresh to offer its goers.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Located At: 920 S. Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201
How Much: Free

 

Pioneer Plaza

This 2.8-acre park of trees and greens amidst the buildings of Downtown Dallas is a cultural site and one that is hard to miss. This public park commemorates Dallas’ history with a larger-than-life multi-piece bronze sculpture of three men on horseback leading a cattle drive.

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hrs.
Located At: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202
How Much: Free

 

Kylde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is in the heart of the Arts District, and a perfect place for people to come together for a day of relaxing atmosphere, fresh air, and accessible shops and restaurants all over the area. It also hosts plenty of activities you can check out when you visit the place.

Open From: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 403, Dallas, TX 75201
How Much: Free

 

Thanksgiving Square

Thanks-Giving Square is an artistic and contemporary park where people love to meet for various reasons. It’s a place that embraces the diversity that Dallas is very proud of.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 1627 Pacific Ave Dallas, TX 75201
How Much: Free

 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum is on the list for the top arboretums in the world. It is a place for people who love everything and anything about flowers and other flora species. It is a place for learning, too. Of course, there are also exciting events that regularly happen in this place. So, when you visit, check for the latest events and exhibits.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Located At: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
Ticket: Adults $20; Seniors (65+) $16; Child (2-12) $12

 

White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake is a 1,015-acre city lake and is one of the many places in Downtown Dallas where events and runs take place. If you want to join the next marathon, check out this urban oasis as it’s probably hosting the latest fun runs in the city. Plus, there is an area where you can enjoy some outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, and fishing. And, if you prefer biking or hiking, there are trails for those, too.

Open From: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: 8300 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
How Much: Free

 

The Katy Trail

The Katy Trail was built from an old railroad, and when you visit the place, you can still see areas that preserve this aspect of the area. This is a privately funded community, and it hosts plenty of fundraisers to keep the area going, as well as help the community. It is a nature-filled beauty in Downtown Dallas that you should not miss visiting.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Where: 3102 Maple Avenue, Suite 230, Dallas, TX 75201
How Much: Free

 

Arts and Culture in Downtown Dallas

Downtown Dallas is a proud home to the largest urban arts district in the nation. It is home not just to artist-devoted places, but to artistic talents as well. For world-class exhibits and interactive, classical, and contemporary displays, visiting the arts and culture spots in Downtown Dallas is a must!

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is known for its colorful murals done by local artists that wish to put their artworks on the map of the visual artists’ community. It is also a famous venue for musical concerts and events, and other events that promote arts and culture. For a modern, artistic exploration of Downtown Dallas, make sure to visit here.

Hours of Operation: Open hours vary per shop
Located At: Elm St. Dallas, TX 75226
How Much: Free

 

Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre

If you are a fan of the theater arts, then the iconic Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre is the place to be. It is known to be a versatile stage, as it is designed to easily functionally re-shape into any stage, making it convenient to stage different types of plays — from classical to modern stages, and even concerts.

Hours of Operation: Will depend on show/play dates and schedules
Where: 2400 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets: Will depend on show/play ticket prices. Ticketing information here.

 

Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center

If you’re an old soul looking for some classical music, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will feed you with great orchestra stages. It is a premier concert hall, and the largest and oldest performing arts group in the southwest — the Dallas Symphony — is known to stage a lot of its wonderful masterpieces in this venue.

Open From: Will depend on show/play dates and schedules.
Location: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets: Will depend on show/play ticket prices.

 

Nasher Sculpture Center

Home to contemporary sculptures is the Nasher Sculpture Center. It houses more than 300 collections from famous sculptors like Picasso, Rodin, Giacometti, and so much more. If you are a fan of these artists and sculptures in general, then make sure to visit this museum and check out its world-class collection.

Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Located At: 2001 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
How Much: Adults: $10; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) riders: $8; Seniors 65 and over: $7; Educators with ID: $5; Students with ID: $5; Children under 12: FREE

 

The Giant Eyeball

You could be asking, why is there a giant eyeball in the heart of Downtown Dallas? Well, ART! The giant sculpture is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. It’s free and interesting. You should definitely add this art to your list!

Open From: Open 24 hrs.
Location: 1601 Main, Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets: Free

 

The Grassy Knoll

Being such an important part of Dallas’ history, the Grassy Knoll is a small green space marking the spot where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. This spot is located near the Dealey Plaza, and people make it a point to visit the place to learn additional facts about the incident and take photos as proof of their visit.

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hrs
Located At: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
How Much: Free

 

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