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The 10 Best Things to Do on Sunday in Dallas If You’re Out of Ideas
- Explore the Museum of Illusions.
- Shop and snack at the Dallas Farmers Market.
- Experience the immersive Rainbow Vomit.
- Sip cocktails at Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party Dallas.
- Discover treasures at The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas.
- Learn history at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
- Feast on BBQ at Pecan Lodge.
- Stroll through The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
- Admire art at the Nasher Sculpture Center.
- Relax at Klyde Warren Park.
Last Sunday, I swore I’d be productive—I even wrote “laundry” at the top of my to-do list. Three tacos, two naps, and one accidental four-hour Netflix binge later, the only thing I accomplished was perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing.
That’s when it hit me: Dallas deserves better than wasted hours indoors. This city has way too much going on.
So, if you’ve ever let a Sunday off slip into a regret-filled Monday, here are the best things to do in our city that make the most of your weekend count!
1. Explore the Museum of Illusions.
Media credit: museumofillusions_dallas
Address: 701 Ross Ave
Website: https://moidallas.com/
Phone: +1 214 432 1582
Business hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
This was hands-down one of the most fun, brain-twisting places I’ve been to in Dallas—a mash-up of an art museum, a science lab, and a tourist magnet all in one colorful, mind-bending package.
Every corner plays tricks on you. One moment you’re staring in a room that flips gravity on its head, and the next you’re in the Clone Room, bumping into five versions of yourself.
There’s even a giant dodecahedron so massive it made me feel like I’d suddenly shrunk!
And with the 2025 expansion, the illusions only got wilder. Now there’s a walk-in kaleidoscope of mirrors and screens, face-swapping stations, and geometric designs that feel like stepping inside a math riddle.
Pro tip:
Crowds build up quickly on Sundays, so be sure to snag tickets online in advance. Though it’s billed as a quick 45-60 minute stop, you might find yourself sticking around a bit longer just to take it all in.
2. Shop and snack at the Dallas Farmers Market.
Media credit: dallasfarmersmarket
Address: 920 S Harwood St
Website: http://www.dallasfarmersmarket.org/
Phone: +1 214 664 9110
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm
The Dallas Farmers Market is a favorite of mine when I want a Sunday that feels relaxing and productive at the same time. I usually come for farm-fresh crops or a meal that feels homemade.
The Market Building is open daily, featuring 26,000 square feet of indoor culinary heaven. You’ll find everything from cozy coffee counters to restaurants serving up big flavors, all mixed in with small-batch vendors.
On weekends, The Shed comes alive as an open-air pavilion filled with regional sellers. Think seasonal harvests, pasture-raised meats, jars of honey, and fresh loaves of bread—all sourced from Texas or nearby states within about 400 miles.
Pro tip:
Go early if you want first pick—produce and pastries don’t stick around for long!
3. Experience the immersive Rainbow Vomit.
Media credit: rainbowvomitdallas
Address: 3609 Parry Ave
Website: https://rainbowvomit.com/
Phone: +1 469 248 0953
Business hours:
- Monday and Thursday: 2 pm – 8 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
- Friday: 1 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Heading to Rainbow Vomit feels like walking into a comic book come to life!
The whole place glows and shimmers—think balloons floating around, ribbons draping from above, and even a life-sized unicorn named Gerard making an appearance.
I personally like how interactive it is too; there are hidden rooms and playful storytelling that made me want to keep exploring.
And honestly, with so many moments worth capturing, it’s no surprise people come here for everything, be it date nights or family outings.
Pro tip:
Book your tickets ahead of time because slots sell out fast on weekends! And don’t be shy with your outfit—bright colors look incredible in photos here.
4. Sip cocktails at Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party Dallas.
Media credit: madhatterginteaparty
Address: 1707 S Ervay St Ervay Theatre
Website: https://madhatterginteaparty.com/dallas/
Phone: +1 214 369 5662
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
- Friday: 6 pm – 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Must-order: Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat
My Sunday honestly wouldn’t have been complete without this one-of-a-kind tea party.
While every drink here is special, the experience itself is what makes it unforgettable. Guests are given quirky Mad Hatter hats, and before you know it, you’re being swept into whimsical storytelling while sipping on three different gin-based cocktails.
Want to know which beverage to keep an eye out for? The crowd favorite is Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat—a glittery mix of pineapple juice, luster dust, and flower petals.
And if you’re not drinking alcohol, no worries—every concoction comes with a non-alcoholic Ritual Zero Proof Gin alternative, so nobody has to miss out.
Pro tip:
Book early. Limited seating and high demand mean this curious adventure fills up fast!
5. Discover treasures at The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas.
Address: 3509 Aztec Trail, Wylie
Website: https://thebestlittletoymuseumintexasc.godaddysites.com/
Phone: +1 469 469 4496
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm
Why do they call it The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas? Because it’s stuffed with childhood dreams and a ridiculous amount of nostalgia!
Opened in 2023 by a retired veteran with a lifelong passion for collecting, this place is basically a time machine with free tokens thrown in.
My ticket (adults are $10, kids 4-12 just $5, and little ones under 3 are free) came with unlimited play.
I couldn’t resist—so yes, I button-mashed my way through old-school arcade favorites like PAC-MAN, Mortal Kombat I, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles until my thumbs begged for mercy.
And the toy collection is no joke! Over 2,000 pieces from heavy-hitters—superheroes, space battles, action figures, and plenty more you probably forgot you loved until you see them here again.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip the scavenger hunt—finding all 20 hidden figures around the museum comes with bragging rights and a prize.
6. Learn history at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Media credit: sixthflrmuseum
Address: 411 Elm St
Website: https://www.jfk.org/
Phone: +1 214 747 6660
Business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Many history buffs say The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a must if you want to dive into one of America’s most pivotal moments.
Housed inside the former Texas School Book Depository, the museum takes you through President John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy, and the events surrounding his assassination.
The part of my visit that struck me the hardest was standing at the exact window where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots—it really connects you to history in a way that books and documentaries simply can’t.
The exhibits themselves cover Kennedy’s presidency and the aftermath of his death, including original areas tied to that tragic day, along with multimedia displays and rare artifacts.
Pro tip:
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours, and if you can, go early to avoid the heavy crowds.
7. Feast on BBQ at Pecan Lodge.
Media credit: pecanlodge
Address: 2702 Main St
Website: http://www.pecanlodge.com/
Phone: +1 214 748 8900
Business hours:
- Monday: 11 am – 3 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday and Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
- Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Must-order: The Hot Mess
Dallas has plenty of barbecue joints, but Pecan Lodge sits at the very top of the list—especially when I’m after brisket that actually melts instead of fighting back.
Some kitchens lean too heavily on sauce or smoke, but here, they’ve mastered the balance. Every bite—whether it’s ribs, pulled pork, or sausage—comes out juicy, smoky, and seriously addictive.
And don’t get me started on the sides; the mac ‘n’ cheese alone could probably win an entire office by itself!
The real star, though, is the Hot Mess. Despite the name, it’s brilliant—a sea salt-crusted sweet potato piled high with brisket and pork, chipotle cream, cheese, butter, bacon, and green onions.
I usually carve out at least an hour or two when I go, mostly because the line isn’t short, but also, a meal this good deserves to be savored.
Pro tip:
Arrive early if you can. By lunchtime, the line looks like half of Dallas decided they had the same craving.
8. Stroll through The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Media credit: thedallasarboretum
Address: 8525 Garland Rd
Website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
Phone: +1 214 515 6615
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Before visiting, I thought a garden was simply… plants and flowers. But the Dallas Arboretum shifted that perspective!
It’s 66 acres of pure beauty, with White Rock Lake as the backdrop, and blossoms seem to shine brighter than anywhere else.
Dallas Blooms in spring is breathtaking, while the pumpkin village in autumn feels like stepping into a fairytale. Each season brings something fresh that makes you want to linger a little longer.
I’ve found myself daydreaming about going back on random weekends ever since! Exploring it easily ranks among my best experiences in our city.
Pro tip:
Aim for early morning or late afternoon—you’ll skip the heat and the busiest crowds.
9. Admire art at the Nasher Sculpture Center.
Media credit: nashersculpturecenter
Address: 2001 Flora St
Website: http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/
Phone: +1 214 242 5100
Business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
I always find myself recommending the Nasher Sculpture Center whenever someone asks me what to do on a lazy Sunday in Dallas.
It’s a perfect mix of calm and creativity—an outdoor garden that feels almost meditative, paired with a sleek indoor gallery filled with modern and contemporary works. Seeing pieces by Picasso, Rodin, and Matisse up close never gets old.
What I love most is that it doesn’t break the bank, yet the cultural punch it delivers is huge!
Give yourself at least two to three hours here—you’ll want the time to take it all in without rushing.
Pro tip:
Join one of their free public tours. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the art and the stories behind the artists.
10. Relax at Klyde Warren Park.
Media credit: klydewarrenpark
Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy
Website: https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/
Phone: +1 214 716 4500
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 am – 11 pm
I love how Klyde Warren Park feels like the city’s living room—an urban green space that somehow floats right above the freeway.
It’s a kind of place where a quiet afternoon can turn into an unexpected mix of good food and live music before you even realize it.
What makes it special is how it pulls folks together. From families lingering over picnics to strangers who leave as friends after tacos or yoga.
If you’re new here, this is one of the easiest places to meet like-minded people while soaking in the town vibe. The best part? It doesn’t cost a dime!
Pro tip:
Check the park’s calendar before you go—you might catch a concert, a free fitness class, or a bunch of street-side carts worth showing up hungry for.