Imagine me, just an average dweller, strolling down the streets on a typical day, and suddenly, I find myself in the middle of some lively debates that are so, so Dallas.

On one side, people are arguing about which BBQ joint serves the best brisket—a topic that’s practically a sport in Texas. 

And then, as if that wasn’t enough excitement, there’s another group going at it over who mixes up the finest margarita in town. It’s like the ultimate showdown of flavors and preferences!

Meanwhile, amidst all this chatter, I’m just trying to figure out where on earth I parked my car in this maze of skyscrapers. 

Ah, the joys of being a local here!

I mean, it’s a humorous snapshot of the everyday chaos and charm of being a citizen in our city, where even the simplest tasks can turn into unexpected adventures.

But don’t worry; despite all these barbecue battles and tequila tiffs, there are some truly unique gems waiting to be discovered in this bustling Texan metropolis. 

It’s packed with cool and peculiar spots you might not see in a usual travel book. From odd museums to funky areas, this place has something for all. 

So buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through 16 fun things you can do in Dallas. Let’s see this town from a fresh angle!

1. Get inspired at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. 

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At the Frontiers of Flight Museum, you’ll discover all sorts of propeller planes, awe-inspiring rockets, and even some classic World War II aircraft.

But what’s really amazing about this place are the stories—the daring pioneers who dared to defy gravity and take flight. 

And guess what? Many of these aviation heroes hail right from Dallas!

2. Conquer the rides at Six Flags Over Texas. 

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Six Flags Over Texas is a sprawling 212-acre playground of thrills where every corner promises an adventure. From heart-pounding steel coasters to refreshing water rides, there’s something for everyone here.

If you crave an adrenaline rush, consider trying the Texas SkyScreamer. It’ll have you screaming your lungs out but in the best way possible! 

But if you’re more of a comic book fan, BATMAN The Ride or the Batwing will transport you straight into the middle of Gotham City, making you feel like a superhero soaring through the sky.

And if you’re accompanied by little ones, Bugs Bunny Boomtown is another great option to go for. With its full-of-life decorations and an array of delightful rides, it’s guaranteed that children will be grinning from ear to ear throughout their adventure.

3. Enjoy horseback riding in the woods at Ascend Camp and Retreat Center. 

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Ascend Camp and Retreat Center is a haven for those who love horses. They’ve got this awesome horseback riding setup that’s perfect for all levels. 

You can hit the trails through the woods, or if you’re just getting started, they’ve got a fenced area where you can practice without any worries. They’ve also got private lessons with expert instructors who’ll make you feel like a pro in no time.

But it doesn’t stop there! Ascend isn’t just about horseback riding. 

They’ve got a whole bunch of cool activities like archery, a ropes course, and even bubble soccer. It’s like a playground for grownups!

A quick tip: make sure you book ahead of time because this place gets pretty popular, especially for group events and camping trips.

4. Go shopping at NorthPark Center. 

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NorthPark Center is basically the go-to spot for anyone who’s into retail therapy. It’s not just any old mall; it’s like the holy grail of shopping in our city. 

They’ve got over 200 stores, ranging from fancy, high-end stuff to more budget-friendly options. 

And when you need a break from all that shopping frenzy, you’ve got tons of upscale restaurants to choose from! 

Whether it’s gourmet pizza and pasta from Eataly, a classic croissant from La Madeleine Country French Cafe, or some mouthwatering sushi from Kona Grill, you’re covered.

5. Meet the manatees at the Dallas World Aquarium. 

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I’d definitely suggest checking out the Dallas World Aquarium if you’re curious about what lies beneath our ocean. 

One of the coolest things you can do here is meet the manatees. They’re these adorable sea cows that you can actually see up close and personal. 

It’s pretty awesome to get to hang out with them and learn about their habitat.

They’ve also got interactive exhibits and live shows that feature some fascinating creatures like Japanese crabs, jellyfish, the Ribbon and Weedy Seadragons, and more. 

Surprisingly, the Dallas World Aquarium also has some seriously stunning birds. You’ll be amazed by the colors and variety of species they have on display.

If you’ve got little ones with you, make sure to swing by the Dallas Children’s Aquarium. They’ve got this cool touch tank where the kids can get hands-on with some of the animals. 

Plus, there are different zones focusing on shore animals and deep-water creatures—it’s a blast for the whole family!

6. Visit the Museum of Biblical Art. 

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The Museum of Biblical Art is exactly what it sounds like — a haven for all things biblical and historical. Here, you’ll discover ancient artifacts related to the Old Testament, Judaic-themed ritual objects, historical sculptures, and more. 

They’ve got some seriously impressive art, too, showcasing everything from Michelangelo to pieces from the Holocaust era. It’s a fascinating blend of history and art that you won’t find anywhere else.

Just a heads up: the exhibits change pretty often, so it’s always a good idea to peek at their website before you go to see what’s currently on display.

7. Go ice skating at Galleria Dallas. 

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At Galleria Dallas, you can go indoor ice skating, rain or shine. You’ll catch some pretty incredible moves too, like the pros gliding gracefully on the ice. 

But don’t feel intimidated! Whether you’re a beginner or not, everyone’s welcome to join in on the fun. 

Once you’ve had your fill of skating, which, trust me, can be addictively fun, there’s a whole bunch of shops and cafes waiting for you to explore. 

8. Calm the senses at Milk + Honey Spa. 

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For some relaxation and treating yourself, I can’t recommend Milk + Honey Spa enough. They’re all about using natural and organic ingredients to really give your body the TLC it deserves. 

I mean, who wouldn’t want to indulge in some top-notch treatments that help your body heal naturally, right?

They’ve got everything you could dream of in terms of pampering — massages that’ll make all your stress melt away, facials that’ll leave your skin glowing, and even fancy stuff like HydraFacials and eyelash extensions.

9. Spend the afternoon at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. 

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The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a playground for anyone who’s curious about dinosaurs, human anatomy, space, and all things science-related.

From wandering through prehistoric exhibits to marveling at the wonders of space, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart.

Here’s a little insider tip: the museum isn’t just confined to one spot. Nope, it’s spread across two awesome campuses, one in Victory Park and the other in Fair Park. 

So, if you want to soak it all in without rushing, consider splitting your visit over a couple of days.

10. Smell the flowers at Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden. 

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Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a floral wonderland, spread across a whopping 66 acres. It’s kind of a big deal for us locals and visitors alike, especially if we need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

You’ll be amazed at the variety of flowers and plants they have on display. And what makes this even more commendable is that a lot of these beauties bloom all year round, so you can visit whenever you’re in town and still catch some stunning blooms.

11. Hang out in Klyde Warren Park. 

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You won’t run out of things to do at Klyde Warren Park. There’s always something going on here, depending on when you visit. 

In the summer, they throw this epic Independence Day party and come winter, it’s all about that cozy tree-lighting ceremony.

Throughout the year, they also offer a ton of cultural events that’ll knock your socks off. Think jazz nights under the stars and movie screenings that make for the perfect date night.

12. Shop ‘til you drop at Highland Park Village. 

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Highland Park Village is an OG shopping center in Dallas and was even recognized as a National Historic Landmark back in 2000.

Now, when I say fancy-pants boutiques, I mean you’re going to find some top-notch shops here. It’s like a haven for anyone looking to splurge a bit and max out that credit card. 

And when hunger strikes, don’t worry! There’s no shortage of great spots to grab a bite and refuel before you hit the stores again.

13. See old trains at the Museum of the American Railroad.  

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At the Museum of the American Railroad, you’re not just looking at trains behind glass; you get to see them up close and personal, from steam engines to passenger cars and everything in between. 

And when those trains blow off some steam, it’s quite a sight!

You can also wander through the control rooms, hop on board the carriages, and learn about the history of transportation. 

14. Visit the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.  

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AT&T Stadium is the home of the Dallas Cowboys. I mean, our city practically screams Cowboys, so catching a game or taking a tour of their mega-stadium is like a rite of passage.

As you stroll through the place, you can check out the press boxes and the VIP suites, and even get to step foot on the actual field. Yup, you heard me right — you can toss around a football on the same turf as the pros. 

And to finish it up, don’t forget to swing by the locker room — it’s like stepping into the shoes of a pro athlete!

Here’s a little fun fact for you: AT&T Stadium holds the record for being one of the most expensive sports venues ever built in the US. 

15. Take a trip up Reunion Tower. 

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If you want to see Dallas from a whole new perspective, consider taking a trip up Reunion Tower! This iconic part of our skyline stands tall at 561 feet. 

And let me tell you, the view from up there is something else. You can see the entire town spread out beneath you — absolutely breathtaking!

You can actually chill up there, grab some drinks, and even have a bite to eat while appreciating it all. 

Pro tip: tickets are about 18 bucks, totally worth it for the experience you’ll get.

16. Have a wild night at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

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If you’re thinking about shaking things up in Dallas, forget everything you’ve heard about cowboys, because we’ve got something even wilder up our sleeves — a night at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. 

Yup, it’s one of the weirdest, most unusual things to do here, especially if you’ve never been to the United States before. 

I know it sounds kind of crazy, but trust me, it’s a blast! You’ll be chowing down on grub fit for a king or queen while watching knights jousting, sword-fighting, and doing all sorts of epic medieval stuff. 

It’s like stepping back in time, but with a side of barbecue ribs.