Discover Fun Places for Kids Near Me: Top Indoor Activities

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Looking for fun places for kids near you? When the weather turns sour or you’re simply in need of indoor entertainment, finding engaging activities for children can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous exciting indoor venues that offer creative play, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly atmospheres. These destinations provide the perfect solution for rainy day activities or when you’re seeking indoor fun things to do near you.

From children’s theaters to indoor playgrounds, Dallas boasts a variety of attractions that cater to kids of all ages. This article explores some of the most entertaining indoor spots in the area, including the Dallas Children’s Theater, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas World Aquarium, Cidercade, and Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or pure entertainment, these venues offer a diverse range of activities to keep children engaged and excited. Get ready to discover the top indoor activities that make for unforgettable family outings.

Dallas Children’s Theater

Experience

Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) has been enchanting children and families for over 40 years with Broadway-like plays and immersive theatrical experiences. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the top five children’s theaters in the country, DCT has become a cornerstone of family entertainment in Dallas-Fort Worth. The theater’s commitment to bringing literature to life for children year-round has made it a beloved institution in the area.

Dallas Children’s Theater Shows

DCT offers a diverse range of productions throughout the year, catering to various age groups and interests. Their professional season typically includes six plays, featuring adaptations of classic children’s literature, original works, and thought-provoking performances for teens. Some notable productions include:

1. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale”
2. “The Secret Life of Girls”
3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
4. “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!'”
5. “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me: I Am Fearless Royalty”
6. “The Magician’s Nephew”

These shows not only entertain but also address important themes and encourage character development in young audiences.

Dallas Children’s Theater Educational Value

DCT goes beyond entertainment, offering a range of educational programs that enhance children’s learning experiences:

1. DCT Academy for Theater Arts: Year-round classes for ages 3-18, taught by professional theater artists.
2. Curtains Up On Reading Residency: An in-school program integrating drama with core curriculum subjects.
3. Student Matinee Performance Series: Weekday performances for school groups, reaching over 50,000 students annually.
4. After-School Drama Classes: Satellite arts programs benefiting “at-risk” youth.
5. Summer Workshops: Including the popular “Showbiz Summer” and “Teen Conservatory” programs.

These initiatives aim to develop children’s imagination, communication skills, and self-confidence through the arts. DCT’s commitment to accessibility is evident in their scholarship programs and efforts to keep costs affordable for families.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers an immersive and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. With its diverse range of exhibits, engaging activities, and educational programs, the museum has become a cornerstone for STEM learning in Dallas.

Perot Museum Exhibits

The museum boasts an impressive array of exhibits that cater to various interests and age groups. Visitors can explore 12 permanent exhibit halls, each offering unique insights into different aspects of science and nature. Some notable exhibits include:

1. T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall: This hall features ancient fossils and explores the concept of evolution.
2. Expanding Universe Hall: Visitors can marvel at the beauty of stars, planets, and distant galaxies through interactive stargazing adventures.
3. Tom Hunt Energy Hall: This exhibit delves into the possibilities of energy and how we harness natural resources.
4. Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall: Here, visitors can explore the practical and beautiful aspects of Earth’s minerals.

Perot Museum Activities

The museum offers a wide range of hands-on activities to engage visitors:

1. Dino Dig: Located outside, this activity allows children to uncover buried treasures in the sand.
2. Dallas Skyline Model: Visitors can explore a miniature version of the Dallas skyline, including the iconic Reunion Tower.
3. Live Critter Exhibits: Throughout the halls, visitors can observe various live animals.

Perot Museum Learning Opportunities

The Perot Museum has an extensive educational program designed to spark interest in STEM subjects:

1. TEKS-aligned Programs: The museum offers programs that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
2. Field Trips: Schools can organize visits to the museum, with financial aid available for Title 1 schools.
3. Outreach Programs: The museum brings learning experiences directly to school campuses.
4. Educator Discounts: K-12 educators from Texas and neighboring states receive free general admission and discounted memberships.

Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium, located in the Historic West End District, offers visitors an immersive experience with a diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial animals. This unique attraction combines elements of an aquarium and a zoo, providing guests with the opportunity to explore various ecosystems and encounter fascinating creatures from around the globe.

Dallas World Aquarium Exhibits

The aquarium boasts several captivating exhibits that transport visitors to different parts of the world:

1. Rainforest: A three-level exhibit featuring free-flying birds, sleepy sloths, and various monkey species like Tamarin and Saki.
2. Mundo Maya: This exhibit pays tribute to one of the world’s most important ecosystems. It includes a cenote and houses lizards, snakes, leaf-nosed bats, stingrays, and giant groupers.
3. South Africa: An outdoor exhibit home to a family of penguins and a seasonal Madagascar display showcasing colorful frogs, leaf-tailed geckos, and chameleons.
4. Orinoco: Features Ayurami, an endangered Antillean manatee, known for having nails on her flippers.

Dallas World Aquarium Animal Encounters

The aquarium offers several opportunities for visitors to get up close with animals:

1. Giraffe Feeding: Guests can feed giraffes at the Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for $6 per feeding.
2. Interactive Aviary: Located in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, this exhibit allows visitors to feed nearly two dozen bird species for $2.
3. Wild Encounters Stage: Presented by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, this stage showcases various animals, including reptiles, free-flighted birds, and porcupines.
4. Wonders of the Wild Show: Held at the ZooNorth Amphitheater, this free show introduces visitors to amazing animals like penguins and birds of prey.

Dallas World Aquarium Conservation Efforts

The Dallas World Aquarium has an impressive track record in conservation:

1. Amazonian Manatee Rescue: The aquarium has successfully rehabilitated and released 23 manatees in Peru through its DWA/CREA Amazon Rescue Center.
2. International Partnerships: The aquarium collaborates with various organizations in Peru to support wildlife conservation efforts.
3. Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Conservation: Since 2004, the aquarium has partnered with Peru to support conservation efforts for this unique bird species.
4. Primate Rescue Support: The aquarium assists the “Isla de los Monos” (Monkey Island) rescue center near Iquitos, Peru, by improving facilities and supporting animal care.

Cidercade

Game Selection

Cidercade Dallas, conveniently located in the Design District, offers an impressive array of over 100 retro and modern arcade games. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of entertainment options, including fighting games, pinball machines, rhythm games, skeeball, air hockey, and racing games. The venue emphasizes 2+ player games, making it an ideal spot for competitive fun with friends and family.

Cidercade Food and Drinks

At the bar, guests can choose from dozens of adult beverages on tap, all crafted in-house. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, sodas are readily available. While Cidercade doesn’t serve food directly, visitors are welcome to bring their own meals. Additionally, local food trucks make daily visits to the venue, providing a variety of dining options for patrons.

Cidercade Family-Friendly Hours

Cidercade caters to both families and adults with its flexible hours. During the day, the venue is entirely family-friendly, welcoming guests of all ages. However, starting at 9 PM, Cidercade transforms into an adults-only space, strictly enforcing an 18+ policy. This dual approach allows families to enjoy the arcade during daytime hours while providing an adult-oriented atmosphere in the evening.

It’s important to note that guests under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during family-friendly hours. This policy ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for younger visitors while maintaining the venue’s appeal for adult patrons later in the evening.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

Epic Waters Attractions

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, is a massive 80,000-square-foot aquatic playground that offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. The park boasts an impressive array of attractions, including:

1. Aquanaut: The first indoor double-rider AquaSphere inner tube ride, featuring high-banking domes and twisting turns.
2. Yellowjacket Drop: A unique combination of the Boomerango and Constrictor slides, offering an exhilarating experience with a sense of zero gravity.
3. Locura: The park’s tallest and wildest ride, plunging riders down a 40-foot freefall and through a 360-degree horizontal loop at speeds up to 35 mph.
4. E-Racers: A competitive mat racer slide where friends can race side-by-side.
5. Texas Twist: A winding body slide that mimics the unpredictable nature of a twister.
6. Prairie Plunge: An enclosed body slide with a heart-stopping 50-foot open drop.
7. FlowRider: A perfect, endless wave for boogie boarding or stand-up surfing.
8. Rio Grand: The longest indoor action river in Texas, featuring occasional wave surges for added excitement.
9. Rascal’s Round Up: A play area for younger guests with slides, geysers, and a 300-gallon tipping bucket.

Epic Waters Safety Measures

The park prioritizes guest safety with several measures in place:

• Trained lifeguards on duty at all times
• Life jackets and safety barriers throughout the park
• Strict rules for guest behavior, including showering before entering pools and prohibiting rough housing
• Height and weight requirements for specific attractions
• Proper swimming attire requirements
• Special accommodations for guests with prosthetic devices

Epic Waters All-Season Fun

One of the key advantages of Epic Waters is its ability to operate year-round, thanks to its indoor location. This feature allows guests to enjoy the waterpark’s attractions and amenities regardless of the weather outside, making it a popular destination for families and groups throughout the year. The park also offers various amenities to enhance the visitor experience, including birthday party rooms, group rates, and private rental options for after-hours events.

Conclusion

Dallas offers a wealth of indoor activities for kids, providing endless opportunities to learn, play, and explore. From the enchanting performances at Dallas Children’s Theater to the interactive exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, families have a wide range of options to keep their little ones engaged. The Dallas World Aquarium and Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark offer unique experiences with marine life and aquatic adventures, while Cidercade provides a perfect blend of retro and modern gaming fun.

These venues not only entertain but also have an impact on children’s growth and development. They create spaces for families to bond, learn together, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, escape rainy weather, or simply enjoy quality time indoors, Dallas has something to offer for every family’s interests and preferences.

FAQs

What activities are available in New Jersey for older children?
In New Jersey, older children can have a great time visiting the Liberty Science Center, which features engaging exhibits, taking a wolf tour at the Lakota Wolf Preserve, and experiencing exciting thrill rides at Six Flags Great Adventure.