By Tiesha Whatley
Dallas, Texas is the ninth largest city in the
United States. According to the 2004 census, more than 1,200,000 people currently residing the third largest city in Texas. There are many attractions available for people looking to vacation in Dallas. Among those attractions are activities that are geared towards the younger crowd. From aquariums to museums to zoos, there will be something for any child to enjoy.
Dallas Zoo
Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is by far one of the greatest zoos in the United States. Exalted for its research facilities, the Dallas zoo currently houses 400 different types of specimens. One of the new breeding programs produced rare and exotic Sumatran Tigers. Some of the other attractions at the zoo are the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo, the Wilds of Africa Park and Zoo North. The Lacerte Family Children's Zoo has a farm, Pony Trek and Travis & Zach's Birds Landings that allow the kids to feed the exotic and friendly birds. The Wilds of Africa provides the children with the experience of walking through an authentic African safari while observing the animals in the different areas.
Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L Thornton Frwy
Dallas, TX 75203
Tel. (214) 670-5656
Dallaszoo.com
Six Flag over Texas
When it comes to entertaining children, you can't go wrong with a theme park. Six Flags over Texas have rides like "Taz's New York Adventure" and "Bugs Bunny's Spirit of St. Louie" that are made just for young children. For the older kids, there are the "Batman" and "Texas Chute Out" rides to keep them entertained. During the summer months, there is always a concert series, bringing some of the kid's favorite performers to Texas. Like most theme parks, you need to be prepared for long lines and lots of waiting in the Texas heat.
Six Flags over Texas
2201 Road to Six Flags East
Arlington, TX 76011
Tel. (817) 640-8900
sixflags.com/overTexas/
Tarantula Excursion Train
The Tarantula Excursion Train is a tour around the city in an 1896 steam engine that has been completely restored. Located right outside of Dallas in Grapevine, Texas, Tarantula is an amazing attraction for kids that are fans of the Thomas & Friends show since they get to enjoy a ride on a real-life steam engine. Adults may find it interesting also since the tour takes them on all of the interesting areas around the town.
Tarantula Excursion Train
707 S. Main St.
Grapevine, TX 76051
Tel. (817) 654-0898
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the Museum of Science and History gives a new approach to learning. There are 12 different stations that provide a hands-on approach to understanding science and history. Not the most obvious place to take kids for a day of fun, the Fort Worth Museum may just be place to capture a child's interest with the addictive activities, while pleasing parents with its educations value.
Forth Worth Museum of Science and History
1501 Montgomery St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tel. (817) 255-9300
fwmuseum.org
Dallas World Aquarium
The one time I took my son to the Dallas World Aquarium, he couldn't stop talking about it for months. The aquarium has a mixture of land and sea creatures in 12 salt water tanks. Each tank holds a different and distinct ecosystem, thrilling kids with the numerous species in each. A must see is the newly added rain forest exhibit that has howler monkeys that were born right in the exhibit.
Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N. Griffin St.
Dallas, TX 75202
Tel. (214) 720-2224
dwazoo.com
About the Author:
Tiesha Whatley has been writing for over 10 years. She has been published in "Marie Claire," "Ebony" and "Modern Bride" magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Science in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has been working in the wedding planning industry for over 13 years.
