How about a staycation when Spring Break rolls around mid-March? The DFW area has many great things to do over the break from school. Here are a few fun things the entire family will enjoy -- right here in our own backyard.
1. Dallas Arboretum
© Angela Patterson
What: Dallas Blooms! Half a milllion spring bulbs produce gorgeous tulips and daffodils plus other spring floral beauty. Bring a camera and the kids. Lots of room to roam. Activities for the kids. Photos with the Easter bunny.
When: March 3-April 8, 2012
Where: Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218
2. Dallas Museum of Art
Angela Patterson
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201. 214-922-1200.
3. Dallas World Aquarium
What: The Dallas World Aquarium is an incredible attraction--the perfect adventure for kids of any age. The indoor adventure begins at the top of the Orinoco - Secrets of the River rainforest exhibit. The upper levels showcase birds and mammals--ranging in size from small Vampire bats to large Antillean manatees--that share the rainforest with amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and fish.
When: March 1 through August 31, 2011; open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily
Where: Dallas World Aquarium, 1801 N Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202. 214-720-2224
Cost: Adults $20.95; children (3-12) $12.95; under 2 no charge; seniors $16.95
4. Dallas Zoo
Angela Patterson
What: To see lions and tigers and bears (oh my) take the 20-minute monorail safari through the Wilds of Africa exhibit. You wanna iguana? Experience one of the best reptile and amphibian exhibits in the U.S. in the Pierre A. Fontaine Bird & Reptile building. Tigers, cheetahs and cougars are popular these days so visit The Hill to see what's new at the zoo.
Where: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203. 214-670-5656
5. Dave and Buster's
What: D&B's Million Dollar Midway contains numerous electronic, skill and sports-oriented games. Many simulator games such as formula race cars, fighter jets and motorcycles, and a golf simulator. Retro favorites like Ms. Pacman and Galaga plus shuffleboard and billiards.
Where: Arlington, 2 locations in Dallas, Frisco.
6. Great Wolf Lodge
Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge
What: It doesn't matter what the temperature or weather is in the Metroplex, this resort's gigantic indoor waterpark is always 84 degrees. Everything you need for the perfect Spring Break is here - themed restaurants, interactive arcades, full service spas (and even a version for kids), fitness centers and special spring break activities for the kids. Spend all day relaxing as the current sweeps you along the endless, winding lazy river. The kids will enjoy the 4-story interactive treehouse with spray stations and soaker buckets.
Where: 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051. 800-943-1127
7. Ice Skating
Angela Patterson
What: Ice skating is fun at the Dallas Galleria. More details.
Where: Dallas Galleria, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. 972-392-3361
8. IMAX Theatre
It's an audio-visual playground! Check out DFW's great IMAX locations.
9. Fort Worth Zoo
Spring Break Camp at the Zoo will teach kids about the local culture, wildlife, habitats and current conservation efforts. Spring Break Camp is a day camp for first through sixth grade students that include crafts, games, animal presentations and a daily trip into the Zoo. Campers must pack a lunch each day and snacks will be provided. March 12-13 and March 15 -16, 2012. Children in grades first through sixth. $75 for one day; $120 for two days; $200 for all four days.Where: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110. 817-759-7500
10. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
What: Explore the rugged beauty and discover a sanctuary for endangered species. You can purchase feed for the animals and snacks for yourself. Fossil Rim will open a half hour early at 8 a.m. from March 10-18, 2012. Avoid the crowds and feed our exotics early. Be in line by 9 a.m. and receive a free bag of feed with a value of $7.95. Greet the “wild” residents during breakfast. See how playful they are early in the morning, enjoy avoiding the Spring Break crowds.
Where: Less than an hour from Fort Worth at 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043
