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Discover the best family-friendly art museums and exhibits in Grapevine, TX and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Illustration by Alec Pedraza
For kids, the world is a canvas. From the hallways of your house to the contents of their dinner plates, they leave behind masterpieces everywhere they go (even if they’re short-lived). Whether your kids are future artists or they’re currently in their most creative phase of life, you might be looking for some artsy activities in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. We put together a year-round guide to non-boring family-friendly art activities in DFW.
When it comes to Grapevine art museums, we don’t mind tooting our own horn. Crawl through secret tunnels, press glowing buttons and become an interdimensional detective. It’s every kid’s dream, and we’re not afraid to admit it’s ours, too.
The Real Unreal offers a plethora of portals to step through, curtains to peek behind, and rooms that make sense only in your imagination. Our intergalactic exhibits are the epitome of interactive art near Dallas. You and your family can explore the sounds, colors, movements and mystery at whatever pace you please.
Bonus: Every Sunday, The Real Unreal turns into Art Jam, a family-friendly daytime dance party. Music, dancing, storytelling, instruments, and exploring are all on the table.
Listen, we’d love to say LEGOLAND® is a less-cool Meow Wolf. But we’re honest around these parts, and we’ve gotta tell you: LEGOLAND® is awesome. Take a ride on Merlin’s Apprentice, catch a show in the 4D cinema (Smell-O-Vision, anyone?) and build to your heart’s content. It’s one of our favorite Fort Worth family art experiences.
If you’ve experienced The Real Unreal, you might recognize some of the creatures at SEA LIFE aquarium from Jared Fuqua’s drawings. Sharks, sea turtles and thousands of other creatures await your visit. While you’re here, you can touch a live sea star and be captivated by the only 360-degree marine tunnel in Texas. Talk about immersive!
Transport your family to the turn of the century for a performance, movie, or art show. The PAC is known for its tributes to artists of old, classic movies and seasonal traditions. Theater-goers say it’s spacious and a great place to take a break from the Texas heat. Plus, it’s right across from Rocket Fizz Candy Shop!
The Dallas Museum of Art (aka DMA) goes beyond making art kid-friendly. Let’s talk about Art Babies: Family Time. It’s a monthly class for children up to 2 years old and their caregivers to enjoy songs and story time among the artwork.
Even during regular hours, the DMA serves up family-friendly galleries and interactive spaces. “We heART families at the Dallas Museum of Art and invite everyone from toddlers to teens to make themselves at home,” says one museum rep.
Break from the regular and learn together at the Perot Museum. You’re invited to wander and even get lost in its depths, where you can roam among dinosaurs, soar through avian worlds, inspect gems and minerals or take an interactive stargazing trip.
The Perot Museum has something for everyone from nature-lovers to sports fanatics, and it’s all made for entrancing visitors of every age.
If you’re in search of an outdoor experience, the adventure garden is a wonderful hidden gem in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Interactive exhibits and STEM activities combine creativity with ingenuity for curious young botanists.
