Dallas isn’t just for adults; there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do with kids, too, after the sun goes down! Whether your crew is in the mood for interactive museums, dazzling light displays, outdoor adventures, or delicious treats, there is something for every family in the city. Here’s a list of the best kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night so your little ones can stay up and out even after the sun goes down. Let’s get started.
1. Explore Interactive Museums
Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Late Hours on Thursdays)
The Perot Museum transforms into an after-hours adult wonderland every Thursday when it stays open until 9 PM for adults-only exploration. Children will love gazing at life-sized dinosaur skeletons at the T. Rex Exhibit (and their parents will appreciate the air conditioning on a hot day). The floor of engineering and innovation is designed for hands-on learning through experiments that make science fun, and the 3D theater displays educational films that keep young minds captivated. Be sure to catch the outdoor musical garden, where kids can make some tuneful discoveries by playing orchestra-sized instruments under the stars.
For something extra special, time your visit with their occasional “Social Science” nights, where the museum hosts a themed party featuring topics such as space exploration or robotics. These nights typically feature guest speakers and special interactive stations that are not otherwise open to the public.
Dallas Children’s Art Museum (First Fridays)
On the first Friday of every month, the Dallas Children’s Art Museum stays open late for their monthly “First Friday Late Night” events. On these evenings, our art workshops rotate, so kids can try everything from pottery throwing to digital animation. Live shows feature puppetry and kid-friendly comedy, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for families with inspired little ones. Families can explore the interactive exhibits while participating in a scavenger hunt, with fun prizes available for those who participate.
2. Enjoy Outdoor Light Displays & Parks
Klyde Warren Park (Evening Playtime & Food Trucks)
Klyde Warren Park is also alive into the evening and one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night, with hours extending to 11 PM and family activities abound. Modern play equipment and splash fountains (seasonal) keep little kids entertained for hours, and the expansive open lawn offers free movie nights and under-the-stars concerts. And dinner is only half the fun, with a rotating cast of food trucks serving up everything from gourmet grilled cheese to artisanal popsicles.
Summer evenings are especially magical here when the park often hosts cultural festivals and performance art, just like you were with Kids in Las Vegas. The fountains, which light up at night, are a stunning photo opportunity for the family, and the chess boards and ping-pong tables are entertaining for older kids as well.
Vitruvian Lights (Seasonal – November to January)
The famous light display at Vitruvian Park in Addison transforms into a stunning winter wonderland from mid-November through January. Over 500,000 LED lights transform the trees and pathways in a luminous fantasy land. The lit-up bridge centerpiece is picture-perfect for holiday photos and doubles the sparkle when reflected off the water.
Hot chocolate and seasonal treats are available from local vendors, adding to the festive feel. For the best time, visit on weeknights when crowds are smaller, allowing kids to run wild through the magical dioramas. The park also offers visits from Santa and holiday performances.
3. Catch a Family-Friendly Show
Dallas Summer Musicals (Kid-Friendly Performances)
In the evenings, the Music Hall at Fair Park hosts great Broadway productions, which are perfect kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night for the whole family. Evening shows usually start at 7:30 pm, so there’s time for a pre-theatre dinner. Recent hits, including The Lion King, are packed with knock-out puppetry, which has the kids entranced, while Froze’s renditions of the sing-along songs will have you all joining in.
Additionally, kids are sometimes given special promotions, including “Kids’ Night on Broadway,” where they can purchase tickets at a discounted rate when an adult ticket is purchased. The theater’s historic architecture, together with the grand lobby, helps make the experience magical and makes kids feel like this is a very special event.
Bishop Arts Theatre (Puppet Shows & Storytelling Nights)
Shows at the intimate Bishop Arts Theatre offer a more intimate option, featuring Friday night puppet shows and storytelling. Talented puppeteers reenact well-known stories using vibrant characters and props, maximizing the potential for audience members to get involved. Its small size means every child has an excellent view, and the laidback atmosphere means restless little ones don’t need to be hushed.
4. Fun & Games After Dark
Pinstack (Bowling, Arcade & Rooftop Play)
Pinstack offers a wide selection of entertainment to keep the good times rolling until midnight on weekends. The bowling lanes offer glow-in-the-dark games that kids (and big kids) love, while the sprawling arcade features everything from old-school skeeball to state-of-the-art VR experiences. For the more adventurous kids, test your climbing skills inside on the climbing walls, or play mini-golf with downtown as your backdrop on the rooftop patio.
An on-site restaurant has a kid-friendly menu full of favorites (like make-your-own pizzas and chicken tenders), so it’s easy to turn an evening visit into an entire night out. Keep an eye out for their family packages, which offer activity and food credits.
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Open Late on Weekends)
Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is open until 9 PM on weekends, allowing families to enjoy the water slides and pools after the sun goes down. The canopy of the park is retractable, meaning you can enjoy your swim in the older season while still getting the rush of the waterslides at night. The older kids will race down the Lasso Loop Slide, and kids of all ages will enjoy the activity pool, featuring basketball hoops and interactive elements.
Twilight discounts have lowered the price of late-afternoon entry, and the cabana rentals offer a not-too-hot place for families to call home. The park’s food court offers a variety of options, from burgers to healthy wraps, allowing everyone to maintain their energy levels for the fun in the water.
5. Sweet Treats & Nighttime Eats
Sprinkles Cupcakes (24-Hour ATM for Late-Night Dessert)
The Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM at Highland Park Village is open 24/7, making it an excellent option for kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night, offering a selection of sweet treats to cap off a night with friends and family. Children delight in watching their cupcakes emerge from the futuristic device, available in flavors such as red velvet and chocolate marshmallow. Charming details like the sidewalk chalkboard nearby, where local tots can leave their masterpieces while their parents sip on coffee at the coffee shop next door.
Angry Dog (Kid-Friendly Late-Night Dining)
This Deep Ellum classic serves up its epic burgers and shakes until 10 p.m. (or 11 p.m. on weekends) in a family-friendly setting. The menu features kid-sized portions of all their classics, and walls lined with local memorabilia provide conversation starters. The outdoor patio is an excellent place to people-watch, surrounded by the neighborhood’s buzz.
6. Unique Nighttime Experiences
Dallas Zoo Lights (Seasonal – November to December)
Dallas Zoo Lights transforms the animal park into a sparkling wonderland every holiday season. More than one million lights form animal-themed displays around the grounds, and designated areas, including the Luminous Lanterns exhibition, showcase giant, glowing sculptures. Accessorize your look with holiday treats and visits from Santa. Even better? Longer hours, up to 9 PM, mean families can take in the spectacle after dinner.
Trinity River Audubon Center (Full Moon Hikes)
The Trinity River Audubon Center offers rare opportunities to explore nature after hours with their Full Moon Hikes for families. Guides provide insight along lit trails, stopping to highlight nocturnal creatures such as owls and bats. Held on special nights during the evening, Reel Fun Nights are on-site, outdoor encounters where children learn about regional ecosystems in a fun and interactive manner – a unique opportunity to be entertained outdoors!
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Dallas Nights with Kids
These are the exciting kid-friendly things to do in Dallas at night. Families visiting Dallas can find fun long after the sun goes down. And with educational museum nights, twinkling holiday lights, and high-energy waterpark adventures — there’s something to suit every child’s interests and needs. The city offers plenty of choices for late-night dining so that you can mix and match, thanks to circus fun, with a great meal. Suppose you’re making fast friends while creating new holiday traditions at the zoo lights, inspiring young imaginations at art museum nights, or simply enjoying some old-fashioned under-the-stars playtime at Klyde Warren Park. In that case, Dallas is the ultimate backdrop for memorable family nights. Which of these enchanting experiences will you explore first with your little explorers?
