OTHER DALLAS ATTRACTIONS
Here’s a rundown of Dallas things to do not covered in our downtown Dallas map.
DALLAS ARBORETUMWith more than 66 acres of manicured gardens and walkways and more photo-op spots than one can count, it’s a great place to spend the day. While there are several dining options on-site, you can also picnic anywhere on the grounds (except in the restaurant areas), and you can take any food, snacks or drinks you like. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden features a play area geared toward toddlers, a chance to play on netting attached to a faux tree on the Texas Skywalk and lots of interactive educational activities. 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. dallasarboretum.org.
DALLAS ZOOThe zoo includes a 106acre park, thousands of animals and plenty of chances to learn about the creatures featured. The Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge lets visitors get just about eye-to-eye with the long-necked beasts. If you’d like, you can spring for snacks to feed the giraffes (whether they’re hungry and will approach is up to them, of course). Be sure to stop and see the only koalas in Texas at Koala Walkabout. 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas. dallaszoo.com.
FAIR PARKIt’s known to many simply as the site of the State Fair of Texas every fall, but Fair Park has a deep historic past. It originated in 1886 for the first Dallas State Fair. It was substantially renovated, with many new buildings erected, in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition. Today, its 277 acres are chock-full of significant examples of art deco architecture, with gorgeous buildings and features including the Hall of State, the Parry Avenue entrance, the Esplanade, the Centennial and Automobile buildings and more. Fair Park also houses the Music Hall, home to the Dallas Summer Musicals; the African American Museum; Texas Discovery Gardens; and, of course, the Cotton Bowl. 1211 First Ave., Dallas. DART rail stations: Fair Park and MLK Jr. fairpark.org. GEORGE W. BUSH
PRESIDENTIAL CENTERThe center’s 14,000-square-foot museum displays Bush memorabilia from before, during and after his presidency; attire worn by first lady Laura Bush to state balls and such; 9/11 artifacts; and a replica of the Oval Office, where you can get your picture taken sitting at a reproduction of the 19th-century Resolute Desk. 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas. bushcenter.org. DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE If you’re interested in Dallas’ history, this is the place to go. The park features a large collection of 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes, along with historic commercial buildings. One of the houses, Millermore, is reputed to be haunted, and docents will happily tell you all about the resident ghost. 1515 S. Harwood St., just south of downtown Dallas. dallasheritagevillage.org.