Things To Do With Kids in Carrollton, TX

Andrew Brown Park West is an outdoor paradise for active families, offering something for every energy level and interest. With expansive playgrounds, scenic trails winding around beautiful Lake Carolyn, and unique activities like disc golf, this highly-rated park provides hours of entertainment without the typical crowded park feel. The combination of water views, diverse play areas, and adventure trails makes it a go-to destination for Irving-area families seeking quality outdoor time.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas features nine larger-than-life bronze mustang sculptures galloping through a dramatic granite water feature at Williams Square. This stunning public art installation offers kids a chance to marvel at the impressive 1.5-times-life-size horses while splashing around the water plaza, making it perfect for photos and an educational art experience that takes just enough time to keep little ones engaged.

Crayola Experience Plano brings the iconic crayon brand to life with over 20 interactive, creativity-focused attractions spread across a colorful indoor space. Kids can create custom crayon labels, watch how crayons are made, spin art with melted wax, design digital coloring pages, and explore a dedicated Toddler Town play area, making it a perfect rainy-day or hot Texas summer destination for creative young minds.

The National Scouting Museum in Irving offers an interactive journey through scouting history that goes far beyond displays in glass cases. Kids can climb real rock walls, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exhibits designed to engage curious minds through physical challenges and interactive learning experiences that bring the spirit of scouting to life.

Lake Carolyn offers families a beautiful urban oasis where kids can enjoy paddle boating, feeding ducks along the scenic boardwalk, and fishing from designated spots. The 1.2-mile paved walking path is perfect for strollers and young cyclists, while waterfront fountains and plenty of open green space give little ones room to run and explore.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a sprawling 240-acre natural escape right in Plano that offers families the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and easy accessibility. With over 3 miles of paved trails ideal for strollers and bikes, plus challenging natural surface trails for older kids, an observation tower with panoramic views, and multiple playground areas, this preserve provides hours of exploration without leaving the city.

Lewisville Railroad Park offers a unique blend of history and play that captures kids' imaginations. Children can climb aboard authentic vintage train cars, explore the playground, and run through open green spaces,all in one convenient location. With walking trails and plenty of picnic spots, it's perfect for families wanting both active play and relaxation.

The Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park is a hidden gem where kids can explore North Texas ecosystems through interactive exhibits and hands-on nature programs. This intimate educational facility makes learning about local wildlife, plants, and conservation fun and accessible for young naturalists, with staff-led activities that bring the outdoors to life.

Tucked away at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in University Park, this well-maintained community playground offers a peaceful, safe environment for families. With quality play equipment and generous hours (open daily until 10 PM), it's become a beloved neighborhood gem that welcomes the public for quality outdoor play time.

Cottonwood Park is Richardson's premier family destination, offering something for everyone across its expansive grounds. With a well-equipped playground, scenic walking trails around a peaceful pond, and the bonus of an on-site Art Center, it's the perfect spot for both active play and creative exploration that can easily fill an entire morning or afternoon.

Wagon Wheel Park is a beloved Coppell destination that checks all the boxes for family fun. With shaded playground equipment for various ages, a refreshing splash pad for hot Texas days, and plenty of open green space for running and playing, this well-maintained neighborhood park offers something for every member of the family. The covered pavilions make it perfect for birthday parties or extended family gatherings.

This unique playground at Lone Star Toyota of Lewisville offers families a fun and completely free play destination featuring climbing structures, swings, shaded areas, and the star attraction,a real train caboose that sparks imagination and adventure. It's a hidden gem where parents can let kids burn off energy in a safe, well-maintained environment while enjoying the unexpected hospitality of a car dealership that truly welcomes families.

Celebration Restaurant is a beloved Dallas neighborhood spot where families can enjoy hearty American comfort food without worrying about picky eaters or little ones making noise. With a diverse menu spanning Southern classics to kid-approved favorites and tempting desserts, plus a genuinely welcoming atmosphere where children are treated like valued guests, it's become a go-to for local families seeking a relaxed dining experience that satisfies everyone at the table.

PINSTACK is Plano's ultimate all-in-one entertainment destination where families can spend an entire day under one roof. With boutique bowling lanes, a massive arcade, laser tag arena, bumper cars, and a full-service restaurant, this 50,000+ square foot venue eliminates the need to shuttle kids between multiple locations for birthday parties or rainy day fun.

Irving Arts Center is a cultural gem that brings the arts to life for families through interactive children's theater performances, rotating art exhibitions, and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden perfect for exploring. With programming specifically designed for young audiences and a welcoming atmosphere, it's an ideal spot to introduce kids to theater and visual arts in an accessible, engaging way.

Located right at Dallas Love Field, the Frontiers of Flight Museum is a paradise for aviation-loving kids with over 30 aircraft on display, including rare Smithsonian pieces. Children get hands-on experience with flight simulators, can explore real cockpits, and marvel at everything from vintage biplanes to space capsules, making it an educational adventure that feels like playtime.

Nebraska Furniture Mart is surprisingly kid-friendly for a furniture store, transforming shopping into an adventure with massive aquariums, interactive displays, and plenty of room for kids to explore. This 560,000 square-foot retail wonderland keeps children entertained while parents browse home goods, electronics, and furniture,making it a win-win destination for the whole family.

Heights Family Aquatic Center is Richardson's go-to summer destination for families seeking affordable water fun without the crowds of major theme parks. This city-owned gem offers something for everyone with thrilling water slides for adventurous kids, a relaxing lazy river for the whole family to float together, interactive splash areas perfect for toddlers, and even lap lanes for parents who want to squeeze in some exercise while the kids play.

Hudson House in University Park's charming Snider Plaza is a neighborhood favorite where families can enjoy creative American breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With generous portions that satisfy both adventurous eaters and picky kids, plus a diverse menu ranging from classic breakfast favorites to fresh seafood, this spot makes family dining easy and enjoyable.

Grandscape is a sprawling entertainment destination in The Colony that's essentially a one-stop family fun hub. With everything from interactive entertainment venues and diverse dining options to outdoor gathering spaces and regular seasonal events, families can easily spend an entire day exploring without running out of things to do.

Thrive Recreation Center is Lewisville's one-stop destination for active families, offering everything from swimming pools and youth sports programs to fitness classes designed for all ages. With its impressive 4.4-star rating from over 300 reviews, this well-maintained facility provides a safe, clean environment where kids can burn energy while parents join in or work out nearby.

Meow Wolf Grapevine's The Real Unreal is a mind-bending, immersive art experience where kids and parents explore mysterious portals, hidden passageways, and surreal installations across 40,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits. Unlike traditional museums, children are encouraged to touch everything, open drawers, push buttons, and solve puzzles as they uncover the storyline woven throughout bizarre and beautiful rooms.

Main Street Cafe is a welcoming downtown Lewisville diner where families can enjoy hearty breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere. With a dedicated kid-friendly menu and generous portions, it's the perfect spot for refueling after exploring historic downtown or starting your weekend morning with a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

The Shoreline Trail offers families a beautiful 4-mile paved path along Lewisville Lake, perfect for a leisurely bike ride, stroller walk, or learning to ride without training wheels. The scenic lakeside setting provides plenty of opportunities to spot birds, watch boats, and enjoy Texas sunsets while getting the kids active outdoors in a safe, flat environment.

Curtis Park is a beloved University Park gem that offers everything families need for a perfect afternoon outdoors. With well-maintained playground equipment, tennis courts, spacious picnic areas, and plenty of open green space for running around, this neighborhood park provides a safe, welcoming environment where kids can play while parents relax on nearby benches or join in the fun.

Wayne Ferguson Plaza is Lewisville's downtown gem where kids can cool off at the interactive splash pad while parents relax on the open lawn. This vibrant community space hosts seasonal festivals and concerts, making it both a quick play stop and a destination for family-friendly events throughout the year.

The Lewisville Grand Theater brings the magic of live entertainment to families in a beautifully restored historic venue in downtown Lewisville. With a rotating calendar of family-friendly performances, classic movie screenings, and concerts, this charming theater offers an affordable way to introduce children to the performing arts in an intimate, vintage setting that feels special without being stuffy.

Caruth Park is a well-loved neighborhood gem in University Park that offers something for every age. With its sprawling green spaces, modern playground equipment, baseball fields, and tennis courts, families can easily spend hours here letting kids burn energy while parents relax on shaded benches or join in the fun.

This free splash pad oasis in The Colony offers the perfect combination of water play and traditional playground fun. Kids can cool off in interactive water features while parents relax in covered pavilions, then transition to playground equipment when they're ready for dry land adventures. The green spaces are ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket and making a full afternoon of your visit.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth is an indoor wonderland perfect for LEGO enthusiasts, featuring interactive building stations, thrilling 4D movies, gentle rides designed for younger children, and an impressive Miniland showcasing local DFW landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks. Located inside Grapevine Mills Mall, it's an ideal destination for beating the Texas heat while keeping kids entertained for hours.

Snider Plaza offers a delightful old-fashioned shopping district experience where families can enjoy a relaxed afternoon browsing charming boutiques, grabbing ice cream, and soaking in the tree-lined neighborhood atmosphere. The pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to stroll with strollers or little walkers, and the mix of local shops and casual eateries provides plenty of opportunities for breaks and treats throughout your visit.

Williams Park is a charming neighborhood gem in University Park that offers all the essentials for a relaxed family outing without overwhelming little ones. This cozy park features a well-maintained playground, a basketball court for active kids, and plenty of shaded picnic areas perfect for snacks or lunch under the trees.

Goody Goody Liquor offers a delightful throwback experience with its vintage soda fountain that serves old-fashioned ice cream treats, floats, and phosphates. While adults browse the liquor selection, kids can enjoy a genuine 1950s-style soda shop experience complete with counter seating and classic fountain treats that make this a surprisingly family-friendly nostalgia trip.

Stewart Creek Park is a lakeside gem in The Colony that offers families the perfect blend of water activities, playground fun, and scenic outdoor space. With well-maintained fishing piers extending into Lewisville Lake, multiple playgrounds, and covered pavilions perfect for family picnics, this park provides hours of entertainment whether your kids love running around or prefer quiet nature watching.

Flippen Park is a charming neighborhood gem in Highland Park that offers the perfect setting for a relaxed family outing. With well-maintained playground equipment designed for younger children, plenty of shaded areas under mature trees, and open green spaces for running and playing, it's an ideal spot for parents with toddlers and elementary-aged kids to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon.

Highland Park Village offers families a beautiful outdoor setting to stroll through stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture while enjoying treats and window shopping. The upscale atmosphere is surprisingly welcoming to families, with spacious walkways, fountains, and charming courtyards that make it perfect for an afternoon outing when you want something leisurely and visually appealing.

Café Pacific brings upscale seafood dining to families in the heart of Highland Park Village, offering a refined yet surprisingly welcoming atmosphere where kids are genuinely appreciated. With a dedicated children's menu and attentive service that caters to families, this Dallas institution lets parents enjoy fresh seafood and premium steaks while little ones are well-fed and comfortable in the elegant surroundings.

Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village serves up family-friendly Tex-Mex favorites in a welcoming atmosphere where kids are genuinely appreciated. The spacious outdoor patio provides a relaxed setting where little ones can enjoy their meals without parents worrying about noise levels, while the accommodating staff goes out of their way to make families feel comfortable.

The Lewisville Public Library is a modern, family-friendly destination that goes far beyond just books. With an extensive children's section, regular storytimes, and interactive educational programs, it's become a beloved community hub where kids can explore, learn, and play while parents enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned environment at absolutely no cost.

Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is the ultimate all-in-one family destination, featuring a massive indoor water park that's accessible year-round regardless of weather. Beyond the slides and wave pools, families can enjoy MagiQuest (a live-action wand adventure game), rope courses, mini golf, bowling, and an arcade,all under one roof, making it perfect for multi-day stays or action-packed day visits.