Travel + Leisure

How to Make the Most of a Family Vacation in Dallas

Written by Travel + Leisure for Capital One

Texas Star Ferris Wheel

June 27, 2024

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6 Minute Read

Whether your adventure is all about history, the great outdoors, or a culinary journey, Dallas promises an enriching experience for a multi-generational group. Local pastry chef Jill Bates gives you the scoop on creating a Dallas itinerary the whole family will love.

Dallas, a city of vibrant neighborhoods and diverse cultural experiences, is an ideal destination for families looking to create memories. “It’s an exciting time here,” says Jill Bates, executive pastry chef at local bakery Sugar & Sage, a popular after-school hangout for kids and adults alike. “There are great restaurants and museums that appeal to visitors of all ages.”

Just as the treats Bates creates for Sugar & Sage run the gamut from classic viennoiserie to an unabashedly Texan jalapeño and cheddar danish, she loves recommending a mix of classic must-do’s and quirky, only-in-Texas experiences when friends pay a visit with their kids, teens, and even grandparents.

Eligible Capital One rewards cardholders can start planning their Dallas getaway with Capital One Travel. Get our best prices before or after you book with smart features like price alerts to notify you when to book flights, price drop protection on flights, and a price match guarantee on all bookings.1 Terms apply. Click above for details.

Where to Eat

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Before heading out for a day of sightseeing, families can start with a quick breakfast at Sugar & Sage in the University Park neighborhood, a residential area. The bright, contemporary space includes an outdoor patio, perfect for those with young ones in tow. Bates recommends the caramelized kouign-amann pastry for adults, and kids will love the chocolate chip brioche. The bakery partners with a local micro-roaster, and Bates suggests pairing their delightful brown sugar sage latte with your pastry.

When it comes to lunch and dinner, Dallas has no shortage of bold flavors and diverse cuisines to explore. “Unique Dallas flavors can be found in smoked and grilled meats, BBQ, and of course Tex-Mex spots,” Bates says. For adults, grabbing a margarita is a must: The origins of the first frozen version are in Dallas. José, a Guadalajaran-inspired restaurant with a colorful, family-friendly vibe, offers one of the best frozen margaritas in town. 

Family-style dining is popular in Dallas, with many establishments offering shared plates and spacious patios. Bates recommends a visit to Klyde Warren Park, which features a lively collection of restaurants and food trucks, a regular slate of live music and yoga, and a children’s park. (Kids can play while the adults catch up!)

For an adults-only night out, Bates suggests hiring a sitter and reserving at Gemma, an inviting European-inspired bistro serving up fresh oysters, steak frites, and Bates’ favorite pasta dish in the city (pappardelle with braised rabbit, Swiss chard, and pancetta). She also likes Uchi Dallas, which offers an array of non-traditional Japanese dishes, signature tastings, and seasonal specialties. The wagyutataki with chimichurri, fried egg, and miso foam is delicate and full of flavor.

Another of Bates’ go-to spots is The Charles, an upscale restaurant where Italian classics are interpreted through a Texas lens. Kids can try the sausage and pepper meatballs with creamy polenta, while adults may opt for spicy chicken diavolo. For a more traditional yet elevated take on Southern cuisine, Roots Southern Table's supper menu features hearty duck-fat-fried chicken (served family style) or another crowd-pleaser, catfish and grits. 

TIP: Cardholders with eligible Capital One rewards cards like Venture X can access exclusive reservations at Dallas restaurants like The Charles, Gemma, Roots Southern Table, José, and Uchi Dallas with Capital One Dining.

Where to Stay

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Located in the chic Uptown neighborhood is Hotel ZaZa, a luxury boutique hotel that Bates says offers something for every family member, from spacious bungalows where the family can spread out and relax to a day spa and an award-winning restaurant. The Magnificent Seven Suites come with fully equipped kitchens and oversized balconies, so the adults can continue their conversations once kids and teens are tucked in for the night.

Bates often recommends the Kimpton Pittman Hotel to friends visiting with kids because it’s within walking distance of many family-friendly Dallas attractions such as the Nasher Sculpture Center and The Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The hotel has common areas that are ideal for family game nights and an outdoor deck with live music and a fire pit. 

Virgin Hotels Dallas is another spacious family option: Rooms are fitted with sliding privacy dividers so parents can relax after putting the kids to bed. The hotel is located in the city’s trendy design district and “has a great rooftop pool area and terrific views of the city,” Bates says. 

The Joule, a revitalized neo-Gothic landmark in downtown Dallas, offers a luxurious boutique experience and contemporary design. With a range of sophisticated amenities, including a spa, rooftop pool, and fitness center, the hotel is an ideal retreat for multigenerational groups seeking to balance sightseeing in the heart of the city with some downtime.

In the centrally located, walkable Harwood District, Hotel Swexan blends old-world charm with Southern hospitality. The weekend afternoon tea provides the perfect bonding opportunity for grandparents, parents, and grandchildren, with tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, sweet treats and panoramic city views from the hotel’s 20th floor.

TIP: Venture X cardholders can elevate their stay at Dallas hotels from the Premier Collection like The Joule and Virgin Hotel Dallas, and the Lifestyle Collection like Hotel ZaZa and Kimpton Pittman. Booking a stay at either collection provides eligible cardholders with premium benefits, like room upgrades when available, a $100 experience credit and complimentary daily breakfast for two for Premier Collection bookings, and a $50 experience credit for Lifestyle Collection bookings. Terms apply. Click above for details.2

Where to Explore

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Dallas is a city rich in history, so don’t skip the classic spots downtown, says Bates. Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum pay homage to President John F. Kennedy and are fascinating sites for grade schoolers, adults, and seniors alike. History buffs will also enjoy the George W. Bush Presidential Library, which provides access to official records and artifacts from the Bush administration. 

Bates recommends spending time at the majestic Dallas World Aquarium. Another family-friendly stop is the Dallas Farmers Market in the city’s Downtown area. There’s plenty to explore here, including a 26,000-square-foot food hall and an artisanal vendor market. On weekends, don’t miss the farmers market itself, where local food producers offer a wide variety of fresh veggies, free-range meats, and delicious cheeses and baked goods. “It’s like having a garden in the middle of the city,” Bates says. 

Bates loves taking out-of-towners to explore the nearby Bishop Arts District, a bustling neighborhood with eclectic boutiques, hip coffee spots, and award-winning restaurants. “It’s super cool and known for its historic and artsy vibe,” she says. 

If you’re lucky enough to visit Dallas in spring or fall, Bates recommends taking advantage of the cool, dry weather and spending time outside with the whole family. White Rock Lake, just a few minutes from Downtown, is a peaceful oasis with a 10-mile walking path and plenty of fishing holes and picnicking spots. The nearby Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has live entertainment, a children’s garden, and stunning blooms in the spring. But whatever time of year you visit, Bates hopes you’ll bring the family along to make family memories you’ll talk about for years to come.

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved.

1Capital One Travel bookings include services such as price freeze, change a flight after you book, price prediction, price watch, price drop protection, and price match guarantee. Additional fees may apply. The availability of these services varies by account, and they may not be available on all bookings. Terms apply. See travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service/ for details.

2Terms and conditions apply to Premier and Lifestyle Collection bookings, including to use of the experience credit. Learn more about Premier Collection at https://capitalonetravel.com/premier-collection/ and learn more about Lifestyle Collection at https://capitalonetravel.com/lifestyle-collection/. Full Capital One Travel terms and conditions at https://travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service/.