Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about Dallas without a car (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Dallas for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Dallas for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Dallas and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels in Dallas for all budgets.
Dallas is a major city in Texas and is the ninth-largest city in the United States by population. The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including the Dallas Arts District, which is one of the largest in the United States. It includes the Dallas Museum of Art and Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Some notable landmarks in Dallas include Dealey Plaza, the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and Reunion Tower, an iconic observation tower in the city’s skyline.
The city is well-served by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and a light rail system known as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) for public transportation.
Is Dallas a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Dallas is a great place to visit with family as it offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, such as the Dallas Zoo and the Dallas World Aquarium. Your family can also explore the fascinating history at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza or enjoy outdoor activities at Klyde Warren Park.
Additionally, Dallas boasts a vibrant dining scene with options to satisfy every palate. But, the weather can be hot in the summer, so planning outdoor activities accordingly is essential.
Where to stay in Dallas for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Dallas for families with kids are Downtown Dallas, Uptown Dallas, Design District, Bishop Arts District, and Deep Ellum. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and attractions.
Downtown Dallas is the most convenient choice for families who want to be close to major attractions and don’t mind the urban setting. It is where you can find the Dallas World Aquarium, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Uptown is known for its trendy vibe and upscale dining and shopping options. It’s a good base for families who want a mix of city life and access to parks like Klyde Warren Park.
The Design District, north of Downtown, is a bit more eclectic and artsy, Bishop Arts District, west of Downtown, is a charming, historic neighborhood with a Bohemian atmosphere, unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Deep Ellum is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, making it a more suitable location for families with older kids who enjoy live music and art.
During my trip to Dallas, I stayed at the mid-range Hyatt Regency Dallas in Downtown Dallas. It is a great hotel in a central location within walking distance from major attractions and public transportations. It has an Outdoor swimming pool, private parking, and 4 on-site restaurants.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Dallas for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Dallas, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Dallas have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best areas to stay in Dallas with family
1. Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas is overall the best area to stay in Dallas with family, especially those visiting the city for the first time. Downtown Dallas is home to many family-friendly attractions, all of which are located within walking distance or a short drive from Downtown, making it convenient for families to explore.
Popular attractions for families with kids are the Dallas World Aquarium, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and Klyde Warren Park.
Kids might enjoy exploring this park with larger-than-life bronze sculptures of cattle and cowboys, which pay homage to Dallas’s cowboy heritage.
If your family appreciates art and culture, you can explore The Dallas Arts District. It’s home to several world-class cultural institutions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Museum of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Downtown Dallas boasts a stunning skyline with iconic skyscrapers such as the Bank of America Plaza, Reunion Tower, and Comerica Bank Tower. The city’s skyline is especially impressive when lit up at night.
The American Airlines Center, located just north of downtown, is home to the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and the Dallas Stars (NHL). It also hosts various concerts and events throughout the year.
Best places to stay in Downtown Dallas for family with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, 5-star family-friendly hotel, located on the Main Street District, downtown Dallas. Great location with easy access to major attractions.
- Mid-range ($$): Hyatt Regency Dallas, popular 4-star hotel centrally located in Downtown Dallas, welcomes children of all ages. Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults. Short distance from JFK Memorial and Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
- Budget ($): Mint House Dallas – Downtown, great 3-star children-friendly accommodation, located on Elm Street, in central Dallas, easy access to major sights such as Dallas Holocaust Museum, Dallas World Aquarium and Sixth Floor Museum.
2. Uptown Dallas
Uptown Dallas is a trendy and upscale neighborhood located just north of Downtown Dallas. It is known for its dining, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Up Town is a pleasant place for families with kids, especially if you’re looking for a mix of city life and access to parks and cultural experiences.
Uptown is close to the Katy Trail, a popular urban trail for walking and biking. You can also take leisurely strolls along the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood.
Uptown also has easy access to the Klyde Warren Park, which features a children’s playground, splash pad, dog park, food trucks, and a variety of activities and events, making it a great place for families to spend time.
Uptown Dallas offers a wide range of dining and shopping options. Exploring the neighborhood and trying out different cuisines can be a fun family activity.
Your family can consider taking the free McKinney Avenue Trolley ride. The vintage trolleys run through Uptown and are a unique way to see the area.
You can also find Victory Park in the area, which is home to the American Airlines Center, where you can catch sports events and concerts. It’s also a hub for dining and entertainment.
Other places of interest for families to checkout in the area are the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art, Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, West Village, and the Knox-Henderson entertainment hub.
Best places to stay in Uptown Dallas with children:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Crescent Court, 5-star hotel located in Uptown Dallas, welcomes children of all ages. Children 6 years and above will be charged as adults. It is a short distance from Arts District Dallas and American Airlines Arena.
- Luxury ($$$): Locale Victory Park – Dallas, 5-star family-friendly hotel located within a short walk from American Airlines Center. Also close to Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Holocaust Museum.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel ZaZa Dallas, popular 4-star children-friendly hotel, conveniently located on Leonard Street, offering Outdoor swimming pool and very good breakfast (according to guests’ reviews).
3. Design District
The Design District is a unique and artsy neighborhood located next to Downtown and Uptown Dallas. It is an interesting place for families with kids, especially those who appreciate art and design.
The Design District is known for its creative atmosphere, art galleries, interior design showrooms, and eclectic dining options.
Some attractions in the area include the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery, Dallas Contemporary gallery, and the fun family dinner theater themed called Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
Some parts of the Design District feature outdoor art installations and murals. Strolling through the district and taking in the street art can be an enjoyable family activity.
If you’re interested in shopping for home decor or fashion, the Dallas Market Center is located nearby. It’s one of the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource centers.
Best places to stay in Dallas in Design District with family:
- Mid-range ($$): Virgin Hotels Dallas , great 4-star children-friendly accommodation located on Turtle Creek Boulevard, featuring an 24-hour front desk and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Mid-range ($$): Renaissance Dallas Hotel, popular 4-star hotel located close to Design District, Walkable to Market, and close to Downtown Dallas.
- Budget ($): Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Medical/Market Center , 3-star family-friendly hotel, located close to Dallas Market Center. It offers vending machines, laundry services, and a gift shop.
4. Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District is a charming and eclectic neighborhood located in the Oak Cliff area, a few mins drive west of Downtown Dallas. It’s known for its Bohemian atmosphere, unique boutiques, art galleries, and a wide range of dining options.
The Bishop Arts District is especially suitable for families with older children who can explore the shops and galleries and enjoy the eclectic dining options.
The Bishop Arts District is a great place for shopping, with many boutique stores offering clothing, home goods, and gifts. Exploring these shops can be a fun family activity.
You’ll find several art galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Kids can appreciate the creativity on display, and it might inspire their own artistic interests.
Bishop Arts is known for its colorful and creative street art and murals. Take a stroll through the neighborhood to spot these artistic installations.
Nearby, you’ll find parks like the family-friendly Dallas Zoo and Lake Cliff Park, which offers green spaces, a playground, and scenic views of downtown Dallas.
Best places to stay in Bishop Arts District with kids:
- Mid-range ($$): Bishop Arts Hotel, popular accommodation in the Bishop Arts District, welcomes children of all ages, featuring rooms with kitchenware and a coffee machine.
- Mid-range ($$): The Bishop Arts Hotel By Bluelofts, 3-star accommodation located close to Bishop Arts District, short drive from Dallas Zoo and Lake Cliff Park.
5. Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is a vibrant and artistic neighborhood located just east of downtown Dallas. The area is known for its rich music history, street art, nightlife, and unique character.
Deep Ellum is an interesting place for families with kids, particularly those with older children who appreciate live music, art, and a more alternative culture.
Deep Ellum has a strong musical heritage and is known for its live music scene. While some venues may have age restrictions in the evenings, you can often find family-friendly events or daytime performances suitable for all ages.
Deep Ellum is famous for its colorful street art and murals. Take a walking tour with your kids to explore the vibrant and creative side of the neighborhood.
Deep Ellum offers a wide variety of dining options, including BBQ joints, pizzerias, cafes, and more. You can introduce your kids to different cuisines and enjoy meals at family-friendly restaurants.
Pecan Lodge is a renowned barbecue restaurant in Deep Ellum and is a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts. Keep in mind that it can get busy, so plan accordingly.
If you’re interested in craft beer, you can visit the Deep Ellum Brewing Company. While it may not be suitable for young children, it can be a fun stop for adults and older teens.
South of Deep Ellum is the Fair Park, home of the annual State Fair of Texas. Fair Park also houses the Dallas Museum of Natural History and African American Museum, Texas Discovery Gardens, and Children’s Aquarium. Its iconic Art Deco architecture, featuring the stunning Esplanade Fountain, adds to its charm.
Best places to stay in Dallas in Deep Ellum with children:
- Luxury ($$$): Kimpton – Pittman Hotel, an IHG Hotel, 4-star hotel, located on Elm Street, Deep Ellum, offering free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, and superb breakfast.
- Mid-range ($$): Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White, 3-star hotel located close to Deep Ellum, welcomes all age children. Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults.
In conclusion, Downtown, Uptown, Design District, Bishop Arts District, and Deep Ellum are the best places to stay in Dallas for families with kids. These areas offer a range of children-friendly accommodations and attractions, making them great bases for family visits to Dallas.
If your family doesn’t plan to rent a car when visiting Dallas, you can check this article: Best areas to stay in Dallas without a car.
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Dallas. I hope you found my article helpful and enjoy your holiday!