Discover a South American rainforest filled with monkeys, colorful toucans, crocodiles, manatees and otters. The aquarium portion of this popular attraction features 85,000 gallons (321,760 liters) of saltwater containing marine life from around the world. Palm tree polyps, Blackeye goby, Harlequin shrimp, Zebra angelfish, Napoleon wrasse and many more are few of the aquatic life on display.

This museum, funded by the Perot family, explores both modern technology and natural history, from technical innovations at Texas Instruments to prehistoric Texan wildlife. Permanent exhibits include the Being Human Hall, the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, the Tom Hunt Energy Hall and the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall. The museum also includes a theater which features a rotating schedule of 3D documentaries. See their website for a list of theater show times and temporary exhibits. Be sure to stop and look at the Malawisaurus skeleton gracing the museum lobby.

Originally conceived in the late 1970s, the AT&T Performing Arts Center finalizes the city of Dallas's goal to create a an expansive Arts District. Now the centerpiece of the area, the AT&T Performing Arts Center boasts five different venues within its walls: Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre, Strauss Artist Square, City Performance Hall and Sammons Park. Amongst these venues, you can catch an opera, a Broadway musical, an outdoor concert, a small-scale play or just take a walk in the ten-acre park.

The historic Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park features lush, manicured gardens and a recreated Victorian-era town. Nestled near downtown, the expansive park is accentuated with beautiful homes and establishments. Volunteers demonstrate weaving, cooking and welding among other activities from that time period to those looking for an insight into Texan history. The site is an official history museum and is affiliated with The Dallas County Heritage Society. The society plays host to several events throughout the year; the annual Candlelight Country Fair and Old Fashioned Fourth of July draw major crowds.

Located in the Hilton Anatole, the Geppetto's Theater & Workshop is a charming marionette theater that's certain to entertain! Set in an intimate theater, this unique performance is sure to spark a love of live theater in any child's heart. Bring your kids and watch as puppets act out engaging stories. Make sure to ask about the behind-the-scenes tours that will teach your family all about marionettes.

Situated on Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard in Dallas, the Texas Discovery Gardens are a must-see for any visitor to Dallas. This place is one of the only gardens to be certified as 100% organic by the Organic Research Center of Texas. The garden is surrounded by greenery and numerous specimens of native plants. Visitors can drop by one of the ten themed areas which include a native wildlife pond, a scent garden, a butterfly habitat, an heirloom garden, and a shade garden.

Dallas Zoo encompasses 106-acres (42 hectares) of exotic and traditional zoo animals. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by one of the tallest statues in Texas - a 67.5 foot (20.5 meters) giraffe. The Wilds of Africa attraction includes the chimpanzee forest, the gorilla center and an aviary on a quarter-mile nature trail where six natural habitats are featured: forest, mountain, woodland, river, desert and brush. A 20-minute monorail ride runs the course of the attraction and costs an additional fee. The ZooNorth attraction includes a bird and reptile building, children's zoo with touchable animals, cheetah exhibit, elephants, giraffes, flamingos and other traditional animals.

This toy store is truly special. No matter what age you are, you'll have a good time shopping here. Find unique gifts for kids that you'd have trouble finding anywhere else. Hopscotch sets, rubber duckies, and lunch pails line the shelves of this fun establishment. Come ready to play, and to leave with more than you thought you would!

Best described as interactive theater, Pocket Sandwich Theater is a great entertainment venue. Enjoy a sandwich or salad while experiencing parodies of a popular play or locally written comedies. Patrons shout "boo-hiss" at the villain and "hip hip hooray" to the heroine. Newcomers might think the popcorn is a snack, but regulars know that it's used to pelt the "bad-guys" on stage. This unique adventure is fun for all ages. You will leave with your sides aching from laughing out loud. Dinner selections include sandwiches, salads and a few basic appetizers. The bar offers wine and mixed drinks along with beer by the glass or pitcher. Make reservations at the beginning of the week, as seats are hard to come by.

Frontiers of Flight Museum is an assembly of artifacts celebrating the chronicles of flight. From the Wright brothers to the space age, each display is carefully organized to provide in-depth information on aircraft history. Exhibited models are on loan from the University of Texas at Dallas' Collection of Flight, one of the largest aviation archives in the country. Highlights include Hindenburg artifacts and the Apollo 7 spacecraft.

White Rock Lake sprawls over 1,015 acres (410.75 hectares). It boasts picturesque picnic spots and recreational areas that provide great respite from city life. Numerous waterfront trails are popular among local hikers and bikers as well as those visiting Dallas. A complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. The adventurous can indulge in an array of outdoor activities on offer like fishing, sailing and, horseback riding. Bird enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the area attracts beautiful, exotic species. The panorama of verdant landscapes that enclose calm waters is the very definition of tranquility.

A visit to the Dallas Children's Theater is entertainment for the entire family. Introduce your little ones to the world of live theater by involving them in activities here. Classes are offered here, and are conducted by established artists. A number of excellent plays including Rumpelstiltskin, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and several musicals have been shown here.