Family Friendly Things to Do in Irving, TX

Located in the very heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Irving is a perfectly situated launching pad to explore the region’s staggering number of family fun activities. As the fourth largest metro area in the entire country, family entertainment in Irving abounds. If you’re looking for things to do with kids while in Irving, we’ve pulled together a few family fun ideas for your next trip.

Kid-Friendly Museums & Arts

Exploring Irving’s museums is always a good place to start when searching for some kids' entertainment. The Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture and Exhibit offers up a fun visual experience, and just down the street, the Marble Cow Sculptures never fail to entertain kids and adults of all ages.

For arts, entertainment, and performances, head over to Irving Arts Center. The ten-acre complex features two fully-equipped theaters, four galleries, meeting, classroom, and rehearsal facilities, and a beautiful sculpture garden. The Arts Center is home to eleven Irving Resident Art Organizations and offers rotating exhibitions, summer camps, and many other kids' activities and family-friendly events. As a Smithsonian Affiliate Institution, Irving Arts Center aims to “inspire  artists, scientists, technologists, and creative thinkers by providing opportunities for learning and engaging.” From nationally-known children’s entertainers to puppet shows and live productions featuring beloved children’s book characters, the Arts Center’s stages host performances for students of all ages. Kids love it! 

Venture into Dallas for even more ways to fill your days with fun and discovery. Kids can step into the spirit of the West through hands-on experiences, burn off energy at adventure parks and outdoor attractions, explore museums designed to spark curiosity, or get up close with animals from around the world. Family-friendly theaters, interactive exhibits, and immersive entertainment venues add more options for all ages. With so many experiences packed into one destination, it’s easy to find activities that keep everyone engaged from morning to night.

Aquatic & Outdoor Adventures

Looking to get the family outdoors? West Irving Aquatic Center provides an exciting array of water opportunities in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. This outdoor facility is open throughout the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year and provides a lap pool, water slides, a waterfall, and so much more. For a leisurely place to have a picnic or escape the hustle and bustle of Dallas/Fort Worth, take the family for a stroll along Campion Trail. A master-planned, 22-mile greenbelt, it’s perfect for short or long walks, picnics, and relaxing by the Trinity River.

One of Irving’s premier destinations is the beautiful Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas. Walk the trails around the lake, or, if your family is itching to get out on the water, take advantage of any number of water activities. You can head to Irving Water Fun for a special gondola ride or to rent an “Aqua Cycle” to explore the lake at your own pace. They also offer public tours all around Lake Carolyn. Or, if you’d rather get some exercise yourself, go rent paddleboards from Stand Up Paddle North Texas and paddle around the lake.

Nearby, families love exploring the Mandalay Canal Walk, a charming, old-world-inspired area of Las Colinas. Restaurants and shops line charming Venetian-style canals and offer a welcome respite from the bustling action nearby. The Mandalay Canal really are a sight to behold, so don’t miss them! There are also several restaurants and retail options located in the brand new Water Street on the shores of Lake Carolyn.

Fritz Park makes it easy to turn a day outdoors into a family adventure. Spend the morning on the disc golf course, shoot hoops, or take a walk along the park's trail before settling in for a picnic under a gazebo or covered shelter. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Animal Connection. During select seasons, kids can meet, pet, and interact with a variety of friendly animals through hands-on experiences that create lasting memories. 

Among the many family fun activities and kids' attractions in Dallas, the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park is a special delight. Interactive exhibits are constructed at eye-level for children, making it fun and engaging entertainment for kids. Kids love learning about sea creatures of all kinds, and the aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, including marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Kids will love viewing sharks, jellyfish, eels, rays, piranhas, turtles, clownfish, and more.

Sports & Entertainment

If your family enjoys sports, you’re in luck. For some of the best family fun in Texas, Irving and the Dallas/Fort Worth area are among the premier sports regions in the country. Make your trip extra memorable by snagging tickets for a game featuring any one of the region’s professional sports teams: the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys, National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks, Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars, Women’s National Basketball Association’s Dallas Wings, and Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas all call the Dallas/Fort Worth their home. No matter what time of year you find yourself in Irving, your options for sports entertainment are so numerous that you and your family will have an array of choices to see pro athletes in action.

Sweet Treats 

When it comes to family fun, what is better than spending quality time together with a delicious sweet treat? Head out to Froyo Smoo-Licious for some frozen yogurt heaped with various fruits and candy toppings. Or hit the classic Marble Slab Creamery for some gourmet ice cream. Kids also love Pop Factory for its unique popsicles. And of course, TCBY offers up some classics, like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, and more.

Explore some of the amazing opportunities below to take advantage of all the family fun in Irving!