jdrs said:
Thank you to everyone for all the input. Is the Dallas zoo bad or just compared to Ft Worth it isn't as good? Anyone else have any other suggestions? It will really just be for 1 day. Again thanks!
We rotate season passes between the Dallas Zoo and the Perot. I like the Dallas Zoo. It can be difficult to do in one day. Wilds of Africa, then the right side of the main zoo, then if time, the left side of the main zoo. There's a Dallas Grilled Cheese Company down the street. A must for lunch or dinner (most likely dinner so you don't have to find a parking spot at the zoo twice).
Perot is fun--but it is generally crowded on break weeks. Same true for the zoo though. Perot has an IMAX.
Downtown Dallas has the World Aquarium. I've never been. Heard it's awesome. Heard it is overrated. Choosing this option would give you the morning, or the afternoon to walk around downtown. Easily doable. Not as dangerous as some make it out. Don't flaunt your jewelry and make eye contact with the hobos and you will more than survive.
Talla's is a really cool pizza joint nearby (it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). Definitely within walking distance. They're all individual pizzas so no need to worry about the family agreeing on one. And they are all awesome.
There's a Farmer's Market, City Hall (nearby police memorial, old cemetary (the confederate statue there is coming down soon, so you will never see it again), Cattleman's Drive sculpture). Or you can head the other way and check out the AAC and WFAA studios. Lots of shopping and restaurants nearby.
The Art Museum if free and located near the World Aquarium. You can ride an old school trolley for free all over downtown (near McKinney Ave) if walking just isn't your thing.
Klyde Warren Park can be cool if your kids are under 10. Bring a ball and have lunch at a truck. (The Art Museum is directly across the street.)
Reunion Tower is overrated if you want an aerial view of the city. Go in the Hilton next door and go up to the 13th floor. You aren't as high--but it's free. (You can do the same thing at the Omni.)
JFK memorial very close to all of this as well. I've never been up to the 6th floor, but there is a ton to see on the ground.
If it were me--and the weather was nice--I would just do a walking tour of downtown.