Things To Do With Kids in Garland, TX

From museums to mini golf, explore Garland’s best family fun spots and keep the kids smiling all day long with local adventures!
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Unleash Endless Fun with Kid's Activities in Garland

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Garland with Kids

Garland, Texas, offers a wide variety of fun and engaging activities for families looking to enjoy a day out together. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or simply searching for something to do after school, there are plenty of things to do in Garland with kids that are both entertaining and educational. From beautiful parks and local museums to indoor play zones and wildlife encounters, Garland has something for everyone in the family—no matter the age.

Outdoor Fun and Nature-Themed Activities

If your family enjoys spending time outdoors, Garland has several parks and recreational areas perfect for a sunny afternoon.

  • Spring Creek Forest Preserve: This natural gem is ideal for short family hikes, bird watching, and teaching kids about local plant and animal life.
  • Windsurf Bay Park: Located near Lake Ray Hubbard, this spacious park includes picnic areas, walking trails, and plenty of space to fly kites or toss a Frisbee.
  • Holford Park: A popular local destination offering a spacious playground, tennis courts, and shady spots to relax.

These locations are great examples of outdoor family things to do in Garland today that can keep kids active and engaged with nature.

Indoor Adventures for Rainy Days

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are still plenty of indoor entertainment options around Garland that are designed with kids in mind.

  • Jumping World Garland: A massive indoor trampoline park where kids can bounce, play dodgeball, and enjoy foam pits.
  • NickelRama Arcade: This budget-friendly arcade offers family fun with both modern and classic games that operate on nickels.
  • The Garland Landmark Museum: Located in the Santa Fe depot, this small but interesting museum introduces children to Garland's rich history in an accessible way.

These indoor spaces make for unforgettable family activities in Garland, giving kids a chance to burn off energy and learn something new at the same time.

Unique Local Experiences

Garland also features some creative and educational tours and specialty locations that offer interactive experiences tailored for children.

  • Garland Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts: Special performances designed to make classical music accessible and fun for younger audiences.
  • DIY Art Studios: Try a pottery painting session or art class at one of the local studios—perfect for hands-on creativity.
  • Zoological encounters in nearby areas: While Garland doesn't have a full zoo, there are small animal farms and petting zoos in the surrounding communities worth the short trip.

No matter your child’s interests, you’ll find great things to do in Garland with kids, whether you’re new to town or simply exploring more of what it has to offer. From museums and lush parks to active indoor play areas, Garland is filled with family things to do today that make creating lasting memories easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland offers a variety of activities for kids. Some popular options include the Firewheel Town Center for outdoor shopping fun, the Surf and Swim for pool and water activities, and the Rowlett Creek Preserve for hiking and nature trails. Spring Creek Forest Preserve and Environmental Learning Center is a great place for kids to learn about local ecology while having fun.

Yes, there are several indoor activities for kids in Garland. The NickelRama Arcade offers numerous games and prizes, while the Pump It Up play center features inflatable play structures. The Plaza Theatre often hosts child-friendly performances and movies. Check their schedules for specific events.

There's the Garland Landmark Museum, which presents a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the area's history. The North Garland Library also hosts various educational events and has a great children's section. The Spring Creek Nature Area offers outdoor educational activities with its diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

Garland offers several free activities for kids. Many parks in Garland, including Breckinridge Park or Spring Creek Nature Area, are free to visit and often have playgrounds or walking trails. The Garland Landmark Museum is also free of charge and offers interesting exhibits about local history.

More information can be found on the Garland Parks and Recreation website, local community centers, and social media pages of various establishments. These resources often offer updated schedules and information about upcoming events suitable for kids. Remember to always check in advance to confirm details.

What others are saying

Guest
22, Jan
Family Fun Pass for 4 with General Admission & Whole Pizza: Valid Sunday-Friday
We had a great time for my son's birthday. The staff was friendly, it wasn't overly packed And it was extremely enjoyable.
Make a Splash & Save: Waterpark Passes at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Lisa
25, Jan
Two Yellow Tickets One Regular Popcorn and One Regular Drink
I couldn’t do it in the kiosk, but the Box Office person was more than helpful. It got done within a few minutes. I used the soda coupon and ticket coupons. I use the popcorn coupon on the next visit.
AMC: Yellow Tickets & Snacks – Experience big-screen magic Anytime!
Amaryllis
16, Dec
One Single Day Admission Ticket
Most of the staff are friendly and helpful! When a machine didn’t work properly they gave extra tokens and fixed the issue. Only 1 of the female employees was a little rude and unfriendly when my daughter was at one of the attractions and was taking photos. She didn’t say hello or explain what we needed to do until she saw my daughter was taking multiple photos on the tablet. Besides 1 incident with that unfortunate employee, my family had an amazing time! We were there for 4-5 hours and could have stayed longer. The $10 boost is also worth it to get as it includes 2 popcorns, 1 drink in a souvenir cup and 2 extra tokens. My children are 7 and 10. They loved it and so did I! Would highly recommend.
Up to 25% Off at Crayola Experience Plano
raymond
22, Oct
One Person Discount Price For Any Fishing Trip!
First class experience... definitely going back
Guided Fishing Trip & Night Bowfishing at Lake Ray Hubbard
Ariana
25, Jan
Karting and 3-Attractions for Two
So worth the price we didn’t even get to use all of our passes, they were too in the moment to rush into the next thing. We laughed the whole time
Karting & Attractions at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - The Colony
Marchella
5, Jan
Three-Attraction Pass for Four
Came for my Nephews birthday surprise & had a blast
Up to 46% Off Three-Attraction Pass at Adventure Landing