In today’s busy world, taking time to relax, have fun and experience something outside your routine is essential to well-being. North Texas offers a wide range of destinations ideal for spending time with family or friends.

American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, Fort Worth Metro/817-967-1560
Airline industry informational films, interactive computer games and displays.
(F) (www.crsmithmuseum.org)

Cowtown Opry, Fort Worth 817-366-9675
Cowboy concerts featuring the music of Texas in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards Exchange Building. (F) (www.cowtownopry.org)

The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, Dallas 214-670-8453
Five thousand aquatic animals in historic art deco building. Scheduled piranha and fish feedings. ($) (www.dallaszoo.org)

The Dallas World Aquarium 214-720-2224
Aquarium and rain forest exhibit featuring exotic animals and tropical fish from around the world. ($ SP) (www.dwazoo.com)

Irving Arts Center 972-252-7558
Offers a variety of musical, dramatic and visual arts for all ages. Includes Kids Arts program, which provides activities for children during the summer. ($ SP) (www.ci.irving.tx.us)

The Science Place, Fair Park, Dallas 214-428-5555
Hands-on exhibits teach scientific principles. Group discount rates. TI Founders IMAX Theater. ($) (www.scienceplace.org)

The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas 214-747-6660
Exhibit depicting the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. ($ SP) (www.jfk.org)

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 214-327-8263
Sixty-six acres of flowers and gardens on the shore of White Rock Lake. Special seasonal events. ($ SP) (www.dallasarboretum.org)

Dallas Nature Center 972-296-1955
Hiking trails, picnic areas, and pond. Special programs throughout the year.
($) (www.dallasnaturecenter.org)

Dallas Zoo 214-670-5656
Rare and endangered species in a 95-acre park. Exhibits include Wilds of Africa, Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and Exxon Mobil Endangered Tiger Habitat. ($ SP) (www.dallaszoo.org)

Fair Park, Dallas 214-670-8400
This 277-acre National Historic Landmark includes art deco buildings, exhibits and museums. Home of the State Fair of Texas. (F $ SP) (www.fairparkdallas.com)

Farmers Market, Dallas 214-939-2808
Produce and floral market. Sponsors seasonal festivals, cooking classes and demonstrations.
(F $ SP) (www.dallasfarmersmarkt.org)

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and Conservatory 817-871-7686
A living museum of plant life on 109 acres. (F) Japanese Garden and Conservatory Tropical Greenhouse. Discounts for seniors and children. ($ SP) (www.ci.fort-worth.tx.us/pacs/botgarden)

Fort Worth Zoo 817-759-7500
Ranked as one of America’s best zoos; features more than 5,000 native and exotic animals.
($ SP) (www.fortworthzoo.org)

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney 972-562-5566
This 289-acre reserve features local natural science; sanctuary for native plants and animals. Guided trail walks. ($) (www.heardmuseum.org)

Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano 972-881-0140
Restored 1891 Victorian farmhouse and outbuildings show turn-of-the-century Texas prairie farm life. ($ SP) (www.heritagefarmstead.org)

L.B. Houston Nature Trail, Dallas 214-670-4100
Walking and bicycle trails within woodland and river, native plant, tree, bird and wildlife habitats. (F SP) (www.cityofdallas.com)

McKinney Avenue Transit Authority, Dallas 214-855-0006
Restored vintage electric streetcar service from Arts District to West Village, City Place DART-Rail Stations and area restaurants and shops. Call for updated operating hours.
($) (www.mata.org)

Old City Park, The Historical Village of Dallas 214-421-5141
Restored 19th-century buildings. Gift shops with turn-of-the-century reproductions and craft demonstrations. ($ SP) (www.oldcitypark.org)

River Legacy Living Science Center, Arlington 817-860-6752
A 12,000-square-foot nature center in River Legacy Parks. Interactive exhibits, living science programs and nature school. ($) (www.riverlegacy.org)

Samuell Farm, U.S. 80 at Belt Line, Mesquite 214-670-7866
Depicts farm life at the turn of the century. Fishing, hiking and picnicking available. Building reservations available for a fee. ($ SP) (www.samuellfarm.com)

Tarantula Excursion Train, Grapevine/Fort Worth Stockyards 817-625-RAIL
Trips on restored 1920s cars pulled by 1896 steam engine. Discounts for seniors and groups.
($) (www.tarantulatrain.com)

Texas Discovery Gardens, Fair Park, Dallas 214-428-7476
A tropical conservatory with 7.5 acres of gardens. Texas native plant displays. Changing exhibits throughout the year. (F) (community.dallasnews.com/dmn/texasdiscoverygardens)