One of the things we get asked about the most is recommendations for things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth that AREN'T eating and drinking. We get it — contrary to popular belief, we're not always out eating and drinking it all in, either. While it's well-known for its delicious cuisine and bustling nightlife, DFW also delivers when it comes to family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, so here's a guide to some of our favorite activities that don't involve eating and drinking.
1. in living colour
We are all about helping you switch up your traditional date night or girls night for something fun and unique, so here's a spot that definitely needs to be on your list! In Living Colour is in Farmer's Branch, and it is a great time. They offer paint-and-sip classes with a cultural spin — you'll find R&B icons and hip-hop legends on templates you can paint while a live DJ plays your favorite old-school and new-school hits! The studio hosts a variety of nightly classes, including Karaoke and paint, doormat painting, as well as plant and sip! You can book your class online, and if you have a large party, you can even rent the entire space!
2. GO To The ranger game
Sure, a beer and a hotdog go hand-in-hand with taking in our national pastime, but they're totally optional. And a day at the Rangers game is still the most affordable professional sports experience in town, which we always appreciate, especially when you aren't eating and drinking at the game. There are so many promotional nights where you can walk away with a bobblehead, t-shirt or others ballpark deals, and gone are the days when a summer day game means instant heatstroke and sweaty mess — because Globe Life Field is fully air conditioned! Use code "LOVELIST" all season long when buying tickets to save 20% on select tickets, and use code "LOVEAYCE" all season long to save 25% on the All-You-Can-Eat seats in left field!
3. petals & pinot
Petals & Pinot is a mother-and-daughter owned flower shop in Lewisville that hosts guided floral design classes so that you can create your own beautiful arrangement! The class is extremely unique, fun, and educational! We are now part-time love listers and part-time florists! Step beyond the beautiful shop into a decorated classroom with adjustable tables for everyone. The room is wheelchair accessible with tables that rise and fall to your height, so anyone can attend and take a class! We love an inclusive space!
4. four day weekend
The longest-running improv comedy show in the Southwest lives in Dallas (and in Fort Worth, too)! Do yourself and your date a favor and go see them — then go again — because no two Four Day Weekend shows are ever the same! Tickets are just $25 apiece and YOU get to submit creative words and phrases to be incorporated throughout the show! Take your mom, take your roommate, your friend or your plus-1 and we promise you won’t regret it.
5. Worthy Co. candle studio
At Worthy Co.'s Candle Studio, you and your friends select your favorite fragrance and vessel, then learn the steps to pour your own custom candle. Each class is about an hour long and includes an additional half hour of private shopping time in their retail space where you get 20% off your entire haul of goodies!
6. 1611 golf
1611 is a great new spot in Fort Worth to get your competitive juices flowing on your next date night. In each of their eight digital driving range bays, you can either play a fun game like capture the flag, or you can play 18 holes on an actual golf course, digitally. They have dozens to choose from including tons that are featured on the PGA tour! Be sure to get a reservation before you go, though, the buzz is real around this new spot.
7. farm + Feed
Gamer hive, mount up! We're going to the Farm + Feed. The Shops at Legacy in Plano is where it's at, an 8,000 square foot gamer's paradise. Guests enter through "The Village," a space with 20 or so booths, each with two 55-inch TVs, a Nintendo Switch and either an XBox Series X or a PlayStation 5, plus four controllers. There are also 18 PCs loaded up with games. "The Library" is another section, jam-packed with sci-fi books, more gaming PCs and some fancy date-night couch co-op console setups. If you want to really go big, though, reserve a night in "The Bunker," with room for 8-10 of your geekiest friends and a 77-inch OLED TV with a Switch, a Playstation and an XBox.
8. golden black candle lounge
Make your own luxury candles at Golden Black in Deep Ellum! The instructors are super friendly, and have tons of fun card games for you to play while you’re taking the class! The location is incredible, the spot is a total vibe and the atmosphere at their classes is so cute. We couldn't recommend this place any more strongly for your next girls night activity.
9. dallas silk art
Create your own silk masterpiece at Dallas Silk Art in The Colony! Prepare to be mesmerized as your learn all about the art of silk marbling. It may seem like an intimidating art form, but it's actually SO easy and SO much fun for the whole crew! It’s oddly one of the most relaxing activities we’ve ever done and think this would be PERFECT when your mom or sister comes into town, as a date night or just something fun to do with your girls. Pick your colors, head to your station and let the instructor guide you. It’s super easy and each piece comes out BEAUTIFULLY! There’s so many techniques and different approaches for you to create an amazing custom piece, and the best part is you can leave with your newest creation — there’s no waiting around for the colors to soak in.
10. another round
The name may seem deceiving for this list, but drinking at Another Round in West Dallas is completely optional. It's a great take on adult mini golf, with a side of sports simulator thrown in! Their two 9-hole mini courses make for the funkiest round of golf you've ever played, and the simulator gives you the ability to play golf-inspired games or actual rounds on more than 1,000 courses! Also, check out Xtreme Music Bingo, which takes Another Round for a spin every Wednesday.
11. crush it
Grapevine's sensational CRUSH IT Sports Lounge is such a great time, y'all. Get your competitive juices flowing with simulated sports experiences, where you can choose from golf, baseball, basketball, soccer, football, carnival games, hockey dodgeball or hunting! There are great group dining options as well! Cap it all off with a few drinks and a chef-crafted meal, and it's an evening to remember, and one where you will NOT pass out with heatstroke.
12. bowl games
Bowl Games in the Design District has invented a whole new bowling variant, which they call PinToss. PinToss takes a little bit of bowling, a little bit of football, and a little bit of cornhole to make something fresh, challenging, and fun for all skill levels. A perfect spiral is not entirely a good thing in this game. In addition to PinToss, BowlGames also has multiple Dart Boards, Shuffleboard, Golden Tee, Silver Strike, Cornhole, TV's and projectors throughout, as well as comfortable seating for lounging so you and your group can take a break from the action and just enjoy the unique vibe and surroundings.
13. perot museum
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is one of the coolest and most interactive museums to hit, especially with little ones in tow! for a more adult experience, the museum recently brought back its stellar Perot on Tap nights, which of course does bring food and drink into the equation.
14. gameshow battle room
The ultimate family-friendly outing in Farmers Branch is these really cool Game Show Battle Rooms. You and your friends and family get to battle each other while playing your favorite game shows! It's an immersive game show experience like nothing we have ever seen before! A dedicated host proctors an entire game show experience where you can battle each other in the style of Family Feud, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and more!
15. Dallas Museum of Art
Head to the DMA to explore the power of kineticism in art! This specific exhibit is just $10, but you can usually walk in and view the regular collection for free as well! This interactive exhibition, Movement, showcases artists throughout 3 historical eras who used optical effects to engage with their viewers, so prepare for some trippy and interactive pieces! It's at the DMA through July 16.
16. electric starship arcade
Haltom City's Electric Starship is so retro and so fun. It's just $10 at the door for an all-you-can-play experience. It might not look like much from the strip center on the outside, but on the inside is a total hidden gem. If you’re looking to switch up the monotonous date night, or are looking for a new way to host game night with your friends - this is your spot!
17. PIpe and Palette
Splatter paint the day away at Pipe & Palette inside Plano's Willowbend Mall! There are so many ways to tap into your artistic streak here. Step into the Splatter Room and design your project any way you want! Use your artistic talents, and then splatter each other in a Glow-in-the-Dark Paint War to end your session.Or you can drop off your kiddos for a night of fun with pizza, popcorn, a movie, and a plenty of painting while you and your partner go have a nice evening out.
18. downtown cowtown at the isis theater
If you’re a film lover, we found the perfect affordable activity to add to your must-do list in Fort Worth! At Downtown Cowtown at the Isis Theater, there are four showtimes a day that are totally free, if you buy a drink and a snack! But, what’s a movie without some popcorn, right? Plus, if you’re the first to arrive to the theatre, YOU get to pick the movie out of over 40 titles in rotation! Downtown Cowtown also randomly hosts $10 date night deals that include 2 popcorns, 2 fountain drinks, and a free romantic comedy. And, that sounds like the perfect evening out to us!
19. junk punch
Sure, this 7th Street hang in Fort Worth is technically also a bar, but you'll certainly have an advantage in hand-eye coordination if you're not drinking while playing. Junk Punch features arcades as well as more analog games, like Duck Pin Bowling, electronic dart boards, Connect 4 Hoops — not to mention their super cute Insta-worthy mural wall. It is a hoot — try them out!
