We all need a break from the triple-degree heat here in Texas and, thankfully, there are tons of air-conditioned spots around the city where kids and parents can still get a major dose of fun. Malls are an integral part of the Dallas infrastructure and the perfect place to spend a hot or rainy day. With play areas, gardens, food courts, movie theaters and, of course, shopping, families can spend hours indoors and never get bored. Read on for the five most kid-friendly malls in the Dallas area.
Wikimedia Commons/Michael Barera
Where: NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX
This high-end mall might not be an obvious choice for a family outing, however, the beautiful Center Park Garden, fountains and open air concept actually make it pretty family-friendly. Tons of stores (including a four-level Neiman Marcus) means you can find almost anything you need here. Grab a snack at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels or get a taste of Italy at Maggiano’s before visiting turtles and ducks at the Neiman Marcus Court. Don’t forget to hit up Bookmarks, a Dallas Public Library branch, for story hour or various kid entertainment.
Best stores: Disney, Gap Kids, Janie and Jack for the little ones. Moms will enjoy Nordstrom, Ted Baker London and Eileen Fisher. Pamper yourself at the Kiehl’s store, too.
Best food options: If you’re feeling fancy, check out The Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus, featuring gorgeous statues of, you guessed it…mermaids. There are soups, sandwiches, salads and a kids menu! Or, grab a healthy lunch at the only Green House Market in Texas. The children’s menu includes sliced chicken breast and plain grilled cheese. Or go for classic kid favorites like Chick-fil-A or Corner Bakery.
Play area: NorthPark doesn’t have a traditional play area, but the resident turtles and ducks at the Neiman Marcus court make this a hot spot for kids. Plus, the Center Park Garden is a prime area to let the kids run a (little) wild.
Stroller access: Wide walkways, elevators and glorious air conditioning make this a great place to unpack the stroller and spend the afternoon.
Bathrooms: The four big department stores—Nordstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s—have bathrooms on every level. Fully equipped family restrooms sit across from Bookmarks, and they even offer a nursing room by Auntie Anne’s Pretzels on level two.
Where: 6121 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX
Let’s face it, as much as we love a day at the mall, the never-ending crowds can be overwhelming. The Shops at Willow Bend is perfect because it offers your favorite stores without tiring from four stories of walking. Don’t be mistaken, this mall might be smaller, but it packs an entertaining punch. Beautiful architecture and soft lighting are a relaxing backdrop to your prime shopping spots. Don’t miss the adorable Teacup & Toy Pets Boutique, which offers clothes, toys and accessories for your teacup-sized fur baby. By 2018, Willow Bend will also be home to Texas’ only Crayola Experience!
Best stores: Moms, get everything you need for your next beach vacation at Everything But Water. Or grab a new date-night outfit at Aritzia or western-themed JChronicles. Kids can find their new favorite shirts at Gymboree or have a kids-only spa day at Sweet & Sassy. Insider tip: If you plan a birthday at Sweet & Sassy, you can arrange for a hot pink limo as your ride.
Best food options: Nom Noms Mexican Grill offers traditional Mexican cuisine—think quesadillas, burritos and tacos. But the real attraction is their award-winning homemade ice cream bar, with dozens of flavors ranging from traditional (triple chocolate) to adventurous (pine nut). Or grab some authentic New York-style pizza at Made in N.Y. and top it off with Thai-inspired rolled ice cream at 10° F.
Play area: The play area at The Shops at Willow Bend is as fun as it is educational. Sponsored by the Medical Center of Plano, the Looney Tunes themed area features popular characters that give health tips.
Stroller access: This is a smaller mall with only two levels, so it’s super easy to navigate with a stroller. The adjacent parking garage makes getting in and out a breeze.
Bathrooms: Family-style bathrooms can be found on the lower level near the food court, as well as near Dillard’s (on the lower level) and Macy’s (upper level).
Flickr/galleriadallas
Where: 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX
Conveniently located where Interstate 635 meets the Dallas North Tollway, Galleria Dallas is known for its bright, inviting and spacious enclosed play area. But the real magic happens at the Ice Skating Center, open year round, located right in the middle of the shopping center on level one. With open skating times seven days a week, the kids will have plenty of options to cool off and burn some energy.
Best stores: Moms can enjoy fun boutiques such as Apricot Lane Boutique and Francesca’s. Kids can grab kicks at Journeys Kidz or find a new friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop.
Best food options: Head over to the American Girl Bistro for brunch or dessert, or grab a quick bite at Five Guys Burgers or Great Wraps, both of which have kid-sized items perfect for breaks between playing. Grab some Häagen Dazs ice cream and watch the skaters go by in the middle atrium.
Play area: Go wild in a completely enclosed rainforest-themed play area on level three. Kids can climb around monkey and rock structures, or captain a boat and snap a quick photo with a parrot. Updated in 2013, this mall play area is one of the best in DFW.
Stroller access: Wide walkways and plenty of elevators make this a stroller-friendly shopping center.
Bathrooms: Your best bet is the family restroom right around the corner from the play area inside Nordstrom on level three, which includes diaper changing tables and a breastfeeding room.
Where: 811 N. Central Expressway, Plano, TX
Although this isn’t as high profile as the other Dallas shopping centers on this list, the expansive play area and suburban location make Collin Creek Mall a nice, quiet getaway. The two-level mall offers several boutiques plus your traditional mall favorites, such as Texas Memories. Parking is accessible and close, so a quick visit isn’t out of the question.
Best stores: With nearly as many jewelry stores as clothing stores, mom is sure to find something that will match those anniversary earrings from last year. There are also staples like Gymboree, J.C. Penney and Sears.
Best food options: Here, you’ll find the typical food court offerings, but Fajita Pita is a guaranteed win for even the pickiest eaters with its chicken sandwiches, tacos and gyros.
Play area: Lined with comfy benches, the outdoor-themed play area includes an off-roading jeep, waterfall, tree, canoe and a sleeping bear. Kids are free to stash their shoes in cubbies and spend a cool day in the cushioned “outdoors.” They can also burn a little energy at Sky Jump, and then squeeze in a quick round at Lunar Mini Golf
Stroller access: The walkways are wide and there are elevators located in the middle of the shopping center. However, because this mall is quite smaller than the others, there aren’t as many rest areas, so be prepared to do a little walking.
Bathrooms: Family restrooms are conveniently located directly across from the play area.
Flickr/dallashangerphoto
Where: 2601 Preston Road, Frisco, TX
Widely considered Frisco’s prime shopping spot, this place has everything from an AMC with reserved seating and full menus to Dave & Buster’s and Dippin’ Dots you don’t have to go to Six Flags for. The Lego store also hosts tons of interactive events, so be sure to check their calendar before visiting!
Best stores: Don’t miss a chance to pop into the recently opened Young Art Lessons, which offers drop-in art classes seven days a week during mall hours. Grab some great looks for the kids at Hanna Andersson while you pick out a new athleisure top at Athleta.
Best food options: Moms, get your seafood fix at the newly opened Ahi Poke Bowl while the kids split a pie from California Pizza Kitchen or some kid-approved favorites like chicken fingers from Dave & Buster’s.
Play area: Step back into the Wild West at this play space complete with a railroad, cattle, horses, buffalo, bridges and cabins, located on level one in the Sears court. On level two, take a ride on the giant carousal next to the food court.
Stroller access: Wide walkways, ramps, elevators and plenty of rest stops makes this the perfect place for an all-day adventure.
Bathrooms: Family bathrooms are located near the food court and inside Dillard’s and Nordstrom.
