Winter Activities in Dallas, TX

Looking for something a little more... rowdy? Billy Bob’s Texas, located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, is the world’s largest honkey tonk! Live honkey tonk bands? Check! Real Texas barbecue? Check! Live bull-riding? Check! That’s about everything you need for the full Cowtown experience. Minors are welcome, but Billy Bob’s does serve alcohol, so if you plan to bring the kids, check the rules on their website. Sadly, you have to have a rider’s card to take a spin on a real bull, but they do have a fake one you can have your picture made with and the excitement of watching pros ride is enough to keep you warm all night!

One of the best things to do when it's too cold to have outdoor fun is take a class. Sure, you could take Spanish or art appreciation, but why not liven things up with a six- to ten-week class at Dallas Comedy House School of Improv? Beginning in January, Dallas Comedy House, located in Deep Ellum in Dallas, begins classes in Improvisational Comedy, Comedy Writing and Production. Classes fill up fast, though, so register ASAP. Fear not, wallflowers; the Dallas Comedy House also has shows five nights a week (the full menu and bar are available before, during and after the show), so everyone can join in the fun.

If the cold has you longing for a tropical vacation, check out the Dallas World Aquarium and Rainforest. Featuring fauna and flora from five continents, the aquarium is an amazing showcase of nature’s beauty that you can see in a single afternoon. Visitors are greeted by the 200-foot Wilds of Borneo Entrance, then take a journey to Orinoco. The adventure concludes in the aquarium, which houses sharks, stingrays and some of the most unique fish in the world! When the tour is over, feast at one of the aquarium’s three restaurants then stop and the gift shop to pick up souvenirs.

Put on that little black dress and your favorite winter stole – you’re going to the opera! The Dallas Opera House, located in the heart of the largest arts district in the nation, is currently running it’s Dangerous Desires season, including performances of Don Giovanni, Anna Bolena, and Romeo & Juliet. This cozy opera house features a full bar (drinks are allowed in the theater), but unless you’re attending a special event, food isn’t served. Favorite architectural features of the theater include its retractable chandelier and swanky elevators. There’s plenty of parking available and after the show, walk over to One Arts Plaza for cocktails or a late-night snack.

Sometimes, winter activities are about remembering it’s winter. Go to the Fort Worth Stockyards in downtown Fort Worth to see the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. The cattle are driven almost every day at 11:30 am  and 4:00 pm by real Texas cowhands! (The best place to watch the drive is in front of the Stockyards Visitor's Center at 130 East Exchange Avenue.) 

When the cows have been wrangled, warm up at the award-winning Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and dine on chef/owner, native Texan, and Iron Chef America winner Tim Love’s “urban western cuisine.” If you’re a vegetarian, this may not be the restaurant for you, but carnivores will be treated to a modern flavor of the wild west.