Family Oasis Guidebook
Food Scene
Here's a curated A to Z list of DFW faves I thought you might like. I deliberately omitted the more familiar national chains so you can get some local flavor while you're here.
If you like Mediterranean, they serve it up cafeteria style.
8 locals raden deze aan
Andalous Mediterranean Grill
457 E Interstate 20If you like Mediterranean, they serve it up cafeteria style.
They make eating healthy a great tasting adventure. Try the Tuna Salad Sandwich with Blue Chips. Call in and carry out.
Ann's Health Food Center & Market
2634 S Zang BlvdThey make eating healthy a great tasting adventure. Try the Tuna Salad Sandwich with Blue Chips. Call in and carry out.
Delicious, rowdy, and family friendly. All you can eat homestyle veggies and biscuits. Each guest must choose from 1/2 Fried or Smoked Chicken, Chkn Tenders, Fish, Chkn Fried Steak. Don't forget dessert. Actually, we never have room. This is one of the few places I can take my ravenous clan and bring home leftovers. Although they're all over the metroplex, including Arlington and Cedar Hill, the one in Frisco is my favorite.
27 locals raden deze aan
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
6475 Page StDelicious, rowdy, and family friendly. All you can eat homestyle veggies and biscuits. Each guest must choose from 1/2 Fried or Smoked Chicken, Chkn Tenders, Fish, Chkn Fried Steak. Don't forget dessert. Actually, we never have room. This is one of the few places I can take my ravenous clan and bring home leftovers. Although they're all over the metroplex, including Arlington and Cedar Hill, the one in Frisco is my favorite.
I love this seafood place bc it's never crowded. Plus I get a pound of chubby shrimp for $20 with a sauce so spicy it makes my nose run.
Heat and sauce are optional and to taste. I vote for the House Special Sauce and as much heat as you can take. Closed Mondays.
Incidentally Idk why the name is Blue Crab but the crab on the sign is red. Lmk if they let you in on the mystery.
Blue Crab
I love this seafood place bc it's never crowded. Plus I get a pound of chubby shrimp for $20 with a sauce so spicy it makes my nose run.
Heat and sauce are optional and to taste. I vote for the House Special Sauce and as much heat as you can take. Closed Mondays.
Incidentally Idk why the name is Blue Crab but the crab on the sign is red. Lmk if they let you in on the mystery.
Homemade farm to plate since 1971. Seconds available on many entrees. Muffins, rolls, and cornbread in the bread basket, but you can request your preference. Relaxed meets upscale. It's located in Dallas and a bit of a hike.
17 locals raden deze aan
Celebration
4503 W Lovers LnHomemade farm to plate since 1971. Seconds available on many entrees. Muffins, rolls, and cornbread in the bread basket, but you can request your preference. Relaxed meets upscale. It's located in Dallas and a bit of a hike.
More than just cheesecake, this is an upscale restaurant with a full menu of entrees. A nice place to take your wife or daughter to make them feel special.
43 locals raden deze aan
The Cheesecake Factory
1440 Plaza PlMore than just cheesecake, this is an upscale restaurant with a full menu of entrees. A nice place to take your wife or daughter to make them feel special.
Many go here just for the dessert. The menu is like IHOP meets TexMex.
8 locals raden deze aan
Good Day Cafe
3758 S Carrier PkwyMany go here just for the dessert. The menu is like IHOP meets TexMex.
Ok, so we're hosting more Guests from Cali. This place boasts Cal-Mex. Allegedly, la prima of a popular CA restaurant chain owner brought and recreated his menu here when she relocated. Mis amigos recommend the Carne asada fries.
Guatta-Ritto Taco Shop
Ok, so we're hosting more Guests from Cali. This place boasts Cal-Mex. Allegedly, la prima of a popular CA restaurant chain owner brought and recreated his menu here when she relocated. Mis amigos recommend the Carne asada fries.
My Wonderfuls insisted that I include this. They serve burgers and sides.
6 locals raden deze aan
In-N-Out Burger
1075 Interstate 20 WMy Wonderfuls insisted that I include this. They serve burgers and sides.
The burgers are massive. The family fry comes in a large brown bag and will likely be enough for your whole family.
12 locals raden deze aan
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
2141 N Collins RdThe burgers are massive. The family fry comes in a large brown bag and will likely be enough for your whole family.
Your family will enjoy eating in this historic diner. My daughter likes their fried fish. They also have an array of cobblers.
49 locals raden deze aan
Norma's Cafe
1123 W Davis StYour family will enjoy eating in this historic diner. My daughter likes their fried fish. They also have an array of cobblers.
My people love rice. This place prepares your order fresh and you can taste it. You can call ahead and carry out in 20 mins.
Panda Delite
4508 Matlock RdMy people love rice. This place prepares your order fresh and you can taste it. You can call ahead and carry out in 20 mins.
New Orlean's style, baby. It's lit up real pretty at night. FYI, call ahead to reserve a spot.
This place has great reviews; I'm thinking to try this place out at our next Date Night. Maybe I'll see you there (smile).
The Pelican House Restaurant
107 South Cedar Ridge DriveNew Orlean's style, baby. It's lit up real pretty at night. FYI, call ahead to reserve a spot.
This place has great reviews; I'm thinking to try this place out at our next Date Night. Maybe I'll see you there (smile).
This is my go to seafood place. They combine seafood with spicy; a winning combination in my book. They also got my Wonderfuls to become fried alligator tail fans. Guess what it tastes like? Yep, chicken.
16 locals raden deze aan
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe
305 FM1382This is my go to seafood place. They combine seafood with spicy; a winning combination in my book. They also got my Wonderfuls to become fried alligator tail fans. Guess what it tastes like? Yep, chicken.
If you like Tex Mex, check this place out. My husband usually orders something where we make our own beef and chicken tortillas. It comes with all the expected fixin's.
10 locals raden deze aan
Rosa's Café & Tortilla Factory
2601 E Broad StIf you like Tex Mex, check this place out. My husband usually orders something where we make our own beef and chicken tortillas. It comes with all the expected fixin's.
This steakhouse is literally 5 minutes away and so popular that they had to move up the street to get more space to accommodate more people. You'll likely spot their former building when you're driving to their current location.
13 locals raden deze aan
Texas Roadhouse
2490 I-20 Frontage RdThis steakhouse is literally 5 minutes away and so popular that they had to move up the street to get more space to accommodate more people. You'll likely spot their former building when you're driving to their current location.
Zavala's Barbecue
421 West Main StreetVoted one of the top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas (Texas Monthly).
Sweet Fix
When it's hot in the summer, come cool off at Andy's. They also serve fast food.
Andy's Frozen Custard
When it's hot in the summer, come cool off at Andy's. They also serve fast food.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
500 E HwyGreat fast food and homemade ice cream, yum!
If you have a cookie fetish, here's the place for you! The cookies slightly larger than muffin tops.
Crumbl Cookies - Grand Prairie
5220 South State Highway 360If you have a cookie fetish, here's the place for you! The cookies slightly larger than muffin tops.
Slightly larger than a cupcake, but so rich it must be shared. Close to 10 flavors from traditional to red velvet, carrot cake, lemon, and pecan.
12 locals raden deze aan
Nothing Bundt Cakes
9440 Garland RdSlightly larger than a cupcake, but so rich it must be shared. Close to 10 flavors from traditional to red velvet, carrot cake, lemon, and pecan.
Book Lovers Paradise
If you love books like my family does, here are a few places to hang out and enjoy the day.
Yes, we still have them. Several in fact. The closest are in Arlington and Cedar Hill. Spend the day.
6 locals raden deze aan
Barnes & Noble
5301 Belt Line RdYes, we still have them. Several in fact. The closest are in Arlington and Cedar Hill. Spend the day.
I'd be remiss if I didn't add this. It's the largest library in Dallas. 8 floors. Read and weep.
J. Erik Jonsson Central Public Library
1515 Young StI'd be remiss if I didn't add this. It's the largest library in Dallas. 8 floors. Read and weep.
Fam Field Trips
I have more locations and ideas in the Family Oasis Guest Book. Many of them are free. Again, I am omitting the more well-known attractions like Six Flags and Cowboy's Stadium so you can also visit local haunts while you're in town.
Bolder Adventure Park at Epic Central
Epic indoor rock climbing almost in your backyard.
This is a Bass Pro type store, but they have great wildlife exhibits. A huge aquarium section. Taxidermy shooting range. A little history museum. And fudge.
It's a 45 min drive, so you might also check out the Bureau of Engraving and Printing that's just 17 mins from here. Did you know $$$ is only made in two US locations?
Both outings are completely free, unless you decide to purchase something in the store or gift shop.
11 locals raden deze aan
Cabela's
12901 Cabelas DriveThis is a Bass Pro type store, but they have great wildlife exhibits. A huge aquarium section. Taxidermy shooting range. A little history museum. And fudge.
It's a 45 min drive, so you might also check out the Bureau of Engraving and Printing that's just 17 mins from here. Did you know $$$ is only made in two US locations?
Both outings are completely free, unless you decide to purchase something in the store or gift shop.
10 mins. GP's Epic is a million-dollar Center with workout facilities and equipment, indoor amusement (rock climbing and water parks), restaurants, Teen Zones, Culinary Kitchen, Performance Theater, Digital Media Studio, and more! Btw, they have a digital lending library.
Epic Central Park
2961 State Hwy 16110 mins. GP's Epic is a million-dollar Center with workout facilities and equipment, indoor amusement (rock climbing and water parks), restaurants, Teen Zones, Culinary Kitchen, Performance Theater, Digital Media Studio, and more! Btw, they have a digital lending library.
10 mins. Epic also has a Fitness & Rec Center with something for every age. As well as a huge PlayGrand for children of all abilities.
106 locals raden deze aan
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
2970 Epic Place10 mins. Epic also has a Fitness & Rec Center with something for every age. As well as a huge PlayGrand for children of all abilities.
Since you're visiting Texas, you might as well know that Cowboys are not just history. They're alive and well and partial to American-made pick up trucks when they're not riding horses. Anyway, if you plan ahead, you can watch auctions, rodeos, and cattle drives here. There's also a walking maze that's 50% off on Tuesdays. See who can finish fastest. Give the last man out a humorous consolation prize.
351 locals raden deze aan
Fort Worth Stockyards
131 E Exchange AveSince you're visiting Texas, you might as well know that Cowboys are not just history. They're alive and well and partial to American-made pick up trucks when they're not riding horses. Anyway, if you plan ahead, you can watch auctions, rodeos, and cattle drives here. There's also a walking maze that's 50% off on Tuesdays. See who can finish fastest. Give the last man out a humorous consolation prize.
You're probably surprised to see this on my list, but this place is fun. They have little scenes of Texas architecture in huge promenades across this 4-1/2 acre resort. At Christmas time they have ice slides and sculptures. They have multiple restaurants from slightly to extremely expensive. It's a fun place to explore, hang out, and take pics. Rumor has it, this $500M space is where Presidents visit when they're in the neighborhood.
It's 45 minutes away, but very close to Bass Pro and the shopper's paradise, Grapevine Mills Mall (close to 2M sq ft of shops and entertainment), including Sea Life Aquarium, Lego Land, and Rainforest Cafe.
49 locals raden deze aan
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord TrailYou're probably surprised to see this on my list, but this place is fun. They have little scenes of Texas architecture in huge promenades across this 4-1/2 acre resort. At Christmas time they have ice slides and sculptures. They have multiple restaurants from slightly to extremely expensive. It's a fun place to explore, hang out, and take pics. Rumor has it, this $500M space is where Presidents visit when they're in the neighborhood.
It's 45 minutes away, but very close to Bass Pro and the shopper's paradise, Grapevine Mills Mall (close to 2M sq ft of shops and entertainment), including Sea Life Aquarium, Lego Land, and Rainforest Cafe.
Inspiring outdoor theater. Bring a blanket, it may get cool in the evening.
It's a bit of a drive (75mins) so consider making a day of it. Go to Dinosaur Valley State Park and walk in dinosaur footprints. Visit the Creation Evidence Museum and learn some surprising facts.
16 locals raden deze aan
The Promise in Glen Rose
5000 Texas DrInspiring outdoor theater. Bring a blanket, it may get cool in the evening.
It's a bit of a drive (75mins) so consider making a day of it. Go to Dinosaur Valley State Park and walk in dinosaur footprints. Visit the Creation Evidence Museum and learn some surprising facts.
If you're outdoorsy, I think you'd like it. Their description: Aerial obstacle courses, including zip lines, designed for all fitness levels on 7 acres.
12 locals raden deze aan
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
1800 Dowdy Ferry RdIf you're outdoorsy, I think you'd like it. Their description: Aerial obstacle courses, including zip lines, designed for all fitness levels on 7 acres.
TPWD and other apps offers interactive GeoCaching Scavenger Hunts that turn metroplex exploration (History, Forests, Downtown, etc.) into fun adventures. See tpwd.state.tx.us/geocaching or DallasObserver.com/arts/geocachers-explore-the-citys-history-through-a-high-tech-treasure-hunt-11982713
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
5411 South Robinson RoadTPWD and other apps offers interactive GeoCaching Scavenger Hunts that turn metroplex exploration (History, Forests, Downtown, etc.) into fun adventures. See tpwd.state.tx.us/geocaching or DallasObserver.com/arts/geocachers-explore-the-citys-history-through-a-high-tech-treasure-hunt-11982713
Multiple locations. The one in Southlake offers the most attractions. Also try Urban Air Trampoline Park and Main Event (day passes seasonally available).
8 locals raden deze aan
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
1303 N Collins StMultiple locations. The one in Southlake offers the most attractions. Also try Urban Air Trampoline Park and Main Event (day passes seasonally available).
Shopping
This is like a Japanese version of Five Below. It's interesting and affordable, especially if you're looking for unique gifts for friends and family who couldn't make the trip with you.
11 mins away in the Parks Mall. This is also where Barnes and Noble and Cheesecake Factory are located. If you like pretzels, the mall also has an Auntie Ms and a Pretzelmaker.
Daiso
3811 South Cooper StreetThis is like a Japanese version of Five Below. It's interesting and affordable, especially if you're looking for unique gifts for friends and family who couldn't make the trip with you.
11 mins away in the Parks Mall. This is also where Barnes and Noble and Cheesecake Factory are located. If you like pretzels, the mall also has an Auntie Ms and a Pretzelmaker.
They have everything from socks to candy, stuffed animals to cook books, crafts to earbuds. If you'd like to pick up some affordable activity books and games during your stay, look here.
There's also a Dollar Tree in this plaza so you might pick up bubbles, crosswords, and glow sticks here as well.
This plaza also has IHOP, Chick-fil-a, Marshall's, a gym, and a beauty supply store.
Five Below
5240 South State Highway 360They have everything from socks to candy, stuffed animals to cook books, crafts to earbuds. If you'd like to pick up some affordable activity books and games during your stay, look here.
There's also a Dollar Tree in this plaza so you might pick up bubbles, crosswords, and glow sticks here as well.
This plaza also has IHOP, Chick-fil-a, Marshall's, a gym, and a beauty supply store.
Outdoor mall.
Nike. Coach. Tommy Hilfiger.
Auntie M's Pretzels.
114 locals raden deze aan
Grand Prairie Premium Outlets
2950 W Interstate 20Outdoor mall.
Nike. Coach. Tommy Hilfiger.
Auntie M's Pretzels.
Hey, some people like this place like I like book stores. If that's you, it's just 10 mins away.
Home Depot
3850 South Carrier ParkwayHey, some people like this place like I like book stores. If that's you, it's just 10 mins away.
Get decorating and decluttering ideas. Discuss them over lunch in the Ikea cafe.
44 locals raden deze aan
IKEA
7171 Ikea DrGet decorating and decluttering ideas. Discuss them over lunch in the Ikea cafe.
ALDI
2601 Bardin Rd5 mins. Stock up for peanuts.
Kroger
5665 E Mockingbird Ln5 mins
Target
554 I-209 mins
Walmart Supercenter
915 E Randol Mill Rd5 minutes
Popular Area Attractions
Are you planning to go to one of these popular places? Well, you're in good company. Thousands of people visit DFW every year to attend these venues.
Cowboys Stadium
1 AT&T WayGlobe Life Field
734 Stadium DrRipley's Believe It or Not!
601 E Palace PkwySix Flags Over Texas
2201 E Road to Six Flags StSix Flags Hurricane Harbor
1800 East Lamar BoulevardSightseeing
If you're looking for places to make memories, explore, and take great pics check these out...
This place is so cool because you can actually walk on dinosaur footprints! It boasts one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in the country. You can also go hiking and wading along the Paluxy River. Hidden fact: Fossilized human footprints can be seen here in the same limestone layer as the dinosaur ones.
107 locals raden deze aan
Dinosaur Valley State Park
1629 Park Rd 59This place is so cool because you can actually walk on dinosaur footprints! It boasts one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in the country. You can also go hiking and wading along the Paluxy River. Hidden fact: Fossilized human footprints can be seen here in the same limestone layer as the dinosaur ones.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland RdThis is a great place for you to stop and have lunch. Locals come here for Senior and Prom pics, dates, or just to hang out. You are even free to climb, jump, and otherwise explore the various pools and landscapes here. Btw, it's free.
196 locals raden deze aan
Fort Worth Water Gardens
West Lancaster AvenueThis is a great place for you to stop and have lunch. Locals come here for Senior and Prom pics, dates, or just to hang out. You are even free to climb, jump, and otherwise explore the various pools and landscapes here. Btw, it's free.
This place is so beautiful it can make a plant lover out of almost anyone. They also have a waterfall and a Japanese water garden with Koi.
220 locals raden deze aan
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden BlvdThis place is so beautiful it can make a plant lover out of almost anyone. They also have a waterfall and a Japanese water garden with Koi.
Reunion Tower
300 Reunion Blvd ELegend has it that a farmer was plowing and found a supremely large bone in his field. He contacted the authorities. They eventually dug up "the only [fossilized] nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in the U.S." How cool is that?
https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/waco-mammoth-national-monument
139 locals raden deze aan
Waco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend DrLegend has it that a farmer was plowing and found a supremely large bone in his field. He contacted the authorities. They eventually dug up "the only [fossilized] nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in the U.S." How cool is that?
https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/waco-mammoth-national-monument