The Top Indoor Play Areas in Dallas-Fort Worth

We count ourselves lucky to live in an area with beautiful parks, ample options for outdoor play and lots of playgrounds with equipment for babies and toddlers and for kids of all abilities. But on summer days when you need a retreat from the heat or to escape the winter cold, turn to this list of indoor playgrounds—many of them free—for the next time your brood needs to get the wiggles out.

Note that open hours and prices are subject to change.

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Low-Cost Playgrounds

screenPLAY!

Want to watch those summer blockbusters? Bring your littles along with you to B&B Theatres and let them loose inside this incredible playground with tubes and slides built into the side of the auditorium, and even a toddler area in front of the screen. It’s included with your movie ticket, and you’re welcome to enter the theater starting 30 minutes before the movie.
Where: B&B Theatres at 615 N. I-35 East Road, Red Oak
711 Woodbridge Parkway, Wylie
Open hours: Times vary by movie, open daily
Contact: Red Oak: 469/373-7473; Wylie: 972/419-8505
Cost: Included with reserved seating tickets. Pricing varies by theater and showtime. Free for children under 3.
Learn more: bbtheatres.com/screenplay

Explorium Denton Children’s Museum

It’s called a museum but your kids will love playing and exploring its all-ages activities that allow them to explore math, science and technology. The museum also offers sensory friendly hours every second Saturday of the month (October through May only) from 9–10am, Toddler Takeovers with extra fun every Wednesday, and Tinkering Thursday afternoon for extra STEM fun.

Where: 5800 Interstate 35; Denton
Open hours: 9am–5pm Wednesday–Saturday
Contact: 940/320-5444
Cost: $5 for adults; $6 children; free for babies held in a carrier or in a stroller. Free for members.
Learn more: exploriumdenton.org

CheerLand Play & Party

This cool new spot is not only super fun but also really pretty. You won’t be able to resist snapping photos of your kids as they slide down a light-up piano slide that spills out into a ball pit, and then feed the pastel-colored balls into tubes that shoot up and rain the balls down back onto them like raindrops. Quite possibly the cutest play area, though, is the Little Engineers area with toy cars on lifts so kids can play pretend as car mechanics. You’ve got to see it. And more locations are popping up in and around Collin County, including a just-opened location in Melissa and another expected to open in Prosper.

Where: 3935 S. Lake Forest Drive, McKinney; 469/678-5088
2410 E Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 100, Little Elm; 682/888-9212
2111 McKinney Street, Suite 200, Melissa; 972/535-5588
Open hours: Each location is open Monday–Thursday 9am–5:30pm; Friday–Sunday 9am–8pm
Cost: $15.99 per child for 2 hours of play, or $19.99 for all day
Learn more: cheerlandusa.com

Dino Kidz

Under the eye of friendly cartoon dinosaurs, your littles will while away the hours riding a soft mini carousel, banging on a drum set, and enjoy much more tactile play. Both of these two locations are best for babies as young as 10 months old and up to 7-year-olds.

Where: 1201 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 112, Allen
Open hours: Allen: 9am–7pm Monday–Thursday; 9am–5:30pm Friday; 9:30am–noon Saturday; 9:30am–noon and 3–5pm Sunday
Contact: Allen: 469/656-1607
Where: 2540 King Arthur Blvd., Suite 100, Lewisville
Open hours: Lewisville: 9am–7pm Sunday–Friday; 9am–4pm Saturday
Contact: Lewisville: 972/410-0032
Cost: Pricing for open play at both locations is $13.99 per child; one adult gets in free with each child; $5 per additional adult, free for baby siblings 9 months and younger
Learn more: dinokidz-allen.com and dinokidz-castlehills.com

RELATED: Where to See Dinosaurs on Exhibit Around Dallas-Fort Worth

Imagination Station FTW

Take your kids 6 and under for unstructured play and dress-up at this venue owned and run by these local parents of two. It’s part indoor playspace designed for kids 6 and younger, part boutique, and part party venue. Parents and caregivers are welcome to bring their own snacks during open play hours, which includes two hours of fun in the play area and complimentary coffee and water. Go online to reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

Where: 6108 Southwest Blvd, Benbrook
Open hours: 9am–5pm Tuesday through Friday; 9am–1pm Saturday; Sunday: reserved for parties; closed Monday
Contact: 682/255-5337
Cost: Open play rate is $12.99 for the first child (all ages); $12.99 per additional child ages 1 and older. $6.50 add-on option for younger siblings ages 6–11 months. Children under 6 months are always free with a paying sibling. Monthly memberships are available too: $65 for the first child, $25 per additional child, and free for children under 6 months old with a paying sibling. Plus, you get a 10% discount on event reservations.
Learn more: imaginationstationftw.com

Kid Mania

Playground meets maze at this two-story play park, open at two locations. In addition to winding through the usual jungle of swings and slides, kids glide along the zip line, bounce on trampolines and climb through an increasingly difficult obstacle course called The Challenge Path. While there are no age restrictions on the play maze, the littlest ones can play safely in a special toddler area for ages 3 and younger. Socks required.

Where: 7252 Chase Oaks Boulevard, Plano; and 9101 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Fort Worth
Open hours: Monday–Thursday 10am–9pm; Friday 10am–10pm; Saturday 9am–10pm; Sunday 11am–8pm
Contact: Plano: 972/517-7800; Fort Worth: 682/703-8440
Cost: $1 for adults 19 and older; $12.99 for 3 to 18-year-olds; $3.99 for 1 to 2-year olds; free for infants; individual and family passes available
Learn more: kidmania.com

Kids Adventure Playhouse

This Keller play place has got a jungle gym play with slides, bounce houses and a set of Big Blue Blocks for creative building. Check out the virtual tour here for a great look through the play spaces. You’ll need to bring nonslip socks (or if you need a pair, they’re available for $2).  They’ve also got a toddler area for 2 years and under.

Where: 5950 Park Vista Circle, Suite 120, Keller
Open hours: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4pm for open play; closed on weekends for reserved parties.
Contact: 817/697-4899
Cost: $10 for children 6–23 months; $12 for 2 to 10-year-olds; $10 sibling discount
Learn more: kidsadventureplayhouse.com

The Ark at GracePoint Church

This playground at GracePoint Church encompasses two separate play areas that are both completely see-through so parents can keep a close eye on the action even from the seating area. Bigger kids embark on a Noah’s ark-themed structure with a three-story wavy blue slide and lots of obstacles, like a cargo net, bridges and suspended tether-style balls. Littler ones play on a smaller, underwater-themed structure with a double slide, interactive puzzles on the walls and a ball pit. Socks required.

Where: 590 S. Denton Tap Road, Coppell
Open hours: Summer hours are Monday and Wednesday 3–5pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 10am–noon
Contact: 972/462-1643
Cost: $2 per child 1–10; max of $5 per family; free for children under 1 and for adults;
Learn more: gracepointcoppell.org/ark

Legoland Discovery Center

Budding builders scope out Lego exhibits like a scale model of AT&T Stadium before setting off to fashion their own creations. Preschoolers ages 2–5 construct forts and buildings out of large Duplo bricks in Duplo village while older engineers use Legos (and their imaginations) at the Build & Test station. Kids 40–57 inches tall can also play in the fire station-themed playground and drive an automated Lego-style car around an indoor track.

Where: 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine (next to SeaLife Aquarium)
Open hours: Monday–Friday 10am–5pm (last entry at 3:30pm); Saturday 10am–8pm (last entry at 6pm); Sunday 11am–5pm (last entry at 3pm)
Contact: 469/444-3050
Cost: Admission from $19.99 online in advance; free for kids under 2; bundles available for SeaLife and Peppa Pig’s play center, all within Grapevine Mills
Learn more: legolanddiscoverycenter.com/dallas-fw

Peppa Pig World of Play

Yes, in addition to the theme park that’s opening in North Richland Hills later in 2024, this smaller indoor attraction has 14 play areas like Peppa’s treehouse, a supermarket and Grandpa Pig’s train. It’s designed for preschoolers, but children 8 or younger are welcome.

Where: 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine (closest mall entrance between Burlington and Fieldhouse USA)
Open hours: Open daily Monday–Thursday 10am–6pm (last entry at 4pm); Friday–Sunday 10am–7pm (last entry at 5pm)
Contact: 214/285-9110
Cost: You’ll get the best prices when booking online and in advance: from $18.99 for kids 1–8 years old; adult/child combos available to Peppa Pig, Legoland and SeaLife (all inside Grapevine Mills)
Learn more: peppapigworldofplay.com/dallasfw

Colors of the Alphabet

Opened in late 2024 as an indoor play space designed for all children, Colors of the Alphabet is specifically for kids with autism and sensory needs in mind. Here, crawlers up to age 12 can engage in sensory-friendly activities tailored to their needs. Owned by an autism mom and former teacher, the space will offer day camps over the summer hands-on sensory experiences, as well as free play.

Where: 6039 Precinct Line Road, Suite 170, North Richland Hills
Open hours: 9am–6pm Tuesday–Friday; 1–4pm Saturday; closed Sunday–Monday
Contact: 682/703-0490
Cost: Open play is $12; no pass needed for parents
Learn more: colorsofthealphabet.com

Bright Side Play

For your littles kids—from 6 months through 6-year-olds—Bright Side offers a playscape for climbing, interactive walls and pretend play, and there’s, of course, a soft area for toddlers. This indoor playground also hosts weekly classes focusing on crafts, LEGO building, and music and movement too.

Where: 445 West Southlake Blvd., Suite 100; Southlake
Open hours: 9:30am–6pm Monday–Thursday; 9:30am–4pm Friday; closed for private parties on Saturdays and Sunday
Cost: Weekday open play is $14.99 for 2 hours; free for adults
Learn more: brightsideplay.com 

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PeeknPlay

At this indoor playground ages 8 and younger, you’ll find a kid-sized play town with a colorful ball pit, party rooms and more. Let kids explore the miniature village or climb to the top of a magical treehouse and then slide into a pit of colorful balls. Kids can explore multi-level play structures, slides, climbing areas, and interactive games designed to spark imagination and physical activity. Note that they may close the venues for private birthday parties.

Where: 4060 N. Collins St., Suite 170, Arlington
1951 FM 423, Suite 500, Frisco
2805 E. Grapevine Mills Circle, Suite 150, Grapevine
3700 McKinney Ranch Pkwy., Suite 100, McKinney
Open hours: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday (all except for Grapevine, which opens at 10am weekdays and is closed Tuesdays). For weekends hours, check the social pages for the individual locations, as they’re announced.
Cost: $14 per child for all-day play, free for adults. They also offer memberships and even group passes for repeat playtimes.
Learn more: peeknplayarea.com

Cheeky Monkeys

For kids age 10 months to 8 years who love to climb, these indoor play places (with nine locations in DFW) offer plenty of safe space for your kids to roam. The multi-level play structure with slides and all the play areas have soft padding, and each location has a dedicated toddler area, too, with a building blocks zone and life-size playhouse for kids under 4 years.

Where: Arlington, Colleyville, Casa Linda (Dallas), Fairview, North Fort Worth, Castle Hills (The Colony), Highland Village, and Plano
Open hours: Open times may vary slightly by franchise but most are 9am–6pm Sunday–Thursday; 9am–8pm Friday–Saturday.
Cost: May slightly vary by location but generally admissions is $14.99 for 1-hour play, $16.99 for 2-hour, $19.99 for all-day play, free for adults.
Learn more: cheekymonkeys.us  

Wonder 6 Playground

Designed for children 12 and younger, this indoor play space is bright and cheery and features a zipline, carousel swing, trampolines and more. The venue also hosts weekly music workshops for littles. Note that Wonder 6 will close to the public if they’ve got a private party scheduled, so call before you come.

Where: 2535 E. Arkansas Ln., Suite 333, Arlington
Open hours: 10am–6pm Monday–Thursday; 10am–8pm Friday–Sunday
Cost: $14.95 for all-day play, with passes available for multiple visits. They also offer a discounted price, $7.95, for kids under 1 year old, kids who have special needs, or foster children.
Learn more: wonder6playground.com 

KidTopia

Designed for kids 2 to 8-year-olds, this play space has all they’ll want for indoor fun—interactive play zones, slides and carousels. And with a kids’ theater, supermarket and play hospital, there are plenty of opportunities for pretend play while parents can sit back and enjoy some coffee. Their website is easy to book your timed visit and prepay admission.

Where: 2700 Old Denton Rd., Suite 116, Carrollton
Open hours: 9am–7pm Monday–Thursday; 8:30am–8pm Friday–Sunday
Cost: $13.99 general admission for all-day play; $10.99 for siblings. Free admission for crawling babies 11 months and younger if you’re bringing an older, paying child. If you’re only bringing your baby, it’s $4.99.
Learn more: kidtopiausa.com

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Kids act out their aviation dreams in the Children’s Discovery Area of Frontiers Flight Museum, the aviation and flight museum adjacent to Dallas Love Field. Geared toward kids up to about 7 years old, the large open play space houses a multi-level control tower with a small toy plane for kids to fly, a large plane-shaped play structure, a teeter-totter, tree house for toddlers, and a mini theater for screenings of Elmo talking to an astronaut.

Where: 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas
Open hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 1–5pm
Contact: 214/350-3600
Cost: Day passes are $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 3–17, free for 2 and younger; memberships available
Learn more: flightmuseum.com

RELATED: Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Museums in Dallas-Fort Worth

Play Street Museums

Kids can stretch their imaginative muscles at half a dozen different Play Street Museum locations, each with its own theme, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Offering simple materials for big creativity, each Play Street Museum is set up according to its location’s theme, such as Downtown Dallas, airports or the farm. Kids can roam into each section and role play using the props provided, such as pots and pans in a kitchen. Although the museums are open weekdays, there is usually a lull in the action around lunchtime if you prefer less of a crowd.

Where: Allen, Lake Highlands/Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Mansfield, McKinney, Murphy and Plano
Open hours: Check each location’s calendar for open play and special events
Cost: May slightly vary by location but generally admissions is $14 for each child 1–8 years olds; children younger or older are free if accompanied by a paying sibling
Learn more: playstreetmuseum.com

Down to Play

Opened summer 2024 by a local family in honor of their 2-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, Down to Play is a fully accessible play area featuring a 3,500-square-foot play structure, a toddler and baby area, and a sensory room for any kiddos who may need to take a break. Caregivers will feel just as welcome here too—the space has plenty of seating, TVs playing all the sports and a snack bar with freshly brewed LDU coffee.

Where: 6464 E. NW Highway, Suite 138, Dallas
Open hours: 9am–7pm daily 
Contact: 214/484-7258
Cost: $20 for all-day open play also includes two adults per child; $5 for additional adult.
Learn more: downtoplay.com

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Playgrounds Worth the Splurge

KidZania

Located inside Stonebriar Centre, this 80,000-square-foot indoor play area is a mini city of mega proportions. Set up as a mini city, the Frisco location has 55 different experiences for kids 12 and younger to try out future careers as pilots, firefighters, actors, doctors. Kids will also be able to earn kidZos, or play money, as they work in their respective jobs. The goal here is to teach kids early on how money flow works in the real world. Plus, there’s an upstairs parents lounge to take a breather.

Where: 2601 Preston Road, Suite 3011, Frisco
Open hours: Friday 2–8pm; Saturdays noon–7pm; Sunday noon–6pm; closed Monday–Thursday
Contact: 214/618-0248; info@kidzaniausa.com
Cost: Admission starts at $47.95 for children; from $14.95 for toddlers; under 2 free; from $14.95 for adults and teens 15 and older
Learn more: dallas.kidzaniausa.com

Camp Dallas

This is a part-toy store, part-play experience where your kids can not only test out lots of toys but also join crafty activities like painting ceramics or making their own slime from the Schmutz Schtation Slime Bar. CAMP recently wrapped up its Mickey & Friends play experience, and we’re keeping our eye peeled for what other rotating Disney exhibit will be heading to Dallas next.

Where: The Hill, 9830 North Central Expressway, Dallas
Open hours: noon–5pm Monday–Thursday; 9:30am–5:30pm Friday–Sunday
Contact: 214/612-0451
Cost: Pricing varies by activity; free entry to store
Learn more: camp.com/dallas

The PlayPocket

If you’re looking to plan a summer playdate but don’t necessarily want a gaggle of kids running through your house, check out The PlayPocket, a just-opened kid-friendly event space for private playdates, parties, etc. The all-ages space also plays host to a monthly sensory playdate and special events throughout the year that range from parenting and CPR classes to painting parties.

Where: 5015 El Campo Ave., Fort Worth
Open hours: Available by reservation
Contact: theplaypocket@theplayspacefw.com
Cost: Pricing varies by booking or special event.
Learn more: theplaypocketfw.com

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Free Playgrounds

Monster Yogurt

Families get satisfy their sweet tooth than with a healthy snack while the kids get some playtime inside the Monster Cave indoor play place for ages 3 and up. Choose from dozens of flavors of nonfat frozen yogurt, Greek yogurts and sorbets. (Dairy and dairy-free options available too). There’s always something wacky and tasty to try, and complimentary coffee for parents. The Richardson location has an outdoor patio as well.

Where: 1360 W. Campbell Rd., Suite 101, Richardson
9540 Garland Rd., Suite 394, Dallas
Open hours: 11am–10pm Monday–Saturday; noon–9pm Sunday
Cost: There’s no admission for the play place, but it’s technically for customers who are purchasing yogurt, so come hungry.
Learn more: scarytastesgood.com

Indoor Playground at Irving Bible Church

Free and open to the community, here’s a great spot for kids who love to climb and scramble and also for toddlers who can enjoy the smaller structures. Gone are the “Tubes” of years before. The church opened this new expansion of the indoor playground in April 2024. Bonus: their Cuppa espresso bar is just down the hall.

Where: 2435 Kinwest Pkwy., Irving
Open hours: During regular campus hours, usually 9am–7pm daily
Cost: Free
Learn more: irvingbible.org

Watermark Dallas

The three-story Tree Fort playground offers appropriate play for all ages. Toddlers play it safe on the base level with padded climbing equipment and slides, while the older set climb stairs to the more daring upper levels where they can navigate a string of netted walkways and bridges. Accompany kids to the top or monitor them from the ground below. After, grab a coffee in the adjacent lounge where comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a full-service cafe await.

Where: 7540 LBJ Freeway, Dallas
Open hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm; Saturday 8am–1pm; closed Sunday
Contact: 214/361-2275
Cost: Free
Learn more: watermark.org

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KIDZ Indoor Playground at Prestonwood Baptist Church

The tunneled blue slide rivals the slides of most outdoor playgrounds — it’s a twisty three-story drop with a matted landing that simulates a waterslide experience. But the obstacle course-style structure isn’t just for mini daredevils. It also has climbing equipment, smaller slides and soft mats ideal for all kiddos ages 10 and younger. Take a quick break at the nearby Main Street Café, which serves both kid- and adult-friendly options such as salads and pizza. Kids must check in at the KIDZ Central Desk before they can use the structure.

Where: Plano campus, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano
Open hours: Monday–Friday 10am–4pm; closed Saturday; open Sunday 9–9:30am for church attendees only
Contact: 972/820-5000
Cost: Free
Learn more: prestonwood.org

Wesley Playground at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church

Have a seat at the nearby coffee bar and let your kids ages 3–11 jump, slide and climb through the playground. They’ll love the netted climbing area and maze of colorful tunnels and slides, while parents appreciate the see-through mesh siding that allows them to keep a close eye on the kids as they navigate the tree-themed structure. Kiddos ages 3 and younger avoid bumps with the big kids by playing in a separate, extra-padded area just for toddlers. Socks required.

Where: 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake
Open hours: Open daily as early as 8am Sunday–Friday, and open 5–8pm Saturday. See hours here.
Contact: 817/481-4147
Cost: Free
Learn more: whiteschapel.org

The Playscape at The Hills Church

The Playscape has all the mainstays to keep energetic preschoolers and elementary-age kids entertained — including a colorful three-story structure ideal for climbing and a long tube slide. Parents like the playground’s convenient evening and weekend hours and the comfy chairs they can monitor the kids from. Kids favorite the rope netting bridge and tubes that spin while they’re inside. The church’s Fort Worth and Southlake locations also have indoor playgrounds available, but they are smaller and generally used for party rentals.

Where: NRH campus, 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday 3–5pm; Monday–Thursday 5–6:30pm; closed Friday
Where: West Fort Worth campus, 2828 Longvue Avenue, Fort Worth
Open hours: Only on Monday 10am–2pm
Contact: 817/281-0773
Cost: Free
Learn more: thehills.org/playscape

Tell us about your favorite playgrounds and play places by emailing editorial@dfwchild.com.

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Top image of screenPLAY! courtesy of B&B Theatres