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There's plenty to do with the family, from The Fort Worth Botanic Garden to The Mesquite Rodeo. Family Travel Forum's experts give the inside scoop.

For general information, contact the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800/232-5527 or 214/571-1000 or visit online at www.dallascvb.com. For information about attractions in the Greater Metroplex region, visit the Arlington C&VB at www.arlington.org or call 800/342-4305. For Family Travel Forum's advice on Dallas with the family, read on...

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Dallas Children's Museum & The Museum of Nature & Science
3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 South 2nd Avenue in Fair Park
Dallas, TX 75315
214/428-5555
Although once two separate entities, the Dallas Children's Museum and the Museum of Nature & Science have joined forces in a mission to become the ultimate family destination in northern Texas. Both are now both housed in the old site of the Museum of Nature & Science, with the Children's Museum dwelling in the downstairs of the former Science Place. Together these museums bring families fun exhibits, such as "Ice Age Dallas," which features a 10,000 year old mammoth fossil that was found by the banks of the Trinity River as well as other fossil models, the current location of Dallas; also on display is "Little Urban Farm"-- an exhibit that teaches the importance of agriculture. Also housed in these two Fair Park buildings are a 79-foot IMAX Theater and a Planetarium (both of which call for a separate admission fee). Make sure to frequent the website because every month there are different Family Festivals.

Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203
214/670-5656
Kids will enjoy the "Wilds of Africa" exhibit, the petting zoo, and the Kimberly Clark Chimpanzee Forest in this 50-acre zoo open from 9am-4pm daily. There is also the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo which features a Pony Trek. Visitors less than 80 pounds mount a pony and trot around for a few minutes. Also, for an extra charge of $2.50, families can hop on the monorail for a 20-minute tour of the zoo. Children under two years old ride free. Or for $2.00, the Endangered Species Carousel might be for you. Admission to the zoo is $8.75 for adults; children aged 3-11 are $5.75 and those under two are free.

Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817/759-7555
This enormous zoo offers an even more impressive collection than the Dallas Zoo, and its shaded grounds are perfect for strolling. There are more than 5,000 species on display including rare specimens such as komodo dragons, rhinoceroses and white tigers. A very kid-friendly, 8-acre addition highlights native Texan animals in a Wild West style setting. Admission is half-price every Wednesday.

Dallas World Aquarium
1801 North Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214/720-2224
This aquarium and environmental learning center offers excellent exhibits of marine wildlife along with themed exhibits. A special added attraction is the American rain forest exhibit featuring plant life and wildlife indigenous to the largest river in Venezuela. Take your family down the bamboo-planked path into the heart of the jungle to observe manatees, crocodiles and piranhas.

Dallas Puppet Theater
3905 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226
214/515-0004
Reservations are required at this delightful little puppet theater whose performers most often reenact classic versions of popular children's fairy tales such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

Dallas Firefighters Museum
3801 Parry Avenue (across from Fair Park)
Dallas, TX 75226
214/821-1500
This inexpensive museum constructed from a vintage fire station features rare firefighting memorabilia. Keep in mind that the museum is closed from Sunday to Tuesday.