Families love visiting Dallas, Texas because there are so many things to do here with kids. As the saying goes, “Everything is Bigger in Texas” and here even the malls are better offering activities for all ages. A trip to the Dallas Galleria mall is a destination all on its own with world class shopping, their famous indoor ice rink, restaurants, entertainment, and hotels.
For a weekend getaway, Dallas is one of our favorite places. It’s just 3 hours from Oklahoma City and we seem to road trip here more than any other place. Recently, we drove down for a conference held at the Westin Galleria Dallas and stayed the weekend as the hotel’s guest. We quickly discovered that we could “Stay and Play”, aka spend the entire weekend here without having to leave the property. If you are looking for more vacation ideas, check out these other road trips from Dallas
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Dallas Galleria Mall
Whether you’re planning a family weekend getaway or activities for the family while you are attending a conference, here’s where to find family fun at the Dallas Galleria.
Dallas Galleria Ice Skating Center
Ice skating is one of the first things anyone thinks of when they hear “Dallas Galleria”; well that and shopping {grin}. The ice rink is the main focal point at the center of the mall and can be viewed from every level. Skaters can rent skates or bring their own for hours of skating fun. Don’t know how to ice skate? The center offers skating lessons in addition to public sessions. Find pricing and session hours at the skate center’s website.
During the holidays, the mall’s Christmas tree is front and center ON the ice. The tree is literally centered on the ice and skaters can glide around it. It makes for festive photos.
Shopping
The Dallas Galleria mall is a true shopping destination. I know many Oklahoma City residents that look forward to a shopping weekend here. The Galleria offers a diverse assortment of stores ranging from high end retailers Louis Vuitton and Gucci, popular brands Lulelemon Athletica and True Religion, and retailers H&M and Macy’s.
XD Ride Adventure
Experience this 7D interactive simulator on the lower level of the mall, across from the skating rink. Here you’ll take your seat to see, hear, and feel like you are flying, falling, and really moving. Then grab your laser blaster and be part of the experience. It’s a fully immersive video game experience that you’ll want to try for yourself.
American Girl Dallas
Any doll collector will enjoy a visit to the American Girl store. Here in Dallas, you will find an interactive shopping and dining experience inspired by the American Doll characters. You can shop for new dolls, accessories, and gifts. There’s a doll spa and hospital too! Weekdays you can enjoy an afternoon tea in their bistro complete with mint tea or hot cocoa, savory bites, and lovely sweet treats. The bistro also offers brunch, lunch, and dinner.
If a trip to the American Girl store is high on your family’s list, book the American Girl Sweet Dreams Package at the Westin Galleria Dallas and make it a weekend trip to Dallas. The package includes nightly accommodation, take home bed for her American Girl doll, turn-down service, special kid sized robe and slippers.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Stuffed animal lovers will delight in creating your own stuffed bear, Disney character, or Baby Yoda (coming soon). Yes, Baby Yoda is coming to the workshop. I’m a little giddy at this development.
Artist Collective Exhibit
Throughout the Galleria, you’ll discover local artists featured. During our visit, The Color Condition were the featured artists. Their work featured colorful plastic streamers.
Westin Galleria Dallas
Attached to the Galleria Dallas mall, the Westin Galleria Dallas puts guests steps away from shopping and entertainment. This is a popular site for many types of traveller; business travelers, conference attendees, leisure travelers, and families. As I mentioned in the beginning, The Westin Galleria Dallas was the site for a conference we attended. It is so much more convenient to stay on-site when attending a conference and because it offers family-friendly amenities, it’s ideal for bringing the family for a bleisure (business/leisure) trip.
This AAA Four Diamond hotel is well known for providing award-winning service. But for us, it all comes down to the amenities. Families love the rooftop pool complete with cabanas and comfortable loungers. It was far too cold during our visit in February, but during the summer months, we could easily spend all day here.
Check rates and book your next vacation here.
This property is one of the few in the area that offers club level rooms with complimentary lounge access. Whenever I stay at a Marriott with this option, I book it. The club level room offers an upgraded room plus access to the concierge lounge with complimentary hot breakfast, midday snacks, freshly made to order coffee, and an evening reception with hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and sodas. It’s the perfect way to start and end the day.
The onsite Westin WORKOUT fitness center makes it easy to get in a run or stick to those fitness goals.
The hotel offers two on-site restaurants; Second Floor Inspired Kitchen and Oceanaire. Second Floor is a casual American eatery offering breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and a late-night menu. On each menu, you’ll see Westin’s “Be Well” movement promoting healthy menu options.
Off that “Be Well” menu, we had the Tuna Poke and Cast Iron Roasted Chicken with cauliflower. Off the regular menu, we had the lobster beignets and the Texan Burger with bacon jam. Each dish was artfully crafted and delightful! Dallas is filled with fantastic restaurants, but dining here is a MUST!
While you are here, treat yourself to room service too. Splurge a little and enjoy many of the same offerings from Second Floor delivered to your room. Enjoy a meal while lounging in a super comfy robe.
The Westin hosts special weekend packages throughout the year. This Mother’s Day they are teaming up with American Girl to provide a special one Mother’s Day Tea Learn more and get tickets at Eventbrite. https://wgdmotherstea.eventbrite.com.
Venture further out and discover:
- Escape The Room Dallas
- Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- For more Dallas fun, get Dallas CityPASSes and enjoy Dallas’s top attractions at a significant savings.
Thank you to Westin Galleria Dallas for complimentary accommodations and meals for research purposes. All opinions are our own.
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