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Planning your trip to the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference

Its residents like to say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” which is one of the many reasons why the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference will take place in Dallas, October 10-12. As the fourth largest metropolitan area and ninth largest city in the United States, Dallas will keep you entertained and engaged when you’re outside the walls of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

Dallas features a lot more than brisket, cowboys and frozen margaritas — although, as the home of the creator of the frozen margarita machine, there are plenty of those. What started as a modest city in 1856, just 11 years after the United States annexed the Republic of Texas, quickly became a business and trading center by the end of the century and hasn’t let up since. Nowadays, “Big D” is home to a handful of professional sports teams, 11 Fortune 500 companies, and more than 41 colleges and universities. It also was named the fifth most diverse city in the United States by WalletHub in 2018 and was Bon Appétit’s Restaurant City of the Year in 2019.

If you haven’t already, register for the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference so you can join us and take advantage of all that NRPA and Dallas offer.

Things to Do

Dallas World Aquarium
Since its opening in 1992, the Dallas World Aquarium has been a great place to see a wide variety of aquatic life. It also features a rainforest exhibit that will make you feel like you are in South America.
Address: 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry) daily
Website: dwazoo.com
Admission: Adults and teens $29.95 plus tax, seniors (65+) $24.95 plus tax, children (ages 3-12) $19.95 plus tax, children (ages 2 and under) free

Dallas Museum of Art
With more than 25,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history, the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the 10 largest art museums in the country. Be sure to take advantage of all its offerings and its free admission!
Address: 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: Closed on Mondays; hours vary for other days; visit the website for more details
Website: dma.org
Admission: General admission is free, but guests are required to reserve a ticket for entrance.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Want to race a Tyrannosaurus rex? Journey through the universe? The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has you covered and will inspire minds of all ages.
Address: 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: Museum hours vary based on the day of the week and time of year; visit the website for details
Website: perotmuseum.org
Admission: Adults and teens (13+) $25, children $15

Crow Museum of Asian Art
Open since 1998, this museum is affiliated with the University of Texas at Dallas and invites visitors to explore and appreciate the arts and cultures of Asia.
Address: 2010 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
Website: crowcollection.org
Admission: Free

Reunion Tower
Looking to get your bearings after landing in Dallas? You won’t find a better 360-degree view of the city than on the Reunion Tower observation deck.
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd. E., Dallas, TX 75207
Hours: Depends on the day/events/availability; visit the website for more details
Website: reuniontower.com
Admission: Adults range from $19 and up; visit the website for more details

Cowboys Red River
If you want to feel like a real local and get some line dancing in, Cowboys Red River is a great spot to try it. With lessons offered regularly, as well as concerts and other events, this spot offers plenty for the beginner or the seasoned pro.
Address: 10310 Technology Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220
Hours: The time the doors to Cowboys Dancehall open will vary according to the event, but typically they open at 7 p.m.
Website: cowboysdancehall.com/Dallas
Admission: Ranges from free and up depending on the event. Guests must be 18 years old and older. Visit the website for more details.

Frontiers of Flight Museum
From the Wright brothers to Amelia Earhart to Neil Armstrong, the Frontiers of Flight Museum celebrates aviation and space flight history while inspiring and encouraging the next generation.
Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
Website: flightmuseum.com
Admission: Adults $12, seniors (65+) $10, youth (ages 3 to 17) $9, children (under 2) free

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
This library and museum features approximately 43,000 artifacts from the Bush presidency, as well as some of the president’s personal records over the course of his eight years.
Address: 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
Website: georgewbushlibrary.gov
Admission: Adults $26, children range from $20 and up

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
This is a must-visit stop for U.S. history buffs, as the museum is located within the infamous former Texas School Book Depository building. The museum details and explores the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
Address: 411 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
Website: jfk.org
Admission: Adults $18, seniors (65+) $16, youth (ages 6-18) $14, children (ages 5 and under) free

Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
The site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, Dealey Plaza has been an important gathering space for Dallas residents since the 1840s. Visit the website for a guided walking tour and interactive map of the area.
Address: 411 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202
Website: dealeyplaza.jfk.org

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Guided by internationally renowned Music Director Fabio Luisi, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra delivers uplifting, entertaining musical experiences.
Address: 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: Varies depending on performance; visit the website for more details
Website: dallassymphony.org
Admission: Varies depending on performance; visit the website for more details

Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures
Located right outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the sculpture garden at Pioneer Plaza depicts a cattle drive and features dozens of life-size bronze sculptures that bring to life what the Dallas of yesterday may have been like.
Address: 900 Jackson St., Dallas, TX 75202

American Airlines Center
As the arena where the Dallas Mavericks play, the American Airlines Center will give you a chance to watch one of the most exciting basketball players in the world, Luka Donˇci´c.
Address: 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Hours: Varies depending on schedule; visit the website for more details
Website: americanairlinescenter.com
Admission: Varies depending on schedule; visit the website for more details

North Park Center
This is Dallas’ premier shopping destination, which is home to more than 200 retailers and wonderful dining and art.
Address: 8687 N. Central Expy., Dallas, TX 75225
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
Website: northparkcenter.com
Admission: Free entrance for all ages

Dallas Zoo
Open 364 days a year, with more than 2,000 animals and 400 species, the Dallas Zoo is the largest in Texas and one of the largest in the country.
Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Fwy. (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: dallaszoo.com
Admission: Adults $20, children (ages 3 to 11) and seniors (65+) $16, children (under age 2) free

Bishop Arts District
Explore a fun neighborhood with many independently operated businesses and a lot of charm.
Address: Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX 75208
Website: bishopartsdistrict.com

Kessler Theater
Recognized as one of the best venues in the city and state, the Kessler Theater is a great place to go if you’re looking to catch some live music in a historic Art Deco theater.
Address: 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75208
Hours: Varies per performance; visit the website for more details
Website: thekessler.org
Admission: Varies per performance; visit the website for more details

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Founded in 1984 by a group of Dallas-area Holocaust survivors, the museum is one of just a few Holocaust-related museums or centers in the United States and the only Holocaust museum serving North Central Texas, as well as the adjacent states of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Address: 300 N. Houston, Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays
Website: dhhrm.org
Admission: Adults $19, students $12

Highland Park Village
Luxury retail brands, independent boutiques and delicious dining are all offered within a historic open-air setting that surely will be welcoming after a day inside the convention center.
Address: 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
Website: hpvillage.com

Meadows Museum
Open since 1965, the Meadows Museum seeks to educate visitors and celebrate the works and culture of Spain.
Address: 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Website: meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Admission: Adults $12, seniors $10, students $4

Rainbow Vomit
This immersive art experience in Dallas is perfect if you tend to find your eyes glazing over after the 10th or so painting in a traditional museum. Featuring more than 10,000 LEDs, 2,000 balloons, 300 pounds of cotton, four miles of ribbon and a life-sized unicorn, Rainbow Vomit absolutely will take care of your stimulus needs.
Address: 3609 Parry Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
Hours: 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
Website: rainbowvomit.com
Admission: Prices vary; visit the website for more details.

Winspear Opera House
Recognized as one of the finest opera houses in America, the Winspear is a 21st century reinterpretation of the traditional horseshoe-shaped opera house, engineered specifically for performance of opera and musical theatre with stages equipped for performance of ballet and other forms of dance.
Address: 2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: Varies per performance; visit the website for more details
Website: attpac.org/your-visit/venues/winspear-opera-house
Admission: Prices vary; visit the website for more details.

Medieval Times
Go back in time, explore the castle walls, and catch dinner and a show as you cheer on your team’s knight in the nightly tournament.
Address: 2021 N. Stemmons Fwy., Dallas, TX 75207
Hours: Varies depending on the day/performance; visit the website for more details
Website: medievaltimes.com/Dallas
Admission: Adults $67.95, children $40.95

Places to Eat

• Asian Mint (Sushi, Thai)
• Avanti Restaurant (Italian)
• Bugatti Ristorante (Italian)
• Cane Rosso (Italian)
• Celebration (American)
• Cindi’s NY Deli & Restaurant (American)
• Deep Ellum Brewing Company (Brewery)
• Delucca (Italian)
• Ellen’s (American)
• Fearing’s Restaurant (American)
• Hillstone (Bar, American)
• Hudson House (Seafood, American)
• Katy Trail Ice House (Bar, BBQ)
• Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill Bar (Bar, American)
• Las Palmas Tex-Mex (Mexican, Southwestern)
• Magg’ano’s Little Italy (Italian)
• Malai Kitchen (Thai, Vietnamese)
• Meso Maya Comida y Copas (Mexican, Southwestern)
• Mia’s Tex Mex (Mexican, Southwestern)
• Mike Ande’son’s BBQ House (BBQ, American)
• Nobu Dallas (Japanese, Seafood)
• Original Market Diner (American)
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Seafood, Cajun)
• Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (Steakhouse, American)
• rise n°1 (French)
• Rodeo Goat (Bar, American)
• S&D Oyster Company (Seafood, American)
• The Slow Bone (BBQ, American)
• Toulouse Café and Bar (French)
• Truck Yard (American)
• Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab (Seafood, American)
• YO Ranch Steakhouse (Steakhouse, American)

Parks

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218

Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas, TX 75201

Old City Park
1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75215

White Rock Lake Park
8300 E. Lawther Dr., Dallas, TX 75218

For additional information, visit conference.nrpa.org.

Chris Brummett is Production Coordinator for Parks & Recreation magazine.