Dallas is known for its chili, football, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, history, and art. It’s also home to one of Stellar’s amazing senior living communities, The Reserve at North Dallas! Dallas is a thriving metropolis with a population of over a million people, so you’re never short on things to do. Many seniors enjoy Dallas’ subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers. When the weather is too hot and humid to go out, there are tons of art and history museums and other indoor pursuits to enjoy.
Let’s explore a few of the many things to do near The Reserve at North Dallas!
World-Class Shopping and Dining
Dallas is known for its luxury shopping and dining destinations. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- Galleria Dallas, just a few miles down the road from The Reserve at North Dallas, includes high-end shopping, local art exhibits, tons of restaurants and eateries, and an ice skating rink. This upscale mall also has regular arts and culture events and holiday performances.
- NorthPark Center is also under 4 miles from The Reserve, and provides even more shopping, art, and dining options. There are more than 200 shops, with everything from Armani and Dolce and Gabbana to Tiffany and Co and Zara. You can also choose from over 35 dining options, including Shake Shack, Corner Bakery, La Madeleine, and Juice Bar. Enjoy incredible sculpture exhibits throughout NorthPark, as well as rotating exhibits. NorthPark is also known for its landscaping, with a central park featuring beautiful flowers and seasonal plants, as well as trees and lawns.
- Located in nearby Plano, Texas, Legacy West is a can’t-miss shopping destination as well. It’s a bustling urban village that includes The Shops at Legacy, as well as tons of restaurants and a trendy, upscale atmosphere.
- For a more low-key shopping and dining experience, try The Shops at Willow Bend, also in Plano. It’s a great option if you want a quieter, slower pace, with ample parking. It’s also a great place to take visiting grandkids, with a nice play area and the Crayola Experience.
History & Museums
Dallas also has plenty for those interested in more intellectual pursuits. The art and music scene is thriving, and this area is rich with history. Here are just a few of many options.
- While it’s a little further from North Dallas, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza is well worth the 20-minute drive. This museum is located within the building from which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and it chronicles the life, death, and legacy of JFK. The Sixth Floor is an essential destination for anyone interested in American history.
- The Mary Kay Museum, located at the Mary Kay global headquarters, has a free museum exploring the life of Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay, and the history of her iconic business, which launched in 1963. Seniors and their loved ones will find this walk down memory lane fun and nostalgic.
- Dallas Museum of Art features dozens of ever-changing exhibits that explore art all over the world. Best of all, the museum’s main exhibits are free! Please note that while the museum includes an underground parking garage, parking is not free. Current exhibits include everything from impressionist paintings by Matisse to ancient Islamic artifacts.
- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in central Dallas hosts ever-changing exhibits that highlight the miraculous beauty of the natural world. Permanent exhibits include the Rose Hall of Birds, interactive stargazing, gems and minerals, human anatomy, Texas Instruments engineering and innovation, sports science, an indoor nature walk, and a children’s area. The architecture of the museum itself is also inspiring! We recommend buying tickets online in advance for specific timed entry.
- Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas is a free and unique option. The museum is quiet and typically not too crowded, and they have spectacular rotating displays of Asian artifacts. Parking in the Arts district can be difficult to find, so plan ahead.
Art & Music
Dallas is home to tons of artists, musicians, performance halls, and galleries. Visit the downtown Dallas Arts District, located along Woodall Rodgers Freeway just north of Main Street and Downtown Historic District. Here are a few galleries and venues that might interest seniors of The Reserve and their families.
- The Nasher Sculpture Center is an experience you won’t want to miss. Catch a break from the busy city with peaceful outdoor exhibits and a lush garden, as well as indoor exhibits. The Center offers free admission some days of the month, so check the website if you want to see these incredible sculptures for free!
- Dallas Theater Center puts on some of the best regional theater performances in the country. As an added bonus, one of their venues is the Kalita Humphreys Theater, which is the only freestanding theater in the world that was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright.
- The Dallas Opera presents both traditional and modern operas that appeal to a wide variety of music enthusiasts.
- The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, also known as just The Meyerson, is a world-class concert hall featuring a variety of local performing arts groups.
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra will amaze and inspire both with classical musical performances, and more modern interpretations of songs from artists like The Beatles.
- Craighead Green Gallery is a local favorite for great contemporary and abstract art by local artists.
- Southwest Gallery is considered by many to be the best retail art gallery in Dallas. They have art in a wide variety of mediums from a huge variety of artists, so there’s truly something for everyone.
- Enjoy live music and great food and drinks at House of Blues Dallas. Make sure to buy a seat ticket, unless you want to end up in the standing-room-only space at the front of the venue.
Outdoor Activities
While Dallas is a densely populated city, you can still find green space and outdoor activities if you want to enjoy a mild Texas winter, fall, or spring. These are a few good outdoor choices for seniors and their families.
- Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to enjoy 66 acres of natural beauty. Plan on plenty of walking, and wear comfortable shoes. Admission is paid, so consider getting a membership if you’ll be a frequent visitor.
- Dallas Zoo is home to over 400 species of animals. It’s very large, so plan on breaks and supportive footwear, but it is also easy to navigate, mostly flat, and shaded. Online reservations will allow you to skip lines for specific exhibits or experiences.
- Klyde Warren Park is a lively urban park that was actually built over the freeway, providing a very uniquely Dallas experience. The park has lots of activities, food trucks, clean bathrooms, a fountain with a light/music show, and relaxing green spaces. It also has a great playground for any grandkids who may be visiting.
- Spend a day exploring White Rock Lake. You can bike, hike, walk, boat, or kayak, or just hang out by the reservoir and enjoy the view.
A big city like Dallas has something for everyone, including music, arts & culture, shopping and dining, history and science, and outdoor adventures. This is great news for residents and families of residents at The Reserve at North Dallas! Considering senior living in north Dallas? Our family advisors are waiting to help you tour The Reserve today!
