With fall break happening from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19, there’s a lot of time to get out and do things. Whether you just need a break from homework, tests, and waking up early, want to explore some new spots or familiar ones, or just spend time with friends, Dallas has it all.
One of the most popular places to visit this season in Dallas is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, home to the popular Autumn at the Arboretum festival. This event transforms the already impressive gardens into a complete fall wonderland filled with over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash, all arranged into creative designs and displays that are perfect for photos. Many people come every year to see the beautiful Pumpkin Village, take pictures, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
If you want to stay closer to the heart of the city, Klyde Warren Park is a great choice. It’s located right in downtown Dallas and has everything from food trucks to games, and even yoga classes. There’s always some kind of free event going on during the week. Whether you just want some good food for a picnic, listen to live music, or hang out with friends, this park is a great spot. If you walk a few blocks over, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center are both free and have incredible displays of timeless artwork — perfect for anyone who wants to do something indoors.
For the foodies and skyline lovers, the Bishop Arts District and Trinity Groves are two real hotspots in Dallas that attract a lot of visitors. The Bishop Arts District is packed with popular small restaurants, dessert shops, and local stores, making it a great place for a little shopping spree. Trinity Groves, on the other hand, sits right next to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and has one of the best skyline views in the entire city. The best time to go is definitely at sunset, as the sun starts to disappear behind the skyline. It also has several restaurants, just like Bishop Arts, and makes for an amazing dinner spot with a view.
The most important place to visit, if you haven’t been in a while, is definitely the State Fair of Texas. It’s worth checking out again because every year there’s something new to see or try. With a full week off, you can really take your time and enjoy the fair without worrying about school. Since fall break is your last chance to go before it closes, it’s worth the trip. From giant rides and roller coasters to incredible fair food, there’s something for everyone. The massive turkey legs, fried Oreos, and deep-fried cookie dough are fan favorites. Before you leave, make sure to take a picture with Big Tex — just stand back far enough to fit his 55-foot-tall frame in your photo!
If you want to go somewhere quieter, Dallas has plenty of spots to unwind and relax. You can watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse or Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, or, if movies aren’t your thing, go shopping at some of Dallas’s biggest malls like NorthPark Center or Galleria Dallas. If walking too much isn’t your move, spend the afternoon at a cozy, upscale coffee shop like La La Land Kind Café or Foxtrot. If you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, White Rock Lake and Cedar Ridge Preserve have beautiful trails that are great for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the sunset.
If all of this isn’t really your speed, you can take a short road trip to nearby towns like Fort Worth, Grapevine, or McKinney. Fort Worth offers amazing stockyards that feature rodeos and classic western-style fun. Grapevine’s Main Street is decorated for fall, with cozy shops and seasonal treats. McKinney’s historic downtown has wonderful antique stores and local restaurants that make you feel like you’re in a small town rather than a huge metropolitan area.
However you spend your week off — whether you’re exploring Dallas, hanging out with friends, or catching up on sleep — the city offers plenty of opportunities to make your fall break unforgettable. From amazing exhibits and events to its beautiful skyline, there’s something for everyone. So relax, enjoy the weather, and make the most of your time off — you’ve earned it.