Are you a homescooler? Dallas is an amazing place to homeschool! The Dallas area has a huge variety of museums, galleries, aquariums, and nature preserves, and many of them cater to the modern homeschool family by offering free and discounted days. Here is a list of places where families are able enjoy the many educational and fun attractions Dallas has to offer while avoiding the weekend crowds and general admission fees.
Homeschool Days in Dallas
Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine Mills Mall offers a homeschool week twice a year. Discounted prices are $10 per person and include a workshop in their party room. Workshops start at different times throughout the day, on the hour or on the half hour. The discounted prices are honored from 10 - 3, but once you're in you can stay as long as you want. The week isn't usually scheduled far in advance so find them on Facebook to keep in the loop. Don't forget your socks!
Sea Life Aquarium offers a homeschool week identical to Legoland. $10 admission from 10-3. There are different workshops or talks set up throughout the day so check out the schedule before making your plans. Find them on Facebook here.
Nasher Sculpture Garden hosts several homeschool days throughout the year, one for younger elementary aged children and one for teens. The program is free and includes a guided tour, hands on activities, a craft, and the opportunity to stay and explore the gallery afterwards. Registration is required and classes do fill up. The Nasher does not have it's own dedicated parking so plan to pay for downtown parking. *The class is free however there is a deposit required upon registration
Fair Park Children's Aquarium homeschool day is a real treat and can turn into a full day experience. The date changes yearly but hours are typically 9-1. Activities are set up throughout the aquarium and the Fair Grounds are fun to explore even after all the events and activities have shut down. You also receive 50% Discount on Same-Day Admission to Texas Discovery Gardens
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch is located in Pilots Point, about an hour from downtown Dallas. They offer a homeschool day once or twice a year and will schedule homeschool field trips for a discounted rate. Talks and demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. Find them on Facebook for their next event.
Dallas Zoo has an interactive, activity filled, homeschool day a couple times a year. Discounted rates are $5 per person with $8 parking rates and the activities run from 9-3. Preregistration is required for the discounted rates. Note they have a rain or shine policy and will not cancel or issue refunds due to poor weather conditions.
Precision Gymnastics in Richardson offers three homeschool days every week excluding school holidays. Classes run from 12:30-2:30 Monday, Thursday, and Friday. The discounted rate is $5 per child and includes an hour and a half of group instruction and half an hour of free play. The groups are broken up by age and sex and there is usually a large range of kids from 4-teens.
Elevate in Mckinney is trampoline park that has a homeschool day on Thursdays excluding school holidays. Hours are 12-5 with admission prices $5 for two jump hours or $8 for three hours of jumping.
Hawaiian Falls plans a homeschool day before the official start of their summer season. In other words, before school is out. Their current offer is $20 all day admission and includes a hotdog, bag of chips, and refillable soft drinks for the day. The park is open to some schools groups but is typically not too busy.
Allen Community Skate Homeschool Openskate is on Fridays 12:45-2:45 with $5 admission and includes skate rentals.
Sandy Lake Amusement Park Homeschool Day runs from 10-4. WITH a printed coupon admission is $10 per person, $5 extra for swimming - cash only. Rides, animals, shows, and more make for a fun day out. Pack a picnic or buy lunch there. Be sure and read their rules on their coupon before planning your day.
Other Discounted Homeschool Field Trips Ideas
These places don't have dedicated homeschool days, however they will schedule group trips subject to their terms.
Trinity River Audubon is filled with trails and has a small interactive museum. They also offers a Free Third Thursday much of the year. Check their calendar or call to confirm.
Dallas Museum of Art offers free docent-guided tours to homeschool groups. The tour typically caters to your group's age and includes an activity or craft and sometimes even admission to the special temporary exhibits. Admission to the main gallery is always free, parking under the museum is $10. Read and register about tour here.
Dallas Arboretum offers discount days throughout the year and will schedule interactive field trips for homeschool groups. Call for more info
