Planning a visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas? Whether you're a local looking for a fun weekend activity or visiting the city with kids in tow, this guide will help you make the most of your day.
From tips on parking and ticketing to info on the exhibits and newly renovated children's museum, here's everything you need to know before you go, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time exploring.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in Victory Park, opened its striking facility in 2012 and has continued to expand and evolve ever since. Designed by award-winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis, the building itself is a work of art. But it’s not just eye-catching, it's also environmentally conscious, featuring a rainwater collection system, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient systems throughout.
Inside, the museum is packed with exhibits that bring science, nature, and technology to life. It features a 297-seat 4K/RealD 3D theater for immersive educational films, along with permanent and rotating exhibits that cover everything from space to engineering to paleontology. And while the newly renovated Moody Family Children’s Museum is a must for younger visitors, the Perot Museum isn’t just for kids. Adults will find plenty to love too. I’ve been with my kids several times over the years, and every visit is just as fun and fascinating as the last.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
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Getting There & Parking
We usually drive, but just a heads-up: there can be a bit of a traffic build-up getting into the lot. On our last visit, we hit standstill traffic right in front of the museum that added an extra 10–15 minutes to our journey. The museum’s designated lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends or holidays. Fortunately, there’s a second paid lot right next to it that’s super affordable, just 75 cents an hour, with a 4-hour max. If you prefer public transit, the museum is also easily accessible via DART.
Tickets & Timed Entry
I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. You can add on any extras like films, traveling exhibits, or the children's museum when you check out. Just keep in mind that many of the special exhibitions require timed entry, so have a rough idea of your schedule before booking.
How to Navigate the Museum
Once you're inside and have your tickets scanned, I recommend taking the elevator up to the 4th floor and work your way down. That’s the easiest and most logical flow for seeing everything without backtracking.
Digital maps are available via QR codes throughout the museum (which helps when you're trying to find your way to the earthquake simulator again!).
Level 4: Start Big - Dinosaurs and the Cosmos
T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall
This is where the wow factor begins. Towering dinosaur skeletons (including a terrifyingly huge T. rex), ancient fossils, and life-size replicas fill this space. You’ll walk under a flying Pterosaur, explore early life on Earth, and even touch real fossilized bones. It’s incredibly immersive and a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Expanding Universe Hall
A mind-bending look at outer space, the universe’s formation, and black holes. There are interactive models, videos, and engaging visual displays that help make astrophysics a bit more digestible (even for little ones). My kids loved the hands-on gravity exhibits.
Rose Hall of Birds
This exhibit dives into the evolution of birds. You can compare wingspans, test your bird calls, and even try flapping your arms to simulate different kinds of flight.
Level 3: Earth, Energy, and Sparkly Rocks
Tom Hunt Energy Hall
An interactive journey through the energy industry, from fossil fuels to renewables. You can try your hand at powering a city, manipulate oil rigs, and watch short videos that explain how energy powers our world. It’s especially interesting for older kids and teens.
Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth Hall
This exhibit is loud and engaging. You’ll learn about natural disasters, tectonic plates, volcanoes, and the earthquake simulator, which was a huge hit with my kids. Stand on the platform and feel what a real quake might feel like. There’s also a cool hurricane simulation tunnel and immersive storm footage and a topographic map you can really dig your hands into.
Lydia Hill Gems and Minerals Hall
This space feels like stepping into a treasure chest. There are massive crystals, glowing geodes, rare minerals and walls of sparkling gemstones. Even if rocks aren't normally your thing (can't say they've ever been my thing to be honest), this hall is visually stunning.
Level 2: The Human Experience and Hands-On Innovation
Being Human Hall
This exhibit explores what makes us human: our brain, body, senses, and emotions. There are mirror illusions, brain games, and interactive stations that test your memory, and perception. Lila and I really enjoyed testing who had the best balance!
Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall
This is where things get really hands-on. Kids can build and test things, play with circuit boards, launch objects with air power and even program robots. There are also remote control cars that teach basic mechanics and design thinking in a fun, playful way.
Discovering Life Hall
A deep dive into biology, habitats, and ecosystems. Kids can peer through microscopes, interact with animal specimens, and explore how life adapts to different environments.
Lower Level: All About Play, Sports, and Special Exhibits
Moody Family Children’s Museum (Newly Renovated!)
The updated children’s museum is bright, inviting, and packed with hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. It’s clearly designed with younger kids in mind, but my 6- and 8-year-old had an absolute blast. There’s a huge water table with adjustable flow stations and moveable parts. A colorful climbing structure offers space for active play and there’s also a light and color exploration room, a lego area and a soft, enclosed area for toddlers to explore safely. Every space is intentionally designed to engage young minds through touch, movement, and play.
Sports Hall
A super energetic space where kids (and adults!) can test their reflexes, try vertical jumps, measure their pitch speed, and even race a T. rex or an Olympic sprinter on a screen!
Traveling Exhibit Hall
This is where the museum hosts special limited-time exhibits. And if The Bug Lab is showing while you’re there, don’t miss it. It’s an immersive, interactive experience that dives deep into the fascinating world of insects. There are giant, animatronic bugs, hands-on science stations, and creative zones where kids can build, test, and explore. It was a huge hit with our family and well worth the add-on ticket.
Food & Cafe Options
The café is located on the 1st floor, and for a museum café, it’s honestly pretty good. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. Kid options are solid, and the adult menu surprised me...in a good way. I had the lemongrass chicken and rice bowl and thought it was delicious.
There’s just one downside: limited indoor seating. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, but in the Texas summer heat, it’s not always ideal. You can also bring your own food to eat at the tables. But keep in mind that no food or drink is allowed past the entrance scan.
Theatre & Shop
Also on the 1st floor, you’ll find the Hoglund Foundation Theater, which hosts films and special screenings, and a gift shop that’s actually well curated. Lots of fun science kits, books, and dinosaur-themed everything.
In Conclusion
The Perot Museum is a fantastic spot for curious kids and grown-ups alike. It’s hands-on, well-designed, and just plain fun. Plan ahead, wear comfy shoes, and be ready to learn something new. You’ll leave with happy kids and plenty to talk about!
Enjoyed this guide to visiting the Perot Museum in Dallas? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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