Discover Deep Ellum's Hidden Gems and Hotspots
Downtown Dallas
Join us on November 2nd at Harwood Park to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in a VIP style. This event is open to everyone who wants to embrace the rich cultural traditions and vibrant spirit of this festive occasion. LIVE MUSIC 3pm-6pm 🌟 **Engage in Diverse Activities:** ✨ **Music:** Groove to the rhythm of traditional tunes. 🛍 **Local Shopping:** Discover unique artisanal goods. 🎨 **Artesanías:** Marvel at the exquisite handcrafted artworks. 🎉 **Fun Activities:** Engage in a variety of interactive and enjoyable activities. 👪 **Family and Pet Friendly:** Gather your loved ones for a day filled with joy and laughter.
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Allen Shivers Park in Dallas What makes it noteworthy: Whether your kids are crawling, walking or have limited mobility, this playground will keep them entertained. The rubber-padded, wheelchair-accessible park has many interactive structures to explore, including music and dancing games, miniature rock climbing walls and a playhouse. Extras: Shade cover over play structures and benched areas ensures this park will stay fun even in Texas' summer heat. The perimeter gate keeps curious kids inside the park. Benches and picnic tables scattered around the playground allow adults and tired kids plenty of places to sit. Safety: Allan Shivers Park scored an A* on the Safety Report Card. The newly renovated playground offers well-maintained structures for all abilities. Plus + Lots of shade + Restrooms and water fountains + Perimeter gate
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Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park at Klyde Warren Park The Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park, a gift from the Perot family, is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Located at the west end of the Park, between Harwood and St. Paul Streets, our youngest visitors (12 and under, please!) will find 18,000 square feet of fun including a 35-foot climbing tower and slide (one of only two in Dallas!), a kid-sized climbing wall, two water features, a tree-top lookout, and a myriad of other play equipment! Restrooms are available.
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SLOW & STEADY COFFEE || DALLAS 🖤 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: I believe this place just opened up a few months ago. They are built from a small house in a quaint neighborhood. Literally so many cute spaces to sit at. 🍒 THE VIBE: friendliest baristas ever, they’re so chill and hospitable. The inside is mostly for talking and socializing not really many spots to sit to work from a laptop. 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! •••• Overall Rating: 10/10 - I’m so glad I discovered this place from my coffee passport and I really wish more people were talking about this place! They have almost 5 stars on google and Yelp! - The coffee I got had horchata as the milk and 2 shots of espresso and wow it was perfection. The coffee was roasted perfectly and it was not too sweet! Simply a great cup of iced coffee! - Baristas were great to mingle with and it was just a great vibe. - There’s 4 parking spots to the left of the building, but you would need to park in the neighborhood if there’s no parking which looked like what most people did anyways.
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🌟 Family Friendly Italian Restaurant with Green Space in DFW: CiboDivino in Dallas🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ CiboDivino Marketplace is a delish, family friendly Italian restaurant in Dallas! ❤️ This specific location at Sylvan Thirty has a huge lawn area where kids are encouraged to run and play! It was inspired by the Mercati di piazza in Italy where family and friends can share food & drinks. ❤️ The menu features Italian staples like pasta, pizza, and salad. Good to know: - While there isn’t a kids menu, I ordered the butter noodles for my kid. Cheese pizza is another great option for picky eaters! - CiboDivino is open daily from 12-9pm
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🌟 Hidden Teddy Bear Park in DFW at Lakeside Park in Dallas🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ Lakeside Park along Turtle Creek is home to a secret garden with adorable teddy bear sculptures! ❤️ Teddy Bear Park has one 10 foot bear statues, and three smaller ones about 4 feet tall. ❤️ There is also a beautiful, shaded trail that feels like it’s straight from a fairytale! Just note that the trail is short and dead ends at a residence. Good to know: - You’ll need to cross a bridge to get to Teddy Bear Park! Just route to the address above and park on Lakeside Drive. You should see the bridge on your immediate left. - There are plenty of shaded areas at Lakeside Park for a picnic! Just bring a blanket or find an open bench. - This park is free and open to the public.
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Dallas: balancing great food and child-approved fun! Medieval Times is a kid-friendly attraction where you eat a medieval-style dinner and watch knights joust right in front of you! It feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and it’s a good time for everyone! Make sure to book a reservation in advance! Medieval Times is based upon authentic Medieval history and is the true story of a noble family with documentation dating back to the 11th Century. Medieval Times began with two dinner/ entertainment complexes located in Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. The first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida opened in December 1983. Medieval Times’ Castles have since entertained more than 72 million guests.
See alsoTop Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
Dallas Love List
🦋THE ONLY BUTTERFLY GARDEN IN DALLAS We know it’s hot outside, but don’t worry this 2-story butterfly house complex is indoors!✨ Butterfly House + Garden is a non-profit organization featuring butterflies from all over the world as well as garden trains and replica historic buildings, the snake & reptile shack, the 1936 historic World’s Fair Centennial House, an outdoor children’s playscape featuring a rock climbing wall, a rope bridge, sandbox, ponds and fountains!🍃🦋 Open daily 10AM - 5PM
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Perched on top of the classic hotel The Statler in downtown Dallas, the beautiful Waterproof is a pool bar by day and a rooftop lounge by night. Both stylish indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where the outside part offers both a refreshing rooftop pool and panoramic views over the Dallas skyline. Visit for sunny and relaxing afternoon cocktails, or come for the nightly, more swanky and vibrant atompshere. During the colder months, the terrace turns into Winterproof, with some really cool and cosy rooftop igloos.
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Klyde Warren Park in Downtown Dallas offers a variety of outdoor activities the whole family will love! There an awesome playground for kids, an interactive splash pad with a light show, food trucks, and lots of open space for yard games. This park also hosts special events like community concerts and outdoor move nights!
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DALLAS HARWOOD multi-use park has so much to offer! Kids will love the mammoth-themed playground. There’s also a splash pad for warmer days, a multi-use court, two gravel dog parks, picnic table area, and lots of green space. Community events like movie nights, yoga, and live music are hosted on the stage area!
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
The pool in Omni Dallas Hotel, located in the center of downtown Dallas, offers a year round oasis to all hotel guests. Take a swim in the heated infinity swimming pool, sip a cocktail by the seasonal fire pit or work on your tan in one of the lounge chairs, all while overlooking downtown Dallas. During summer months, The Uptown Terrace Pool Bar & Grill and infinity pool is only open to registered guests of the hotel. But during winter months, non-hotel guests can get access with day passes Sunday to Thursday.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
At the 19th-floor of the Statler Hotel, a true Dallas icon, you find the exclusive indoor/outdoor urban oasis the Waterproof bar and pool. Here you can swim with an epic panoramic view of surrounding downtown Dallas and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites. Waterproof is open for everyone, but to access the pool you need to make a reservation for a cabana. As the sun sets the energy picks up with life DJ entertainment, bottle service and ever more impeccable views. There is also an outdoor resort-style pool on the 4th floor, called The Statler Pool, offering loungers, cabanas and a relaxing experience.
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Deep Ellum: A Local Exploration
Deep Ellum, located just east of downtown Dallas, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic entertainment options, and unique atmosphere. But there's more to this trendy neighborhood than meets the eye. Delve into the local secrets about exploration in Deep Ellum to uncover the best-hidden gems and trending spots that offer adventure and relaxation alike.
Trending Spots for Art Lovers
Deep Ellum's reputation as an arts district is well-earned, and among its many galleries and street art murals are some lesser-known treasures. For genuine local exploration, head to Mokah Gallery, which is often overshadowed by more famous venues. This intimate gallery showcases emerging local artists, providing a firsthand look at fresh talent and unique pieces you won't find anywhere else. Also, don’t miss the 42 Murals Project, which features large-scale works by both local and international artists. Though many pieces are visible to the casual passerby, some are tucked away in alleys, waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls.
Family-Friendly Adventures
For those exploring Deep Ellum with family, there are plenty of options that blend fun and relaxation. Exall Park is a hidden gem that provides a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. Perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll, this park offers a playground, sports fields, and a scenic walking trail. Another destination worth visiting is the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, where families can support local vendors, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious street foods. Held on weekends, it’s an ideal spot for a family-friendly adventure that provides a taste of local culture.
Secret Dining Experiences
Deep Ellum is famous for its culinary diversity, and the most seasoned foodies know that some of the best eating spots are off the beaten path. Filament is a must-try for anyone seeking a fine-dining experience with a local twist. Although it's well-regarded, it often flies under the radar compared to more prominently advertised eateries. Alternatively, Uncle Uber’s, known for its gourmet sandwiches, offers a casual dining experience that’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. For those who prefer a more secretive dining escapade, seeking out pop-up dinners—announced last minute via social media—can provide an exclusive, ephemeral taste of Deep Ellum’s culinary creativity.
Off-the-Path Entertainment
Deep Ellum’s nightlife is iconic, but the real thrill lies in the hidden corners. For a unique cinematic experience, visit the Texas Theatre. While it’s a bit of a stretch from Deep Ellum, the historic venue frequently showcases indie films and hosts themed screenings. Those with a love for live music should explore venues like Three Links, a place celebrated by locals but less known to tourists; its intimate setting makes it perfect for discovering new, groundbreaking bands. Lastly, don't overlook the neighborhood’s speakeasies—bars like Black Swan Saloon offer an elusive yet unforgettable nightlife adventure.
Relaxation Spots Known Only to Locals
When you need a break from exploration, Deep Ellum offers several quiet places that cater to relaxation and unwinding. The Green Room's Rooftop Patio provides a serene atmosphere with a stunning view of the Dallas skyline, perfect for enjoying a sunset cocktail. For a spa-like experience, Crown Block Spa offers massages and wellness treatments in a cozy, boutique setting that retains a local, personal touch. If a leisurely walk is more your speed, the scenic Trinity Trails offers a quiet reprieve from the bustling city streets and the opportunity to recharge amidst natural beauty.
Unveiling True Local Insights with Kikihub
Exploring Deep Ellum is an adventure best experienced with the insights of those who know it best. Kikihub, a platform for local anonymous chats, provides real opinions and secrets about the area from residents who live and breathe Deep Ellum’s unique vibe. Engage with locals to uncover the best spots, from secret art installations to exclusive dining experiences, and ensure that your exploration of Deep Ellum is as authentic and exhilarating as possible. Dive into conversations to discover what makes this neighborhood the heart of Dallas' cultural and artistic pulse.