Carrollton Travel Guide

What are the best things to do in Carrollton, Texas?

Carrollton is a Dallas-area city known for its historic downtown, diverse dining, parks, family attractions, and convenient access to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Carrollton offers a mix of history, outdoor recreation, international food, and family-friendly activities.

Carrollton at a Glance

• Best for: Families, food lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts
• Top historic attraction: A.W. Perry Homestead Museum
• Popular outdoor spots: Mary Heads Carter Park and Elm Fork Nature Preserve
• For families: Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex and local entertainment venues
• Dining: Korean, Vietnamese, barbecue, American, and other international cuisines
• Getting around: Car-friendly, with DART service connecting Carrollton to the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Explore Carrollton’s History

Start in Historic Downtown Carrollton, where locally owned shops, restaurants, and historic buildings create a walkable destination for browsing and dining.

For a closer look at Carrollton’s past, visit the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum. The site preserves historic structures and artifacts connected to early North Texas settlement and offers visitors a glimpse into Carrollton’s agricultural and community history.

Afterward, head to Mary Heads Carter Park for walking trails, playgrounds, open green space, and a relaxing break outdoors.

Enjoy Carrollton’s Diverse Food Scene

Carrollton is particularly well known for its international dining options. The area around Old Denton Road is home to a large selection of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other Asian restaurants.

For a more traditional Texas experience, explore Carrollton’s barbecue and American restaurants. Downtown also offers casual dining, desserts, and locally popular spots such as Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream.

Tip: If you’re visiting Carrollton specifically for food, plan extra time to explore the restaurants along Old Denton Road and nearby international shopping centers.

Find Outdoor and Family Activities

Carrollton has plenty of options for getting outside or keeping the family entertained.

• Elm Fork Nature Preserve: Enjoy walking trails and a peaceful natural setting.
• Mary Heads Carter Park: Spend time on trails, playgrounds, and open lawns.
• Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex: Cool off with swimming areas, water slides, and aquatic play features.
• Nickel Mania: Play classic arcade games and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
• Dallas North Aquarium: Explore marine life and interactive exhibits.
• Indoor entertainment: Places such as Super Llama Inflatable Park and ClawZania offer active play for children, particularly useful on hot or rainy days.

Carrollton Activities by Interest

Getting Around Carrollton

Carrollton is easiest to explore by car, particularly if you plan to visit attractions throughout the city. For visitors who prefer public transportation, DART’s Green Line serves Carrollton, including Trinity Mills Station, with connections to other destinations throughout the Dallas area.

If you’re staying in Carrollton, check individual attractions for current hours, admission prices, and seasonal schedules before visiting.

Moving to Carrollton?

If you’re relocating to Carrollton, a storage unit can make moving and settling into a new home easier. Public Storage offers storage options for belongings that don’t fit immediately into your new space, giving you more flexibility while you unpack, organize, and get settled.

FAQs

What is Carrollton, Texas, known for?

Carrollton is known for its historic downtown, diverse international dining scene, parks, family attractions, and location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Is Carrollton, Texas, good for families?

Yes. Carrollton offers numerous family-friendly parks, aquatic facilities, indoor play areas, arcades, and other recreational attractions.

What are the best things to do in Carrollton?

Popular options include exploring Historic Downtown Carrollton, visiting the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, enjoying the city’s parks and nature areas, and exploring its diverse restaurant scene.

Where can I find international food in Carrollton?

The area around Old Denton Road is a popular destination for Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other Asian cuisines.

Can you get around Carrollton without a car?

Yes. DART provides rail and bus service in Carrollton, including the Green Line and Trinity Mills Station. However, having a car can make it easier to visit attractions located throughout the city.

What is there to do in Carrollton on a rainy day?

Indoor options include children’s entertainment centers, arcades, and the Dallas North Aquarium. These attractions can be good alternatives when outdoor activities aren’t practical.