A ten-gallon hat of fun and adventure is waiting for you and the family when you visit the Dallas, Texas region for your getaway. When you choose a Dallas vacation rental condo or luxurious house to stay in, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time in the city. The shopping and restaurants here rival those found on east and west coasts. If youÂ’’re seeking big time fun, youÂ’’ll find it at amusement parks, concerts and sporting events. Embrace local culture with visits to historical locations, museums and nature preserves.

1. Highland Park, Texas

During the 80s, characters on the hit show “Dallas” talked about this area of North Dallas, and why not? With its stately homes, well-manicured lawns and tony shops Highland Park is a popular spot for Hollywood and vacationers. Vacation rental choices include chic townhouses and spacious homes with luxurious amenities. It is easy to spend most of your day at North Park Center. This must-see shopping destination has premium stores, art exhibits, upscale restaurants and special events. Between shopping and site-seeing trips get in a few rounds of golf at TopGolf. This fun venue welcomes golfers at all skill levels and offers lessons to improve your swing.

2. Irving, Texas

Get a taste of wild Texas without hopping on a horse when you go see the Mustangs of Las Colinas. These beautiful horses permanently run free on a concrete range, because they are lifelike statues. Continue admiring the great outdoors as you gaze at the exhibits of the National Scouting Museum. Learn about all the famous people who were scouts, and be sure to check out vintage badges. For the ultimate fun family, challenge visit the Dallas panic room. At this unique venue, you’Â’ll have to solve challenging puzzles together to gain your freedom. After your escape, unwind at your vacation rental apartment, condo or home.

3. Mesquite, Texas

Stay in a luxurious vacation rental home just a few miles southeast of downtown Dallas. After youÂ’ve settled in at your vacation rental cottage or home, have a bite to eat at one of 150 restaurants in the area. ThereÂ’s always something culturally stimulating happening at the Mesquite Arts Center. Live jazz music and symphony concerts are among its popular offerings. Arcade games, batting cages and fun rides at Celebration Station are a blast for kids. For some adrenaline-packed fun, indulge your inner race car driver at Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience.

4. Balch Springs, Texas

This charming area is just a few minutes from downtown Dallas, and your fully-furnished vacation rental home is near numerous fun activities. One of the more popular activities that you won’t want to miss is Trinity Forest Adventure Park. You and the kids can get a great outdoor workout climbing ropes and be riding zip lines. Cheer enthusiastically for cowboys as they try to stay on top of bucking steers at the local rodeo.

5. Duncanville, Texas

In Duncanville, you can enjoy rustic or city style vacation rental home living. Whatever accommodations you choose, you’Â’ll be a short distance away from Dallas-Fort Worth. When you think big like a Texan, you’Â’ll be visiting big entertainment venues such as Six Flags Over Texas amusement park, and Cowboys Stadium. For a relaxing meal head on over to Main Street for Texas-style grub.

6. Arlington, Texas

One thing’s for certain, you’Â’ll never grow bored when you visit this fine city. Stock up on food and personal items for your vacation rental home at Arlington Highlands, a bustling outdoor shopping mall. The University of Texas has an awe-inspiring planetarium, and its digital constellation show dazzles the senses. Kids under 12 love to cool off by splashing around at the local aquatics center. If your visit coincides with baseball season, it’s always fun to eat hot dogs and watch a game at Globe Life Park.

7. Lancaster, Texas

The gently rolling landscape of this peaceful town is just what you need to get away from it all. As one of the oldest settlements in the area, it’s warm, friendly and spacious. After settling into your vacation rental home, mosey on over to the town square and check out the early 20th-century architecture as you browse local shops. Swim, feed the ducks or play games at the local parks.

8. Carrollton, Texas

Once you begin exploring the historic downtown district with its cool shops and many fine eating establishments, you may find it difficult to leave. This little slice of Texas life reminds you of simpler times. The old-time vintage theme continues at Sandy Lake Amusement Park and A. W. Perry Homestead. This is the ideal spot to spend quality family time at a cozy vacation rental.

9. DeSoto, Texas

When you want to experience small town living while still being within driving distance to big city attractions, choose a vacation rental in this All-American town. This used to be mostly farmland, and you can still drink in its natural beauty by going on a long hike at Windmill Hill Nature Preserve. If you want a bird’s eye view of the town, take a fun helicopter tour that takes you all over the Dallas region.

10. Richardson, Texas

This city is bursting with youthful energy. However, the population is quite large and diverse, and you’Â’ll find comfortable vacation rentals to fit any lifestyle. Have a good time doing local activities such as bowling, making pottery, playing arcade games and watching live entertainment.

11. Garland, Texas

Garland is one of those big cities that doesnÂ’’t feel like one. Perhaps thatÂ’s why it often ranks among the top 100 cities to call home. While staying at your home away from home vacation rental, enjoy strolling its quaint downtown historic district. If you’Â’re an avid angler, a visit to Bass Pro Shops is a must. The kids will love the shops’ giant aquarium, and you’Â’ll love the fishing gear and private beach.

12. Plano, Texas

Leave the skyscrapers and crowds of people behind for the wide-open spaces of southwestern prairie found at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. Walk nature trails that wind through tree-lined forests, green fields, and lakeside riverbeds. Vacation rentals are located near historic downtown buildings, shops, and museums.