Dallas in 2 Days for Friends - Dallas Arboretum spring blooms (Dallas Blooms)
A lively 2-day Dallas weekend made for friends: spring blooms, tasty BBQ, hands-on museums, neighborhood hopping, an escape-room challenge, and an upbeat Topgolf sendoff. Active, social, and easy to split costs — perfect for groups of 4–6+. Planned for April (Spring) when the Arboretum is in bloom.
Highlights
- Dallas Arboretum spring blooms (Dallas Blooms)
- Hands-on exhibits at the Perot Museum
- Deep Ellum live-music and nightlife
- Bishop Arts District shopping + pies
- Group escape-room challenge
- Topgolf evening for friendly competition
Itinerary
Day 1
Springtime discoveries: gardens, museum fun, and a lively Deep Ellum night out.
Morning: Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden — spring blooms
Stroll the seasonal displays (Dallas Blooms in April), snap group photos by the Azalea and Rose gardens, and enjoy relaxed outdoor vibes to kick off the weekend.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets online to skip the box-office line and choose a late-morning slot for softer light in group photos.
- There’s free shuttle parking at the overflow lots on busy weekends — carpool to save on parking and easily split costs.
- Bring a light blanket or picnic-friendly snacks if you want to hang on the Great Lawn; check the daily event board for any group-friendly entertainment.
Drive: Head toward Deep Ellum for BBQ lunch
Short drive from the Arboretum to Deep Ellum — grab a table together and fuel up for an active afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow extra time for traffic if traveling around I-30 — use carpool lanes where possible to shave minutes off the trip.
- If you’re splitting ride costs or parking, use a shared payments app (Venmo/Cash App) and note receipts to evenly divide expenses.
- If someone in the group needs less walking after the Arboretum, choose a table close to the entrance for quick seat-down service.
Lunch: Pecan Lodge — legendary Texas BBQ (group-friendly)
Order a few large platters to share (brisket, pork shoulder, sides) — perfect for groups who like to graze and split costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Lines can form — arrive for the noon wave or call ahead for large-group advice; ask staff about sharing platters to keep costs down.
- Pecan Lodge has communal picnic-style tables outside; request a large table when you arrive to keep the group together.
- Try the brisket and the Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding for dessert — ask for extra butcher paper to make sharing plates easier.
Afternoon: Perot Museum of Nature & Science — interactive exhibits
Hands-on halls for everyone: gems & minerals, engineering, and the kid (and adult) favorites like the dinosaur and human anatomy exhibits — great for group photo ops and debate topics.
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed tickets in advance and decide on 2–3 'must-see' halls as a group to keep the pace fun and social.
- Lockers are available for backpacks; drop bags to move quickly between floors if you plan to hit multiple exhibits.
- Split into small teams for the interactive exhibits (who can build the best bridge?) — great for friendly wagers and photo boomerangs.
Late afternoon break: Klyde Warren Park — lawn games & food trucks
A short walk from the Perot: grab snacks from rotating food trucks, try a lawn game, or chill on the park decks and recharge before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- The park’s food truck lineup changes — split snacks among the group so everyone tastes something different without over-ordering.
- Bring cash for some vendors and tip generously for quick service; there are plenty of shaded tables for group seating.
- If someone needs quieter space, head to the north side near the children’s area for a calmer corner while the rest play cornhole or bocce.
Transfer: Head toward dinner venue (Uptown/Lower Greenville area)
Short drive or rideshare to the dinner venue — use this time to freshen up or rotate who drives.
Tips from local experts:
- Rideshares are plentiful around Klyde Warren — request a vehicle with extra trunk space if you brought a picnic or purchases.
- If you’re using a rental car, save on parking by letting one person drop off the group and then park further away in a cheaper lot.
- Agree on a restaurant budget ahead of time so servers can suggest efficient sharing plates for the group.
Dinner: The Rustic — Texas comfort food + live music
Group-friendly tables, local bands, and a lively patio atmosphere — order shareable plates and pitchers for easy splitting.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table or patio spot in advance — The Rustic handles groups well but prime outdoor tables go fast in spring.
- Pitchers and appetizer platters are the best way to split costs and keep the energy social.
- Keep an eye on the live-music line-up; if a favorite band is playing, arrive a touch earlier to secure seating near the stage.
Night: Deep Ellum bar-hopping & live music
Explore Deep Ellum’s vibrant music scene — grab a drink, catch a band, and wander between friendly venues and murals.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at one bar and put one person on group-tab duty per bar to simplify splitting checks.
- Bring a small backpack or crossbody for phones and wallets — Deep Ellum is walkable but busy, so keep valuables secure.
- Plan a meetup time and a backup meeting point (mural or specific bar) in case the group scatters to different venues or shows.
Day 2
Active morning along Katy Trail, brunch, Bishop Arts browsing, an escape-room challenge, and a playful Topgolf finale.
Active morning: Walk or bike Katy Trail (group-friendly)
Start with a 45–60 minute group walk or rented e-bikes along the shaded Katy Trail — a lively way to get moving and enjoy spring weather.
Tips from local experts:
- Rent bikes nearby (search for local bike-rental kiosks) or bring foldable bikes — Katy Trail is paved and perfect for a casual group pace.
- Meet at a clear landmark (Katy Trail Ice House entrance) and set a buddy system so no one gets left behind if the group splits.
- Carry small change or use contactless pay for water/coffee stops; the path has limited official restrooms so plan accordingly.
Brunch: Katy Trail Ice House — big patio & shareable plates
Large outdoor tables, classic Texan pub fare, and a relaxed patio — ideal for groups who want brunch + beers in one spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a large patio table when you arrive; the Ice House is built for groups and has high-volume service.
- Order a couple of shareable appetizers and pitchers to keep the bill simple to split.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for the patio — spring afternoons are warm and sunny in Dallas.
Transfer: Move toward Bishop Arts District for afternoon browsing
Short drive or rideshare into Bishop Arts — a compact, walkable neighborhood with independent shops, murals, and cafés.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking can fill up on weekends; consider a rideshare so one person isn’t stuck hunting curbside spots.
- Agree on a two- or three-shop priority list to keep the group moving and hit favorites (pies, vintage, murals).
- If someone wants to sit while others browse, point them to a coffee shop with Wi‑Fi in the district so they can relax.
Afternoon: Bishop Arts District — shops, murals & Emporium Pies
Stroll boutiques, snap mural photos, and split a few pies or small plates at local favorites — great for casual group exploring and souvenirs.
Tips from local experts:
- Stop at Emporium Pies or a similar local bakery and order a couple of pie flavors to share family-style.
- Many shops accept cards, but some indie vendors prefer cash — keep a small bill stash for quick purchases.
- Plan a 15-minute mural-photo stop and rotate photographers so everyone gets in at least one group shot.
Transfer: Head toward the escape-room venue
Short transfer to the escape-game location — a playful, team-building activity that’s perfect for groups of friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private room for your group size (4–6+) to avoid mixing with strangers and to keep the energy lively.
- Allow 20–30 minutes to arrive early, check in, and get a briefing — it keeps the momentum and excitement high.
- If anyone is sensitive to confined spaces, ask staff about room intensity/claustrophobia levels before booking.
Experience: The Escape Game Dallas — team challenge
A 60–90 minute immersive escape experience — choose a room that fits your group size and appetite for puzzles vs. thrills.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room rated for your group size and read the difficulty descriptions so everyone has fun (not frustrated!).
- Split into two teams for a friendly wager (winner picks dessert or the next destination) if your group is larger than the room capacity.
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes — you’ll want to move, kneel, and reach during the challenge.
Transfer: Travel to Topgolf for evening activities
Head to Topgolf for an energetic, social competition — great for groups who want activity + food + drinks in one spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a bay in advance and request one with extra room for larger groups — lanes are set up for team play and scorekeeping.
- Coordinate carpooling or split a rideshare to avoid parking hassles; Topgolf parking can be busy on weekend nights.
- Topgolf caters to groups with food and drink packages — pre-ordering appetizers/pitchers can simplify splitting the bill.
Evening: Topgolf — competitive, social sendoff
Book a private bay for friendly golf games, beer pitchers, and shared plates — a high-energy finale to your Dallas weekend.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a multi-hour bay block (2–3 hours) so everyone gets plenty of swings and time to socialize without rushing.
- Order sharable appetizers and pitchers to keep tabs simple — many groups split the bay and food evenly for convenience.
- Bring an energetic playlist for the car ride home and plan a post-golf group photo at the Topgolf sign as a memento.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Meal, Break, Nightlife, Outdoor, Neighborhood, Experience, Sport |
