From the December 15, 2011 Issue of Student Group Tour Magazine
The adage goes “everything is bigger in Texas.” If greater Dallas is any indication, it must be true. As the United States’ ninth-largest city with nearly 1.3 million residents, Dallas has far more to experience than Cowboys Stadium has seats. Whether taking in the arts and culture, exploring the best nature has to offer or cheering on the many college and professional sports teams, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area (including suburban locales like Lewisville) has more than 6 million residents and offers enough fun to fill a 10-gallon hat.
(800) 232-5527
www.visitdallas.com
(800) 433-5747
www.fortworth.com
(800) 433-3574
www.arlington.org/arlington-cvb
(800) 657-9571
www.visitlewisville.com
Sixth-floor perspective
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza overlooks the Dallas corner of Houston and Elm streets where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that changed the course of a nation.
Here, reflect on the life of President John F. Kennedy through films, photographs and artifacts chronicling the life and death of the United States’ 35th president. Visitors can see where Oswald fired the fatal shots ending Kennedy’s life Nov. 22, 1963, from the sixth-floor window of what was then the Texas School Book Depository. Free audio guides are available at the museum, which is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Group discounts are offered.
(214) 747-6660
www.jfk.org
Extreme encounters
Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled to discover the attractions at Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park in Dallas. As its name might suggest, Zero Gravity Thrill offers five terrifying rides to test the mettle of even the most avid extremist. Patrons can free fall 130 feet into a safety net on the Nothin’ but Net ride, bungee jump or get shot 150 feet skyward on the Texas Blastoff. Visitors who wish to capture the moment as proof of their bravery can purchase videos of the experiences. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discount.
(972) 484-8359
www.gojump.com
Activity options
At Main Event Entertainment, there are plenty of possibilities to have a great time. The activities include bowling, billiards, laser tag, rock climbing, gravity ropes and glow golf, among others. Test those gaming skills in the video arcade before bowling, sinking a putt or having a slice of pizza. Main Event Entertainment offers several group packages to choose from, with at least 10 people needed to qualify. Main Event’s Dallas-Fort Worth area locations are in Lewisville, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grapevine and Plano.
Money doesn’t grow on trees, but…
If you have ever wondered what millions of dollars looks like, then look no further than Fort Worth. At the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing Western Currency Facility, students can tour the ultra-secure federal facility and watch as millions of dollars get printed right before their eyes. An enclosed, quarter-mile-long elevated walkway over the production floor allows observing the printing process. Before or after the 45-minute tour, spend some time on two floors of interactive exhibits. Groups of 10 or more must schedule in advance and are limited to 75 visitors per tour.
(817)231-4000
www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/fortworthtxtours.html
Outdoor majesty
Enjoy and learn about outdoors sights and sounds at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area in Lewisville. Managed by a collaboration of the University of North Texas, Texas A&M University, the City of Lewisville and Lewisville Independent School District, what is also known as the Lewisville Wildlife Management Area has nearly 2,000 acres of diverse habitats containing a variety of wildlife that includes bobcats, whitetail deer and bison. Groups camp along the Trinity River, see migratory and resident birds, hike on three trails or visit the 1870s-era Minor-Porter Log Home. Field studies are available for groups with at least 10 students.
(972) 219-3930
www.ias.unt.edu/llela/main.htm
Home of the Cowboys
With 80,000 seats and the ability to accommodate more than 100,000 fans, Cowboys Stadium in Arlington is the largest domed structure in the world. Visitors can choose from several tour packages that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the $1.15 billion, 3-million-square-foot complex. See a private suite, news media press boxes, the field, the post-game interview room and locker rooms, including for the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys. Groups of 20 or more must be booked at least one week in advance.Tours are offered daily, and run between 60 and 90 minutes.
(817) 892-8688
http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/tours/tourInfo_VIPGuidedTours.cfm
View Group Tour Media itineraries for Texas.
View Group Tour Media Suppliers from Texas.
View Group Tour Media Articles from Texas.