Uptown and Knox-Henderson

Pint-size visitors to this northeastern section of town will find shops and restaurants that are as welcoming to kids as they are cosmopolitan. The sloping, brick-laid McKinney Avenue (treat the kids to a ride on its old-fashioned trolley) was once lined with old, elegant homes but is now the center of the Dallas art-gallery scene. The Knox-Henderson corridor is equal parts trendy restaurants and upscale home-furnishings stores.

Eat

Harry Coley's friendly shop sells frozen custard made from his mother's recipe and hearty hot dogs (soy protein versions available) to a loyal following.
3113 Knox St., (214) 520-3113

At this warm, informal eatery with a '60s-style wall-art panache, adults can nosh on A Sandwich Called Wanda (Norwegian smoked salmon) while their offspring munch on chicken and veggie burgers and Mystic Pasta (or romp in the outdoor play area). Monday family nights offer kid-focused entertainment in spring, summer, and fall.
2800 Routh St., (214) 954-0486

At this 1912 establishment, you can grab a booth or snag a stool at the soda-fountain counter to savor a milk shake or one of the best grilled-cheese sandwiches in the city.
3229 Knox St., (214) 521-2126

For a sinful treat after dinner, head to this Latin-inspired coffeehouse and restaurant and order the cake platter (choose between four different styles) with enough spoons for the whole family.
4620 McKinney Ave., (214) 520-7300; closed Mondays

A slice of New Orleans, S&D serves oysters, shrimp, fish, and po' boy sandwiches, as well as burgers for slightly less adventurous palettes. Don't miss the shrimp-salad dip. (Fun fact: Local boy Owen Wilson once waited tables.)
2701 McKinney Ave., (214) 880-0111

Shop

This store offers retro toys from your own childhood (Wonder Woman lunch boxes) and the latest high-end toys, clothes, and books. Your child will love exploring this store, but you may not be able to leave without spending a little more than 5 or 10.
3211 Knox St., (214) 522-5867

Kids and adults alike will love browsing the delightful aisles of Paul Frank designer items for the small and the young at heart.
3699 McKinney Ave., (214) 528-7676

The premier shopping destination for men's clothes and women's shoes and accessories also offers an array of high-end baby goods.
500 Crescent Ct., (214) 871-3600; closed Sundays

A quirky little store with an offbeat name, this place offers everything from eclectic women's jewelry and accessories to puppets and masks for kids and adults.
2730 N. Henderson Ave., (214) 823-3620

Do

Restored streetcars (one from 1906) mix history and fun with transportation—and it's free. Kids will love every toot, creak, whine, hiss, and rumble.
Between Arts District and Uptown along McKinney Ave., (214) 515-7272

A must-stop for contemporary-art fams, the MAC, as it is known locally, presents innovative programs designed to prompt audience reaction.
3120 McKinney Ave., (214) 953-1212; closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays except for Kitchen Dog Matinees

Next Page: Dallas Guide: Downtown Fort Worth and Cultural District