The Perot Museum in Dallas features must-see exhibits like the towering Alamosaurus in T. Boone Pickens Hall, a stunning amethyst geode in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, and interactive displays in the Dynamic Earth Hall.
Visit Monday–Saturday from 10am–5pm or Sunday from 11am–5pm (last entry at 4pm). Buy tickets in advance at perotmuseum.org. Members enjoy early weekend access. Discover more tips to maximize your science-focused visit below.
Image: Paul M. Budd, Perot Museum of Nature and Science exterior of Escalator, CC BY-SA 4.0
Essential Fast Facts for Your Perot Museum Visit
Five key details help you plan your Perot Museum visit efficiently. It’s located at 2201 N. Field St. in Dallas and is open Monday–Saturday from 10am–5pm, and Sunday from 11am–5pm, with last entry at 4pm daily.
Museum members receive early access on the first full weekend of each month: Saturdays 9–10am and Sundays 10–11am. Buy tickets online at perotmuseum.org to ensure timed entry.
The museum participates in CityPASS, offering discounted admission. Inside, you’ll find hands-on exhibits covering a wide range of scientific fields designed to engage visitors of all ages. For more details, call 214-428-5555 or check the website.
Must-See Exhibit Halls for Nature and Science Enthusiasts
Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or a budding astronomer, the Perot Museum’s exhibit halls spark curiosity. Begin at the T. Boone Pickens Hall, where a massive Alamosaurus and other prehistoric species await.
Explore the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, where a grape jelly-colored amethyst geode and a gold weight-guessing activity impress visitors. In the Dynamic Earth Hall, experience simulated earthquakes and observe tornado formation.
Bird lovers will enjoy the Rose Hall of Birds, which features a “Build a Bird” station and 3D interactive displays. Wrap up your visit in the Expanding Universe Hall, where physics games and space exploration exhibits ignite wonder. For a peaceful change of pace, visit the nearby Dallas Arboretum with its seasonal floral installations.
The Reimagined Moody Family Children’s Museum Experience
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Families with younger kids will appreciate the newly updated Moody Family Children’s Museum, which reopened in May 2025 with hands-on activities for ages seven and under.
A programmable waterfall and the Imaginarium let children explore digital design and creative engineering. Don’t miss the large-scale, crocheted climbing net by artist Toshiko MacAdam, a tactile highlight for young explorers.
The Creative Makery encourages imaginative building with engineering concepts. Like DMA’s First Sundays, this area provides easy drop-in learning without needing advance registration. Indoors and out, the design ensures engaging STEM experiences for little learners.
Exploring the Impressive T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall
Image: Kevin1086, T-rex, CC BY-SA 3.0
Step into Life Then and Now Hall and journey through prehistoric Texas. The life-sized Alamosaurus greets guests alongside other fossilized giants that once roamed the state.
One exhibit features a Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum fossil—an impressive specimen linked to North America’s Ice Age past, not Texas specifically. Budding paleontologists will enjoy the Paleo Lab, where they can observe fossil preparation.
Join the Pickens scavenger hunt to spot lesser-known fossils and dino trivia. With interactive labs and ancient discoveries, the exhibit connects evolutionary history with modern science.
Discovering Gems and Minerals in the Lyda Hill Collection
In the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, admire Earth’s treasures from around the world. Brilliant crystals, gems, and geodes create an exhibit that is both educational and awe-inspiring.
Touch a giant amethyst geode, then estimate the weight of a striking gold nugget called “Dragon’s Lair.” Exhibits explain the science behind these formations while sparking curiosity through interactive displays.
Travel the world through minerals, including displays like the “Eyes of Africa,” showcasing geology’s global richness. This hall offers one of the museum’s most visually stunning experiences.
Immersive Learning at the Dynamic Earth and Universe Halls
Image: Kevin1086, Solar System Tour, CC BY-SA 3.0
Next, explore Earth’s raw power and the universe beyond. At the Dynamic Earth Hall, experience simulated earthquakes, weather systems, and even record your own weather report.
Continue to the Expanding Universe Hall, where exhibits on space, gravity, and cosmic exploration are paired with interactive games. Test your physics skills and learn how galaxies form using real-time visuals.
These engaging halls simplify complex topics like plate tectonics and star formation for learners of all ages, promoting active science learning.
3D Theater Shows and Special Events Worth Your Time
The Hoglund Foundation Theater hosts 3D shows like T. Rex and Butterfly Journey, offered for an additional $8 per person. These 20–30 minute features provide a cinematic break from the exhibit halls.
Seasonal events rotate throughout the year. From the Bug Lab exhibit (June 28–Jan 4) to Thursdays on Tap (April–October), there’s always something new. Adults-only nights include drinks, science demos, and exclusive access after-hours.
These rotating experiences complement the museum’s core exhibits, encouraging return visits year-round.
Money-Saving Tips With CityPASS and Membership Options
Tourists and locals alike can stretch their dollars with smart planning. CityPASS offers up to 51% savings on the Perot Museum plus other major Dallas attractions like Reunion Tower.
Frequent visitors should consider a membership, which provides unlimited access, discounted parking ($5 instead of $10), early entry, and a 10% store discount. Families with young children might also benefit from a Pogo Pass, which includes discounted admission to over 28 family destinations.
Teachers, first responders, and military personnel receive special admission rates or free entry with valid ID.
Practical Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Policies
Plan ahead for the smoothest experience. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–5pm, with final exhibit entry at 4pm. Buy tickets online to secure your preferred time, especially during peak weekends or holidays.
CityPASS offers combo savings with nearby attractions. Note: personal-use photography is allowed (tripods prohibited), food and drinks are not, and guests must wear appropriate attire. The museum’s Hunt Family Sports Hall and other attractions draw crowds, so arrive early for parking.
If the underground parking lot is full, look for overflow lots nearby.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Dining at the Museum
The Perot Museum accommodates families with amenities that make your day easier. Enjoy fresh sandwiches and snacks at the on-site Wolfgang Puck Café, or bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.
Don’t leave without visiting the museum shop, where science-themed gifts await. Parking is located beneath the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, with $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Nearby lots provide overflow options, ensuring a stress-free arrival.