Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center – Things To Do With Your Team
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is located in the heart of Dallas. This is very advantageous for you and your team if you have a tournament there. The two million square foot convention center has a lot of amenities itself like three ballrooms, a theater, four restaurants, and more. However, you won’t want to spend your entire day there. This is where Kay Bailey Hutchison’s prime location comes in handy. You will be able to find many attractions to see and activities to do when you have the time, as well as a lot of restaurants to eat at.
Things to Do
Dallas World Aquarium
A hybrid of aquarium and small zoo, Dallas World Aquarium’s assortment of animals will keep your team engaged throughout the visit. Located near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention center, you can explore the shallow waters and depths of the ocean while you encounter many exotic marine animals like seahorses, turtles, seadragons, clownfish, polyp species, and others.
In addition to the aquarium portion, Dallas World Aquarium houses many nonaquatic animals. There are a lot of bird species like flamingoes and eagles, as well as reptiles like chameleons and frogs. You’ll even come across penguins and a creature known as the tree kangaroo. The large diversity of animals you’ll see at Dallas World Aquarium is both shocking and exciting. Every day, on the half hour, you can take part in animal talks with trainers and watch them feed the animals they care for. 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
Dallas Holocaust Museum
Bring your team to the Dallas Holocaust Museum for an in depth tour and insightful exhibits about the Holocaust. To preface this attraction, the museum suggests that no children under the age of 11 should visit the museum because of the graphic nature of the exhibits.
In the main exhibit, your team will be able to see and understand the deplorable conditions that prisoners endured while just being transported to the concentration camps in small, cramped boxcars. Piles of personal items that were taken by the Nazis are also on display: things like eyeglasses, shoes, rings, and other belongings.
The museum hosts talks with actual survivors as well. These events do not have a consistent schedule, but are put up on the museum’s website well in advance. You can plan your visit around these talks if you feel your team would be interested in hearing the experiences of a Holocaust survivor. For group tours and qualifying for group discounts, you must bring at least 15 people in your group. 211 N Record St #100, Dallas, TX 75202
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
With 11 halls of exhibits for kids of all ages, Perot Museum of Nature and Science near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is a hotspot of entertainment. A hall devoted to sports will be a fan favorite. Race your friends or time yourself against the speed of a professional athlete. You can also test your hand-eye coordination and reaction speed. Explore the mysteries of your body and how it works. Understand how the organs complement each other to keep you alive.
Build model skyscrapers and other structures just like an architect. Act like a musician and create music with the help of electronics. You’ll even be able to venture out into the universe and see planets, stars, and other amazing sights. If you are traveling with any younger kids, Perot Museum has an entire section devoted to them. There, they can dig up dinosaur bones, explore nature, and create artistic masterpieces. The museum also has a 3D theater where you can watch a show about hurricanes, dinosaurs, or a host of other scientific topics. 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Sixth Floor Museum
If you know your history, you’ll remember that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, at Dealey Plaza. Today at the same plaza stands The Sixth Floor Museum. This museum is devoted to the assassination of JFK and discusses the events of that day in great detail. As you enter, the museum sets the scene by showcasing information about crucial events of the 1960s with insight into JFK’s role in them. Then, through a combination of artifacts, images, and videos, The Sixth Floor Museum delves into the assassination itself. It discusses the day before the shooting and why JFK was in Dallas, the day of the shooting, and the shooter, Lee Harvey Oswald. They even recreated the sniper perch where Oswald took the shots.
A portion of the museum is dedicated to JFK’s legacy. There, you will learn about everything he did for civil rights, space exploration, the advancement of technology, and improving the country as a whole. You won’t find a more detailed look into the JFK’s legacy and assassination than at The Sixth Floor Museum. 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
Reunion Tower
Get a bird’s eye view of Dallas near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center at Reunion Tower. Take a 68 second elevator ride to the top of the 470 foot tower to the GeO-Deck. Once you reach the top, you can experience panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Telescopes can be found on the deck to enhance your viewing pleasure. Reunion Tower has also added touch screen monitors that educate on the night sky’s constellations. This is a good spot to take some awesome pictures to bring back with you. Groups of 15 or more will get discount ticket prices. 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
Places to Eat
Cindi’s N.Y. Delicatessen
If you happen to be from New York, this is the place to go. If you’ve never had a New York bagel, well, this is still the place to go. Cindi’s N.Y. Delicatessen brings the deliciousness of New York bagels to Dallas. Do yourself a favor and get one while you’re at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Cindi’s is known for much more than bagels though. You can order eggs, waffles, pancakes, and even build your own omelet. You can always count on a hearty breakfast at Cindi’s. Lunch is also an option when you stop by. A good sized sandwich and salad menu will please everyone on your team. 306 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202
Tutta’s Pizza
A lively pizza joint near the convention center, Tutta’s Pizza has some of the best pizza around. Start off with some garlic sticks, wings, or cheesy breadsticks. Careful not to eat too many of them though. They can be addicting. Once you’re ready for pizza, Tutta’s gives you a tough choice between 12 gourmet pizzas. All of them are loaded with toppings, many of which you’ve most likely never had on pizza before. Toppings like beef brisket, avocado, and pulled pork are common at Tutta’s. Not in the mood for pizza? Tutta’s offers a lot of sandwiches that are just as creative as their pizzas. 1700 N Record St #110, Dallas, TX 75202
RJ Mexican Cuisine
Tasty Mexican food made from scratch is only a short walk away from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. RJ Mexican Cuisine is proud of their homemade dishes and wants to share them with you. One of their most filling dishes is simply referred to as “bowls”. Select what kind of rice, beans, salsa, and meat you want and RJ will take care of the rest. There are a lot of combinations you can make with the bowls, so if you get food from there multiple times during your trip, you can continue to mix it up. If a bowl isn’t calling your name, RJ has plenty more options. Enchiladas, tacos, and chimichangas are some of the other featured dishes on the menu. 1701 North Market #102, Dallas, TX 75202
Ellen’s
“It’s Brunch O’Clock somewhere.” That’s the motto at Ellen’s, a cozy brunch spot close by Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. A lot of brunch places close their doors in the afternoon, not Ellen’s. Monday through Saturday this place is open from 7am-9pm. The only day Ellen’s closes early is on Sunday, 7am-2pm.
As you might expect, the menu is filled with a diverse list of entrees. Numerous egg benedict dishes, traditional Mexican breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches are just some of what to expect at Ellen’s. Buttermilk fried chicken, barbeque pork ribs, and Ellen’s prime meatloaf are three mouthwatering entrees to consider when you’re there. 1790 N Record St, Dallas, TX 75202
A lot of entertainment options can be found if you venture out into the surrounding area of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. You and your team will be very fortunate to have a tournament there. You can count on being well fed and interested in everything you do when you’re not at the center.