11 things to keep you entertained in Dallas

We can’t think of anything more fun than spending four days learning about journalism … but Dallas is pretty great, too. Our host city for the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention is vibrant, artistic, energetic and full of activities to keep you entertained. We’ve rounded up a few places to hit after sessions.

Any other suggestions? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

(If you’re looking for even more ideas, the Journalism Education Association has put together a massive list of things to do in Dallas. Check it out!)

Learn about the Kennedy assassination

This isn’t just for history buffs. View the historic site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination at Dealey Plaza, a National Historic Landmark that bears a memorial for the late commander-in-chief. The nearby Sixth Floor Museum — inside the Texas School Book Depository Building, where Harvey Lee Oswald shot Kennedy — chronicles Kennedy’s life and legacy. Directions here.

Get cultured

Get a taste of Texas at Pioneer Plaza, where dozens of life-size statues around the park depict a cattle drive that you can walk through — or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can recreate your own “Running of the Bulls.” It’s just something you have to see for yourself. Directions here.

This one’s for all you print and design nerds: Take a stroll through We Are 1976, an adorable gift shop that has its own design and letterpress studio. If you’re up for a short drive, you can pick up a unique souvenir or get inspired for your next graphic design project. Directions here.

Need some quiet time? Explore the Dallas Museum of Art, just a short walk from our convention hotel. Even better: General admission is free every day. Directions here.

Another option is the Crow Collection of Asian Art, where you can look through 500 pieces of work from 3500 BC to the 20th century. It’s very close to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, and admission is always free. Directions here.

Go on an adventure

Klyde Warren Park, an “urban green space” built over a freeway, offers four or five free events per day, from Zumba to lectures. And even if there’s nothing going on, it’s still worth a walk from the hotel. Directions here.

Escape modern life (well, more or less) in the middle of this bustling city. Dallas Heritage Village offers group discounts for anyone wanting a taste of old times. See authentic, historic buildings, browse antique artifacts and look through old photographs and postcards. Directions here.

If you’re staying an extra day, you might explore the Dallas World Aquarium or the Dallas Zoo — it’d be a relaxing and interesting way to rest your mind after four days of learning. Directions to the aquarium and the zoo here.

Want to relive your childhood? Jumpstreet is a giant indoor trampoline park that is sure to help you burn off all that convention steam. Directions here.

If you haven’t registered for the convention, you can do so here. The deadline to register and reserve your room at our discounted convention rate is Friday, Sept. 22. You won’t want to miss this convention — it’s Oct. 25-29 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.