Hidden gems in DFW entertainment: 10 things most people don't know about

DFW has layers. Here are 10 things most residents haven't discovered.

1. The Samurai Collection at the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum (Design District) — 1,000+ pieces of samurai armor and weaponry. Stunning. $12. Source: samuraicollection.org

2. Medieval Times dinner show (Dallas) — yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's also incredibly fun. No silverware, jousting, beer. $40-65. Source: medievaltimes.com

3. Bath House Cultural Center (White Rock Lake) — free gallery space, performances, classes. The building is a 1930s bath house on the lake. Source: bathhousecultural.com

4. Dragon Park (Oak Cliff) — a tiny park with a massive dragon sculpture. Free. Great for photos.

5. The Eye sculpture (downtown Dallas) — 30-foot tall eyeball by Tony Tasset. Free to see. Corner of Field and Akard. Just... stares at you.

6. Cedar Ridge Preserve (south Dallas) — 600 acres of hiking trails with actual elevation changes (rare in DFW). Free with parking donation. Source: audubondallas.org

7. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum (Addison) — vintage warplanes you can see up close. They offer rides in WWII aircraft. $20 museum, flights $$. Source: cavanaughflightmuseum.com

8. Stockyards Championship Rodeo (Fort Worth) — real rodeo every Friday and Saturday night. $25-40. Source: stockyardsrodeo.com

9. Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park (Dallas) — bungee jumping, sky coaster, and free fall rides. $30-70. The only urban amusement park like this in the US. Source: gojump.com

10. Mandalay Canal Walk (Las Colinas/Irving) — a European-style canal walk with gondola rides. Free to walk, $15 gondola. Source: gondola.com

Sources:

• Individual venue websites
• Personal visits

What DFW hidden gems am I missing?