Top Attractions for Every Group
No matter why you’re visiting Irving, the city offers exciting experiences for every age. Check out these top picks for your group’s interests.
Family Fun
Families traveling with kids of any age need to add the Irving Arts Center to their must-see list. This family-focused community center offers live performances, art classes, summer camps, and special events. Don’t miss the outdoor art park, complete with larger-than-life sculptures. Also plan some play time at Levy Event Plaza, an open-air space downtown with a splash pad, playground, outdoor games, and a performance pavilion. Kids can dash through the water features on hot Texas days. To learn about Irving’s fascinating history, head to Heritage House. Children enjoy touring the authentic 1800s home and completing hands-on activities.
Shopping
Serious shoppers flock to Irving for the incredible selection of outlet malls and brand-name stores. The Las Colinas Urban Center features premier shopping and restaurants in an open-air, pedestrian-friendly environment. Highlights include Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Apple, and a massive Microsoft retail store. Bargain hunters love Irving’s outlet malls, including the popular Grapevine Mills. This massive outlet and entertainment complex houses over 200 shops, from Neiman Marcus Last Call to Forever 21. Come hungry, as Grapevine Mills also boasts a food court with 20+ fast dining options.
Foodies
Tex-Mex may be the unofficial local cuisine, but Irving’s 400+ restaurants serve everything from sushi to Brazilian steakhouses. For a uniquely Irving dining experience, try the internationally-inspired fare at Medina Restaurant & Grill or the Mediterranean small plates at Saba Seafood Grill. Some of DFW’s top steakhouses call Irving home, including Pappas Brothers, Al Biernat’s, and Bob’s Steak & Chop House. Seafood fans shouldn’t miss North Italia, with its scratch-made pastas, pizzas, and brunch cocktails.
Art & Culture
In additional to its permanent collection, the Irving Arts Center hosts traveling exhibits from world-class institutions. Past displays have included works from Madrid’s famed Museo del Prado and New York’s iconic Museum of Modern Art. The Arts Center also hosts theater, dance, jazz, opera, and children’s performances. For art outdoors, take a stroll through Bear Creek Heritage Park. This park transforms into an outdoor gallery each spring during Irving’s annual Artsfest heritage festival, displaying over 100 artist booths. Live music and a packed events schedule celebrate the arts. History Buffs History comes to life at Heritage House, an authentic 19th century farmhouse that allows visitors to experience a day in the life of Irving’s early settlers. Try activities like pumping water, making candles and quilts, and exploring the grounds. Aviation enthusiasts of all ages will be wowed at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, located right at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. See vintage aircraft, sit in airline cockpits, and learn about DFW’s history as a pioneer of the aviation industry.
Sports Fans
Football fans can tour the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, dubbed “The Star” in nearby Frisco. Go inside the team’s state-of-the-art training complex for an up-close look at how “America’s Team” prepares for NFL greatness. The campus also includes restaurants, shops, and live music. For an insider’s look at professional baseball, visit the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex in Irving. See team practices, take a youth baseball clinic, and tour interactive exhibits explaining science and fitness techniques that build better young athletes.
Thrill Seekers
Adventurous groups will love thrills like go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, and arcade games at Pinstack Bowl Plano. Attractions are indoors, so weather won’t interfere with your quest for adventure. Refuel with shareable bites and craft cocktails at the upscale on-site restaurant. For big fun with an educational twist, venture over to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. All ages marvel at dinosaur fossils, get hands-on in a makerspace lab, and watch sports science demos in this architectural wonder of a museum.
How to Get Around Irving
Public transportation, taxis, and on-demand rides make it easy to explore Irving without a car. But for seamless transportation, especially with a group, nothing beats the convenience of a charter bus.
Public Transportation
Irving is serviced by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which links to public transit throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. Key stops in Irving include Irving Convention Center, Irving Arts Center, North Lake College, and Las Colinas Urban Center. DART passes are available at kiosks in stations or via their website/mobile app.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis provide a convenient on-demand transportation option for smaller groups up to 4 passengers. Traditional taxis can be hailed on the street or pre-arranged by phone. Some Irving taxi companies include Yellow Cab, Cowboy Cab, and Metro Cab, which can be booked via phone or mobile app. For solo travelers and couples, on-demand rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available throughout Irving. Using the Uber or Lyft mobile app, you can request either private rides or uberPOOL/Lyft Shared rides. Rates vary based on traffic, demand, type of ride, and route. UberX and Lyft offer the most budget-friendly options. Lyft tends to run 10-20% cheaper than Uber overall. While taxis and rideshares work for individuals, groups of 5 or more will find that a charter bus rental is the most convenient and cost-effective transportation option around Irving.
Charter Buses
A charter bus rental simplifies group travel in Irving and beyond. Charter buses seat anywhere from 18 to 56 passengers comfortably and come equipped with amenities like A/C, reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms. These motorcoaches deliver your group directly wherever you want to go on your schedule. Charter buses allow entire families, tour groups, school clubs, corporate teams, church groups, and more to travel together. No need to coordinate multiple vehicles or transit schedules. Your professional team handles navigating traffic while you relax and focus on your trip.
Ready to Get Started?
Use this insider’s guide to start crafting your Irving itinerary. The city’s central location, family fun, and southern hospitality make it the perfect home base for exploring DFW. Coordinate stress-free group transportation around Irving and beyond with a charter bus rental from Irving Party Bus Company. Our fleet of coaches offers guaranteed seats for all with luxury features to make your travels more enjoyable. Contact us at (972) 793-0424 to check available charter bus rentals and rates for your group’s next adventure.
