I am going to be in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl - the next day my flight doesn't depart until 6pm out of DFW airport. This is my only "free time" in the area, my hotel is located near the American Airlines Center. I've never been to this city and would appreciate some thoughts on how to spend my morning/early afternoon before I leave for the airport. TIA.

The Dallas Aquarium, Perot Museum of Science,The Sixth Floor Depository and Dealy Plaza are all fairly close to your hotel.

If you are into history at all and even if you aren't I highly suggest the Sixth Floor Museum. It's been many years since I've been but I remembering it being very well done. There's also the Nasher Museum fairly close to there if you are interested in art.

Ive lived here many years. Most cities have art museums, many have aquariums, so I hesitate to advise you to do that, but sadly, only Dallas has the 6th floor museum and all the info/as well as the site from that terrible time of JFK's shooting. I would do that, then find a good place to eat BBQ or good Tex Mex. There is a downtown El Fenix that has been there forever in downtown Dallas. Maybe not THE best tex-mex, but dang good. Throw in the Perot or DMA if you need, but IMHO you can get that elsewhere too.