I will be chaperoning a small group (6-8) young ladies ages 16-20 at a conference in early Nov. I'd really like to take them into Dallas for some "playtime"- any suggestions? They're too old for the zoo, too young for the clubs, and too expensive for 6 Flags. Where would Dallas teens point these girls, besides the nearest mall (we have lots of those in CA)?

Check guidelive.com (on-line entertainment section of the paper) for events happening at that time. The new Women's Museum at Fair Park (affiliated with the Smithsonian) is interesting and fun. You can go to the Imax Theater in the Science Museum and walk the grounds of the State Fair (wrong time for the Fair, shop at North Park (ride the DART light rail from downtown) or Galleria or, if you are staying north try the Grapevine Mall (huge with outlets). I'll let someone more their age or with children their age to give additional suggestions.

Head on over to Ft. Worth and wander around the Stockyard area.

All Dallas is is malls and movie theaters (and great Tex Mex food!) Take them to Northpark mall on Park Ln and I-75. Later, take them to UA Plaza on Park Lane just east of Northpark mall. Even if they deny it, they would love the gocart tracks/bungee jumping at Walnut Hill and I-35. (used to be Malibu, but name changed.)
If you want to take them where the clubs are, even though some are under 18, just to look around for the "atmosphere" take them to Deep Ellum, but don't let their parents know! That's the club district. There are a few hip restaurants there with clubs and people who use the word "party" as a verb. Nothing too crazy, but slightly inappropriate for very young girls (but that's why it's exciting!) Just get them outta there before 10 and it's a nice walk around with lots of hipness (and pretentiousness) Eat Mexican food while you are here!

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Sixth Floor, which is the wonderful museum about the JFK assassaination in the West End area of Dallas. It is an excellent museum, and the young ladies will probably learn a lot. Also in the West End is the Dallas World Aquarium, which has a beautiful indoor rain forest. Kids of all ages enjoy it! The Dallas Museum of Art is just a few blocks away, and they will have an excellent American landscape painters exhibit goingon in November. There are many, many restaurants in the West End where you could have lunch or dinner. Let the girls choose their favorite.