IRVING. If you have time while in Dallas, catch a Cowboys football game ­ it's well worth it! Watching athletes from all over the country, checking out cheerleaders wearing cowboy boots, and being surrounded by fans who are proud Texans are all part and parcel of a Lone Star State experience. For ticket information, contact the ticket office at Texas Stadium in Irving (972-785-5000). Cowboys' training camp takes place at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Stadium tours are available.

IRVING. If you have time while in Dallas, experiencing one of these football games is well worth the money you'll spend doing it! Watching athletes from all over, cheerleaders wearing cowboy boots, and fans who are proud Texans, you'll get a taste of true Texas. For ticket information contact the Cowboys' ticket office at Texas Stadium in Irving, 972-785-5000. Cowboys' training camp is held at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Stadium tours are fun and informative.

VICTORY PARK. This hometown NBA team plays at state-of-the-art American Airlines Center. In the arena, fans can order food with their cell phones and plug in handheld devices and notebooks. Microphones on the court allow fans to hear on-court conversations, and video cameras tap into all the pre-game activity.

VICTORY PARK. This team joined the National Hockey League in 1994 and has been playing in Reunion Arena ever since. The hockey season runs from September through the end of April.

FRISCO. Check out a Major League Soccer game while you're in Dallas, and don't forget to pick up a few souvenir items for the kids ­ maybe a T-shirt or soccer jersey. The Major League Soccer season begins in April and ends in October, although playoffs can run into November.