As many people know, the average cost of living in TX is relatively low. So you don’t need to spend a ton of money if you want to enjoy Dallas, Texas. Coming in from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) can be expensive enough, so let us help you save money!
We buy houses Texas homeowners want to sell, so we know all about the inexpensive and fun things you can do in Dallas. As cash home buyers Arlington residents trust, we love to explore the city, so check out our guide to the best free things to do in Dallas that you won’t want to miss, from the sculpture garden to Deep Ellum.
Free Things to Do in Dallas, Texas
If you’re in Dallas and don’t want to break the bank, check out our top ten recommendations for enjoying Dallas’s daytime and nightlife. Whether you’re in uptown or downtown Dallas, Texas, there are fun and free things to do.
- Dallas Fine Arts Chamber Players
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Dallas, you can visit this symphony orchestra and marvel at the sounds on offer, for free! This place is excellent for a date night filled with incredible entertainment. After all, what’s better than free live music?
- City Hall
If you want to discover the most prominent buildings in Dallas, you can’t miss Dallas City Hall. It is a public government building, so it’s free for everyone to visit and you can learn a lot about the city and its history.
- Model Trains at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
There are many model trains in the lobby of the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. These trains are a beloved feature for many locals, as they bring an air of joy and playfulness to a place that is otherwise rather dreary.
- The Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is a must-see for all Dallas area tourists, and it has free admission! The museum houses a wide array of art from different cultures and styles. At times, it has even exhibited Van Goghs and Picassos, making for a truly unique experience.
If you find yourself in the Dallas Arts District, do not neglect to explore this fabulous museum! From complex murals to dazzling works of art, you’ll love this spot.
- J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
For a taste of knowledge, check out the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The library is the largest in Dallas, offering a wide range of books and materials! Plus, it’s easy to find, situated directly across from city hall.
- Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum is a dedication to all things John F. Kennedy. It is on the top floor of the Dallas County Administration Building near Main Street. Therefore, it is a completely free museum because it resides in a public service building! It often has short movie screenings of historical videos about JFK.
- Nasher Sculpture Center
At the Nasher Sculpture Center, you can stroll through this gorgeous museum that features pieces from the Patsy and Raymond Nasher collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. The museum is in the Dallas Arts District, so you can spend a whole day in all the museums in this area.
- African American Museum at Fair Park
Fair Park itself is a lovely area to walk around in and enjoy the Dallas area sunshine. But if you want to delve into some American history, pop into the free African American Museum. You can learn about the area’s history and enjoy African American artwork from various periods.
- Crow Collection of Asian Art
The Crow Museum is a free establishment that celebrates artwork from Asian countries like China, Japan, India, Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. It showcases stunning and bold art like the Samurai collection. Explore the art galleries and learn about Asian culture as a family.
- Grassy Knoll, Dealey Plaza
The Grassy Knoll at Dealey Plaza may not sound like much, but if you want a bustling area where you can simultaneously enjoy some nature and take in the city’s vibes, you can spend an afternoon relaxing here. These green spaces are part of the Dallas Area historic district.
Free Excursions in Dallas
For super fun, free admission activities for the whole family, consider doing one of these completely free Dallas excursions below. And keep an eye out for tasty food trucks parked around the city!
- Mary Kay Cosmetics
If you love makeup and have a stash of your own Mary Kay products, it can be fun to visit the completely free Mary Kay museum located in their Dallas world headquarters. At this free museum, you can learn how Mary Kay Ash founded the brand when there was little room in the business world for women.
- Flagship Neiman Marcus
On the other hand, if you are more into clothes than cosmetics, why not hit up the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Downtown Dallas. Neiman Marcus is a staple in the department store industry, offering designer brands at lowered prices without sacrificing a luxury shopping experience. The store has been there since 1914, making it a historical landmark in its own right.
- McKinney Avenue Trolley (M-Line Trolley)
For a delightful family excursion, hop on the M-Line trolley for a free ride around the beautiful city. While the McKinney Avenue Trolley does not advertise itself as a free service, the historic-looking streetcar has a “pay what you can policy.”
- Dallas Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love a fresh and lively farmers’ market? Dallas has a thriving farmers’ market every day from 10 am to 7 pm! So forget having to wait until Sunday or Saturday to explore the Dallas Farmers Market.
- Bonnie Parker’s Final Resting Place
Ever heard of Bonnie and Clyde? The female half of this bad-to-the-bone criminal duo has her final resting place in Dallas! If you’re a true crime fanatic, this is one of the most unusual free things to do in Dallas.
Parks in Dallas
Dallas is a massive city with plenty of space for gorgeous parks, and you can visit them all for free! With so many parks to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down. So we did it for you! Next time you visit Dallas, Find the best picnic areas and enjoy these parks!
- Klyde Warren Park
- Lakeside Park
- White Rock Lake Park
- Dragon Park
- Trinity River Audubon Center
Monuments in Dallas
If you love history and want to experience what Dallas has to offer in this department, you can see all the amazing monuments they have. JFK isn’t the only history Dallas has to offer. From stunning bridges to cattle drive monuments with longhorns, you should visit all of these impressive landmarks.
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
- Freedman’s Memorial
- Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
- Pioneer Plaza
- Dealey Plaza
Walks in Dallas
If you want to know where you can take some fun and relaxing walks through the city, there are some excellent strolls we recommend. Whether you want to explore downtown, uptown, or explore green spaces, you’ll love these five Dallas walks. Biking is also popular on these paths!
- Lower Greenville Avenue
- Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk
- White Rock Lake
- Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
- Continental Avenue Bridge
Conclusion
So you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg to have a good time in Dallas. From the beautiful parks to the free museums to the peaceful walks around the city, there are many free things to do in Dallas. And remember, no matter whether you’re searching for buy my house in Dallas or Arlington, we are the right people to call!