Exploring Dallas doesn’t have to mean reaching deep into your wallet. This North Texas city offers plenty of sights and activities that won’t cost you a dime. Whether it’s your first time in Dallas or you’re a local looking to rediscover your city, there’s an array of free things to do that showcase the vibrant culture, history, and community spirit of this metropolitan Texas gem.
My family lives in Fort Worth, about an hour from Dallas, and while we don’t visit often, when we do, we always have the best time. I’m going to share some of our fave spots, plus some more that are on my list for next time. We hope our guide of 27 Free Things to Do in Dallas helps, as you plan your next time in the Big D.
[And if you’re ever in Fort Worth, check out my guest post on Free Things to do in Fort Worth!]
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Free Things to Do in Dallas: Cultural Experiences
Dallas is a treasure trove of cultural experiences that won’t cost you a dime. From world-class art collections to vibrant marketplaces, you can immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the city for free.
Dallas Museum of Art
At the Dallas Museum of Art, located in the Dallas Arts District, you’ll find a vast collection of over 24,000 works from America and around the globe. Entrance is complimentary, so take your time exploring the art that spans 5,000 years of human creativity. While there are paid galleries, there is so much incredible art to see in the free exhibits that I think you’ll leave more than satisfied. It’s one of the best free things to do in Dallas, in my opinion!
If you’re visiting with kids, take advantage of the free family programs and activities, like Wee Wednesdays, Art to Go Tote bags, Arturo’s Library Totes, Open Art Studio, Pop-Up Art Spot, plus other events. This is a very family-friendly museum, and since it’s just a short walk to Clyde Warren Park, you can visit the museum and then take your picnic to the park for a fun family day!
When you’re planning your visit, make sure you note that they are closed on Mondays.
Crow Collection of Asian Art
Just a short walk from the Dallas Museum of Art in the Dallas Arts District, the Crow Collection of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas offers a focused but impressive assortment of pieces from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Admission is free, offering you a window into the intricate art and culture of Asia. This museum offers free admission, while it welcomes donations.
If you’re visiting with kids, know that this museum doesn’t provide family activities, and might not be as engaging for younger visitors.
The Crow Collection is open every day except for Mondays.
The African American Museum
Photo @MichaelBarera
The African American Museum is a treasure located in Dallas Fair Park. This museum is one of a kind in the southwest. It is rich in history, and its mission is to preserve and display this history through African American cultural documents and artifacts. It also has one of the most vast collections of African American folk art on display in the United States.
This free museum also offers programs, lectures, and field trips, as well as summer art camps for kids and the South Dallas Children’s Choir. Some special exhibitions and events do cost, and tickets for those events are available online or at the museum.
The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Nasher Sculpture Center
While the Nasher Sculpture Center isn’t free for everyone every day, it does offer some free admissions and discounts for groups of individuals and on specific days each month. First responders and military, children under 12, and SNAP EBT card holders all receive free admission. Educators and students receive $5 admission and there are other discounts for seniors and DART transportation riders. Everyone can take advantage of free admission on Free First Saturday and Midnight at the Nasher on the third Friday of each month.
The Nasher is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Dallas Contemporary
The Dallas Contemporary is located in the upscale design district. Admission is free, although a $10 donation is suggested if you’re able. Be sure to reserve your time before showing up, as it does require a (free) reservation.
The mission of the Dallas Contemporary is to showcase contemporary art to the community. They are dedicated to inclusion and diversity making art accessible to all members of the community.
You can catch free special events at the DC from time to time, like their Third Thursday After Hours, which includes free registration and two complimentary drinks.
Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market in the heart of Downtown Dallas is more than just a place to buy fresh produce. It’s a hub of activity where you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of local fare, as well as occasional live music and seasonal festivals—all without spending a penny. Although, it’s really hard to not spend any money here! There are incredible vendors and it will take some strong resolve not to purchase anything.
The indoor market is open 7 days a week and features a 26,000-square-foot food hall and vendor market. The outdoor market at the Shed is open on Saturdays and Sundays only and features regional farmers and vendors who live in Texas or within 400 miles of Dallas. FO
Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center
Keep an eye out for free and discounted programs and performances by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Although the Symphony Center is known for its paid performances, it also offers a selection of free community concerts throughout the year, as well as discounted concerts created for children and free programs and activities, allowing you to enjoy world-class culture without spending a lot of money.
Some of the community’s favorite free performances are Symphony in the Parks throughout Dallas, bringing music to the people of Dallas. You can also find the DSO on the third Thursday and Saturday of each month at Shirley and Bill McIntyre Park, where they perform chamber music and present hands-on activities and demonstrations for the public.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum has long been known for its bars and nightlife, but it’s absolutely worth a visit in the daytime. If you’re looking for a free outing that brings you face-to-face with the culture of the Deep Ellum neighborhood, the street art in the form of 42 Murals is a must-see.
What were once graffiti-covered buildings are now works of art created by local, national, and international artists. The love of art and vibrancy of the Deep Ellum neighborhood comes to life in these larger-than-life murals, that make Deep Ellum a must-see for anyone.
Dallas Design Interactive Art
A fun area to grab some fun photos for the socials is in the Dallas Design District. The Dallas Dallas Design Playground is such a fun spot to bring the kids or your friends. The interactive murals are super creative and and make for even better photo ops.
And, I mean, who doesn’t love Chuck Norris
Free Things to Do in Dallas: Natural Escapes
Dallas offers a variety of green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without spending a dime. From vibrant urban parks to serene lakes, these spots provide a perfect escape from city life.
Klyde Warren Park
One of our favorite urban parks is Klyde Warren Park. What makes this park so unique is that you’ve got a 5.2-acre green space perched above an active freeway! It’s an incredible modern design that brings live music, free children’s programs, free fitness classes, a dog park food trucks, and a children’s playground to your downtown Dallas experience. In the warm months, you can enjoy the Nancy Best Fountain interactive water feature and beat the heat.
Klyde Warren Park connects Downtown Dallas to Uptown, making it easy to walk to the museums in the Dallas Arts District or head to Uptown for dining and shopping experiences.
White Rock Lake
For a daytime nature escape, check out White Rock Lake Park. You can hike or bike along scenic trails, go bird watching, or have a picnic with gorgeous skyline views. It’s a great place to decompress from city life
Dallas Arboretum
Although the Dallas Arboretum is typically a paid attraction, it does offer deeply discounted admission on select days. Visit during the Dollar Days in August for $3 admission and $3 parking to the arboretum, in the garden’s effort to entice visitors amid the Texas summer heat. (Don’t worry, you and the kids can cool off at one of their splash pads!) You can find other discounted and BOGO days throughout the year in the off-season and on certain weekdays.
While there you can enjoy beautifully themed gardens and gorgeous seasonal flowers in full bloom – your Instagram will thank you.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Escape to the Cedar Ridge Preserve for a touch of the wilderness within Dallas. This nature preserve covers 600 acres with nine miles of walking trails, a butterfly garden, and scenic overlooks. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature and maybe do some bird-watching while you’re at it.
To plan your visit, check out the trail map before heading to the preserve. Also, note that the preserve is closed on Mondays. Since parking is limited, I encourage you to arrive early on busy weekend days when the weather is nice and carpool if possible. Another thing to note is that if you’re visiting with kids, the only restrooms available are at the front entrance, so plan accordingly.
Katy Trail
The 3.5-mile Katy Trail in Dallas is a privately funded walking and biking trail that is built on a historic railroad line. This beautifully maintained trail is perfect for families and individuals looking for some outdoor exercise on a paved path. You can stop off at parks and lookouts along the way, as well as admire the art that has been installed along the trail.
The Katy Trail is pedestrian and stroller-friendly, but definitely keep an eye on small children and keep your pooches on a leash. The south trailhead begins near Victory Park and the north Trailhead begins near Glencoe Park and the SMU campus.
Trinity River Audubon Center
Located only 10 miles from Downtown Dallas is the Trinity River Audubon Center. This free nature center also includes 120 acres of wildlife in the Great Trinity River Forrest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the United States.
Spend some time exploring the nature center, hiking on trails, and bird-watching. Many of the trails are paved and wheelchair and stroller friendly. Admission is free, but be sure and reserve your timed entry before showing up.
Free Things to Do in Dallas: Family Fun
In Dallas, some amazing opportunities for family entertainment come without a price tag. You can spark your children’s imaginations with story time at the library or inspire wonder with interactive learning at the zoo—all for free!
Dallas Public Library Story Time and Community Events
At the Dallas Public Library, enjoy free story time sessions that are perfect for your little ones. Engage with fun themes and characters that bring stories to life, fostering a love for reading and learning in a warm community setting. These story times are available for toddlers, older kids and for bilingual children.
You can also catch other fun family and community events at the library, including festivals, contests, and special guests for music, magic, and other exciting presentations for kids. You can find a calendar list of all the children’s events the library has to offer here.
Movies in the Park
In the warmer months, you can catch free Movies in the Park at Klyde Warren Park. Just grab a picnic blanket and bring the family for a movie in the park’s incredible greenspace. The movies are family-oriented, although some are geared for older children and teens, so be sure to check the schedule and find the right movie for your family.
Dallas Zoo Dollar Days (Cheap but not free)
On select Dollar Days at the Dallas Zoo, your family can dive into the animal kingdom by barely dipping into your wallet. This twice-a-year event (typically in the summer months) offers admission for only $1! But be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out. While not completely free, this super cheap family friendly event has to be mentioned.
Free Things to Do in Dallas: Tours
If you’re keen on diving into Dallas’ culture and history without spending a dime, this section is your go-to guide for some fantastic free tours in the city.
McKinney Avenue Trolley
Take a free ride through the heart of Downtown Dallas on the McKinney Avenue Trolley, also known as the M-Line. Just look for the maroon M-LINE signs and wave at the trolley as you see it approaching. It is free to ride, although they greatly appreciate donations to help keep this free service available for Dallas visitors and residents.
The trolley stops about every 17-20 minutes. You can the live status of the trolley using the trolley tracker. We also suggest checking out the trolley map with a list of the stops along the way, as well as the hours of operation. The trolley is the perfect way to take a free tour of downtown and see the sights.
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Are you curious about the role of the Federal Reserve or how money gets into circulation? The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas offers free self-guided tours Monday-Friday from 10-4 that give you an inside look into the world of the U.S. central bank through their interactive exhibits and historical experience of currency.
For guided tours, you need to gather a group of 10-25 people (7th grade and older only) and request a tour at least 2 weeks in advance.
Bishop Arts District
Are you in the mood to explore one of the most unique neighborhoods in Dallas? Stroll through the Bishop Arts District, a vibrant and eclectic area known for its abundance of local shops, dining spots, murals, and beautiful architecture that’s only a few minutes from Downtown Dallas.
Take a stroll on a self-guided tour and wander around and discover the many hidden gems and history of this favorite neighborhood at your own pace. You can also visit during one of their free events or festivals to get a more energetic feel of the neighborhood.
Free Things to Do in Dallas: Iconic Landmarks
When you’re exploring Dallas, be sure to check out these historic and iconic landmarks that won’t cost you a dime!
Pioneer Plaza
At Pioneer Plaza, you get to see a stunning display of bronze cattle sculptures, commemorating the 19th-century cattle drives that took place along the Shawnee Trail. This is a perfect spot for taking photos that capture the essence of Texas’s rich history.
And if this piques your interest, then make sure you check out Dallas’ sister city Fort Worth, for a free cattle drive experience in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Dallas City Hall
The Dallas City Hall is a remarkable piece of architecture designed by the renowned I.M. Pei. This modernist building serves as the municipal government’s seat and stands as a symbol of Dallas’s progressive spirit. If architecture is your thing, then City Hall won’t disappoint.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is a monument to the late President John F. Kennedy. It’s located in the West End Historic District of Downtown Dallas. The memorial was designed by renowned American architect Philip Johnson in 1970. The memorial is an open tomb, known as a cenotaph. This fascinating monument consists of concrete columns that appear to float a couple of feet in the air, It is especially incredible to see at night when it appears that the lights are holding it up.
Dealey Plaza
Across the Street from teh John F. Kennedy Memorial is Dealey Plaza. Dealy Plaza is not just any urban park—it’s known as the “birthplace of Dallas,” the “front door of Dallas, “and the infamous site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Walking through the plaza, you can witness history firsthand, where timelines converge in the heart of the city. You can even view the sixth-floor window where the fatal shots were believed to be fired, a poignant visit for anyone interested in American history.
Note: The Sixth Floor Museum does require admission, so it does not make our list of free things to do in Dallas.
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
The iconic Margaret Hunt Hill bridge is impossible to miss as you’re driving into Downtown Dallas. It was designed by world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava and connects parts of Downtown Dallas with West Dallas, aiding in the revitalization of the city. It’s definitely worth taking a drive over both in the day and when it’s lit up at night.
Old Red Courthouse
The Old Red Courthouse was originally the Dallas County Courthouse, then became a museum for the public, and is returning to its original use as a courthouse that will be home to the Texas Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. You’re no longer able to tour the courthouse museum, but it is still a sight to see while in Dallas.
Built with red sandstone with turrets and grand arches, it reflects a castle-like semblance and is an impressive sight in Downtown Dallas.
Wrapping Up: Free Things to Do in Dallas
You can easily spend days enjoying all the free things to do in Dallas Between the outdoor escapes, museums, parks, landmarks, etc., which means you can create a very budget friendly itinerary for your time in Dallas. Score!
We love Dallas and think it’s definitely worth visiting! We hope you feel the same and enjoy all the free things that Dallas offers!
