40 Things to do in Dallas, Texas
Dallas pulses with Texas energy, known for its impressive skyline, rich history, and vibrant arts scene, often leading visitors to expect high costs for entertainment and exploration. However, discovering the Big D’s unique character doesn’t require a hefty budget; there are numerous fantastic free things to do in Dallas, Texas, allowing you to soak up its culture and enjoy its green spaces without spending a fortune. From iconic historical sites to beautiful parks and lively arts districts, affordable fun is readily available.
This guide points you towards 40 specific activities, sights, and experiences you can enjoy in Dallas entirely free of charge. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor recreation, artistic expression, historical reflection, or simply exploring distinct neighborhoods, you can craft a full and rewarding itinerary. Let’s dive into the wealth of free experiences Dallas has to offer.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Klyde Warren Park: Walk across this unique 5.2-acre park built over a freeway connecting Uptown and Downtown. Enjoy the green space, food trucks (viewing is free!), free activities like games, and people-watching.
White Rock Lake Park: Explore the trails circling this large urban lake, perfect for walking, running, or biking. Enjoy scenic water views, bird watching, and picnic spots just east of downtown.
Katy Trail: Walk, jog, or bike along this popular 3.5-mile paved trail built on a former railroad line. It runs through the scenic Uptown and Oak Lawn neighborhoods, offering great city views and green space.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (Limited Access): While general admission requires a ticket, enjoy walking the public access paths bordering parts of the Arboretum for glimpses of the beautiful landscaping near White Rock Lake. Check for occasional community free days as well.
Cedar Ridge Preserve: Hike trails through hilly, wooded terrain offering a natural escape just southwest of Dallas. Enjoy views of Joe Pool Lake and diverse plant life unique to the area.
Reverchon Park: Explore this historic park near Uptown featuring trails along Turtle Creek and connections to the Katy Trail. Enjoy the mature trees and natural setting close to the city center.
Trinity River Audubon Center Trails: Wander the trails outside the main center building, exploring wetlands and forests along the Trinity River. It’s a great spot for urban bird watching south of downtown (check trail accessibility).
Dragon Park: Discover this small, privately owned park near Oak Lawn filled with whimsical sculptures of dragons, gargoyles, and angels. It’s a hidden gem offering a unique photo opportunity.
Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive: Marvel at the larger-than-life bronze sculptures depicting a 19th-century cattle drive located downtown near the Convention Center. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Dallas.
Lake Cliff Park: Stroll through this historic Oak Cliff park featuring rose gardens, walking paths, and views of the downtown skyline across the lake. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and historic structures.
Founder’s Plaza Observation Area: Watch airplanes take off and land at DFW International Airport from this dedicated public viewing area. Listen to air traffic control communications for an engaging aviation experience.
Harry S. Moss Park: Explore mountain bike trails and hiking paths in this large park located in North Dallas near White Rock Creek. Enjoy the natural surface trails and wooded areas.
Arts Culture and Museums
Dallas Museum of Art (DMA): Explore extensive collections spanning global cultures and thousands of years of art history. General admission is always free, providing access to impressive permanent exhibits.
Crow Museum of Asian Art: Discover art and cultural objects from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Located in the Arts District, admission is always free.
African American Museum Dallas: Explore exhibits dedicated to preserving and displaying African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials at Fair Park. General admission is usually free (donations welcome).
Public Art Walk in Deep Ellum: Wander the streets of Deep Ellum and discover dozens of vibrant murals painted on buildings. It’s an outdoor gallery showcasing the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Dallas Arts District Exploration: Walk through the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States. Admire the stunning architecture of venues like the Winspear Opera House and Wyly Theatre from the outside.
Meadows Museum (Free Thursdays): Enjoy free admission to view Spanish art collections at this museum on the SMU campus every Thursday after 5 pm. Check current hours and policies.
Hall of State at Fair Park: Admire the stunning Art Deco architecture of this historic building, built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. Explore the impressive Great Hall when open for public viewing (check hours).
Latino Cultural Center: Check for free exhibitions showcasing Latino arts and culture in this distinctive building near Deep Ellum. Their galleries often feature local and international artists.
Sammons Park at AT&T Performing Arts Center: Relax in the outdoor spaces surrounding the performing arts venues. Enjoy the reflecting pool and views of the unique architecture.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District: Visit the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Reflect at the Grassy Knoll and explore the plaza, reading the historical markers.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza: Pay respects at the simple, roofless cenotaph designed by Philip Johnson, located one block east of Dealey Plaza. It offers a space for quiet contemplation.
Freedman’s Memorial Plaza and Cemetery: Visit the memorial honoring the legacy of a large freedman’s town once located in the area. Reflect at the cemetery, a significant site in Dallas’s African American history.
Old Red Museum Exterior: Admire the striking Richardsonian Romanesque architecture of the former Dallas County Courthouse downtown. Its red sandstone and clock tower make it a prominent landmark.
John Neely Bryan Cabin: See a replica of the log cabin built by Dallas founder John Neely Bryan, located in Founder’s Plaza downtown. It provides a glimpse into the city’s humble beginnings.
Thanks-Giving Square: Visit this unique downtown oasis dedicated to gratitude. Explore the serene chapel with its spiraling stained-glass window and enjoy the peaceful gardens and bell tower.
Swiss Avenue Historic District Walk: Stroll or drive down Swiss Avenue in East Dallas. Admire the beautifully preserved early 20th-century mansions representing various architectural styles.
Wilson Block Historic District Walk: Explore this small historic district in East Dallas featuring well-preserved Victorian homes. It offers a charming look at late 19th-century residential architecture.
Pioneer Park Cemetery: Wander through Dallas’s oldest cemetery, located downtown near Pioneer Plaza. Discover the resting places of early city leaders and settlers.
Neighborhood Exploration and Unique Finds
McKinney Avenue Trolley Ride: Hop on one of the restored vintage trolley cars (M-Line) for a free ride through the vibrant Uptown neighborhood. Enjoy the charming way to see the area and connect to Klyde Warren Park.
Bishop Arts District Stroll: Explore the charming streets of this Oak Cliff neighborhood known for its independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and unique vibe. Enjoy window shopping and the walkable atmosphere.
Deep Ellum Window Shopping: Beyond the murals, browse the unique storefronts of Deep Ellum’s eclectic shops, tattoo parlors, and music venues. Soak up the alternative energy of the district.
Dallas Farmers Market Browsing: Visit The Market building (open daily) to browse specialty food vendors or explore The Shed (weekends) for fresh produce and local crafts. Enjoying the bustling atmosphere is free.
Highland Park Village Window Shopping: Stroll through America’s first self-contained shopping center. Admire the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean architecture and browse the windows of luxury designer boutiques.
NorthPark Center Art Collection: Explore this upscale shopping mall known for its impressive collection of museum-quality sculptures and artwork displayed throughout the common areas. It’s like an art museum within a mall.
West End Historic District Walk: Explore the revitalized warehouse district downtown. Admire the historic brick buildings now housing restaurants and entertainment venues.
Watch Sunset Over the Skyline: Find a good vantage point, perhaps from the Trinity Overlook Park or bridges crossing the Trinity River. Watching the sunset paint the Dallas skyline is a beautiful free spectacle.
Listen to Free Live Music (Check Schedules): Look for venues in areas like Deep Ellum or local parks (like Klyde Warren Park) that occasionally offer free live music performances, especially on weekends or during events.
Attend a Free Library Program: Check the Dallas Public Library schedule. They host numerous free events, workshops, author talks, movie screenings, and children’s activities across their branches.
