26 Of The Best Free Things To Do In Dallas

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Planning a trip to Dallas? If so, you might be curious about how to have a blast without breaking the bank. Well, fear not! Dallas offers some of the best free things to do, so enjoy! 

With the expansive DFW Metroplex at your fingertips, there’s no shortage of cost-free fun for your family to dive into. The more you can experience without spending a dime, the simpler it becomes to stick to your vacation budget!

Parks/Trails: 

Parks and trails are a great way to spend a day and are easily one of the best free things to do in Dallas. There are many parks to enjoy but these are some of my favorites!

White rock: Located about 5 miles NE of downtown Dallas, sits White Rock Lake. White Rock is man made and covers over 1000 acres! You can spend several hours here, especially if you plan to take on the 9 mile trail around the lake. 

It is an excellent spot to walk, bike, skate or run. As you make your way around, take in some bird watching, scenic downtown views, beautiful homes and more!

The lake isn’t just a place for walking, they also offer a dog park and options for kayaking. With it being one of the most visited parks, you can always find some sort of event being held here!

Katy Trail: What used to be part of the MKT Rail line now sits a 3.5 mile trail called the Katy trail. It snakes its way through some of downtown Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods (Oaklawn and Turtle Creek). 

Enjoy the tree lined trail and if you have time, make a stop at the Katy Trail Ice house to refresh!

Klyde Warren Park: Klyde Warren Park, one of Dallas’ newest green spaces, is situated right in the middle of downtown. You can’t miss it because it’s built directly over the Woodall Rogers Freeway! 

Stretching for about 5 acres, Klyde Warren features a large children’s playground area, a concert stage, free lawn games, free Wi-Fi, footpaths, a dog park, and free exercise classes. Check out upcoming events here!

Trinity River Audubon Center: At the Trinity River Audubon Center, you’ll find the world’s largest urban forest, and the Center itself provides pleasant strolls along the riverside. 

Take in the beauty of towering trees or indulge in a bit of bird watching. Don’t miss the discovery garden, perfect for introducing kids to nature, conservation, and gardening. 

For those willing to splurge a bit, guided boat trips down the river are also available.

Griggs Park: Located in uptown sits this 8 acre park. Griggs Park is a little more laid back than the others, but is still worth a visit if you find yourself in Uptown. This park is perfect for a picnic with its downtown views and surprisingly hilly terrain!

Neighborhoods:

Uptown/West Village: Uptown, situated in central Dallas, connects different parts of the city like Downtown, Oak Lawn, Victory Park, and the Arts District. 

It features a variety of amenities, from bustling commercial spaces to quiet streets lined with brownstones. Don’t miss McKinney Ave, famous for its M-Line trolley (also free to ride around Dallas), lively bars, and delicious restaurants. 

Deep Ellum: A neighborhood steeped in history, Deep Ellum has been known for its vibrant nightlife and music culture for decades. Its musical legacy traces back to the roaring 1920s when it emerged as a hotspot for jazz and blues performers.

 Today, it boasts an eclectic array of nightclubs, dive bars, cocktail lounges, retail shops, tattoo parlors, speakeasies, and concert venues, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking lively entertainment and diverse experiences.

Lowest/Lower Greenville: Lower Greenville offers a lively and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood brimming with homegrown eateries, bars, and shops. 

The intersection of Ross and Belmont stands as the vibrant center famously dubbed “Lowest Greenville,” boasting over 25 establishments.

Venture further up to Mockingbird, and you’ll reach “Upper Greenville,” where you’ll find even more local treasures lining the street.

Bishop Arts: Bishop Arts, the charming neighborhood tucked away in Oak Cliff! With over 60 mom-and-pop shops, including cute coffee nooks and trendy boutiques, there’s plenty to explore. 

It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, where you’ll always find something exciting happening. On weekends, the streets buzz with activity as people enjoy treats, music, and maybe even a spontaneous dance or two on the sidewalks!

Design District: If you’re on the hunt for all things home décor and style, look no further than the Design District! 

Nestled just below Oak Lawn, this area is a treasure trove of warehouses, art galleries, colorful murals, breweries, cool co-working spaces, furniture stores, chic design studios, and a handful of top-notch restaurants!

Preston Hollow: Preston Hollow, the posh neighborhood at the northern border of Dallas! Famous for its extravagant homes, it’s considered one of the ritziest and most exclusive areas in town. 

Here, you’ll discover lavish shopping, elite private clubs, upscale dining spots, breathtaking estates, and family-friendly retail centers. Just looking at the massive homes is fun enough!

Sites to See:

Pioneer Cattle Drive: Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive in Dallas offers a glimpse into the city’s Western heritage. Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic outdoor sculpture features a lifelike depiction of a cattle drive, complete with cowboys and longhorn cattle. 

Visitors can wander among the sculptures, capturing the spirit of Texas history and experiencing a taste of the Old West right in the bustling city center.

Dealey Plaza: Dealey Plaza, often dubbed as “The Front Door of Dallas”! Initially celebrated as the primary entrance to the city, the plaza took on a different significance in November 1963. 

It was here, in the heart of Dealey Plaza, that President Kennedy’s tragic assassination took place, forever altering its historical narrative. 

There are marked “X’s “ on the roadway where the tragedy took place. While it is free to roam around this Dallas site, be wary of the “tour guides”.

Founders Plaza: In the heart of downtown, near the Old Red Courthouse, you’ll find an open park area. Here, you can explore a replica of John Neely Bryan’s log cabin, where the city’s founder once lived. 

Plus, there’s a fountain, a vintage map of Dallas County, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. It’s a cool spot with some interesting historical touches!

Bonnie Parker Grave: Pay your respects to the infamous, Bonnie Parker, one of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde robber duo. Her grave can be found at Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Giant Eyeball: Standing tall at 30 feet, this giant eyeball situated in the heart of downtown Dallas is easily one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Makes for a fun photograph!

Fair Park: Fair Park, renowned for hosting the State Fair of Texas and boasting the world’s largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings, spans across a sprawling 277-acre complex. 

With over 1,200 activities annually, from festivals and concerts to sports and gardening events, there’s something for everyone at Fair Park. 

After your visit, head over to Exposition and Parry avenues, just across from the light rail station, where a cluster of bars and restaurants awaits, ready to liven up your evening with a little post-park adventure.

Southern Methodist University: Nestled in the heart of central Dallas, you’ll find this nationally ranked private university. Established back in 1915, it’s steeped in Dallas history and boasts some stunning architecture. 

Take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined boulevard and soak in the beautifully manicured landscape. Don’t forget to check out the school’s libraries or the Dallas Hall while you’re at it!

Museums:

Dallas Museum of Art: The Dallas Museum of Art is renowned for its stunning collections and exhibitions. While admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free every day, families should definitely plan a visit on the first Tuesday of the month for special kid-friendly activities. 

J. Erik Jonsson Central Library: There are all sorts of things to see and do at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, but one of these outshines the rest: an original edition of the declaration of independence is on display, and there’s even an original copy of Shakespeare’s first folio to be seen.

The Crow Collection of Asian Art: Few art museums in Dallas offer free entrance every day, but the Crow Collection does. Magnificent Asian artworks are on display and are always free to view. 

However, on the first Saturday of every month between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, there are free family activities to add to the mix.

Shopping:

Yes, I know shopping typically involves spending money. However, these Dallas shopping spots below are free to walk around and spend some time at!

NorthPark Center: NorthPark, the premier shopping spot in Dallas. Boasting 200 retailers ranging from luxury boutiques to trend-setting brands, along with an array of restaurants and movie theaters, it’s a shopper’s paradise. 

Plus, with museum-quality artworks and stunning landscaping, NorthPark offers a shopping experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Flagship Neiman Marcus: First established in 1907 and later relocated to its current spot at the corner of Main and Ervay streets in 1914, the Neiman Marcus flagship store is an essential destination for any fashion enthusiast. 

Whether you prefer to leisurely stroll along the street, peeking into the windows, or step inside to indulge in luxurious finds, it’s a must-visit spot for sartorial delights.

Dallas Farmers Market: Open 7 days a week, local farmers gather at the Dallas Farmers Market to showcase and sell an enticing array of fresh produce, herbs, locally sourced honey and nuts, and plants. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing stroll.

Don’t forget to check out “The Shed”!

Highland Park Village: Highland Park Village stands out as a national landmark and the very first self-contained shopping center in America. 

Designed with ornate Spanish-style accents, the Village is home to top luxury fashion brands worldwide. Beyond shopping, it’s a great spot for leisurely strolls, delicious dining, and family-friendly events year-round!

West Village: Distinct from New York’s West Village, Dallas boasts its own vibrant district bustling with over 100 establishments. Here, you’ll find a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, wellness centers, fitness studios, rooftop bars, live music venues, wine bars, and beyond! 

Plus, its central location and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible via Trolley, DART, or the Katy Trail – making it a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike!

Dallas is a huge city with so many activities to do, and these are just a few of the best free things to do here!

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