Dallas on a Budget: 10 Free Things to Do

Beautiful, vibrant and often quirky, Dallas truly offers something for everyone. This is the destination of choice for sophisticated shopping, iconic sports venues and of course, mouthwatering BBQ. It's no wonder Dallas attracts over 22 million visitors per year.

There's a lot to love about Dallas, but with a caveat: many top Dallas attractions come with a price attached. Tickets and entry fees can add up quickly, leaving little left over for the legendary DFW dining scene or even for accommodations.

The good news? While AAA discounts definitely help, there are many other ways to keep busy when you're on a budget. To help you create the ultimate itinerary, we've highlighted several free things to do in Dallas, plus tips to help you make the most of these exciting and cost-effective excursions. 

A blend of museums, parks and neighborhood strolls can make for a delightful day in Dallas. Add these essentials to your DFW itinerary:

1. Dallas Museum of Art

• Location: 1717 N Harwood Street
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours

A leisurely day at the museum is always welcome, and thankfully, general admission is completely free of charge at the Dallas Museum of Art. There, you'll find all kinds of thought-provoking exhibitions representing a wide array of artistic mediums, concepts and movements. Situated within one of the nation's most influential art districts, this sizable museum campus should keep you entertained and inspired for hours.

The museum's vast collection includes tens of thousands of pieces from all around the world. Original paintings from Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso can be found here, along with sizable Asian, Islamic and African art collections. A variety of ancient artifacts are also on display, along with detailed descriptions revealing how and why these were used throughout history.

In addition to curating an entire museum's worth of art exhibits, the DMA provides an amazing opportunity for art-loving families: Saturday pop-up events, which include creative activities and access to totes chock-full of art-inspired goodies. The cart's location within the galleries may change month-to-month, but this is rarely difficult for families to find.

2. African American Museum of Dallas

• Location: 3536 Grand Avenue
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Offering access to gorgeous artwork and fascinating (albeit often sobering) stories, the African American Museum of Dallas provides an important glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the local African American community. This is the ultimate learning experience and can be deeply emotional, but this whirlwind of feelings is a crucial part of the museum experience and what is most likely to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of visitors.

There are many permanent exhibits worth checking out, but also, temporary displays that keep the museum feeling fresh for regular attendees. The full scope of exhibits certainly allows the museum to achieve its central goal: making the museum experience compelling to those who typically avoid art exhibits. Any visit should be built into an exploration of the vast Fair Park, which boasts many architectural gems and a Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

3. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

• Location: 2943 SMU Boulevard
• Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Providing in-depth insight into the events that shaped America during the early 2000s, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is always free to visit. This attraction includes the second-largest presidential library, plus a Blue Star Museums program that's free for veterans who visit during the summer months. A permanent exhibit reveals how President Bush made key decisions while he was in office and also details his campaign and ongoing work through the Bush Institute.

Don't forget to take a stroll through the lovely Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park, which showcases indigenous limestone and a variety of species that are native to the state. Self-guided tours are always encouraged, but guided tours are available free of charge on Saturdays.

4. Dallas Farmers Market

• Location: 920 South Harwood Street
• Time Needed: 1 hour

Home to one of the most impressive farmers markets in the Metroplex and, arguably, all of Texas, Dallas provides access to amazing produce and all kinds of goodies with its iconic market. Yes, this is best experienced with cash on hand so you can splurge on a few treats, but a spending-free excursion is certainly possible.

Don't be confused by the multiple facilities: The Shed is where you go for fresh produce during the weekend and a healthy dose of local vibes, while The Market provides an indoor shopping experience seven days a week. Samples are often offered and, if you're lucky, you'll get the chance to listen to live music near The Market's entrance.

5. Deep Ellum

• Location: 2900-3400 Main Street
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

As the Northern Texas hub of arts, music and innovation, Deep Ellum is worth a visit even when you're short on cash. Simply strolling this iconic neighborhood can be a joy, as its beloved murals are thought-provoking and often, awe-inspiring. Take your time as you experience this vibrant atmosphere and treat yourself to a little window shopping along the way.

Visit in the spring, and you might have the chance to check out the Deep Ellum Arts Festival — when talented artists and performers descend on the neighborhood to share their work and celebrate the gift of artistic expression. This festival is free to attend and, with so many artists showing off their trademark techniques and unique perspectives, you could easily spend the entire day at this remarkable event.

6. Trinity River Audubon Center

• Location: 6500 South Great Trinity Forest Way
• Time Needed: 1 hour

One of multiple nature centers worth checking out, Trinity River represents the ultimate ecological achievement: it was once an illegal dump site, but today, this reclaimed space offers a blend of grasslands, hardwoods and wetlands. Together, these form spectacular habitats for a diverse array of species. The nature center's main structure is also fascinating, as it's LEED-certified and includes eco-oriented features such as a rainwater collection system and a vegetated roof.

While you'll want to spend some time examining the center's intriguing exhibits, the real treasures can be found outside. Boasting five miles of stunning trails, this lovely parcel is a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts and anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the Dallas lifestyle.

7. Cedar Ridge Preserve

• Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway
• Time Needed: 1 hour

The beautiful Cedar Ridge Preserve provides yet another escape into nature while also remaining in the heart of the city. Although it is open to the public and provides excellent hiking opportunities, this preserve purposefully leaves many 'typical' park amenities and activities out to encourage a more natural setting.

Stop by to discover the pristine woodlands as you explore over nine miles of well-maintained trails that, despite their urban location, still feel remote. Keep an eye out for the many birds and butterflies that gather here, plus wildflowers that bring lovely scents and colors to the area every spring.

8. Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park

• Location: Klyde Warren Park at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Kids will naturally gravitate towards this family-friendly attraction, which represents just one of several spots worth checking out at the well-loved Klyde Warren Park. The 35-foot climbing tower is a main attraction among daring types, although there are plenty of other play features to suit kids of all ages. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the nearby Ginsburg Family Lawn, which also offers a stunning view of the Dallas skyline.

9. Best Fountains in Dallas

• Location: Several spots throughout Dallas
• Time Needed: A few minutes or half an hour for interactive shows

On a scorching day, nothing provides immediate relief quite like the beloved fountains of Dallas. These are often highly interactive, providing a memorable experience for both kids and kids at heart. Other fountains are more contemplative, allowing for a peaceful respite. Favorites include:

• Nancy Best Fountain. Located within the aforementioned Klyde Warren Park, this fountain has achieved the ultimate claim to fame: it's the world's tallest interactive fountain. It's worth visiting at any hour, but it really shines during the evening, when a choreographed show takes over and catchy music gets visitors' toes tapping.
• Fountain Place. While Fountain Place is actually a skyscraper, this downtown property also has a multi-tiered fountain that creates a cascading effect. This brings serene sounds to the city environment and is a great place to rest before you resume your downtown explorations. As with the Nancy Best Fountain, this attraction is best experienced at night, when the lighting adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
• First Baptist Church. A symbolic fountain display marks the entrance to the iconic First Baptist Church, with air-driven Titan jets shooting the water to impressive heights. Known as the Jeffress Fountain, this has been the site of many baptisms.
• Thanks-Giving Square. As the spiritual hub of the Dallas community, Thanks-Giving Square encourages self-reflection and provides a much-needed place of refuge within the busy city. The Great Fountain's flowing waters are meant to dampen the usual city sounds, while a bell tower, chapel and mosaic provide plenty of visual treats.
• Esplanade Fountain. Situated within the aforementioned Fair Park, the Esplanade Fountain was constructed as part of the 1936 Texas Centennial. Today, visitors are astounded by the morning and evening fountain shows, inspired by the iconic Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

10. Symphony in the Parks

• Location: Rotating locations at parks throughout Dallas
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

The Dallas music scene is spectacular and you don't need to shell out for tickets to experience it. Symphony in the Parks events should give you a taste of all that Dallas musicians are able to accomplish. Presented by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), these outdoor performances are scheduled throughout the summer.

Each concert is held at a different park with shows often including several recognizable pieces. Previous concerts have even featured favorites from Star Wars and Coco. The Memorial Day Concert takes the experience a step up with fireworks but all park-based performances are worth checking out

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