If you have an open calendar and an empty wallet, you'll want to check out our list of free things to do in Dallas. (Daniel Halseth/Unsplash)
On a tight budget? Discover 14 things to do in Dallas that won’t cost you a dime.
While we love a good treat yourself moment as much as the next person, sometimes you want an enjoyable time without spending any money. Luckily, Dallas offers ample opportunities for fun, free things to do.
Whether you’re in an artsy mood, want to learn a new skill, or simply want to soak up some sun outdoors, we’ve got an activity for you. Here are 14 completely free things to do in Dallas.
1. Go on a sculpture storytelling journey
Deep Ellum is full of quirky and bold art pieces, but perhaps none is more distinguishable than Brad Oldham’s “Traveling Man” series. Nestled alongside the DART rail system, the Traveling Man welcomes visitors with three distinct sculptures. First, the 38-foot-high “Walking Tall” stretches its arms out as a sea of birds cheerfully nestles nearby. A short distance away, the Traveling Man has donned a guitar and is relaxing on a bench. Finally, the Traveling Man is almost entirely underground, peeking out from the earth next to Louie Louie’s and the Deep Ellum TV mural.
The Traveling Man series is one of the artistic highlights of Deep Ellum. (Joey Held)
2. Join a class at the Dallas Public Library
While you can get lost in a good read with a free library card, the public library branches of Dallas feature much more than books. Pick your nearest or favorite branch and check out the list of events: You’ll find everything from embroidery classes and speaker series to game nights and endless activities for kids. Dallas residents can also use their Public Library Card to unlock the “Culture Pass,” opening up even more cool activities around town.
3. Walk the Katy Trail
Dallas has several impressive trails that weave throughout the city. One of the most enjoyable is the Katy Trail in Uptown and Oak Lawn, which drifts alongside the former rail bed of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. You can run, walk (either solo or with a dog), or bike. As a bonus, the running path has markers every quarter of a mile, so it’s excellent for training purposes.
4. Get historic at Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is most well-known as the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. It’s been over 60 years since that fateful day, but there’s still so much interest and history around the events leading up to and on November 22, 1963. The fountains and reflecting ponds are calm areas, and you can view the grassy knoll, Texas School Book Depository, and Reunion Tower. There are signs indicating where people were positioned as everything unfolded. It’s a somber visit but an important part of American history.
5. See a show at Dallas Comedy Club
Nine out of ten doctors agree that laughing is good for your well-being; the tenth doctor simply didn’t get the joke. Dallas Comedy Club regularly hosts free events, most notably open mics on Wednesday and Sunday and various improv performances. The open mics are an especially intriguing time because you yourself could go up onstage. What a great way to extend outside of your comfort zone. Besides, it’s only five minutes—what’s the worst that could happen?
6. Traverse the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Named for philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill (which makes sense; it would be weird if the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge were named after anyone else), this is one of the most impressive sights in Dallas. The bridge spans 1,206 feet across the Trinity River, with its central arch rising to 400 feet in the air. Crossing the bridge is free, and you get some spectacular views no matter which side you’re on, so it’s worth walking or driving across.
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge offers stunning views of downtown Dallas—and the bridge itself is quite impressive, too. (emerzon/CC BY 2.0)
7. Swing by Klyde Warren Park
Connecting uptown and downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park regularly has something entertaining going on. You’ll find an activity that suits your style, from fitness classes to kid-friendly events. The park is wheelchair-accessible and has multiple bathroom options, which can be a rarity in any city. While the nearby food trucks are not free, sipping a refreshing beverage on a sweltering summer day is one of the more pleasant indulgences in life.
8. Admire exhibits at The Samurai Collection
The Samurai Collection in the Harwood District features free exhibits from Wednesdays through Sundays. The latest exhibition is “IRON MEN: The Artistry of Iron in Samurai Armor.” You’ll find over 80 artworks that showcase iron armor, helmets, masks, technology, and samurai culture. The collection also has a traveling exhibition that features 140 rotating pieces from the collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller.
9. Stroll McKinney Avenue
Though there are shops and eats along McKinney Avenue during the day, the neighborhood really comes alive at night. Even if you don’t plan to eat or drink or do any shopping, you can catch some good tunes and great people-watching simply by strolling down the sidewalk for a few blocks. It’s also a delight to hop on the free trolley, which will give you a unique tour of the entire avenue as it goes along its route.
You don’t have to travel far to find cool murals across Dallas, so why not make a scavenger hunt out of some favorites? (Joey Held)
10. Take a mural art tour
Dallas is full of remarkable works of art, and you’ll likely encounter some pieces simply by walking around any given neighborhood. However, creating a checklist of certain spots to hit can make the scavenger hunt more exciting. Not sure where to start? Follow our Dallas mural trail, which features a herd of stampeding elephants, lifesize lotería cards, nods to Texas legends Selena and Dirk Nowitzki, and much more.
11. Visit the African American Museum
The African American Museum was founded at Bishop College, a historically black college that closed its doors in 1988. Though the museum has changed locations over the years, it’s continued to grow and be a valuable source of history and education. The African American Museum features both rotating and permanent exhibits and has supported significant events like book fairs, Black art shows, and the Texas Black Hall of Sports.
12. Dive into the Bath House Cultural Center
One of the first examples of Art Deco architecture in the Southwest, the Bath House Cultural Center is approaching 100 years of existence. Alas, you can no longer take a dip at the Bath House, though you can still walk away with an enriching experience. The center features exhibitions within the galleries; workshops, classes, speaking sessions, summer camps, and visual and performing arts grace the stage. Entering the Bath House is free, but if you’re interested in a specific event, make sure to check there’s no fee.
13. Check out the architecture on the SMU campus
Every college campus has a unique flair, and Southern Methodist University is certainly worth a visit. You don’t have to sit in on a philosophy class or anything like that, though you should meander toward Dallas Hall. The building was built in 1915 and is a stunning sight to behold. It’s listed in the National Registry of Historic Places—you’ll spot the signature columns from hundreds of feet away.
14. Watch planes at Founders Plaza
There’s a scene in “Wayne’s World” where Wayne and Garth sit atop their car and gaze at the sky as a plane flies overhead. Later, there’s a fantastic callback where they have an argument as a plane soars by—if you can figure out what Garth says when the plane muffles him out, you’re a master lip-reader. Founders Plaza brings that plane-watching experience to life. The Observation Area lets you see different types of aircraft take off and land. The plaza also features a commemorative monument, educational history info, telescopes, and a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications. As Wayne would say, “Excellent!”
The “Share the Dream” sculpture by Dennis Smith will make you wish you could soar into the sky alongside the planes at DFW Airport. (TexasEagle/CC BY-NC 2.0)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
