9 Free Things to do in Dallas TX

Randi, who blogs over at Dukes and Duchesses, is sharing fun, free things to do in Dallas, TX today! Dallas is a great city. It sits right in the middle of a pile of small suburbs and it’s fairly easy to find something free to do. The hardest part is tolerating the heat while you do it! Randi has five kids, ranging from 2 to 14, so we’ve experienced a lot of what the Dallas area has to offer. Here are ten of my favorite free things to do in Dallas with kids.

1.  Dallas Farmer’s Market

The Dallas Farmer’s Market has been in the heart of downtown Dallas since 1941! It’s free and open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It’s fun to wander around, smell the flowers, sample the produce, and let the kids get a little adventurous trying something new.

2.  Dallas Museum of Art

General admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free everyday, but you are required t reserve tickets in advance. It’s a good opportunity to hit the kids with a bit of culture without being stressed out by all of the regular rules.

3. Teddy Bear Park

There’s a beautiful walking path in Dallas called Lakeside Park. The park winds alongside a creek, is beautifully landscaped, and is a great exploration trail for little ones. One area along the trail has a secret path full of giant, granite teddy bear sculptures! The teddy bear sculptures are fun for climbing and cute for photo ops. The lovable giant Teddy Bear sculptures were created by artist J.T. Williams and donated to the park by the Harlan Crow family in 1995.

4.  Dealey Plaza

If you have any history buffs or you just want to add a little education to the summer outings, a stop at Dealey Plaza is an educational idea. Dealey Plaza is the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, is fascinating.  It’s free to wander the area, which is educational and intriguing. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday. Kids 5 and under are free, but adult tickets are $18.

5.  Founders Plaza

While you’re checking out Dealey Plaza, you might as well let the kids cool off at Founders Plaza, a block or so away. What kid doesn’t love to get drenched in a fountain?

6.  Founders Plaza Observation Area at DFW Airport

7.  M-Line Trolley

The M-Line Trolley in downtown Dallas is free service that asks riders to “name their price”. If you’re already downtown, this is a fun little extra for the kids. The historical ambiance of the trolley is something they’ll remember. The M- Line trolley has 7 trolleys and 4.6 miles of track.

8.  Fritz Park Petting Farm

Another well-kept secret is the Fritz Park Petting Farm in Irving, a suburb of Dallas. For the 2023 season, the petting zoo is open June 3 and July 30th. It is only $5 a person. It’s well-shaded with a big park next door so after the kids pet the animals, they can wear off some energy at the park. And if you need a cheap place for a summer birthday party, the farm rents out its party room for a very fair price. There’s no place cheaper.

9.  Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops

It’s funny because I lived in TX for most of my life and have been to Dallas plenty of times. Andy’s first job was in Dallas, but I’ve only done one (museum of art) thing on this list! I’m excited to check out some new things. Thank you, Randi, for sharing all of these fun things to do in Dallas!