Aching for activities around Dallas that are rich in history, culture, and art — without the price tag to match? There are a ton of free cultural activities around DFW to indulge in, giving plenty of options for the budget-conscious traveler - all without eliminating the experience. History buffs? We’ve got you. Art enthusiasts? Oh, yeah. Nature lovers? No problem.
From thrifty twenty-somethings to frugal, budding families, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with these DFW cultural hotspots that won’t cost a thing but are rich in experience. Can you say ‘cha-ching’?
FREE MUSEUMS IN DFW
DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART
Dallas, TX
The Dallas Museum of Art (AKA, the DMA) is smack dab in the middle of Dallas — the perfect location for more exploring after enjoying the museum. With plenty of permanent (and free) exhibits to explore, you can easily spend hours wandering the halls, transporting yourself from one era to the next.
MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH
Fort Worth, TX
For those looking for a major dose of art and design inspo, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth has free admission on Fridays. The museum is chock-full of post-World War II art and is centrally located in the cultural district of Cowtown. Also free in Fort Worth: Kimbell Art Museum + Amon Carter Museum.
COURTHOUSE-ON-THE-SQUARE MUSEUM
Denton, TX
With a vast assortment of historic relics, the Courthouse on the Square in Denton dives into the unique heritage and community that constructs what we know as Denton County. You can even tour the clocktower for a one-of-a-kind view of the Historic Denton Square. Don’t miss their 40th-anniversary celebration on March 30, where they’ll unveil their new exhibit, 40 for 40: Forty Artifacts for Forty Years.
ELLIS COUNTY MUSEUM
WAXAHACHIE, TX
Step back in time to the founding and establishment of Ellis County by wandering around this Waxahachie gem. Not to be overlooked, the historic building is home to portraits of the past and present. Better yet, the museum is housed in Waxahachie’s Visitor Center — so you can get a dose of history and tips on the cool new places to visit around town.
INTERURBAN RAILWAY MUSEUM
PLANO, TX
Centered in the historic downtown Plano, this spot flaunts the title of the city’s only free museum. With interactive exhibits, you get a real feel for the history and moving pieces of Plano. Pro Tip: Ask for a guided docent tour of the Historic Car 360.
DALLAS CONTEMPORARY
DALLAS, TX
This Dallas art gallery is tucked away off of Riverfront but not to be missed. With rotating artists and exhibits, the Dallas Contemporary often flirts with more risqué and cultural think-concepts.
FREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN DFW
GRAPEVINE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT HERITAGE PARK
Seeking a sense of serenity outside of the city without leaving its limits? With walking trails and plenty of pull-offs, Grapevine’s Botanical Gardens make for a tranquil and relaxing escape. If you’re in the mood to explore, even more, hop over to Nash Farm for a free self-guided tour of the historic Grapevine landmark (built in 1869) — It’s right next door.
TEXAS SCULPTURE GARDEN
Free Frisco self-guided sculpture tours? Yes, please. This space was founded with one mission in mind: to make art open and accessible to all ages and backgrounds. This 162-acre space is dedicated to serving the public.
KLYDE WARREN PARK
Klyde Warren is THE spot for prime people-watching with a stellar city view. During the day, sit and soak up the sun or work up a sweat during a free workout class. Once the sun goes down, pack a picnic and listen to free live music in this gorgeous Dallas park above the highway.
FORT WORTH WATER GARDENS
Fort Worth, TX
The Fort Worth Water Gardens will have your mind blown by its magnificent displays of water throughout the span of a city block. If these trippy showcases seem out of a sci-fi movie, that’s probably because they were featured in one. You can spend a couple hours here wondering, reading, picnicking and people watching.
FREE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES IN DFW
DEALEY PLAZA
Dallas, TX
One of Dallas’s darker sides of history is the assassination of President JFK in the sixties. You can head to Dealey Plaza to catch a glance at the spot where the tragic shooting occurred and even see the window in the Sixth Floor Museum that is associated with the shooter’s perch.
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth flaunts the setting that every American associates with Texas — a cow town. Daily, the stockyards host a parade of longhorns along the main street with plenty of other farmyard activities to stumble upon, like the Cowtown Cattlemen Maze. Enter the labyrinth for $6 (half off on Tuesdays), or kick back at the observation deck and watch as maze-goers hunt for the exit.
M-LINE TROLLEY + MOLLY THE TROLLEY
Dallas + Fort Worth, TX
In both Dallas and Fort Worth, you can hop on a piece of history with free rides on the fully refurbished trolleys, taking you from one hot spot to the next. You could easily spend a day of adventure riding each of these routes around town.
Article originally published on Visit DFW.
