17 Things You Can Do For Free This Weekend In Dallas

In addition to being rich in culture, Dallas is abundant with entertainment opportunities, retail storefronts, and great restaurants. Any experienced traveler would tell you to greet Dallas with a full wallet, especially when visiting any of the Big D’s four major sports teams. Contrary to popular belief, you can find plenty of things to do for free in Dallas.

Here’s a curated list of our 17 favorite free activities to enjoy over the weekend in Dallas.

1. Visit the Dallas Farmers Market

Although buying things at the Dallas Farmers Market might cost money, strolling around the neighborhood doesn’t. The Market, a 26,000-square-foot shared shopping complex, features more than two dozen local vendors and eateries, many of which offer free samples. While you’re there this weekend, check out The Shed, the DFM’s open-air farmers market.

2. Check Out the West End Historic District

Best known for the JFK Memorial, the West End Historic District in Downtown Dallas is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places for its rich history. Perfect for on-foot exploration, you’ll love strolling through Kennedy Memorial Plaza and Founder’s Plaza.

3. Stroll About Southern Methodist University

A private school with roughly 12,000 students, SMU’s University Park campus hosts numerous libraries and museums that are free to enter.

4. Hop the Sports Bars

Dallas hosts all four major professional sports leagues: Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks, and Rangers. If you’re a sports fan, it’s a no-brainer to visit the local sports bars.

5. Visit Klyde Warren Park

Going to Downtown Dallas? You can’t afford to miss out on the 5.2-acre Klyde Warren Park, which hosts over one million Dallasites and out-of-towners every year.

6. Take Advantage of Dallas’ Free Festivals

Thanks to the city’s great weather, Dallas frequently hosts huge outdoor festivals. A fan favorite is Chinese New Year in the Dallas Arts District.

7. Look Through Wild Bill’s Western Store

Wild Bill’s Western Store is a cowboy haven, featuring tons of world-class ranching gear and attire.

8. Go to the African American Museum at Fair Park

The African American Museum at Fair Park is a 100%-free museum that’s known around the continent for its huge folk art collection.

9. Enjoy the Beauty of White Rock Lake

Although it’s several miles north of Downtown Dallas, this 1,000-plus-acre lake doubles as one of the Big D’s most popular parks.

10. Walk Along the Dallas Trail Plan

All part of the Dallas Trail Plan, the city features over 100 trails that stretch across more than 155 miles.

11. Got Dogs?

Dallas is home to four dog parks, including Downtown’s Bark Park Central and North Dallas’ NorthBark, all of which are free.

12. Learn at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Although quantitative easing doesn’t get most people’s heart pumping, its Economy in Action exhibit offers several levels of financial education in the form of events, displays, and exhibits.

13. Splash Around in Pegasus Plaza

A year-round attraction for family fun, Pegasus Plaza sports a public water fountain that’s powered by a natural spring.

14. Get Lost in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Spread across more than 20,000 square feet, this local arboretum has more than 60 acres of lush greenery. Seniors and kids get in free!

15. Check Out J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

Open on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Jonsson Central Library features several remarkable collections and exhibits across its eight floors.

16. Take in the Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District is a must-see for any art appreciator. It features works from all eras.

17. Don’t Forget the Dallas Museum of Art

One of North America’s largest art museums, the Dallas Museum of Art houses over 24,000 works — better yet, they’re all free!