Living in Dallas is a dream—especially if your dream is for everything in life to be free. While you can certainly spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in a day here, there’s a lot of free things to do in Dallas from morning until night without having to reach for your wallet. Take a look at these free activities.
Want to take full advantage of everything Dallas has to offer? Contact AptAmigo to find the perfect Dallas apartment.
Related: Best Neighborhoods in Dallas for Young Professionals
Fun Places to Go in Dallas for Free
Museums
Dallas Museum of Art
Downtown in the arts district (and across the street from Klyde Warren Park) sits the always-free Dallas Museum of Art. Some exhibits rotate, but you can always see the collections of Asian, African, and American art as well as a section devoted entirely to Texas.
Nasher Sculpture Center
You need to go on the first Saturday of the month between 11am and 5pm to get in free, but the limitation is totally worth it to spend time enjoying the unique art of the Nasher Sculpture Center. Enjoy virtual family programming and movie nights at the Nasher too.
Live Music
Adair’s Saloon
Head over to Deep Ellum to catch some live music at historic Adair’s. They keep an updated schedule on their website, so you can see who’s coming up next. While it’s not live, head here on a Monday for free access to the jukebox and pool.
Twilite Lounge
Also in Deep Ellum, the Twilite Lounge offers live local music at various times throughout the week and weekend. Grab a drink and settle into a booth to enjoy the night, or head out to the patio where you can still hear the tunes coming from inside.
The Rustic
Uptown throws it down just as well as Deep Ellum with free live shows at The Rustic. The stage is huge, making you feel like you’re at a real concert while still enjoying the savory food and delicious cocktails of a local restaurant & bar.
History
Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll
It was 11/22/63 when JFK was fatally shot while riding in an open car through Dallas. Visiting this historic site is completely free. Head to Elm Street and explore the beautiful architecture of the plaza. There are usually guides standing around to give you a quick history lesson if you need a brush-up.
Graves of Bonnie and Clyde
You’ll have to visit two sites (about nine miles apart) to see both graves because this infamous pair were not actually buried together after Bonnie’s mother insisted on their separation. Clyde Barrow rests in the Western Heights Cemetery in West Dallas, while Bonnie Parker lies in Crown Hill Memorial Park near Love Field.
Outdoor Activities
Katy Trail
Built on an old railway line, the Katy Trail is a historic running, walking, skating, and bicycling path. The 3.5-mile trail borders Uptown and Turtle Creek, ending in the Oak Lawn area. Use of the trail is free to all, but bring a couple of bucks to spend on a beer after you stop off at the Katy Trail Ice House.
White Rock Lake Park
White Rock Lake Park, just five miles from Downtown, features a 1000+ acre lake, hiking and biking trails, back-land prairie, picnic areas, and event spaces, all for free. There’s no swimming in the lake, but feel free to bring your kayak or paddleboard for a lovely day out on the water.
Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge
Up for a stroll with a view? Head to West Dallas and the Ronald Kirk Bridge. Views of the Dallas skyline from here are impressive, so be sure to pause along the paved walkway for a few photos.
Related: Making Friends in Dallas
Moving to Dallas?
Here’s another free thing to do in Dallas—call AptAmigo. Our apartment locating services are offered at no charge, making it completely risk-free. You tell us the features and neighborhoods you want (maybe a gorgeous studio apartment?) and we make a list of the best places for you. After some tours (that we’re happy to rideshare you to), you pick your favorite to call home. It’s that easy!
Jeanette Smith is a writer, editor, and freelancer based in Dallas, Texas. Find out more at JeanettetheWriter.com.
