Free Things to Do in Dallas

Dallas offers a ton of stuff to do that is actually free, so whoever said that the greatest experiences in life are free must have been referring to this city. We’re not simply referring to shopping mall loitering, although it is enjoyable as well.

Did you know that you may enjoy some of the region’s most incredible cultural offerings for free? For instance, there is never an admission fee to enter the Dallas Museum of Art, which houses one of the nation’s largest and most significant art collections. Another priceless jewel can be found just around the corner at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. And we’d be remiss if we were to highlight the magnificently free Kimbell Art Museum, which is situated in Fort Worth, Dallas’ sister city.

Oh, and there are also plenty of other entertaining activities available, including live music and comedy. The price? Absolute zero. Put your credit cards away and prepare to discover the 10 Greatest free activities in and around Big D.

 DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

Edward Larrabee Barnes, a New York architect, created the huge 370,000-square-foot Dallas Museum of Art, which houses one of the biggest and most outstanding art collections in the country. Its permanent collection includes nearly 23,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, jewels, and antiques, that date from the third millennium BC to the present. Masterworks by notable artists including Pollock, Rothko, Monet, Rodin, and Picasso, to mention a few, can be found here. The museum has a kids’ creative area, a sculpture garden, and a cafeteria with a display of Dale Chihuly’s glass flowers outside the galleries. Additionally, the museum’s public entrance is always free, with the exception of a few events and exhibitions.

The DMA exhibits world-class art and provides a variety of activities for people of all ages, making it a top pick for Free Things to Do.

 KLYDE WARREN PARK

The best place to find free attractions is always a park. Yet, Klyde Warren Park isn’t your normal everyday park. This renowned 5-acre sanctuary, perched on a submerged motorway, features a butterfly garden as well as designated places for children, dogs, and recreation. The park also hosts a variety of year-round activities, including daily exercise sessions, children’s shows, musical performances, and even movie screenings, as if that weren’t enough to keep everyone busy. Did we mention that the Dallas skyline makes for a fantastic backdrop for a picture here?

Suggested for Free Things to Do because Klyde Warren Park is the best option for free outdoor entertainment, offering a wide range of events every day of the week.

 CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART

This magnificent museum in Dallas’ Arts District, originally known as the Crow Collection of Asian Art, houses more than 1,000 masterpieces from Asia, many of which were assembled from the private holdings of local real estate tycoon Trammel Crow and his wife Margaret. These masterpieces come from Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia. Visitors can wander through a number of galleries showing massive architectural components, paintings, scrolls, and artifacts, some of which date back to the tenth century. Highlights include an assortment of jade items from China and an Edo-era suit of samurai armor. The Lotus Shop, the museum’s gift shop, is well worth a stop. The museum always has free entrance, which is the best part.

The Crow Collection is one of the few American museums that focuses completely on Asian art, making it a good choice for Free Things to Do.

 THE ANN & GABRIEL BARBIER-MUELLER MUSEUM: THE SAMURAI COLLECTION

Speaking of hidden gems. One of the biggest and most comprehensive collections of samurai armor in the entire world is hidden away above the Saint Ann Cafe in the Harwood District close to downtown. The Barbier-Mueller family amassed all of the museum’s several hundred works of samurai art, which span the 10th to the 19th centuries. Together with numerous armor sets, horse armor, helmets, masks, and other artifacts, expect to uncover a good amount of weaponry. The Museum is accessible on the weekends and during the week by appointment. The public is always welcome without charge.

The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum is a great place to bring the family and is suggested for Free Things to Do.

 KIMBELL ART MUSEUM

You might be shocked to learn that Fort Worth also has a top-notch arts scene if you thought it was primarily known for its cowboy culture. You need to visit the Cultural District, which is home to a number of reputable organizations, one of which is the Kimbell Art Museum, which was built by Louis Kahn and Renzo Piano. Some 350 pieces of art are on display at the museum, ranging from ancient sculptures to classics by European artists like Monet, Picasso, and Matisse. Speaking of masterpieces, the Kimbell is home to the only Michelangelo work in the Americas, (The Torment of Saint Anthony). The fact that visitors can always see the museum’s permanent collections without having to fork up money for entry is, of course, one of the finest benefits.

Because The Kimbell offers top-notch artwork for all types of art lovers, it is chosen for Free Things to Do.

 FAIR PARK

The State Fair of Texas, one of the oldest fairs in the country that lasts for three weeks in the fall, is hosted at Fair Park, which was constructed in 1886. The 277-acre complex also features one of the country’s greatest collections of Art Deco artwork and buildings, many of which were built for the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, which many visitors might not be aware of. The Hall of State, a beautiful limestone-clad structure housing a variety of paintings, statues, and objects relating to the history of Texas, is the building’s crowning achievement. Visitors will want to check out the African American Museum, which also has free admission, in addition to the architectural eye candy.

It is recommended Because, In addition to the Texas State Fair, Fair Park is a must-see for anyone who enjoys architecture.

 DALLAS COMEDY CLUB

Nothing beats the Dallas Comedy Club, the go-to location for some of the best improvisation, comedy sketches, and stand-up in town, for a delightfully good time. Five evenings a week, there are comedy events here, including stand-up comedy, sketch, open mic, and drunken trivia. The improvisation and open mic shows (held on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) are completely free to attend, in addition to the paid performances being reasonably priced ($10+). General admission seating is available; just be sure to visit the website calendar in advance to obtain a free ticket.

Because it’s a great spot to take a date, Dallas Comedy Club is rated for Free Things to Do.

 CEDAR RIDGE NATURE PRESERVE

Dallas’ geography is not as flat as you may expect, despite popular opinion. At least not in this oasis of 600 acres that lies 20 minutes south of the city. The preserve, which is located at a height of 755 feet, has 9 miles of unpaved trails that run through a rich landscape of local fauna and vegetation. The best part is that there are numerous routes to suit every kind of outdoor explorer. To obtain a bird’s eye view from the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, be sure to hike up the Escarpment Trail. Dogs are acceptable as long as they are on a leash, but bikes are not permitted.

One of the best places to hike in the city is Cedar Ridge Natural Preserve, which is why it’s chosen for Free Things to Do.

 FREE MUSIC AT ADAIR’S SALOON

The majority of people are drawn to this Deep Ellum bar because of its indisputably genuine atmosphere and a weekly lineup of free live music, despite the fact that the drinks are inexpensive and the burgers are renowned. Adair’s hosts the best up-and-coming independent bands and singer-songwriter acts in country music, so the live performances aren’t just any old live music. Even big names like Jack Ingram, the Dixie Chicks, and Miranda Lambert have occasionally performed on Adair’s modest stage. Adair’s also offers a fantastic happy hour every day from Sunday through Thursday as if that weren’t enough.

Adair’s is the greatest location to catch free live country music every night of the week, making it a preferred choice for Free Things to Do.

 GUACAMOLOGIST EXPERIENCE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, DALLAS

The Guacamologist Experience at the Ritz is a great exception to the rule since typically nothing affiliated with the Ritz will be free. Simply up in the hotel lobby at 6 o’clock on any evening to obtain freshly made guacamole and chips made by a qualified “guacamologist.” Oh, and there is alcohol available too, including choices from the hotel’s tequila vault and a miniature of Dean Fearing’s famous margarita. Whether you are a hotel guest or not, you can take it all for free. Children are welcome to accompany you.

Suggested for Free Things to Do because After exploring the Dallas Arts District, the Guacamologist Experience at the Uptown Ritz is a terrific way to cap off the day.