Without question, Dallas, TX is one of the biggest hubs in the country – especially in the summer. As the temps rise and those summer activities start eating away at your wallet, you may find yourself looking for some less expensive alternatives. The good news is, Dallas also happens to be home to an impressive number of free things to do. So, leave the cash at home and get your calendar ready because Dallas Apartment Locators is bring you 11 awesome things you can plan for this summer that won’t cost you a dime.
Discover the Dallas Arts District – This area of Dallas is considered the largest urban arts district of its kind in the entire country, and for good reason. Spanning an incredible 68 acres, it’s no surprise that there are countless things to do here, most of which are completely complimentary. From festivals and street performances to the plethora of museums and local art galleries, there’s enough to keep the whole family enthralled.
Enjoy Free-Admission Museums – The Dallas Museum of Art currently offers free general admission that includes viewing the museum’s extensive collection galleries as well as most exhibitions. Explore the 22,000+ works of art covering every medium and time-period from ancient times all the way to today’s modern art. Other local museums include The Samurai Collection at The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, the The African American Museum, Crow Collection of Asian Art and The Meadows Museum of Art, some of which offer free admission at specified days/times.
Trek the Katy Trail – If you’re into outdoor adventure mixed with a bit of history, the beautiful Katy Trail is the ideal destination for you. Built on an old abandoned railroad line, the popular trail offers 125 acres of urban parkland connected by pedestrian and bike trails perfect for jogging, biking, skating, and walking. The Katy Trail also plays host to a variety of exciting events, including the annual Michelob Ultra Katy Trail 5K.
Take in the Spectacular Sights of Fountain Place – The perfect combination of breathtaking architecture and brilliant views make Downtown’s Fountain Place an awesome stop on your free-tour-of-Dallas to-do list. At the base of the building lies an oasis of vividly colored flowers, impressive waterfalls and a central fountain surrounded by over 170 additional bubbler fountains. This locale has made a name for itself on an international level, so it’s certainly worth checking out.
Experience Uptown and West Village – These areas are becoming incredibly popular for new residents, particularly because of the rich, vibrant culture and convenient proximity of the many restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, shops and other businesses. Explore some of the city’s hippest neighborhoods and partake in a little window shopping or sightsee some of the gorgeous historic homes located just off McKinney Ave.
Explore the Many Area Parks – Dallas may be known for its bustling big-city appeal, but the area is also home to a surprising number of beautiful parks. Klyde Warren Park features 5.2 acres of perfectly landscaped grounds, including a designated dog park and children’s areas. There are also a number of daily free programming events that are open to the public, including yoga as well as outdoor films and concerts. Main Street Garden is another popular community gathering place, offering breathtaking natural scenery, a dog run, free WiFi and more.
Tour the Area on D-Link – Dallas has a wonderful public transportation system, part of which includes D-Link, a special service that provides free shuttle rides throughout downtown Dallas and the historic Oak Cliff area. Discover the many eclectic neighborhoods in the area, such as the Bishop Arts District, explore trendy Victory Park and immerse yourself in the local culture. Buses run every 15 minutes from 11am to 11:30pm Monday through Saturday, so feel free to hop aboard!
Get Your Party On in Lower Greenville – If nightlife is what you’re after, you’re sure to find something to do in this area of Greenville Avenue, between Mockingbird Lane and Ross Ave. It’s a popular destination, particularly after a local music concert or other event, and it’s usually pretty hopping on the weekends, so be prepared to rub a lot of elbows and meet some awesome new people. And don’t worry about not having any cash on you. People-watching doesn’t cost a thing!
Window Shop – Shopping may not be a free activity, but simply browsing what’s for sale is. And boy, does Dallas have its fair share of shops, boutiques, designer stores and more. The Galleria Dallas alone features an impressive collection of more than 200 shops to explore. Highland Park Village, in addition to being a great destination for shoppers, also happens to hold the distinction of being a historical landmark. Trust us – there will be enough stores to keep you busy for a week!
Take in a Model Train – The lobby of Children’s Medical Center, located right in the heart of the Dallas Medical District, happens to be home to the largest permanent model train display in the entire country. The free exhibit is open daily from 6am until 10pm, and features eight trains that run simultaneously. Even if you’re not a model train enthusiast, this exhibit is still sure to impress.
Catch a Free Show at Sundown at Granada – Sundown at Granada is local restaurant and bar located directly next door to the historic Granada Theater. In addition to their impressive menu and extensive selection of craft beers, Sundown also features the largest patio on Lower Greenville. More importantly, the locale also hosts a number of free shows, events and other complimentary gatherings.
There you have it – 11 spectacular things to do in Dallas that won’t cost you a penny. Best of all, a good portion of these places and activities are within walking distance of your Dallas apartment. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start having fun. And leave your wallet at home – you won’t be needing it!
Comments are closed here.