Fun & Free

A list of activities around the Dallas Fort Worth area that are fun and free!

Dallas

Dallas Museum of Art

1717 N Harwood St
214-922-1200

The Dallas Museum of Art is a must see for locals and visitors alike.  The exhibits will wow you and the museum has a wonderful interactive area for kiddos.  Best of all, admission is FREE. Located across the street from Klyde Warren Park in the Dallas Arts District.  Visit the website for programs and exhibits
dma.org

Klyde Warren Park

2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas
214-716-4500
klydewarrenpark.org

Klyde Warren Park is different than other parks – It is built above Woodall Rogers Freeway! It is located between Downtown and Uptown Dallas.  There are many activities for families to enjoy for a morning or afternoon of fun – all for FREE! The children’s area includes a jungle gym and splash pad, putting green, ping pong tables and various lawn games to keep everyone busy while experiencing the outdoors. Bring your furry friend to socialize at My Best Friends dog park.  A variety of Food Trucks serve up delicious food daily from 11am-3pm and are located on the edge of the park.  Restaurants abound if you are looking to dine indoors. This is an urban park, so parking is limited. Consider riding DART or taking the McKinney Ave Trolley. Visit the website for more information and daily activities.

 

McKinney Avenue Trolley

Trolley stops vary around Uptown and parts of Downtown Dallas
214.855.0006
mata.org

Hop on one of four restored vintage trolley cars (Rosie, Matilda, Petunia, Miss Daisy and Green Dragon) to explore historic Uptown Dallas for FREE. The McKinney Avenue Trolley service (also known as the M-Line) runs 365 days a year with stops at some of Dallas’ popular sites including Klyde Warren Park, West Village and the Arts District. For a little history, MATA, McKinney Avenue Transit Authority, is a heritage or historical trolley system, recreating how a real trolley system of the early to mid-twentieth century looked and operated.  Visit the Live Trolley Tracker Link – track.mata.org for more information.

Important Tip – When you are visiting track.mata.org be sure to zoom out so you can see the trolley route. Then zoom in and you will see the trolley stops labeled McKinney Avenue Trolley. The McKinney Avenue Trolley offers private charters for birthdays and special occasions.

 

Pioneer Plaza

650 S. Griffin St., Young and Griffin Streets, Dallas
214-953-1184

If you are Interested in a bit of early Texas history, head over to Pioneer Plaza where you and your family can experience a re-creation of a cattle drive with more than 70 bronze statues. Located just outside the front door of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center the statues commemorate the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market. Pioneer Plaza features native plants and trees, a flowering stream and the larger-than-life bronze cattle drive. There are 49 longhorn cattle, herded by 3 cowboys on horses. The statues were created by Glen Rose, Texas artist Robert Summers. The plaza is perfect for outdoor family gatherings.
dallasconventioncenter.com

 

Visit Dallas Public Art Piece

Take a drive to the Corner of Commerce and Malcolm X and feast your eyes on an original mural of Dallas landmarks!

 

Fort Worth

The Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell Art Museum is internationally renowned for both its collections and for its architecture. With a groundbreaking design, the Kimbell allows natural light to take the viewing experience from great to magnificent. The Kimbell’s collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century and include European masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Poussin, Monet, Picasso and Matisse. You can also view important collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities, Asian, Mesoamerican and African art.
Where:  The Kimbell Art Museum | 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth

Phone:   817-332-8451
Web:      www.kimbell.org

 

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

Experience the 110-acre oasis at the Botanic Gardens that are home to over 2,500 species of both exotic and native plants in the center of the Cultural District. Visit the world-renowned Japanese Garden, where the koi-filled pools, Japanese architecture, meticulously-maintained plants, and dramatic waterfalls create a serene environment for this strolling garden. Enjoy a meal in The Gardens Restaurant and shop in one or both of the Garden’s gift shops where you will find unique merchandise that appeals to the eye and to gardening interests. The gardens provide beautiful scenery for an afternoon walk and are open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.

Where:  Fort Worth Botanic Gardens | 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd

Phone:   817.392.5510
Web:      www.fwbg.com

 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The Money Factory is one of the only two printing facilities in the nation. Visitors are able to see American money printed at the place where over half of the nation’s currency is ordered. With a suspended walkway, visitors literally walk above billions of dollars. Visitors also have the opportunity engage in interactive exhibits and displays, view the high-definition movie theater, take a 45-minute self-guided tour and purchase un-cut currency and souvenir items in the Moneyfactory Gift Shop. Free tours are conducted Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing | 9000 Blue Mound Rd, Fort Worth

Phone: 817 231-4000
Web: www.moneyfactory.com

 

Fort Worth Water Gardens

A refreshing haven in the center of downtown with various pools of water and green spaces, the Water Gardens are both breathtaking and relaxing all at the same time. The active water pool wows, while the aerated pool entertains and the quiet water pool calms. The gardens are open from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
Where: Fort Worth Water Gardens | 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth

Region: Sundance Square & Downtown

Phone: 817 392.7111 

Web:  https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/

 

Sid Richardson Museum

One of the finest and most focused collections of Western art in America, the Sid Richardson Museum features paintings of the 19th Century American West by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and other artists. The works, reflecting both the art and reality of the American West, are from the collection of legendary Texas oilman and philanthropist, Sid W. Richardson (1891-1959). A free guided tour is offered every Tuesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is always free.

Where:  Sid Richardson Museum | 309 Main Street, Fort Worth

Phone:   817 332-6554
Web:      www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org