15 Free Things to Do in Dallas With Kids (No Planning Required!)
If you’re looking for free things to do in Dallas with kids, this list keeps it stupid simple. These are free family things to do in Dallas that require zero planning and zero money. We cover libraries, museums, parks, city spaces and more. So bookmark this post and come back to it whenever you need a quick idea!
Free Dallas Libraries (Beyond Story Time)
1. Visit a Dallas Public Library Branch
This still blows our mind: Dallas Public Library (DPL) has 29 branches. Yes, TWENTY-NINE. And every single one offers free programming for kids.
What makes DPL especially useful is that you can view events from all branches — including the ones nearest to you, of course — all in one place. That’s amazing!
Toddler Time. STEM days. Craft nights. Game clubs. Teen programs. Community events. It’s all here: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/
Some programs require reservations. Many do not. And even if nothing is scheduled that day, you can still just . . . go. Every branch has thoughtfully curated sections for kids, teens and adults. They’re all quiet, air-conditioned and perfect for an easy afternoon out. With multiple events nearly every day at 29 locations, you’ll won’t have to struggle to find free things to do in Dallas with kids again, right?
Free Dallas Museums
2. Explore the Dallas Museum of Art
You may have heard that the first Sunday of every month is free at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). Well, it’s true — but it’s also not the whole story.
The DMA is always free.
You do not need to plan around a specific day. You can go whenever you want, and reserve your free tickets the day of. Yes, even while standing outside the building if that’s how your day is going.
One important thing to note: the museum may be free, but parking is not. Expect to pay around $15 unless you find street parking (1901 N Harwood St is a good place to start) or walk in from a nearby lot.
3. Visit the African American Museum of Dallas
This is one of the best, most reliable free outings in the city. Plus, the art is both beautiful and full of meaning. Admission is always free, and you don’t need to reserve a ticket either. As long as you arrive during regular hours (Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm), you’re set. No planning, no special days, no stress. It’s engaging, not overwhelming, and this outing works well for a wide variety of ages.
We have fond memories of family days at this museum, and so do our cousins, who visited the museum with us years ago. We even picked up some of the postcards from the gift shop before leaving. You should go — you’ll love the family memories you make there, too.
4. Explore The Samurai Collection
The Samurai Collection is SO cool, and maybe one of the best free family things to do in Dallas. Why? Because it’s SAMURAI, their history, battle stories, masks, swords, and more are a delight discover and see. Both children and parents can enjoy this fantastic museum. The current exhibition is Iron Men: The artistry of Iron in Samurai Armor. Come on… You can’t tell us that doesn’t sound awesome. And it’s a free Dallas activity for the entire family? So do it!
Like the DMA, you can reserve tickets the day of if you want. They also host Family Day on the first Saturday of the month with hands-on activities. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to plan around that specific day. The activities are available as downloads on their website, so you can do them anytime.
No plan? No problem.
Side note: Our family had the incredible opportunity to meet a real samurai descendent during our visit to Japan. He comes from a long generational line of samurai, and everything he shared with us was absolutely fascinating. That’s why we truly believe you’ll love visiting the Samurai Collection!
Free Indoor Play Spaces in Dallas
5. Play at Watermark Tree Fort
For something that’s active — but still indoors — Watermark Tree Fort could be your lifesaver. This playground is for the tiny tikes — the little kiddos, so if that’s what you’re looking for, Yay! It’s a large, free indoor play space with bridges, ladders, nets, and climbing areas designed for kids to explore safely. There’s no registration. No waivers. No membership. You just walk in. It’s open on weekdays, well-maintained, and ideal when the weather is miserable and you need kids to burn energy without spending money. Bonus points for the on-site café, which makes the experience enjoyable for adults too.
Free Outdoor Play Spaces in Dallas
6. Walk or Bike Around White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is another Dallas gem. It offers a 10-mile loop, but you don’t need to commit to all of it. Depending on where you start, you can walk by the water, hit a playground, have a picnic, or just watch birds and boats. It’s easy to customize your experience based on how much time and energy you have — which makes it one of the best free things to do in Dallas with kids, period.
7. Visit a Dallas Park or Recreation Space
Dallas Parks & Recreation is more than just playgrounds. With the number of green spaces, trails, and facilities across the city, it’s basically a network of outdoor community spaces. There’s a calendar if you want to see all the events (most of them are free too!). But, you don’t need it. Simply show up, skip the schedule, and let the kids burn energy outdoors. Visiting Dallas parks is one of the easiest and best free family things to do in Dallas.
8. Play at Klyde Warren Park
Filled with constant activity right in city center, this park is popular for a reason! The coolest thing about Klyde Warren Park (besides the wonderful skyline view) are the amenities. So much is packed into one easy, walkable space — food trucks, an iconic fountain, a dog park, nearby restaurants, and the heavy hitter, Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park: an 18,000 square feet kid-only space with a massive climbing tower, climbing wall, and a tree-top lookout. It kind of makes you dream of being a kid again.
9. Relax at Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park in Highland Park is calmer and less crowded than many other parks. Shaded, peaceful, and surrounded by water and wildlife this low-key spot has a fun highlight — teddy bear statues across the bridge. Kids love them, we love them, and it’s perfect for photos. Definitely one of the best free family things to do in Dallas for a calm, scenic stroll.
Stroll the City (Dallas Adventures)
10. Take a City Walk + Special Bonus
Sometimes one of the best activities is just walking somewhere new. You can connect spots like Klyde Warren Park, AT&T Discovery District, and Pioneer Plaza without committing to an itinerary. It’s a lovely combination of both sightseeing and movement. Why not take advantage of a walk around the city to absorb the sights and sounds some people fly thousands of miles to experience – for free!?
Bonus: Stop by Thanks-Giving Square to visit the Chapel of Thanks-Giving. Known for its iconic spiral shape, triple belfry, and gorgeous stained glass windows, the chapel is an architectural gem that’s also — you guessed it — another free Dallas family activity.
11. Ride the McKinney Avenue Trolley
This one takes a little planning, but it’s still very doable. Stand at a marked stop, wave when the trolley arrives, and hop on — that’s it! You’ll enjoy an enviable view of Dallas while riding through Uptown and Downtown, and you can hop on and hop off whenever you’d like. This fun activity mixes sightseeing and city transport — making it a great choice for free family things to do in Dallas and a top pick for free things to do in Dallas with kids. Route details and designated stops are here: https://www.mata.org/ride/route-map/
Like everything else on this list, the McKinney Avenue Trolley is 100% free. Kids like it. You don’t have to drive. Everyone wins.
12. Visit the Dallas Farmers Market (and Little Farmers)
The Dallas Farmers Market is an easy place to wander. On weekends, the Little Farmers program sometimes adds kid-friendly activities that don’t require tickets or sign-ups. Even without programming, the Dallas Farmers Market is a great option for walking, people-watching, and going into the city with kids. You may choose to spend money on something handcrafted and/or delicious. But, you won’t have to spend on parking or entry, only on items and food that spark joy.
Free Nature Walks & Trails
13. Explore the Trinity River Audubon Center
The Trinity River Audubon Center isn’t just a park. It’s an immersive nature preserve that sits right alongside the Trinity River and a 6,000-acre forest. With well-manicured paths, it’s intentionally designed to help you notice things — birds, wetlands, trails, ecosystems, etc. Families can walk the trails, stop when something grabs attention, and duck inside exhibits for a break from the heat. Linger, read signs and watch for wildlife!
Fun fact: Those 6,000 acres have a name: the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the United States.
14. Hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cedar Ridge Preserve is perfect if you want a trail that feels like a hike. There’s elevation. There are views. Your legs will need to work a little, but if you have an active family, this is a draw!
Please note, this is not the place for strollers, nor meandering loops around a pond. It’s an activity that is better for older kids (and adults) who want something that feels more rugged than a city park but doesn’t require a full day or special gear. The trails are well-marked, and the payoff at each of the overlooks make it worth the effort to get there. If you want nature that feels earned (and a trail with enough scenery changes to keep it interesting), this is it!
15. Walk the Katy Trail
Katy Trail (3.5 miles) is right in the middle of uptown Dallas. That means you’re walking through the city, not away from it, which means you can start, stop, detour, and bail whenever you want. Grab a snack at a local bakery. Cut through to a nearby park. Turn around early. Keep going longer than planned. Any choice you make is valid, making it the perfect no-plan, plan.
As you can imagine, this trail is especially useful when you don’t want to commit to an outing, but you do want to get out of the house with the family. There’s always something happening around you — runners, dogs with their humans, patios, neighborhoods, and one of our favorite spots (Connor Park – a picturesque peaceful little enclave that we love) just off the path. You should visit! Either way, it’s easy to tailor your walk and what you explore to the day you’re having, which is exactly why it works so well.
FAQ:
- What can you do in Dallas with kids for free?
- Libraries, free-admission museums, parks, nature trails, indoor play spaces, and city attractions like trolleys and public markets are all reliable options.
- Which free museum in Dallas is best for kids?
- The Samurai Collection is consistently engaging and doesn’t require paid admission. The Dallas Museum of Art and the African American Museum are also great options that are larger for a longer time out.
- Which library has the most activities for kids?
- Dallas Public Library as a system is hard to beat — with 29 branches and a shared calendar, there’s almost always something happening. That said, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library probably has the most activities and offerings out of all the branches.
- What are the best free things to do in Dallas with toddlers?
- The libraries, parks and trolley will probably work best for ages 0–3.
Summary: How to Build a Free Day in Dallas With Kids
You don’t need a strategy here. Pick a place, go, and call it a win!
If you want another easy, budget-friendly family activity near Dallas, U-pick farms are a great next step. We’ve got a full guide when you’re ready. Until next time!
