Dallas is packed with brilliant family days out that won’t break the bank. From free museums and green spaces to low-cost cultural gems, this is our pick of the best super budget-friendly things to do in Dallas with kids.
1. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
A magnificent facility with wonderful acoustics and great views from every seat, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is always a treat to visit with the family. It’s home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and regularly hosts family-friendly performances throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the current programme before you plan your visit.
2. Stylish Dallas Travel
FREE: It’s hard to believe that it’s completely free to take one of these gorgeous re-conditioned vintage trolley cars around the uptown neighbourhood of Dallas! Soak up the sights aboard one of the McKinney Avenue Trolleys, which run all year round on the city’s original trolley tracks.
3. Dallas World Aquarium
Image from the Dallas World Aquarium
Let the adventure begin at Dallas World Aquarium! More like a zoo than just an aquarium, tours start at the rainforest exhibit where you’ll see exotic birds, monkeys and Orinoco crocodiles. Take your time working your way down to the ground floor so you don’t miss anything – kids love learning about and spotting all the exciting creatures along the way.
4. Picnic at Klyde Warren Park
FREE: Klyde Warren Park is a beautiful green space built on a deck above Woodall Rogers Freeway, and it’s the perfect spot for a family picnic. Features of this popular Dallas park include:
- children’s playground
- fitness area
- putting green
- ping pong tables
- croquet play area
- free scheduled events, such as concerts
5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
From sports to what we eat, and how our bodies function, science is all around us. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science brings learning to life through everyday objects and hands-on experiences. With halls including the Moody Family Children’s Museum, Sports Hall and Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones Exhibition Hall, you’ll probably want to come back for more – or simply pick the exhibits that most fuel your family’s curiosity.
For more free things to do in Dallas, check out 10 Free Things to do in Dallas with Kids.
6. Experience Art and Beauty at the Crow Collection
FREE: The Crow Collection of Asian Art houses hundreds of pieces spanning centuries of Eastern culture from China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia. Free to explore, highlights include Buddhist sculptures, Chinese jades and stunning Japanese screen paintings. The collection also runs regular kids’ clubs with painting, storytelling and fun performances.
7. Dallas Children’s Theater
From Pinocchio to Peter Pan to The Wizard of Oz, Dallas Children’s Theater stages a season of plays based on beloved childhood stories. Previously named one of the nation’s top youth theatres by TIME magazine, this Dallas gem consistently wows families with impressive sets, engaging storytelling and plenty of audience involvement.
8. Fun at Dallas Museum of Art
FREE: Write, talk, play and create at the Dallas Museum of Art! Whether your kids love the ocean, dogs or mysteries, there’s a gallery guide designed to help them explore the collection in their own way. Storytelling sessions and art workshops run frequently, and general admission is free, giving access to most of the museum’s exhibitions.
9. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Image: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens makes for a superb, low-cost day out with the kids. There’s plenty to do here, including the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, designed to connect children with nature. It’s one of America’s most photographed gardens, so bring your camera.
10. White Rock Lake Park
FREE: White Rock Lake is one of Dallas’s most beloved free attractions. Spend the afternoon biking, walking or running the scenic nine-mile trail, or head out on the water for rowing or a spot of fishing from the tranquil dock. The sunset views over the Dallas skyline are stunning, so it’s worth timing your visit for late afternoon – or simply making a full day of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Dallas with kids?
Some of the best free options include a ride on the McKinney Avenue Trolleys, a picnic at Klyde Warren Park, a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art, and a day exploring the trails at White Rock Lake Park.
Is the Dallas Arboretum free for kids?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens charges a low entrance fee, making it one of the more affordable paid attractions on this list. Check the arboretum’s website for current admission details before you go.
What museums in Dallas are free to visit?
The Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Collection of Asian Art both offer free general admission, making them great budget-friendly choices for a family day out.
Is Dallas a good city for a budget family trip?
Yes – Dallas has a great mix of free and low-cost attractions, from parks and museums to cultural centres and lakeside trails, making it easy to fill a family visit without spending a lot.
Related Reads
- 10 Free Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
- Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces for Families in Texas
- Budget Family Days Out: Our Favourite Free Museums
Love finding brilliant budget-friendly days out? Save this list for your next Dallas visit, or browse our other family adventure guides for more ideas near you.
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