Free Dallas Outings with Kids

Dallas is a great city.  It sits right in the middle of a pile of small suburbs and it’s fairly easy to find something free to do.  The hardest part is tolerating the heat while you do it!  I have five kids, ranging from 2 to 14, so we’ve experienced a lot of what the Dallas area has to offer.  Here are ten of my favorite free Dallas outings with kids.

1.  Dallas Farmer’s Market

The Dallas Farmer’s Market is right in the heart of downtown Dallas and it’s open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  It’s fun to wander around, smell the flowers, sample the produce, and let the kids get a little adventurous trying something new.

2.  Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art isn’t free every day but it is free on the first Tuesday of every month.  On that day, everything is just a bit more relaxed than normal and they bring out some special programs for the kids.  It’s a good opportunity to hit the kids with a bit of culture without being stressed out by all the regular rules.

3.  Lakeside Park {Teddy Bear Sculptures}

There’s a beautiful walking path in Dallas called Lakeside Park.  It winds alongside a creek, is beautifully landscaped, and is a great exploration trail for little ones.  One area along the trail has teddy bear sculptures that are fun for climbing and cute for photo ops.

4.  Dealey Plaza

If you have any history buffs {or you just want to add a little education to the summer outings}, a stop at Dealey Plaza, the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, is fascinating.  It’s free to wander the area, which is educational and intriguing, but you can also pay to go in the museum or for a cell phone tour if you want a bit more information.

5.  Founders Plaza

While you’re checking out Dealey Plaza, you might as well let the kids cool off at Founders Plaza, a block or so away.  What kid doesn’t love to get drenched in a fountain?

6.  Founders Plaza Observation Area at DFW Airport

Not to be confused with the above Founders Plaza, there’s another Founders Plaza, but this one allows little {and big} kids a close-up view of airplanes.  It’s one of our favorite Dallas outings!  Located at DFW Airport, the plaza has been designed as an outdoor observation area where airplane lovers can watch airplanes take off and land.  The area provides picnic tables, telescopes, and a loudspeaker that broadcasts air traffic control communications.

7.  Blue Hangar Cafe

If your kid really loves airplanes, there’s another place you have to go.  It’s a little-known spot on the outskirts of Dallas that’s super fun.  It’s actually only free if you stand in the parking lot … if you head in for a delicious burger, you obviously have to fork out some cash.  But not much.  And it’s worth it.  You’ll dine on the patio while small airplanes taxi, take off, and land right in front of you.  The experience is well worth the cost of the burger.

Update: Unfortunately, the Blue Hangar Cafe has now closed.

8.  M-Line Trolley

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The M-Line Trolley, in Dallas, is free of charge.  If you’re already downtown, this is a fun little extra for the kids.  The historical ambiance is something they’ll remember.

9.  Fritz Park Petting Farm

Another well-kept secret is the Fritz Park Petting Farm in Irving, a suburb of Dallas.  It’s only open in June and July but it’s completely free and makes a great outing.  It’s well-shaded with a big park next door so after the kids pet the animals, they can wear off some energy at the park.  And if you need a cheap place for a summer birthday party, the farm rents out its party room for only $25.  There’s no place cheaper.

10.  Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops

The final free event I love is an outing to Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops.  The taxidermy makes it like a mini zoo or museum, you can feed ducks and watch fish, and they even have amazing {free} programs at Christmas time!

Have you experienced the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex?  What are some of your favorite Dallas outings?

For another fun outing for kids in Dallas, check out the Rory Meyer’s Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.