The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is full of great {free} places to take kids! I’ve made a list of ten of our favorite free outings to help you entertain your kiddos this summer … or anytime throughout the year!
Free Outings in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
1. Nash Farm
Nash Farm is a small, historical farm in the heart of Grapevine. We’ve been to Nash Farm many times and it’s always a fun and educational experience. You can see a list of events here. From cotton picking to hayrides, Nash Farm is a great place to visit. And after you’ve taken in an event at Nash Farm, you can stop by Heritage Park down the street for a picnic lunch in the botanical gardens and play time at the park.
Dallas Farmer’s Market is open every day of the year and it’s a fun experience for both adults and kids. With fresh produce and great prices, it’s the perfect opportunity to allow the kids to try something new. Take time to walk through the fresh flowers and plants as well.
3. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
We recently had our first walk at this preserve and it was beautiful. I love to find serene spots in the heart of the city. Another visit is on the summer schedule and we’re looking forward to seeing it again now that the leaves are all out and flowers are in bloom. We’re hoping for some wildlife spotting. If swinging on a vine isn’t enough to amuse the kids, there’s a big playground right next to the parking area.
If your kiddo loves airplanes, you have to visit Founder’s Plaza. Even if you don’t have an airplane fan, this is a fun stop. The kids can run around on the grassy area while watching planes take off and land right in front of them. A speaker announces air traffic control communications, lending to the neat atmosphere. Take a picnic lunch to eat at the tables while viewing the planes.
5. Dallas Museum of Art/Nasher Sculpture Center
These two facilities are located right across the street from each other and while neither of these museums are free every day, the Dallas Museum of Art is free {and kid-friendly} on the first Tuesday of every month. {Warning: those Tuesdays are a bit wild, especially during the summer, and the security guards are on high alert.}
The Nasher Sculpture Center is free on the first Saturday of every month and has many family-friendly activities in place on those days. Both are really great places to check out.
The Fritz Park Petting Farm might be one of the best kept secrets in the metroplex. I’ve taken my kids a few times and they’ve always loved it. The animals at the farm are borrowed and the farm is only open during June and July {check the site for hours}. While you can’t touch every animal, you can get close to many. The area is quaint and shady {a must in Texas} and they even provide little coloring books for the kids.
7. Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
What can’t you find at Cabela’s or Outdoor World? Not only can you view a wide range of {once alive} animals, watch ducks swim in a pond, check out a huge aquarium of local fish, and have a snack, but these stores also offer special {free} events regularly. Check the websites for seasonal updates.
Maybe it’s because I love orange but I adore the pumpkin patch. There are many in our area but this one is my favorite. It’s free to visit and includes bounce houses, hayrides, and lots of fun figurines for photos. Weekends are busy but fun … area businesses have booths selling food and the atmosphere is party-like.
9. fountains and splash pads
Most cities have fountains and splash pads and, for young kids, this might be some of the best entertainment around. Grab an iced coffee, sit back, and watch your kids get wet.
10. Welcome Home a Hero at DFW Airport
If you’re looking for a meaningful event, greet the soldiers returning home from duty. Soldiers come through the DFW Airport every day and large crowds of flag-waving, cheering people are there to greet them. It’s amazing to have the chance to say thank you to these service men and women. Warning: it’s emotional. Take some tissues.
There are so many more fun and free things to do in the metroplex but those are some of our favorites.
What are your favorite free activities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex?
thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your sweet, sweet words on my porch swing makeover! made my day!
Thank you for participating in Creating Really Awesome Free Trips 🙂 I didn’t realize you were a Texan!
Great post! Thanks for stopping by my blog:) I appreciate your comments. Texas sounds fun! Have a great week:)