Ten Free Things To Do In Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

There are plenty of things to do in the Dallas / Fort Worth area that don't have to strain your budget. The DFW area has a lot to see and do in the best price range there is: free. Below are ten of the best options available...

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd Fort Worth TX 76107 * 817-738-1933

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art boasts a large and notable collection of mostly American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. It features artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Frederic Church, Martin Johnson Heade and Winslow Homer, among many others. It is open every day except Monday and major holidays. Self-guided audio tours are available. Their website is at http://www.cartermuseum.org/.

3153 Oak Grove Ave, Dallas, TX 75204-2427 USA * 214-855 0006

These refurbished, vintage trolleys run every day of the year through Uptown Dallas (and they have A/C!). Even better, the ride is free of charge, although donations are accepted. Most of the trolleys were built in the early 20th century, some for Dallas, and some for other cities around the world. Just locate one of the 38 trolley stop signs (pictured) and hop on in. For schedules and routes, go to http://www.mata.org/.

1717 North Harwood Dallas, Texas 75201 * 214-922-1200

The DMA is open every day except Monday, and admission is free to the museum's collection galleries and most exhibitions. Here you can see art from all over the world and many eras, with over 22,000 pieces in the museum's collection. Some exhibits and events require ticket purchase, but some events, like most Gallery Talks (where experts come to discuss works of art) and Jazz In The Atrium, are free. Their website is http://www.dma.org/.

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd Fort Worth TX 76107 * 817-392-5510

These beautiful gardens near downtown Fort Worth are perfect for a picnic, photo opportunities or just relaxing. While there is a charge for the Conservatory and Japanese gardens, admission to the Garden Center is free. They are open every day, usually from dawn to dusk. A restaurant is also available, as well as ample parking. Visit their website at http://fwbg.org/.

411 Elm St. Dallas TX 75202

Relive the assassination of John F. Kennedy by visiting the very spot where he was brutally shot down. Located in the historic West End district of downtown Dallas, you can stand on the exact place on Elm Street where the President was hit (as long as there's no traffic). The famous "grassy knoll" is also nearby. The excellent JFK-themed Sixth Floor Musem is very close by, but it is not free of charge. You can also buy conspiracy-minded reading material from vendors who hawk their wares in the area.

130 E. Exchange Avenue Fort Worth TX 76164 * 817-624-4741

Watch the world's only twice-daily cattle drive from the sidewalk at the famous Fort Worth Stockyards area. It happens every day at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM and is best seen from the Fort Worth Stockyards Visitor's Center (which is free). After you're done watching the longhorns be led through the streets to the Stockyards, stick around the neighborhood for some photo ops, museums, bars and restaurants. It doesn't get much more western that this in DFW. For more info, go to http://www.fortworth.com/the-herd/.

3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth TX 76107 * 817-332-8451

While there is a charge for access to special exhibitions, admission to this Fort Worth museum's permanent collection is free. The collection includes artifacts from all over the world, some thousands of years old. A cafe and restaurant are both available on site. The Kimbell is open every day except for Mondays and major holidays. More info at https://www.kimbellart.org/.

1502 Commerce Street Fort Worth TX 76102 * 817-392-7111

Not far from the Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth, you'll find this relaxing park, where you will be surrounded by the soothing sounds and sights of moving water, along with some pretty breathtaking architecture. There are three main pools: the active pool, the quiet pool and the aerating pool. The Water Gardens are open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Just make sure you don't get in the water!

2200 N. Pearl St. Dallas TX 75201 * 214-922-5276

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas offers a free multimedia exhibit called The Economy in Action, which educates about the economy, money and what the Federal Reserve does. Self-guided tours are available along with guided tours, although the latter need to be scheduled in advance. The Economy in Action is available Tuesday to Friday from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM, except on bank holidays. And no, they probably don't give out "free samples".

7171 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas TX 75249 * 972-709-7784

Formerly the Dallas Nature Center, this preserve is maintained by Audubon Dallas, and boasts 600 acres and 9 miles of walking trails, all just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Enjoy the numerous species of plants, insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. No wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed. Cedar Ridge is open from 6:30AM to 6:00PM during winter and from 6:30AM to 8:30 PM in summer. Like nearly every other attraction on this list, it is closed on Mondays. More info at http://www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html.