Living in Dallas has shown me how rich and fun this city is, with its mix of culture, history, and fun spots. 

But, let’s be real, enjoying this place can often mean spending a lot of cash. That’s why I’m eager to let you in on some secrets about how to have a blast without opening your wallet. 

So, get ready as we dive into the top 10 free things to do and see in town. Prepare to find hidden spots, famous places, and local picks that won’t cost you a dime. 

Let’s go!

1. Explore the Dallas Museum of Art. 

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The Dallas Museum of Art is considered one of the biggest art museums in America and has been around since 1903, so you know it’s got some serious background. 

Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient Mediterranean artifacts to modern masterpieces. They’ve got over 22,000 pieces from all over the world, spanning like 5,000 years of art history.

And the space itself is just awesome. With over 150,000 square feet of galleries, there’s always something new and exciting to see. 

Plus, they’re always switching up their exhibitions, so you never know what you’re going to find.

2. Enjoy the scenery at White Rock Lake Park. 

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At White Rock Lake Park, you won’t run out of things to do. They’ve got it all, from a sweet 9.33-mile trail for hiking and biking to sites where you can rent gear for all sorts of activities. 

And the scenery? It’s like stepping into a nature lover’s dream, right in the middle of the city.

You can spot some pretty cool wildlife too, if you’re into that sort of thing. There’s even an Audubon Society bird-watching area, so bring your binoculars! 

Plus, they’ve got a dog park for your furry friends, picnic spots, and boat ramps if you’re up for some kayaking or fishing.

3. Experience the Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas.

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The Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas is an awesome platform dedicated to all things Asian art and culture, covering everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. 

They’ve got 600 pieces in their collection from China, Japan, India, Korea, and a bunch of other places.

And get this: It’s located right in the Dallas Arts District, which is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States. You can stroll around and check out some of the other galleries and museums nearby. 

Plus, they’re switching things up with new exhibitions and events every now and then, so there’s always something fresh to see and experience.

4. Relax at Klyde Warren Park.

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If you’re in Dallas and looking for a chill spot to hang out, Klyde Warren Park is where it’s at! 

This is located in the middle of downtown; there’s this 5.2-acre oasis sitting right on top of the freeway. Yep, a park on top of a freeway!

Now, this park isn’t just your run-of-the-mill grassy patch. It’s got everything you need for a good time. 

You can relax on the lawn and enjoy the sunshine, take a stroll or jog on the trails, or even have yourself a good old picnic. And if you’ve got kids with you, they’re going to love the playground — it keeps them entertained for hours.

And get this: sometimes they have free concerts and movies right here in the park! 

It’s like a mini outdoor entertainment hub. Plus, there are these water features that are a hit, especially on scorching hot days.

5. Visit the African American Museum of Dallas.

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This museum is all about celebrating African American culture, art, and history, and let me tell you, they’ve got some seriously impressive stuff inside.

I mean, where else in the Southwest are you going to find such a rich collection of African American artifacts, folk art, and furniture? Plus, they’ve got this amazing display of African art that’s definitely worth checking out. 

And it’s not just about the exhibits, either. They’re always hosting different events, like music festivals, workshops, and lectures. 

So, no matter when you’re in town, there’s usually something cool happening here.

6. Reflect at Thanks-Giving Square.

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Thanks-Giving Square has been around since 1976, and it’s all about reflecting on gratitude, kind of like Thanksgiving every day. 

The centerpiece of this place is the Chapel of Thanksgiving. 

It’s a stunning white building that spirals up into the sky, designed by the famous architect Philip Johnson, and it’s open for anyone to pop in for some quiet time, meditation, or prayer, regardless of their beliefs.

Then there’s the garden area, which is just gorgeous. You can take a stroll along the paths, chill by the water features, and soak up some greenery right in the heart of the city. 

It’s super peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle.

People use the park for all sorts of things, too, like weddings, concerts, chilling out, and enjoying the scenery — you name it.

7. Admire the Samurai Collection at The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum.

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This place is dedicated to all things samurai — you know, those legendary Japanese warriors. The Barbier-Mueller family has been collecting this stuff for over 25 years, and I must say, they’ve got some seriously impressive gear.

You’ll see everything from complete suits of armor to helmets, masks, swords, and even horse armor. And they’ve got woodblock prints and textiles too!

What makes this museum even more commendable is that they switch up the exhibits every now and then, so you never know what you’re going to see. It’s like a fresh experience every time you visit.

8. Learn about history at The Sixth Floor Museum.

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The Sixth Floor Museum is all about remembering President Kennedy and what he meant to the nation. 

Inside, there’s a main exhibit called “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation” that takes a deep dive into Kennedy’s life and presidency, covering everything from his early days to his policies and the heartbreaking assassination of November 22, 1963. 

But they don’t just stick to the same old stuff. The museum keeps things fresh with special exhibits that change throughout the year, touching on all sorts of fascinating topics from the 1960s and beyond.

9. Experience optical illusions at the Museum of Illusions Dallas.

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Museum of Illusion Dallas is one of the go-tos if you’re up for some mind-bending experiences. It’s a total hotspot for people wanting to have a blast and mess with their senses a bit. 

Inside, there are interactive exhibits that’ll encourage you to participate and become part of the illusion. First, the Ames Room creates a crazy setup where people on opposite sides look like giants compared to you. 

And then there’s the Infinity Room, where mirrors make it seem like the space goes on forever. It’s trippy but in the best way possible.

But that’s not all! You’ve got to experience the Vortex Tunnel, too. 

It’s like walking through a whirlwind, but don’t worry; it’s all just an illusion. 

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s the Reverse Room; it’s like walking into a house where everything’s turned upside down, literally!

10. Explore the collections at Meadows Museum.

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Meadows Museum, also known as “Prado on the Prairie,” is a huge two-story building packed with 66,000 square feet of Spanish art goodness. 

We’re talking about some of the best works outside of Spain itself, dating all the way back from the 10th century up to this day.

Here, you’ll find masterpieces by the world’s greatest painters, like El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró, and even Picasso. 

And it’s not just paintings; they’ve got sculptures, decorative arts, and even textiles from Spain. Plus, the museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year that go deep into Spanish art and culture.