Whether you’ve just moved to Dallas or are planning a weekend getaway, there are tons of things to do in Dallas, TX.
Dallas is the third most populated city in Texas after Houston and San Antonio, respectively. The median age is fairly low at just 33, with many residents having young families. This means that finding fun and enriching things to do in Dallas is so important, and fortunately, it’s also easy.
To make it simpler for you to find activities in Dallas, we’ve put together this handy guide. Explore Dallas at every budget level, including a few free things to do in Dallas. Let’s go!
Museums and Cultural Experiences
Dallas boasts a diverse and rich cultural scene, offering amazing cultural experiences at every budget level. Let’s dive in:
Free Options
- Dallas Museum of Art: One of the free things to do in Dallas you cannot miss is visiting the DMA. Entry to the DMA is free. They believe art is a gift to everyone, so general admission is at no extra cost. Some exhibitions require a separate entry fee. All exhibitions are free of charge on the first Sunday of each month in 2025.
- Crow Museum of Asian Art: Open six days a week with all exhibitions free, the Crow Museum is the perfect place to explore the rich art and culture of Asia. Donations are welcome, and memberships are available for residents who would like to support the museum and enjoy a few extra perks.
Moderately-Priced Options
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Perfect for the curious mind, head to the Perot Museum to explore incredible exhibits on space, the human anatomy, and indoor adventures for children. Tickets for adults start at $30 for the Total Experience (general admission, featured exhibits, and 3D film) and $20 for the Travelling Expedition (general admission and featured exhibits).
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: “What we remember never dies” is the DHHRM’s powerful motto. Learn about the history of the Holocaust and experience an unforgettable, powerful visit. Adult admission is $19.
Luxury Options
- Private Art Tours: Gallery Sonja Roesch offers private, curated afternoon tours of a selection of museums and galleries, followed by a reception at the GSR. Tickets are $100 per adult and include pickup, dropoff, and your après-tour reception.
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Planning an unforgettable night out? Book a concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to see the incredible Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Ticket prices vary depending on seating availability but typically start at around $60 per seat. Free events are available.
Food and Dining
Dallas offers a wide range of exceptional and diverse food options, catering to every budget and taste. Don’t leave the city before you enjoy some succulent Texas barbecue and flavorful Tex-Mex.
Free Options
Visit the Dallas Farmers Market on weekends, as some vendors often offer free samples of their food offerings. If your visit aligns with food festivals like Dallas VegFest or Taste Addison, you’ll find your fill of samples there, too.
While there may not be many $0.00 options for food in Dallas, there are still ways to spend a small amount of money on a snack while exploring the city.
Moderately-Priced Options
- Revolver Taco Lounge: A true Dallas attraction. Inventive, authentic, and mouthwatering pastor tacos at Revolver Taco Lounge start at $5, and margaritas start at $12. You can’t say fairer than that for a delicious Texan dinner.
- Truck Yard: Feeling like a little family-friendly mingling and live music? Head over to the Truck Yard, an open-air backyard party with daily live music shows, a calendar of rotating food trucks, and great energy. It’s the quintessential cheap activity in Dallas. Plus, the Truck Yard also hosts their own food trucks, where you can get a smash burger for just $12.99.
Luxury Options
- Fearing’s Restaurant: Housed inside the Ritz-Carlton and owned by celebrity Chef Dean Fearing, this is the restaurant to beat for delicious, good Texan food with an elegant twist. Dinner appetizers range from $14 to $29, and entrées from $50 to $95.
- The French Room: Nestled inside the Adolphus Hotel, The French Room is one of the most elegant dining experiences in Dallas. They specialize in a refined afternoon tea ($75 per person) full of savory delights, such as vol-au-vent and cucumber sandwiches. If you’re not in the mood for tea, make reservations for your evening meal at The French Room Bar.
Attractions and Events in Dallas
Events in Dallas, attractions, and parks are perfect for a sunny summer day trip or just for getting out of the house with the family.
Free Options
- Klyde Warren Park: Serving as Dallas’ unofficial town square, Klyde Warren Park is a little famous and a lot of fun, with plenty of free daily activities to explore. Entry and events are free. From evening socials, date nights, musical programs, and fitness classes, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful green space.
- White Rock Lake: Feeling like a bit of a kayak trip or bird watching? Check out the free White Rock Lake, a reservoir east of downtown Dallas that is well-loved by locals and tourists alike. Check out the arboretum, bring your pup to the dog park, or enjoy a picnic.
Moderately-Priced options
- Dallas Zoo: Open 364 days a year, the Dallas Zoo is home to 2,000 animals and over 400 species. Advanced ticket reservations are available and range in price from $18 to $21, depending on the day of the week. For residents, the zoo offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Volunteer, donate, attend fundraisers, and symbolically adopt one of the zoo animals.
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck: “The Ball” is an iconic part of the Dallas skyline and the perfect spot to get unmatched 360º panoramic views, a free digital photo, and access to a telescope on the viewing deck. General admission to the Reunion Tower starts at $19, with optional guided tours and daytime/nighttime view packages available at an additional cost.
Luxury Options
- AT&T Stadium Tours: If you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, a tour of the AT&T Stadium is an absolute essential. Tour types include general guided tours, owner’s exclusive tours, educational tours, self-guided tours, and game day tours. General guided tours start at $40 per adult.
- Helicopter Tour of Dallas: See the Dallas skyline and several iconic spots throughout the Big D with a helicopter tour. Sky Helicopters offers everything from downtown Dallas to romantic sunset tours, starting at $450 for downtown Dallas.
Ready to Explore Dallas?
Regardless of the money in your wallet, Dallas is brimming with unforgettable experiences.
If you’re planning an extended stay in Dallas or just need an extra spot to store your things while moving, our Dallas Self Storage options offer a wide range of unit sizes available throughout the area.
