31 listings in Dallas, TX: free days out with kids: museums, workshops, storytimes and more.
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Tue–Fri 8:30am–3:30pm (last tour 2:30pm)
BEP Western Currency Facility Tour and Visitor CenterFort Worth
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Western Currency Facility in north Fort Worth has a free self-guided tour, plus a theater film and exhibits. Open Tuesday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm, last tour at 2:30pm. Groups of 10 or more should schedule ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · bep.gov
No catch
Tue–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri noon–8pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm (closed Mon, New Year's Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
Kimbell Art MuseumFort Worth
Admission to the Kimbell Art Museum's collection in Fort Worth's Cultural District is always free. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with late hours on Fridays (noon–8pm). Special exhibitions are ticketed: Photography's First Century runs October 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027.
Verified Oct 27 · kimbellart.org
Catch: Special exhibitions need a paid ticket
Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm; Fri 10am–8pm (closed Mon)
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Visitors under 18 get in free any day the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is open; adults pay $16 except on free Fridays.
Verified Oct 27 · themodern.org
Catch: Under 18 only; adults pay $16 (free on Fridays)
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–8pm; Sun noon–5pm (closed Mon and listed holidays)
Amon Carter Museum of American ArtFort Worth
Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum of American Art is free for everyone, every day it's open. Thursdays run late, until 8pm; Sundays open at noon.
Verified Oct 27 · cartermuseum.org
No catch
Wed–Sun 11am–5pm (closed Mon–Tue, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
Dallas Museum of Art
General admission to the Dallas Museum of Art in the downtown Arts District is free. Everyone, of any age, needs a ticket: reserve a free one online ahead or get one at the Guest Services Desk. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–5pm; special exhibitions are ticketed separately.
Verified Oct 27 · dma.org
Catch: Free ticket required for every guest: reserve online or at the Guest Services Desk · Special exhibitions need a separate ticket
Wed–Sat, 8:30–11:30am (closed fifth Saturdays)
Minnie's BoutiquePlano
Minnie's Boutique in Plano isn't a thrift shop: there are no prices. Qualifying low-income households shop with a voucher for clothing, shoes, toys, toilet paper, laundry detergent, makeup, electronics and household basics. It starts with a short intake appointment to confirm eligibility. Finishing a class at Minnie's Empowerment Center earns another $50 voucher, even for households that don't qualify for the monthly one. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30–11:30am.
Verified Oct 27 · minniesfoodpantry.org
Catch: Only for: low-income households · Book an intake appointment and bring documentation first · One voucher per household
Wed–Sat, 8:30–11:30am (closed fifth Saturdays)
Minnie's Food PantryPlano
Minnie's Food Pantry in Plano loads fresh meat, produce, dairy and pantry staples into your trunk at its drive-thru, Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30–11:30am (closed on the fifth Saturday of a month). Clear out your trunk before you arrive. The home page says there's no income test, but the Get Help page says eligibility follows TEXCAP income guidelines, so be ready to show you qualify.
Verified Oct 27 · minniesfoodpantry.org
Catch: Only for: households within TEXCAP income guidelines · Bring a photo ID and a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days · Fill out a recipient form on your first visit each year · Once a month per household
Mon–Fri, 3:30–4:15pm (school weeks)
Vickery Park Branch LibraryDallas
Vickery Park Branch Library serves free after-school meals to children and teens up to 18, Monday to Friday, 3:30–4:15pm in the auditorium. Meals are eaten in the room where they're served. No meals on some school holidays (none listed Nov 11 or Nov 23–27); dates are posted through Dec 18.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
Catch: Only for: kids and teens 18 and under · Meals must be eaten on site
Most Fridays, 9am–4pm (check posted dates)
Dallas College campus food pantries
On most Fridays, Dallas College's campus food pantries open to the whole community, not just students, to pick up groceries for free, 9am–4pm. Campuses: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland; on some Fridays the smaller centers (Garland, Irving, Pleasant Grove, West Dallas, RedBird) take part too. You can also take up to five free clothing items a month from the clothing closets. Check the posted dates first: not every Friday is a Community Pantry Day, and El Centro doesn't take part.
Verified Oct 27 · dallascollege.edu
No catch
Saturdays, 10am–12pm
Vickery Park Branch Library (also North Oak Cliff)Dallas
IntelliChoice tutors give free math help to students up to grade 12 on Saturdays, 10am–noon, at Dallas Public Library branches including Vickery Park and North Oak Cliff (302 West Tenth Street). Register with IntelliChoice before you go. Some Saturdays are skipped (none Nov 21 or Nov 28, or over the winter break), so check the library calendar.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
Catch: Register with IntelliChoice first · Only for: students in grades K–12
Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Klyde Warren Park, Muse Family Performance PavilionDallas
The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra plays a free outdoor performance at Klyde Warren Park's Muse Family Performance Pavilion on Sunday, Nov 1, 2–3pm.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
First Sunday of each month in 2026 (Nov 1, Dec 6), 11am–5pm
Dallas Museum of Art
On the first Sunday of each month in 2026, the Dallas Museum of Art adds free admission to its ticketed exhibition (currently X Marks the Spot: Contemporary Screenprinting at Brand X Editions) on top of the always-free collection. Remaining 2026 dates: November 1 and December 6, 11am–5pm. Open Studio art-making runs noon–4pm and a docent-led highlights tour 2–3pm. Garage parking is $25.
Verified Oct 27 · dma.org
Catch: Free ticket required for every guest: reserve online or at the Guest Services Desk
Sun, Nov 8, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Klyde Warren Park, Lecture HallDallas
Teachers from New Song Music Academy give free 15-minute mini piano lessons at the park's green piano: learn a few basics and play a real song, no experience needed, all ages. Sunday, Nov 8, 1–3pm (also Sunday, Nov 1).
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
Wed, Nov 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dallas College Pleasant Grove Center (parking lot)
Dallas College and the North Texas Food Bank hand out free groceries, including fresh produce and milk, at a drive-thru in the Pleasant Grove Center parking lot. Volunteers load food into your car; no registration, first come, first served while supplies last. Wednesday, Nov 18, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · dallascollege.edu
Catch: Need a vehicle (drive-thru only) · Share your family size (self-declared, no proof)
Sun, Nov 22, 6:00 PM
Downtown Fort Worth parade route
Downtown Fort Worth's lighted holiday parade rolls Sunday, Nov 22 at 6pm. Watching from the curb is free; reserved street seats are sold separately. Downtown streets start closing at 3pm, so arrive early. TEXRail is the easiest way in, with free parking at most stations (North Side and T&P stations suggested).
Verified Oct 27 · fortworthparadeoflights.org
Catch: Free from the curb; reserved seats cost extra
Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 29
Historic Downtown McKinney (the square)
Historic Downtown McKinney's Thanksgiving-weekend festival is free to walk in all three days: live holiday music, Santa and costumed characters, model train displays, kids' crafts and decorated streets. The community tree lighting is Friday at 6:15pm. Hours: Fri and Sat 10:30am–9pm, Sun noon–5pm. Free shuttles run from First McKinney Baptist Church (1615 W. Louisiana St.) and from City Hall.
Verified Oct 27 · downtownmckinney.com
Catch: Some rides and attractions cost extra
Tue, Dec 1, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Vickery Park Branch Library (outdoor area)Dallas
Vickery Park Branch Library's annual Festival of Lights celebrates holiday traditions from cultures around the world, with music, hot cocoa, food and gift bags. Free, outdoors, Tuesday, Dec 1, 4:30–7pm.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
No catch
Sat, Dec 5, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Klyde Warren ParkDallas
Klyde Warren Park's free annual Tree Lighting Celebration is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 7pm, on the deck park over Woodall Rodgers Freeway downtown. Expect free photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, live dance performances and stilt walkers.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
Sat, Dec 12, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Klyde Warren Park, Reading RoomDallas
SPARK!, Dallas's underground creative playground for kids, brings a pop-up of free hands-on art and building activities to Klyde Warren Park's Reading Room on Saturday, Dec 12, 11am–1pm.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
Wed, Dec 16, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dallas College Brookhaven Campus (P3 parking lot)
Dallas College and the North Texas Food Bank hand out free groceries, including fresh produce and milk, at a drive-thru in the Brookhaven Campus P3 parking lot in Farmers Branch. Volunteers load food into your car; no registration, first come, first served while supplies last. Wednesday, Dec 16, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · dallascollege.edu
Catch: Need a vehicle (drive-thru only) · Share your family size (self-declared, no proof)
Sat, Jun 5 · check hours
Texas public waters (Dallas–Fort Worth area)
On the first Saturday in June every year, anyone can fish recreationally in Texas public waters without a license or endorsements. Separately, fishing from shore or piers inside more than 70 Texas state parks needs no license all year (park entry fees still apply). The waiver covers all Texas public waters, including Texas public waters (Dallas–Fort Worth area). Eligibility: Anyone.
Verified Oct 27 · tpwd.texas.gov
Catch: Bag and length limits still apply
Thursdays, 10–10:45am
Klyde Warren Park, Muse Family Performance PavilionDallas
KidLinks runs a free therapeutic music and movement session for kids 2 to 6 on Thursday mornings: a children's music entertainer leads songs vetted by early childhood professionals, with small rhythm instruments to use. Sessions are 10–10:45am at the park's Muse Family Performance Pavilion. The park's calendar lists sessions through Nov 19 (the Oct 1 session was canceled), so check it before you go.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
Catch: Only for: kids ages 2–6 · Sign up ahead: 15 children per session
Any day the garden is open; one-week loan
Fort Worth Public Library (any branch)
Fort Worth Public Library cardholders can borrow a free admission pass to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Each pass admits two adults plus their household's children 17 and under, for one week. Pick one up at any branch or borrow a digital pass in the Libby app.
Verified Oct 27 · fortworthtexas.gov
Catch: Fort Worth Public Library card required (non-residents pay $50 a year for a card) · Admits two adults plus children 17 and under from the same household · One pass per card per one-week loan; no renewals · Not valid at special events or educational programs
First Saturday of each month, 11am–5pm
Nasher Sculpture CenterDallas
The Nasher Sculpture Center is free on the first Saturday of each month, 11am–5pm, with family programming from 11am to 2pm. Upcoming dates: November 7 and December 5, 2026. Event pages carry an RSVP link, but none says RSVP is required.
Verified Oct 27 · nashersculpturecenter.org
No catch
Any day
Arlington Public Library (Culture Pass)
Arlington Public Library cardholders who live in Arlington can book passes, like checking out a book, for admission to local cultural spots: River Legacy Nature Center and the International Bowling Museum (up to 4 people), Symphony Arlington and Arlington Master Chorale concerts (up to 2), and the UTA Planetarium (1 person). Book up to a week ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · arlingtonlibrary.org
Catch: Only for: Arlington residents 18+ with an Arlington library card and PIN · Book online, up to a week ahead; passes are limited · One pass per venue per day; same venue at most twice a year
Ongoing; offers change
Dallas Public Library (online)
Culture Pass Dallas, a partnership of the Dallas Public Library and the city's Office of Arts and Culture, lets Dallas residents reserve free admission and perks at local arts and culture organizations. Log in with your library card and PIN and book up to three reservations at a time; current venues are listed on the Culture Pass site.
Verified Oct 27 · culturepass.dallasculture.org
Catch: Dallas Public Library card and PIN required · For Dallas residents · Reserve ahead; up to 3 active reservations at a time · Some offers have age limits
Any day the Nature Center is open
Fort Worth Public Library (any branch)
Borrow a free general admission pass to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge with a Fort Worth Public Library card. One pass covers a party of up to four. Pick it up at any branch or check out a digital pass in Libby.
Verified Oct 27 · fortworthtexas.gov
Catch: Fort Worth Public Library card required (non-residents pay $50 a year for a card) · One pass covers a party of up to 4 · One pass per card per one-week loan; no renewals · General admission only: not group tours or program fees
Thursdays, 10am–5pm (closed Thanksgiving Day)
Arlington Museum of Art
Every Thursday, Arlington residents get free admission to the Arlington Museum of Art's exhibits in the Entertainment District, according to the City of Arlington's public library. Bring a driver's license with an Arlington address. The museum is open Thursdays 10am–5pm (closed Thanksgiving Day). The nearest city parking lot charges $10. The museum's own site doesn't mention the offer, so you can confirm at 817-275-4600.
Verified Oct 27 · arlingtonlibrary.org
Catch: Only for: Arlington residents (show a driver's license with an Arlington address)
Second Sunday of each month, 1–4pm
Irving Arts Center
On the second Sunday of every month, Irving Arts Center runs a free drop-in art session for kids and grown-ups together, 1–4pm, with a monthly theme led by an art instructor (Nov 8: sculpture with clay and cardboard; Dec 13: holiday crafts).
Verified Oct 27 · irvingartscenter.com
No catch
First Thursday of each month, 10–11am
Irving Arts Center
Irving Arts Center and the Irving Public Library host a free story time paired with a take-home art project on the first Thursday of each month 10–11am, for ages 2 and up; supplies provided. You can browse the galleries with your kids afterward. Upcoming themes: Nov 5 'Giving Thanks', Dec 3 'Holiday Lights'.
Verified Oct 27 · irvingartscenter.com
Catch: Groups of 10 or more must pre-register with the box office
Any day Log Cabin Village is open
Fort Worth Public Library (any branch)
Fort Worth Public Library cardholders can borrow a free general admission pass to Log Cabin Village. One pass covers a party of up to five, for a one-week loan. Reserve a physical pass or borrow a digital one in the Libby app.
Verified Oct 27 · fortworthtexas.gov
Catch: Fort Worth Public Library card required (non-residents pay $50 a year for a card) · One pass covers a party of up to 5 · One pass per card per one-week loan; no renewals · General admission only: not group tours or program fees
