49 free things to do and get in Dallas and around the Dallas area, including 18 attractions, 9 entertainment, 7 kids & family.
Free account: save favorites and get the best picks every Thursday.Get my FreeBee list
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
Fridays 10am–8pm
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is free every Friday, and stays open until 8pm that day. Regular adult admission is $16. Sundays are half price, and under-18s are always free.
Verified Oct 27 · themodern.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Klyde Warren Park, My Best Friend's ParkDallas
The Dallas Music Office's Dallas Sounds Amplified series brings a free outdoor performance by local artist Oboghene Ezaga to Klyde Warren Park on Friday, Oct 30, 5–7pm, at My Best Friend's Park.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch LibraryDallas
Dallas's Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch Library screens a free movie on Friday, Oct 30, 1–3pm: a relaxed afternoon aimed at older adults to meet neighbors and check on your library card. The library bills it as a last-Friday-of-the-month series, but no later dates are posted yet.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
No catch
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
Fridays, 10:30am–1pm
Fretz Park Branch LibraryDallas
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center leads free drop-in English conversation practice at Dallas's Fretz Park Branch Library on Fridays: beginners 10:30–11:30am, advanced (level 2A and up) noon–1pm. All talk time: no books, homework or tests. Fall sessions run through Nov 20.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
Catch: Adults 18+
Thu–Sun 11am–5pm (closed Mon–Wed)
Dallas Contemporary
Dallas Contemporary in the Design District has free admission (a $10 donation is suggested) and free on-site parking. Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Reserve your visit online ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · dallascontemporary.org
Catch: Reserve your visit online ahead
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
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
Sun, Nov 15, 8:00 AM – 8:40 AM
Klyde Warren Park, Olive PlazaDallas
The YOSEF Running Club meets at Klyde Warren Park's Olive Plaza for a free 2 to 2.5-mile route at your own pace, run or walk, with a hydration station, a social hangout afterward and giveaways. This session is Sunday, Nov 15, 8–8:40am; there is also one on 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)
Fri, Nov 20, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Klyde Warren Park, Muse Family Performance PavilionDallas
Studio22 teaches a free salsa dance class in the park on Friday night, Nov 20, followed by dancing, 6–10pm at the Muse Family Performance Pavilion. Food and drinks are sold separately at La Parada.
Verified Oct 27 · klydewarrenpark.org
No catch
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
Tue and Thu, 6–8pm
Hampton-Illinois Branch LibraryDallas
The Wilkinson Center teaches a free adult high school equivalency (GED) and career readiness class at Dallas's Hampton-Illinois Branch Library, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6–8pm through Dec 17, 2026, then Monday to Thursday from January 2027.
Verified Oct 27 · dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
Catch: Register with the Wilkinson Center first · Adults 18+
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
