Having fun in Dallas doesn't have to cost a fortune--in fact, it doesn't have to cost anything at all. Art exhibits, hiking and biking trails, concerts, museums, beaches, playgrounds and indoor ice-skating are just some of the no-cost activities you'll find in the Dallas area. Toddlers to grandparents and all family members in between can find something free and age-appropriate to do in The Big D.
Cedar Ridge Reserve is a 20-minute drive from downtown Dallas. The 600-acre nature preserve, under the management of Audubon Dallas, offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Cedar Ridge features butterfly gardens, picnic areas, walking trails and wildflower gardens.
Birds, reptiles, insects and mammals all live within the boundaries of the preserve. Nature walks (and themed nature walks) take place throughout the year. Volunteer guides make these excursions more interesting by identifying and commenting on many of the birds and flowers you see along the way. A typical walk lasts approximately 2 hours and covers an overall distance of about 1 mile.
While Cedar Ridge Preserve relies partly on visitor donations, these donations are not required.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
7171 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75249
972-709-7784
audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html
Farmers Branch Historical Park, situated on 27 acres, gets over 50,000 visitors every year. Opened in 1986, the park teaches guests about the Farmers Branch of yesteryear. Attractions include several restored buildings, each representing a specific period in history. There is the Gibson House (1856), the depot (1870s), the schoolhouse (1900s) and the church (1890s), just to name a few. Narrated tours are scheduled throughout the day.
There are two "vintage" baseball teams representing the park. Volunteers re-create the original teams to help teach guests a bit about baseball history.
Farmers Branch Historical Park is open year-round. Although admission is free, donations are encouraged. Leashed pets are allowed in some areas of the park.
Farmers Branch Historical Park
2540 Farmers Branch Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
972-406-0184
ci.farmers-branch.tx.us/play/historical-park
The M-Line consists of several historic streetcars that travel up and down McKinney Avenue seven days per week on varying schedules. Traveling the route is a great way to explore this section of the city without spending any money just to get around. The line connects to DART Rail, as well, allowing you to travel even further throughout the city. Note that here is a charge for DART Rail.
The M-Line route passes by many attractions, restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping districts. These include the West End Historic District, Dallas Museum of Art and the Shops at Mockingbird Station.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
1401 Pacific Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202
214-979-1111
dart.org/riding/mline.asp
