When tough economic times get you down, there’s no need to hide out in your house. You can (and should) still go out and enjoy the city. Dallas offers a multitude of things to do that won’t cost you a penny. So keep your wallet tucked deep in your pocket and check out our list below.
(If you have any ideas you’d like to share, please email us at [email protected]. )
Art
American Indian Arts Council
Art exhibits and activities are open to the public for free. Upcoming exhibits include the month of November’s Doc Tate Nevaquaya: Comanche Master Artist, a retrospective exhibit, Native American Christmas, featuring Native American Nativity sets and Christmas ornaments made of clay on Dec. 13, and Cheyenne Beadwork on Dec. 20. 11700 Preston Rd., #732. 214-265-0071.
Bishop Arts Theater Center Art Gallery
Frank Frazier curates at this eclectic fine arts gallery. Monthly exhibits feature his and other nationally celebrated artists’ work. Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. 214-948-0716 or www.tecotheater.org. 215 S. Tyler St.
Crow Collection of Asian Art
Admission to the museum is free very day. Free drop-in guided tours through the Crow Collection are offered on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and on Saturdays at 1 pm. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430 or www.crowcollection.org.
Dallas Arts District Stroll
Free public stroll tours are offered on the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 am. The tours, led by a docent, cover the District’s architecture, history, and Dallas performing arts venues. Each tour lasts for an hour. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 214-744-6642.
Dallas Museum of Art
The museum offers a variety of free programming and designated days for free admission. First Tuesdays provide free admission to the museum on the first Tuesday of every month. Programming is designed for kids who are five and under. Meet in the Center for Creative Connections. (Upcoming date is Dec. 2.) Thursday Night Live at the DMA offers free general admission to the museum on Thursday nights from 5 pm to 9 pm. In the Center for Creative Connections you can create a work of art using a variety of material from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. At 7 pm, there’s a Collection Highlights Tour with DMA docents. On the third Thursday of every month, check out See Creatively: See 3 at the DMA. From 7 pm to 8 pm, visit the DMA for a new kind of museum experience, which is about viewing one work of art in three different ways. 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. 75201. 214-922-1200 or dallasmuseumofart.org.
Goss-Michael Foundation
This foundation supports British contemporary art by presenting exhibitions and programs featuring British artists. There is always an exhibit on display. 2500 Cedar Springs. 214-696-0555 or http://www.gossmichaelfoundation.org/.
Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
Admission to the museum, which features art that highlights geometric forms, is free every day. 3109 Carlisle Street. 214-855-7802 or www.geometricmadimuseum.org.
Sketching in the Galleries
The Dallas Museum of Art offers a free class to help you improve your drawing ability with instruction from an artist. Thursdays from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Meet at the Visitor Services Desk. 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. 75201. 214-922-1826 or http://dallasmuseumofart.org.
Attractions
150 Years of Fort Worth History Museum
This exhibit, located in Fire Station No. 1 in downtown Fort Worth, features artifacts and displays, like an interactive bunkhouse model and the uniform of Maj. Gen. Williams Jenkins Worth, that depict Fort Worth’s history from frontier outpost to booming city. 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. 817-255-9300 or www.fwmuseum.org/exhi bits/150.html.
Amon Carter Museum
Admission is free. The museum is a collection of American art. 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, TX 76107-2695. 817-738-1933 or www.cartermuseum.org.
Dallas Heritage Village
This living history museum portrays life in North Texas from 1840 to 1910. It’s home to 38 historic structures, contains a Civil War era farm, traditional Jewish household, elegant Victorian homes, a school, a church, and commercial buildings. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, when the Village celebrates Family Past Times, each one with a theme. 1515 S. Harwood. 214-421-5141 or www.oldcitypark.org.
Dallas Museum of Art
Free admission Thursday evenings from 5pm-9pm and on the first Tuesday of each month. 1717 North Harwood. 214-922-1200 or dallasmuseumofart.org.
Founders’ Plaza
Located in DFW airport, this spot offers parking, picnic areas, telescopes, historic info, and a view of the airport’s aircraft as they take off and land. A radio broadcasts air traffic control communications. 3200 East Airfield Drive. Founders’ Plaza is located at Texas Trail and N. Airfield Drive. 972-973-8888 or http:// www.dfwairport.com/visitor/index.php?ctnid=28578.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Exploring the gardens is always free. The Botanic Garden is home to 109 acres and at least 2,500 species of plants. There is a small charge to visit the Conservatory and Japanese Garden. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. 817-871-7686 or www.fwbg.org.
Meyerson Symphony Center Tour
Free public and private tours of the facility are available year-round. Volunteer docents lead the one-hour tour, detailing points of interest throughout the building. Once a month, a 30-minute organ demonstration of the Lay Family Concert Organ is presented by Mary Preston, Resident Organist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Tours on selected Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 pm. Call 214-670-3600 or [email protected].
Museum of Nature & Science
Although admission to the museum is not free, it occasionally hosts free events. For more information, visit www.natureandscience.org or call 214-428-5555. 1318 S. Second Ave., Dallas, TX, 75210.
Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture & Exhibit
Located in the West Tower of Williams Square, this exhibit provides a pictorial history of how artist Robert Glen created the horses sculptures, a 20-minute video presentation, mustang souvenirs, and other sculpture by Glen. 5205 N. O’Connor Drive, Suite 155, Irving. 972-869-9047 or http://www.mustangsoflasco linas.com/.
Nasher Sculpture Center
Target First Saturdays offer free admission to the Center from 10 am to 2 pm. A schedule of events includes an Art Scavenger Hunt from 10 am to 2 pm, Art in Action Sculpture Demo from 10 am to 12:30 pm, Children’s Art Activity from 10 am to noon, Family Tours hourly at 10:15 am, 11:15 am, and 12:15 pm, Nasher Cafe Kid’s Meal from 11 am to 2 pm, Yoga in the Garden by YogaSport at 11:30 am, Storytime with the Dallas Public Library at 12:30 pm, and NasherKids Live! at 1 pm. 2001 Flora St. 214-242-5100 or www.nashersculpturecenter. org.
Texas Discovery Gardens
The Gardens are open to the public for free on Tuesdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Bring lunch for a picnic, sit by the fountain, take pictures, and look at butterflies and caterpillars. 3601 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd. 214-428-7476 or www.texasdiscoverygardens. org.
The Hall Collection and Texas Sculpture Garden
The garden is home to about 40 works of art, while the Hall Collection includes more than 165, located through the grounds of Hall Office. Outside artwork is open daily from dawn till dusk. Interior artwork is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to noon. 6801 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco. 972-377-1100 or www.texassculpturegarden.or g.
Trammell and Margaret Crow Asian Art Collection
The Crown Collection of Asian Art is open and free to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430 or www.crowcollection.org.
Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden
This place is composed of a gallery and sculpture garden designed by landscape architect Clarence Roy in 1959. It’s sited on 4.5 wooded acres in far North Dallas and includes fine art by regional and international artists. Open Mon. to Sat. from 10 am to 5 pm. 6616 Spring Valley Road. 972-239-2441 or www.valleyhouse.com.
White Rock Lake Museum
The museum is a human and natural history museum of White Rock Lake Park and its surrounding environment. It presents a history of the lake through photographs, a video presentation, map of the lake, and other exhibits. Admission is always free. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm. 521 E. Lawther Drive. 214-670-8749 or www.bathhousecultural.com.
Culture
African American Museum
Admission is free. 3536 Grand Avenue, Fair Park. 214-565-9026. www.aamdallas.org.
Bath House Cultural Center
Admission to the art galleries is always free. 521 E. Lawther Drive. 214-670-8749 or www.bathhousecultural.com.
Ice House Cultural Center
Admission to the art galleries is always free. 1004 W. Page St. 214-670-7524 or www.dallasculture.org/iceHouseCulturalCenter.cfm.
Latino Cultural Center
Admission to the art galleries is always free. 2600 Live Oak St. 214-671-0045 or www.dallasculture.org/latinoCulturalCenter.cfm.
South Dallas Cultural Center
Admission to the art galleries is always free. Free programs are offered throughout each month. Poetry at the Center, an informal open-mic night, is also the third Thursday of every month, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Jammin’ at the Center from 12 pm to 3 pm is an informal live jazz jam session offered on the third Friday of every month. 3400 S. Fitzhugh. 214-939-2787 or www. dallasculture.org/southDallasCulturalCenter.cfm.
Tuesdays@Central
Central Library puts on a weekly series of programs for the public. Tuesdays, 7 pm to 8 pm. 1515 Young St. 214-670-1400 or http://dallaslibrary.org/tuesdays.php.
Dance
Cowboys Red River in Dallas
Check out the dance classes Wednesday and Friday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On Wednesday, go for Basic and Intermediate lessons in Progressive Double Two-Step with Gene and Donna Villarreal. Free buffet, too. 10310 Technology Boulevard in Dallas. 75220. 214-803-3909. http://www.cowboysdancehall.com/Dallas/Dance-Lessons/
Dance on the Vine
Enjoy a complimentary first dance lesson. 445 E. Northwest Highway, Grapevine. 817-251-1552 or www.danceonthevine.com.
Rodeo Exchange
Learn to dance with free beginner Shuffle lessons on Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9pm. 221 West Exchange Ave., Fort Worth 76106. 817-626-0181. http://www.rodeoex.com/
The Round-Up Saloon
The Saloon offers free Country and Western dance lessons on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30 pm. 214-522-9611. 3912 Cedar Springs in the Oak Lawn section of Dallas. http://www.roundupsaloon.com/
Entertainment
Cine en el Centro
Spanish films at the Latino Cultural Center are shown on selected Saturdays for free. 2600 Live Oak St. 214-671-0045 or www.dalla sculture.org/latinoCulturalCenter.cfm.
Chuck, Heroes, and Lost at the Angelika
Every Monday at 7 pm, check out the Chuck and Heroes series on the big screen for free. When Lost begins, it’ll play, too. Also, check out the Mavs, Stars, Cowboys, and Rangers playoff games, the Super Bowl, occasional soccer games, and Academy Awards at the Angelika for free. 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane. 214-841-4713. http://angelikafilmcenter.com.
Echo Reads
The Bath House Cultural Center plays host to a free staged reading series. The Echo Theatre produces a variety of performance readings of “provocative and entertaining scripts” written by interesting female playwrights of the past and present. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. 521 E. Lawther Drive. 214-904-0500 or http://www.echotheatre.or g/index.html.
Sunset Movie Series in the Courtyard
Sunday evenings at sunset, Central 214 shows movies for free with free snacks to fit the film’s theme. Starts last two weeks of August. 5680 N. Central Expressway. 214-443-9339 or www.central214.com.
The Robert J. O’Donnell Film Series
The museum screens free films on selected Thursdays at 7 pm at the Dallas Museum of Art in the Horchow Auditorium. 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. 75201. 214-922-1200 or http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Events/Films/index.htm.
Fitness/Health
24 Hour Fitness
Anyone interested in trying out a 24 Hour Fitness location can get a free, 7-day pass. Over 30 clubs in the Greater Dallas area. www.24hourfitness.com.
Crow Collection
Enjoy a free Tai Chi class with instructor Eng Khoo. No reservations necessary. Saturdays at 9 am to 10:30 am. For some relaxation, join the free Zen in the City meditation class on Tuesdays from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm. (Beginners should arive at 6 pm for orientation.) 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430 or www.crowcollection.org.
Diesel Fitness
Enjoy one free workout day. 3102 Oak Lawn Ave. 214-219-6400 or www.dieselfitness214.com.
Hula Hooping
This informal exercise session, led by Jen Rose, meets weekly to exercise by learning “hooping” tricks. All skill levels are welcome. Free parking on Bellview. Mondays at 7 pm. Artist quarter at Southside Lamar. 1409 S. Lamar St. [email protected]
Lululemon in Galleria
Join the complimentary yoga class every Tuesday at 5:30 pm for Twist it Out Tuesdays. 13350 N. Dallas Parkway, #2285. 972-385-2316 or http://www.lulul emon.com/dallas/dallasgalleria.
Nasher Sculpture Center
Enjoy Yoga in the Garden by YogaSport at 11:30 am on the first Saturday of every month and the first Thursday at 6 pm. 2001 Flora St. 214-242-5100 or www.nashersculpturecenter. org.
The Texas Club
The club offers two-week trial passes. 800 Main Street, Dallas 75202. http://www.thetexasclubfitn ess.com/
Trophy Fitness Club
The club offers a free 7-day trial membership. Multiple locations. 214-761-6300 or www.trophyfitnessclub.com/
Food/Drink
Chuy’s
During happy hour, which is Monday through Friday, from 4 pm to 7 pm, there is a Nacho Car, where chips, salsa, queso, and other “munchies” are available for free. 4544 McKinney Ave. 214-559-2489 or www.chuys.com.
Frankies Sports Bar
Grab a complimentary slice of pizza Tuesdays from 5 pm to 10 pm with the purchase of a beverage. 3227 McKinney. 214-999-8932 or www.frankiesbar.com.
Go Fish
Snack on sushi on Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm. Complimentary sushi is served with the purchase of a drink. 5301 Alpha Rd. 972-980-1919 or http://dallasrestaurantgroup.com.
Popcorn at the Angelika
Check the entertainment section in People Newspapers for a coupon that entitles you to free popcorn at the Angelika. It’s good for any feature.
Steel Sushi in Dallas
Visit Steel every Wednesday for complementary sushi served in the bar with purchase of two drinks. Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. 3102 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 100. 214-219-9908 or www.steeldallas.com.
Dallas Fish Market
Enjoy the mid-week Sushi Night. The weekly event takes place in the lounge from 5 pm to 8 pm. With every drink purchased, you receive a small plate of sushi made by Master Sushi Chef Shige Tateno. Wednesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm. 1501 Main St. 214-744-3474 or www.dallasfishmarket.com.
WineStyles in Flower Mound
Complimentary wine tastings are offered every Thursday night from 6 pm to 8 pm. 6100 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 400, Flower Mound. 972-874-9315 or www.winestyles.net/flower mound.
WineStyles in Southlake
Complimentary wine tastings are offered every Friday night from 6 pm to 8 pm. 1228 Prospect St., Southlake. 817-442-0044 or www.winestyles.net/southlake.
Free Stuff We Take for Granted
Cedar Ridge Preserve
This preserve, 20 minutes outside of Dallas, includes a natural habitat of 633 acres featuring 10 miles of hiking trails, native plant nursery, butterfly gardens, and picnic areas. Operating hours are Nov. 1 to March 31 from 6:30 am to 6 pm and April 1 to Oct. 31 from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. Closed Mondays. 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway. 972-709-7784 or www.audubondallas. org/cedarridge.html.
Dallas Farmer’s Market
Walk around enjoying fresh air and picking up a sample or two on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 6 pm. 1010 S. Pearl St. 214-670-5880 or www.dallasfarmersmarket.org.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
This park contains a variety of water features covering 4.3 acres and designed by New York architect Philip Johnson. Check out the meditation pool, fountains, and pool that cascades down 38 feet of steps into a small pool. 1502 Commerce St. 817-871-5755 or http://www.fortworth.com/01visitors/010 4parksgard/010405watergardens/010405watergardens.shtml.
Parks
You can always pack a lunch and head to a local park. To find a park near you, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
Pioneer Plaza
Check out the recreation of a cattle drive in the form of bronze statues of longhorns being driven by cowboys on horses. Each sculpture was created by Robert Summers of Glen Rose, Texas. Located by the Dallas Convention Center at the intersection of South Griffin and Young Street.
The Fort Worth Herd
Witness one of the twice daily cattle drives at 11:30 am or 4 pm. 131 E. Exchange Ave., Ste. 215. Fort Worth, 76106. 817-336-4373. www.fortworthherd.com.
Trammell Crow Center Sculpture Garden
Sculptures are located around the plaza and lobby of the building. Those areas are always open to the public for free. 2001 Ross Ave., Ste. 325. 214-863-4147
Games
Texas Hold’em Poker at The Round-Up Saloon
Wednesday night poker tournaments run for seven weeks and include a finals night where the winner from each week returns to play for the overall title. All play is free. Winners get a prize. (Professional dealers, tables, cards, and chips.) New tournaments start ever quarter. 3912 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-522-9611 or www.roundupsaloon.com.
Trinity Hall Irish Pub: Pub Quiz
Every Sunday, the pub hosts a Pub Quiz from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. It’s free to play, and there are weekly prizes for the best teams. Four rounds of questions called out from the stage; one handout round of 20 question/answer matches. Every Monday, Trinity Hall hosts a Texas Hold’em Poker. It’s always free to play, with no buy in, memberships, minimum purchases, or cover charge. Come early to get a seat. Chips are issued, seats are assigned, and the first game begins at 7:30 pm. At 9 pm, chips are counted and the six top chip holders and two bonus seats are seated at the Finals Table, which begins at 9:30 pm. At 11 pm, the player with the most chips wins a gift certificate. 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane. 214-887-3600 or www.trinityhall.tv/.
Kids
Crow Collection: Play Asia!
This is a series of free Saturday programs for children. Saturdays from 1 pm to 2 pm. Begins in September. No reservations required. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430 or www.crowcollection.org.
Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series at NorthPark Center
NorthPark hosts a story time series for free. Preschoolers can enjoy story time every Wednesday at 10:30 am, and the elementary school age group will experience exciting stories and hands-on activities every Saturday at 2 pm. Events take place at NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s. 8687 N. Central Expressway. 214-361-6345 or http://no rthparkcenter.com/events/eventscalendar.html.
First Tuesdays
On the first Tuesday of every month, general admission is free at the Dallas Museum of Art. Programming is designed for kids aged five. Meet in the Center for Creative Connections. 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. 75201. 214-922-1200 or http://dallasmuseumofart.org.
Library Live!
Every branch that is part of the Dallas Public Libraries system offers this programming helping children ages 0-5 learn to read. Locate your branch for times. Upcoming programs include: Music in the Garden with music, African Drumming and Storytelling with funny stories and drums, and Mrs. Pockets’ Playtime with storytelling through puppets. Visit dallaslibrary.org for information.
South Dallas Cultural Center Youth Classes
The Center offers free classes for youths every Saturday morning. From 9 am to 10 am, for ages three to five, there’s Act One: A Child’s First Theatre Class; from 10 am to noon, for ages 5 to 18, there’s Gwendolyn Brooks Reading Club; from 1 pm to 2 pm, there’s a “Teen Scene” Purple Program Discussion Group; from 2 pm to 4 pm, there’s a “Teen Scene” Young Entrepreneurs Young Artists group. 3400 S Fitzhugh Ave. 214-939-2787 or http://www.dallasculture.org/southDallasCulturalCenter.cfm.
Target Second Saturdays!
The Latino Cultural Center hosts fun family programs every second Saturday of each month. They’re always free. 2600 Live Oak St. 214-671-0045 or www.dalla sculture.org/latinoCulturalCenter.cfm.
Music
Jazz in the Atrium
The Dallas Museum of Art is open for free on Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm. Live jazz takes place in the Atrium Café. 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. 75201. 214-922-1200 or http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/Events/ThursdayNightLive/JazzintheAtrium/index.html
Lewisville Lake Symphony’s International Chamber Series
Free events are offered throughout the year. For a schedule, visit http://www.lewisvillesymphony.org/. Events take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church. 5500 Morriss Road, Flower Mound. 972-874-9087.
Metropolitan Winds
A variety of concerts are offered for free. For a list of scheduled events or more information call 972-680-4444 or visit www.metropolitanwinds.org.
Voices of Change: SoundBites!
These wine and music mini-concerts include wine tastings and live performances of new music performed by members of the Voices of Change ensemble. Events are scheduled every other month. For the schedule, check out http://voicesofchange.com/modern-contemporary-music-SoundBites.htm .
