25 Free Things to Do with Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth

Keeping kids busy in DFW does not have to cost anything. Every single thing on this list is free, and we have done every single one. Save this for the next "what do we do today?" moment.

Beat-the-heat free (indoor)

1. Climb through the rope bridges at CityScape in Plano, a free indoor play-city inside a church.
2. Ride the three-story slide at KIDZPlay at Prestonwood, weekdays 10 to 4.
3. Play at the free indoor park at Preston Trail in Frisco.
4. Let the big kids loose on the fort at Watermark in Dallas (lots of stairs, not for babies).
5. Hit storytime at your local library; nearly every DFW branch runs several free sessions a week.
6. Play INSIDE the Frisco Public Library, which has its own play area by the storytime space.
7. Explore the kids areas at Garland Central and West Garland libraries.
8. Do free storytime plus a real train at the Interurban Railway Museum in downtown Plano.

Water for $0

1. Harry Myers Park in Rockwall: splash pad plus zip lines.
2. Watson Park in Garland: touch the blue pole with the green handprint to start the water.
3. Halperin Park in Oak Cliff: the giant tipping bucket, right next to the zoo.
4. Oak Hills Splash Park in Carrollton, perfect for littles.
5. Robert Smith Family Park in Fate, splash pad plus covered playground.
6. Catch the dancing fountain show at Klyde Warren Park, daily at noon, 7, and 8.

Playgrounds worth the drive

1. PlayGrand Adventures in Grand Prairie, a huge all-abilities playground with a soft-turf littles zone.
2. Casey's Clubhouse at Dove Park in Grapevine, an inclusive playground that feels like a storybook.
3. Bonnie Wenk Park in McKinney, with a free zip line toward the back.
4. Kids Kingdom in Rowlett, castle-style with a soft-turf toddler zone.
5. Joya at Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch, the glow-in-the-dark playground; go at dusk.
6. Heritage Park in Sachse, with the climbable train.

Nature and wander days

1. Hike the trails and climb the observation tower at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano.
2. Take the creek walk (and the fall photos) at Prairie Creek Park in Richardson.
3. Watch the lake and toss a coin at the wishing fountain at The Harbor in Rockwall.
4. Catch a free family event at Kaleidoscope Park in Frisco; their calendar stays busy.

And one for the calendar

1. The Dallas Zoo's famous Dollar Days are not quite free, but at $1 a person they are the best deal in Texas. Read the guide so you are ready when the next dates drop.

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