Having fun doesn't have to be expensive! The many things to see and do in Dallas include those that can be enjoyed absolutely free. Consider these offerings:

1. Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive

A growing number of bronze, larger-than-life-size steers and their cowboy escorts moo've along Pioneer Plaza - adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center. This bronze cattle drive is located on the actual Shawnee Trail drive of the 1850's - and is the largest bronze monument of its kind in the world.

Downtown, Young & Griffin Streets

2. Outdoor Sculpture Tour

Discover over 30 distinctive sculptures on the sidewalks of Downtown. Along with pieces from the 19th century, there are contemporary works, including a painter capturing magnificent Dallas on canvas. Can you find him?

3. Art Garden

Enjoy the Sculpture Garden at the base of the statuesque Trammell Crow Center in Downtown. More than 20 statues from the French masters, including Rodin, reside in this peaceful setting with cascading waters and beautiful gardens.

Downtown, 2010 Flora Street, 214-979-6430

4. Uptown and West Village

Dallas' popular Uptown District is exploding with new residential and retail centers with a variety of elements coming together for a shopping, dining, and entertainment experience that will appeal to all types of tastes. The West Village focal point is the new Magnolia Theater that supports independent film and arts.

Uptown, McKinney Avenue and Routh Street, 214-922-9622

5. American Airlines Aviation Museum

Experience the history of commercial aviation. This exciting establishment acquaints visitors with American Airlines, from its humble beginnings through five eras of flight. Activities include interactive displays, video presentations, hands-on exhibits, a two-seater flight simulator, an IWERKS movie "Spirit of America", and many other educational flight related activities. Housed in a glass hangar, a restored 1940s DC-3, the FLAGSHIP KNOXVILLE, welcomes visitors of all ages. First-class gift shop.

Open Thurs. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closed Sun. - Wed.
Near DFW International Airport, 4601 Highway 360 at FAA Road, 817-967-1560

6. Jazz at the DMA

In Dallas, you can choose from a prolific variety of museums, galleries and artistic attractions - among them is the Dallas Museum of Art, where admission is free on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. DMA Thursday Nights feature live jazz music in the Hamon Atruim from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown, 1717 N. Harwood Street, 214-922-1200

7. Mustangs Sculpture in Las Colinas

Nine mustangs, bronze, beautiful and larger-than-life, splash their way across a stream cut through the stone and granite plaza of Williams Square. Stroll across the plaza and visit the Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture & Exhibit, which includes an informative 20 minute film about mustangs and the making of this breathtaking sculpture.

Exhibit Center Open: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
In nearby Irving, O'Connor Road, North of Highway 114, 972-869-9047

8. Tour the Morton H. Meyerson

The acoustically renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, designed by I.M. Pei, is yours to tour on selected Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. (please call in advance for monthly tour schedule as tours are subject to change with rehearsals and performances) Discover the 4,535 pipes on the Herman W. Lay Family Organ - this $1.36 million organ, crafted by C.B. Fisk Inc., is truly an acoustical wonder!

Downtown, 2301 Flora Street, 214-670-3600

9. Dallas Central Library

Read all about it at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. This public library includes one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed in 1776 - also on permanent display, is William Shakespeare's First Folio of Comedies, Histories & Tragedies. The library's Children Center is one of the largest in the country.

Downtown, 1515 Young Street, 214-670-1700

10. Spanish Art at the Meadows Museum

The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University has the most comprehensive collection from the Spanish masters outside of Spain. There are also special exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and the tree-lined SMU campus is an eye-catcher itself. Call about special exhibits.

Open: Mon., Tues., Fri., Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thurs. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
5900 Bishop Blvd, 214-768-2516

11. Mary Kay Cosmetics

Take a walk through history and experience a dream that began more than three decades ago - when Mary Kay set out to build a company that would give women unlimited opportunities to achieve success in every aspect of their lives. During your visit, you'll relive the rich heritage of our Company and see how it progressed from a tiny storefront to the amazing success that it is today. Celebrate each step in the fulfillment of one woman's dream and the marvelous achievements of women who believe in it.

Self-guided Tours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Reservations required for guided tours.
16251 N. Dallas Parkway, 972-687-5720

12. Location, Location, Location

Dallas is home to some scenic and captivating, beautiful and breathtaking neighborhood communities. Walk, ride or drive around Turtle Creek and adjoining Highland Park, and don't miss the historic homes of Swiss Avenue (including the Wilson Block Historic District), Munger Place and other lovely locales! Featured: gorgeous parks, lakes and landscapes. Ask a native!

13. Inner-City Refuge

Dallas features more than 20,000 park acres including 18 lakes with 4,400 surface acres of water at 17 park sites and 17,196 acres of greenbelt/park land. To learn more about the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, call 214-670-4100 and be sure to ask about "The Ultimate Adventure" - a free booklet highlighting the details of all the leisure and recreational services Dallas offers.

14. Texas Discovery Gardens

More than seven green acres, in fact, of display gardens. That is what you will find at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. Featuring the Benny J. Simpson Texas Native Plant Collection. The garden center also has a two-story tropical conservatory, waterfall, scented garden for the blind and flowers galore.

Gardens Open: 7 days a week.
Visitor Center & Conservatory Open:
Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Free Admission on Tuesdays.
3601 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Fair Park, 214-428-7476

15. Giving Thanks

Thanks-Giving Square - private, interfaith and educational - welcomes people of all nations, cultures and religious traditions. A unique chapel and museum honoring Thanksgiving - meditation garden, bells and fountains make this the "Home of American Thanksgiving."

Open: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Christmas and New Years Day.
Downtown, Pacific, Bryan and Ervay Streets, 214-969-1977

16. Old - Fashioned Country Kitchen

Visit Spring Creek Farm and see how the famous Owens Country Sausage began, as you tour a museum featuring a fully equipped kitchen, workshop, butchery and country store with articles and replicas dating back to the early 1900s. Outdoors, see Belgian draft horses, miniature ponies and other animals. Self guided tours daily - guided tours for groups of eight or more by reservation only.

1401 East Lookout Drive at Plano Road, 972-235-0192

17. Free Admission Museums

The eight museums of Fair Park offer an exceptional variety all in one location near Downtown. Admission is charged at some but quite a few are Free! Donations are accepted. Those that offer free admission:

The African American Museum (exception - special exhibitions) 214-565-9026.

The Hall of State (with the exception of special exhibitions) 214-421-4500.

18. City Hall of Fame

Dallas' City Hall is a site to see. Famed architect I.M. Pei designed the inverted wedge shaped building, one of the most distinctive structures in all of Dallas. The plaza is home to one of Henry Moore's largest bronze sculptures.

Downtown, 1500 Marilla Street, 214-670-3687

19. A Retail Renaissance

The looking is free, but with more shopping centers per capita than any other major U.S. city, the buying may be hard to resist! Visit many of the cities fine centers and stores such as the renownedGalleria, modeled after Milan's fashion forward masterpiece; NorthPark Center, where you will enjoy over 160 world-class specialty stores; and Highland Park Village, the first planned shopping center in the United States.

Allen Premium Outlets 972-678-7000

Galleria 972- 702-7100

Grapevine Mills 972-724-4900

Highland Park Village 214-521-0050

Irving Mall 972-255-0571

NorthPark Center 214-363-7441

Stonebriar Center 972-668-6255

Town East Mall 972-270-2363

Valley View Center 972-661-2424

Vista Ridge Mall 972-315-3641

20. Dr. Pepper Tour

See how Dallas' own Dr. Pepper makes it from its distinctive formula and syrup to the fast-selling cans and bottles on your grocer's shelves. Scheduled tours at this independent area bottler in neighboring Irving area available Wednesdays only at 10 a.m. Call in advance for a tour bubbling with fun.

In nearby Irving, 2304 Century Center Blvd., 972-721-8394

21. Dallas Tourist Information Center

Relive the city's past with a visit to the Old Red Courthouse, site of the Dallas Tourist Information Center in the Downtown Historic District. The Center features touch screen information stations, Internet access stations, viewing room to see Dallas videos, and a full staff available every day of the week. Just around the corner you will find John Neely Bryan's Cabin, reconstructed home of Dallas. founder - just a stroll away, is the popular West End, Dealey Plaza and the DART Light Rail.

The Downtown Historic District is located in the block enclosed by Market, Elm, Commerce and Houston Streets, 24-Hour Hotline 214-571-1301

22. A Nation Remembers JFK

Dallas pays homage to one of its darkest times, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during his 1963 visit. Designed by Kennedy family friend, Philip Johnson, the John F. Kennedy Memorialis an open-roofed, concrete walled monument symbolic of an open tomb. It is not unusual to find flowers and notes placed here. Nearby, the infamous School Book Depository and Grassy Knoll have changed little since that devastating day in our Nation's history.

Downtown, Main and Houston Streets

23. Sail Away

Take to the water and leave your worries in your wake. Dallas offers many area lakes - 63 within a 100-mile radius. Dallas' largest and most popular lakes offer endless recreational opportunities including fishing, sailing and canoeing, trails for hiking and biking, playgrounds and facilities for picnicking.

(Some parks charge a small entrance fee.) 214-670-4100

24. International Museum of Cultures

The remote cultures of the world can be found at the International Museum of Cultures where lifelike and miniature exhibits focus on all the people of the earth. Donations are accepted and admission is free for groups of five or less. Fee for pre-arranged tours of five or more.

7500 Camp Wisdom Road, 972-708-7406

25. Deep Ellum

Of Dallas' many different parts, possibly none is quite so intriguing as Deep Ellum. This former industrial neighborhood and cradle of Dallas' jazz scene is now home to much of the city's avant-garde culture. Discover an eclectic variety of restaurants, nightclubs, galleries and shops.

Just east of Downtown, 214-747-DEEP

26. M-Line All Around

The historic M-Line Streetcar meets the modern new M-Line Trolley Bus to create the M-Line service. Ride the streetcar down McKinney Avenue connecting to the Trolley Bus to St. Paul and Ross, within walking distance of the Dallas Museum of Art. Ride down Main Street to the famous West End to have lunch, shop, or just browse the shops. Whatever your interest maybe the M-Line can get you there for free!

Service 7 days a week. Call for schedule, 214-855-0006

27. Holocaust Remembrances

Pay homage to the victims of this atrocity that befell civilization. The Dallas Holocaust Memorial Centerhas artifacts, photographs, documentary film, videotapes of local survivors, a memorial room and library.

7900 Northaven Road, 214-750-4654

28. Arts District Stroll

Take a one-hour guided walking tour of the Dallas Arts District where trained docents lead you through the largest arts area in the country. First Saturday each month. Meet at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. 10:30 a. m. Please R.S.V.P.

Arts District Friends 2010 Flora Street, 214-953-1977

29. Farmers Branch Historical Park

The Farmers Branch Historical Park is home to several historic structures that range in time from the 1840's to the 1940's. Structures include log cabins, the oldest stone structure on its original foundation in North Texas, and a 1930's gas station. Tours free, interactive programs available.

Call 972-406-0184 for information.

30. West End Story

What once was a warehouse and an old candy and cracker factory has been reborn into a tourist's delight. Downtown's West End Historic District, great for browsers, features over 50 specialty shops at the West End MarketPlace plus a variety of restaurants and clubs. Summertime nights in theMarketPlace are often filled with the sound of free concerts.

Downtown/Market and Munger Streets: 214-748-4801
West End Association Event Hotline: 214-741-7185

31. Observation Station

From the observation area known as Founders Plaza at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, you'll see some of the 2,300 daily takeoffs and landings from one of the world's busiest airports. Witness winged wonders in this area featuring 20 parking spaces, long-distance binoculars, graph board to help you identify the different aircraft, speaker system featuring audio straight from the Control Tower, plus four picnic areas.

Open daily - 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
2829 30th St. ( Carbon Road) at DFW International Airport, 972-574-6000

32. Super Model Train

The U.S.' largest permanent model train display is in Dallas, and happily, it.s in the lobby of Children's Medical Center of Dallas. Eight trains run simultaneously at this free exhibit. Children's Medical Center has a small fee for parking.

1935 Motor Street, between Stemmons Frwy. & Harry Hines Blvd., 214-640-2000

33. Fantasy Landing

A unique and special highlight of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department is Fantasy Landing, Dallas' first public playground where able-bodied children and those with disabilities can play together. The playground features customized ramps, tennis courts and pull tunnels with bars for children in wheelchairs. Brightly-colored brick paths help visually impaired children find their way through the play area.

Kiest Park in Oak Cliff, 214-939-2746

34. Dallas Farmers Market

Seven days a week from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. (with the exception of special holidays), local farmers display and sell a mouth watering and eye pleasing selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and floral plants at the Dallas Farmers Market. A perfect place to leisurely stroll and take in the colorful, glorious sights at this open-air market.

1010 South Pearl Street, 214-939-2808

35. Sports Connection

With teams in every major sports league, Dallas loves its hometown sports, and many Dallas Cowboys football, Texas Rangers baseball, Dallas Mavericks basketball, Dallas Stars hockey and Dallas Burn soccer games are televised. So cheer on your winning team at home, hotel or at one of Dallas' many Sports Bars.

Game Information:

Dallas Cowboys 972-785-5000

Dallas Stars 214-467-8277

Dallas Mavericks 214-747-6287

Texas Rangers 817-273-5100

Dallas Burn 214-979-0303

Dallas Desperados 972-785-4900

Dallas Sidekicks 214-748-1808

36. Shakespeare Festival

The Shakespeare Festival of Dallas is a grand tradition of highly popular and critically acclaimed free Shakespearean productions in rotating repertory every summer in Samuell-Grand Park. A small donation is suggested.

Samuell-Grand Park is just east of Downtown, 214-559-2778

37. Celebrate Good Times

Numerous festivals and parades are held each year in the great Dallas outdoors, and a good many are absolutely free. Many are holiday related, and nearly all have food, music, art and/or live entertainment. Use entertainment publications as your guide. (See "Order Free Brochure")

Dallas CVB's 24-Hour Special Events Hotline: 214-571-1301

38. Outdoor Activities

Hiking, biking, walking or running - Dallas offers happy trails for you. The Dallas Parks & Recreation Department maintains a number of bike/hike trails such as the 9.33 mile trail at White Rock Lake, 8300 Garland Rd, which connects with the 7.3 mile trail at White Rock Creek Park.

Call 214-670-4100 to locate a trail or 214-670-4039 for bike route maps.

39. Dallas Symphony Summer Concerts

Dallas' outdoors beckons lovers of nature and music. During the Spring and early Summer months,The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs in area parks and you can also hear "Jazz under the Stars" at the Dallas Museum of Art on Thursday evenings.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra: 214-692-0203
Dallas Museum of Art: 214-922-1200

40. Freedman's Cemetery Memorial

Located less than one mile north of Downtown Dallas, is Freedman's Cemetery, a pre-Civil War African-American burial ground in what was once the Freedman's Town Area - a small Dallas community formed by Blacks freed from slavery in the mid-1860s. This historic and state landmark memorial features larger-than-life-size figures cast in bronze by African American artist, David Newton.

North Central Expressway between Lemmon Avenue and Hall Street, 214-670-3284

41. Fountain Place

Waters dance and leap skyward at Downtown's Fountain Place. At the base of this dramatically sculpted 1.2 million sq. ft. office tower of green reflective glass lies an oasis of colorful flowers, waterfalls, 172 bubbler fountains and central fountain. The latter is one of the world's most complex and consists of 360 computer driven water jets. Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm of I.M. Pei & Partners, Fountain Place has received international recognition.

Downtown, 1445 Ross Avenue at Field Street, 214-855-7766

42. Hands On

Named after one of the foremost hand surgeons in the world, The Adrian E. Flatt, M.D. Hand Exhibit is an extraordinary private collection of over 100 cast, bronze-coated hands. The contrast of sizes, and sense of personal capability, when simply viewing life-size hands is intriguing. Personalities include: Katherine Hepburn, Walt Disney, Louis Armstrong and Winston Churchill - to name a few.

Baylor University Medical Center - Truett Building - 1st floor
3500 Gaston Ave., 214-820-6684

43. Retail Tale

Discover how Dallas' outstanding shopping reputation began with the opening of Neiman Marcus in the early 1900's. Over 95 years later, the Flagship Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas remains a ready-to-wear couture legend. The Downtown Dallas store features a museum on the fifth-floor which tells the Neiman Marcus story in the highest of style.

Neiman Marcus is Open:
Mon. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thurs. 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
2628 Main Street, 214-741-6911

44. Lower Greenville Avenue

Greenville Avenue is one of the oldest entertainment areas in Dallas and is home to many boutique and eclectic shops as well as live entertainment clubs, great bars and restaurants. Greenville Avenue has one to the oldest bars in Dallas, the Greenville Avenue Bar & Grill, and hosts the ever popular Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Greenville Avenue between Mockingbird & Ross Avenue
Greenville Avenue Business Association 214-368-6722

45. Crow Collection of Asian Art

The Crow Collection of Asian Art contains more than 600 paintings, objects of metal and stone, and large architectural pieces from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Over 300 works are on display in the galleries including precious jade ornaments from China, delicate Japanese scrolls and a rarely seen 28-foot by 12-foot sandstone facade of an 18th century Indian residence.

Open: Tues. - Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
2010 Flora Street, 214-979-6430

46. Dallas Nature Center

To nature, that is. Just a short drive from Downtown is the Dallas Nature Center - 633 acres of preserved wilderness and mesquite prairie, with 10 miles of hiking trails, native-plant nurseries, picnic area, nature programs and visitors center. Small donation is recommended.

7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, 972-296-1955

47. Biblical Arts Center

The Biblical Arts Center offers a unique opportunity for people of all faiths to witness the Bible as it inspires mankind in the arts. Dedicated to its founder, Mattie Caruth Byrd (1909-1972), the Center is reminiscent of Christian-era architecture, and houses permanent exhibition galleries that feature special exhibits each year, ranging from Old Masters to Contemporaries. Admission to the museum's galleries is free. Miracle of Pentecost Exhibit requires an admission fee.

Open: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located near NorthPark Center, 7500 Park Lane and Boedeker, 214-691-4661

48. NorthPark Center Arts and Animals

At NorthPark Center special and seasonal events happen all year long. Highlights include: Le Theatre de Marionette's daily children's puppet show performances and seasonal "live" animal exhibits. NorthPark Center also features a rotating display of acclaimed 20th century art from the private collection of Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher which includes the works of such renown artists as: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Henry Moore - to name a few!

Northwest Hwy. and Central Expwy. Complimentary Trolley service approximately every 15 minutes is offered from the Park Lane DART Light Rail Station. 214-363-7441

49. Dallas Galleria

It is no wonder The Guide Section of the Dallas Morning News votes the Galleria as " Best Place to People Watch" - or shall we say "Star Watch." Such well-known faces as: Janet Jackson, Oliver Stone, Kevin Costner and Tom Cruise have been seen touring the Galleria - to name a few! Ice skaters are also fun to watch on the indoor rink Olympians Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi, Brian Boitano and Scott Hamilton once performed on this glimmering ice. Rink opens year-round.

LBJ at Dallas Parkway North, 972-702-7164

50. The Art of Sports

The Sports Legacy. The Gallery of Sports Art at The Ballpark in Arlington is the nation's largest art gallery devoted to sports and features original art, limited edition lithographs and bronze statues representing a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, fishing, hunting and soccer. Children supervised by parents are welcome.

Open: Mon. - Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on game nights open until the game is over. 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, 817-461-1994