Have you planned your summer yet? If you’re reading this, the answer is probably NO! Summers can be expensive- let us help you! We have the best free, cheap, and ticketed summer activities in Dallas-Fort Worth for kids, families, and everyone else.
Don’t forget to check out our guide to the best Summer Camps in Dallas-Fort Worth for even more ideas. Read on for our guide to the best free and cheap things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth this summer:
DEALS ALL SUMMER LONG
Regal Cinema– Sometimes, it just gets too hot out there, so a day at the movies is always something fun to do this summer in DFW. Both Regal Cinemas and United Artist Theatres are offering any-time E-tickets! Just purchase online and print them at home- you can redeem them at the box office on any date and any time you wish. You aren’t locked into one particular show time or show title. Plus, the tickets are now 25% off!! Click here to get movie tickets for just $9.50.
Grapevine Aquarium– Who says you have to be in the heat to enjoy animals! Learn all about the aquatic and marine life at the Grapevine Aquarium and hang out in their cavernous seascapes. Regular admission is $20.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. If you purchase ANY TIME ADMISSION for just $15.99 per person, you can choose to go any day and time! You aren’t locked into a one-day pass.
Texas Discovery Gardens– Summer fun at Texas Discovery Gardens means chasing butterflies and getting zen in the great outdoors. The Butterfly Release is every day at 12 noon. You’ll want to come early for Toddler Talk at 11 and stay late for the critter encounters at 2 pm. It’s one of the best things to do in DFW this summer. Plus, for a limited time, you can get admission for 2 at just $15! {That’s a savings of 25%!}
Frontiers of Flight Museum– This museum is dedicated to pilots who went the farthest and the fastest in aviation history. There are seven main exhibits for you to explore, from the history of Apollo launches to flight trainers. They have over two dozen restored vintage aircraft on display, plus missiles and project shops. For a limited time, they’re offering admission for two for just $12– that’s almost 50% off!
SPECIAL EVENTS
Strangelove at House of Blues– Depeche Mode lovers, rejoice. The ultimate tribute band is coming to House of Blues for a one-night concert. The costume changes and screen projections will highlight the decades-long career of one of the best bands ever. Admission to the June 28 concert is $16 per person but we have tickets now for half-off. That’s just $8 to get in the door! — June 28
World of Art Festival– For just one night, enjoy a festival of cultures with art, music, dancing, food, fashion, and more. Admission for the June 29 party runs $25- $60 but we have tickets for $12.50- $30! — June 29
Texas All-Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival– This festival in August will be hosted at Globe Life Park. Sample hundreds of craft beer, wine, and cocktail brands from around the world. Your ticket also includes live DJs, a keepsake glass, live entertainment, giant lawn games, 2 tickets to see the Rangers play, and more. There are two sessions on August 10th- afternoon and evening. Tickets are $39.95 but we’re bringing them to you for just $29.95 per person! — August 10
Nourished Festival– Calling all gluten-free, food allergy sufferers, and those with special diets! Suffer no more, this festival is especially for you. There will be hundreds of samples, plus coupons, educational classes, and more. Shop vendors and bring home the perfect products for you. The festival is going on September 7 & 8 and admission is $15 per person. We have your tickets for just $7.50 each! — September 7-8
MUSIC TO MY EARS
DSO In The Parks– This outdoor concert series by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will take place on different days, all around Dallas. The concerts only last through June 11 so don’t miss your chance to see them for free! — select summer dates
Concerts in the Garden– The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is hosting another year of their concerts in the great outdoors. Tickets for lawn seating are FREE for kids and just $25 for adults. — select summer dates
Legacy Live– Head to the Shops at Legacy for live music in Plano this summer. The free concerts are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5:30- 8:30 pm through the end of June.
Sounds of Lewisville– Every Tuesday evening at Wayne Ferguson Plaza, get a totally free, family-friendly tribute concert. Bands will be performing hits from some of the greatest in musical history such as Selena, George Straight, the Eagles, Madonna, and more. No ticket necessary- just bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs! — Tuesday evenings
Twilight Tunes– In Downtown Denton Square, this free summer concert series takes place every Thursday evening. Shows are going on through June 27 starting at 6:30 pm. — Thursday evenings in June
Downtown Arlington Music Fest– The Levitt Pavilion in Arlington hosts dozens of free events throughout the year. Their Music Fest is going on June 7, 8 and 9 this year but you can sign up to receive reminders about free events throughout the year. — June 7-9
Rockin’ the River– The Panther Island Pavilion hosts frequent events with no cost. This summer, every Saturday is a party! Enjoy a free concert with fireworks after the show. Entrance is free, you just pay for tube rentals, food, and drinks. — Saturdays throughout the summer
LIBRARIES & BOOKSHOPS
Mayor’s Summer Reading Program– Hosted by the Fort Worth AND Dallas Public Library Systems, kids and adults can keep track of their summer reads with a reading log and get a chance to win prizes! — all summer long
3rd Thursday Jazz– Fort Worth libraries has dozens of Jazz-themed events scheduled for this summer. Enjoy painting and jazz, Techy-jazz, Jazzy coffee hours, and more. — 3rd Thursday of the month
SMART Summer– The Dallas Public Library has dozens of events schedule each week, for kids, families, and adults! Enjoy Lego Day, story time, one-on-one computer lessons, Tuesday Crafternoon, Chess Club, and much more. Check out the programming at your local branch- it’s always free! — select summer dates
Monkey & Dog Books– This locally-owned book store hosts frequent story hours and book clubs. Storytime is free every week but some events may require a ticket. They also have bullet journaling, game nights, YA book clubs, and much more. — select summer dates
The Dock Bookstore– Enjoy everything from Dock Radio to make up workshops and book clubs. Most of their events are free and in the afternoons or evenings but you just have to keep up with them to find out! — select summer dates
Half-Priced Books– Book prices at HPB are hard to beat but make room in your calendar for their summer programs. You can enjoy readings, book signings, art events, and more. Just follow them for all the latest updates. — select summer dates
THEATRE & MOVIES
Summer Movie Series– Klyde Warren Park is well known for their frequent awesome events which are free and open to the public. One of their best events is the Summer Movie Series where you can catch a flick under the stars. Shows start at 8:30 pm and there are multiple dates scheduled in June and August. — select summer dates
The Sound Stage– Watch an outdoor movie by the lake- for free! You’ll need to RSVP but kids and families are welcome. Movie nights are scheduled once or twice a month so sign up for their emails to get reminders. — select summer dates
Trinity Movie Nights- Riverside movies at the Dallas Continental Bridge & Moore Park are now a thing. Follow them for the latest updates on the June 21 & 22 showings as well as later dates. Bring your own picnics, lawn chairs, bug spray, and whatever makes you comfortable. The city is also holding events at the Amphitheater and Pavilion at Moore Park. Most movies start at sundown, about 8 pm. — select summer dates
Rooftop Movies at the Granada– Every Wednesday night, enjoy a free, outdoor screening with some of the best movies around. There’s no cover, just pay for your food and drinks! — Wednesday nights
Movie Nights at Hawaiian Falls– Watch a movie from the wave pool at Hawaiian Falls every Friday and live music the rest of the week. The movie is included with general admission. — select summer dates
Movies in the Lawn– Enjoy free movies on the lawn on the Grand Lawn just behind Epic Waters. The event is free and open to the public but coolers are not allowed. Movies start at 8:30 pm. — select summer dates
Family Film Series at Sid Richards– Each Monday evening in June, enjoy a free film at Sid Richards Museum. Stick around afterwards for a free, kid-friendly activity. Be sure to RSVP. — Monday evenings
ARTS & CULTURE
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory– Enjoy this musical adaptation of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, going on in August. You’ll remember the Oompa Loompas, Willy Wonka, the bratty kids, and the whole crew. Tickets are $65- $79 but we have the golden tickets at just $42- $51 each! — August 22 – September 1
Dallas Museum of Art– The general collection at Dallas Museum of Art is free every day. They also host numerous free, family-friendly activities throughout the year. This summer, enjoy pop up art, story times, self-guided tours, and more. — all summer long
Nasher Kids Camp– Let the kids enjoy a week or more of arts and crafts with Nasher. Enrollment for non-members is $150. — select summer dates
Summer Kid’s Craft Time– IKEA is hosting free crafting hours for kids all summer long on Wednesdays. Starting at 7 am, head to the cafe an enjoy baking cups, and much more. — Wednesdays throughout the summer
Dallas Arts District– Don’t miss the Dallas Arts District Summer Block Party going on June 21. You can also check out their free exhibition openings, live music, theater camps, PUP Fest, and much more. Keep up with them for the latest updates. — June 21
ALL THE REST
Home Depot Workshops– Home Depot has free DIY workshops on a regular basis. There are classes for kids, adults, women, and men. Don’t miss the free DIY for kids every Saturday morning at 9 am. Check out your local Home Depot website for upcoming classes and registration. — select summer dates
Fireworks at North Richmond Hills– Several times throughout summer, North Richmond Hills hosts a free fireworks show on Saturdays. Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, bug spray, and plenty of water. Keep up with them to find out the latest dates. — select Saturdays
Klyde Warren Park– In the heart of downtown, KWP has free workouts several times a week. You can also stop by most days for food trucks, an awesome playground, and art exhibits. — all summer long
Heritage Farmstead Museum– Admission to the museum is always cheap- just a few bucks gets you in the door to interactive exhibits, classes, camps, and more. — all summer long
What other awesome summer events in Dallas-Fort Worth are you looking forward to? Tell us where you’re going in the comments below:
