31 Mostly Free Things to Do in Dallas, Texas

This is not just any ordinary Top Ten list of things to do in Dallas. First of all, we include 31 things to do, one for every day of the month. Secondly, we painstakingly put these recommendations through the ringer, and this list highlights all the good stuff that squeezed out on the other side. You'll often find lists of what to do in Dallas categorized by month or by season. This list required a tad more research and followed strict criteria. Most of the things to do in Dallas listed below are a) strictly in Dallas b) FREE or cost less than $15 c) year-round or available most of the year. In line with the theme of this website, many of these are arts-oriented and encourage patronizing local businesses. Most are also family-friendly or suitable things to do with kids or as a couple.

Future articles will also highlight seasonally based things to do in Dallas. For example, there are some amazing festivals, like Taste of Dallas and Greenville Avenue St. Paddy's Day Parade, and rooftop movies. Below, however, are things you can do year-round. Get the lowdown on fun, almost free things to do in Dallas tourism, events, bars, nightlife, and entertainment.

1. Take the Trolley Tour - The M-Line's air-conditioned and heated trolleys run 365 days a year, providing local transit service to Dallas' vibrant Uptown Neighborhood. All rides, except charters, are free. There is a voluntary fare box, and I'm sure contributions are welcomed. Mr. Rogers and San Francisco don't get to have all the fun. Get the trolley schedule. Cost: Free (donations accepted)

2. Digitally Tee Off - This isn't your grandpa's driving range. Top Golf is a revolutionary sports entertainment complex combining games with great food and an environment you can enjoy year-round with friends and family of all skill levels. Top Golf features computerized microchips in every golf ball that track your shots’ accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets ranging from 20 - 250 yards away. The food isn't half bad either. Find your inner digital caddy shack. Cost: $3.80 a game 9am-3pm, $5.80 a game 3pm-close

3. Attend a Burlesque Show - at the Lakewood Theater. The theater’s opening-day event in October 1938 started with "Love Finds Andy Hardy" with the irrepressible Mickey Rooney and the fast-rising singing sensation Judy Garland. Over the last 60+ years the Lakewood Theater has stood as a beacon -- both literally and figuratively -- in the East Dallas landscape. Get the latest show info at The Lakewood Theater's website. Cost: Varies, Free - $15 avg. per ticket

4. Eat your way through the Farmer's Market - The Dallas Farmers Market has been a fixture in downtown Dallas for six decades. It has grown into a true Texas treasure as one of the largest public markets of its type in the country. Often you can make a meal out of all the free samples. Support your local growers. Cost: Free

5. Join Free Spirited Yogis - There are several yoga classes and dojos that provide instruction on ancient ways to de-stress, release pent-up energy, as well as opportunities to meet others. Karmany is a completely free Dallas yoga house (except for donations)! Dirt Cheap Yoga, and Sunstone are inexpensive, with package deals for first-time yogis. Cost: Free (donations accepted) & $10-a-day packages

6. Bike on the Katie Trail - Rent a bike for free on Thursdays after 7:00pm at Fleetwood KitKat's near SMU, the only self-proclaimed Dallas Cruiser Bike Boutique. The Katy Trail is a 12-foot-wide concrete bike trail and an 8-foot-wide parallel, soft-surface running path, with several entrances and plazas linking the Trail to other area parks. It extends 3.5 miles from Airline Road to the American Airlines Center. Once completed, the bike and pedestrian path will link the Mockingbird DART station near SMU to the West End in downtown Dallas. Take a joy ride on the Katy Trail. Cost: Free

Get 25 More Things to Do in Dallas. You'll never guess #27 because it is so new.