Going out as a family can be so pricey, and even something simple like seeing a movie adds up fast. So! To help you hang onto as much of your hard-earned cash as possible, we like to keep an updated list of places in Dallas where KIDS GET IN FREE.
In addition to this list, be sure to take a look at our monthly event roundups—we always include a whole bunch of free special events around town. Subscribe to our newsletter to get those monthly guides sent straight to your inbox!
Always double check business/organization websites before you go to ensure dates/times/prices are still accurate and/or available.
Completely Free Admission for ALL AGES
Dallas Museum of Art
Free admission for all ages (with the exception of special exhibitions and events when only children 11 and under are free). Download a free Arturo Family Gallery Guide to give the kids some purpose and direction as you stroll the galleries. Note: Despite being free, you still need to reserve tickets. Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 11am–5pm, Friday: 11am–9pm, Saturday-Sunday: 11am–5pm. CLOSED MONDAY.
Nasher Sculpture Center Free First Saturdays
The First Saturday of each month means FREE admission for the whole family. Free First Saturdays are designed for children in preschool to elementary and feature a rotating schedule of things to see and do from 11am–2pm. Museum Hours: 11am–5pm. CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY. Note: During regular museum days/hours, children 11 and under are FREE.
Crow Museum of Asian Art
Enjoy FREE admission to this UTD Museum every day (donations accepted). FAQ here. Hours: 11am–5pm. CLOSED MONDAY.
African American Museum
Admission is FREE for all ages at this Fair Park museum (exception for special exhibits). Tour their extensive and comprehensive permanent collection that ranges from Folk Art to centuries-old masterpieces and including African art, Black Renaissance paintings, decorative arts, period rooms, and contemporary art. Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 11am–5pm, Saturday: 10am–5pm, CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY.
Interurban Railway Museum
Head to Historic Downtown Plano for FREE admission to this museum about the history of the Texas Electric Railway. Please note: Historic Car 360 will close for tours when internal temperatures reach 100°, so try to visit before noon in the summer if you want to see inside the train car. Don’t miss Story Time on Friday mornings at 11am. Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 11am–4pm, Saturday: 1–5pm. CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY.
Frisco Fire Safety Town
Children can explore Fire Safety Town Village with educational stops along the way during this free Walk ‘n Ride tour. Kids meeting height requirements will love getting to drive a mini jeep or ride a bike in town. Tours are scheduled by age group, so check the calendar for exact hours. Be advised that any participating adult needs to present valid I.D.
Founders’ Plaza Planes
Watch planes at DFW Airport take off and land at this FREE observation area. Bring breakfast or lunch and sit at the picnic tables, use their telescopes for better viewing, and listen to the air traffic control communications from the FAA tower. Hours: 7am–7pm daily.
The Samurai Collection
Admission is always FREE to see this dynamic collection of samurai armor and weaponry, with self-guided family activities always available. They also do Saturday Family Days on the 1st Saturday of each month, designed for kids ages 4 and up, with interactive tours and art activities. “The collection of samurai objects is one of the most complete and largest of its type in the world and is displayed in the only museum outside of Japan whose focus is samurai armor.” Hours: Wednesday–Saturday: 11am–5pm. CLOSED MONDAY.
House of Shine
House of Shine is a nonprofit, experiential museum of self-discovery in Grapevine. Their hands-on programs, designed for ages 5–95, help to unearth your SHINE (Strengths, Hobbies, Interests & Irritants, Needs, and Experiences). No matter which program you choose, it’s bound to be the most creative and memorable experience of your day. Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 12–6pm; Friday–Saturday: 9am–3pm. CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY.
Irving Arts Center
Stroll through multiple galleries, temporary exhibitions, the permanent collection, and a sculpture garden, all for free. Time your visit to coincide with one of their free family programs: JumstART Stories & Art and Second Sunday Funday. Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 12–5pm. CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY.
Free for AGES 3–5 AND UNDER
There are a few spots where slightly older kiddos can still get in for free.
- Museum of Biblical Art (Ages 5 & under FREE, Ages 6–12, $10)
- Sixth Floor Museum (Ages 5 & under FREE, Ages 6–18, $14)
- Dallas Heritage Village (Ages 4 & under FREE, Ages 5–12, $6)
- Museum of Illusions (Ages 4 & under FREE, Ages 5–12, $17)
- Reunion Tower (Ages 3 & under FREE, Ages 4–12, $19)
- Cavanaugh Flight Museum (Ages 3 & under FREE, Ages 4–12, $6)
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Ages 3 & under FREE, Ages 4–12, from $21.99)
- Epic Waters (Ages 3 & under FREE, Children under 48″, from $22)
Free for AGES 2 AND UNDER or UNDER 2
Lots of places will let you slide toddlers in for free. Take advantage of it while you can!
- Dallas Zoo (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3–11, $8–21 depending on day)
- Texas Discovery Gardens (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3–11, $5)
- Six Flags Over Texas (Ages 2 & under FREE, Children under 48″, from $34.99)
- Heard Museum, McKinney (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3+, $7)
- Legoland Discovery Center Grapevine (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3+, $24.99 online)
- SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3–12, $24.99 online)
- Frontiers of Flight Museum (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3–17, $7)
- Bahama Beach (Ages 2 & under FREE, Children under 48″, $9–11)
- Dallas World Aquarium (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3–12, $18.95)
- Crayola Experience, Plano (Ages 2 & under FREE, Ages 3+, $24.99 online)
- Dallas Arboretum & Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (under 2 FREE, Ages 2–12, $12; $15 if you include Children’s Garden)
- Perot Museum (under 2 FREE, Ages 2–12, from $13)
- The Gentle Zoo (under 1 FREE, General Admission, $7)
What about tickets to Sporting Events?
To summarize everything below, if you’re going to a stadium or arena, you’ll likely need a ticket for everyone in your party. Lap children 2 and under can get in free to some of these venues, but you have to consider how much you want a wiggly toddler sitting in your lap the whole game. Here are the details for each of our sports teams:
Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field in Arlington)
Children 13 years and younger are eligible for reduced-price tickets in Upper Reserved and Grandstand Reserved seating areas, and children under 36″ tall can get in for free but must sit in a ticket holder’s lap.
Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium)
For Cowboys games and most events, children under the age of 1 do not need a ticket to enter AT&T Stadium. They must be seated on an adult’s lap and not interfere with the sightlines of other guests. Other events may require all children, regardless of age, to have a ticket to enter the stadium. For specific information regarding the children’s ticket policy for a particular event, please call the AT&T Stadium Ticket Office at (817) 892-5000 or the Guest Services Hotline at (817) 892-4161.
Dallas Stars & Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center)
For all sporting events and most concerts, children two years of age and younger do not require a ticket to be admitted into American Airlines Center; however, they must sit on an adult’s lap and may not occupy a seat. Any child 2 years of age and older will require a ticket to enter the arena and must occupy their ticketed seat. Please note that some shows (especially those intended for children) may have a different age policy. Contact Guest Services at 214-665-4299 for further information.
Frisco RoughRiders (Riders Field)
Any fan 2 years or younger and sitting on a lap does not need a ticket.
Dallas Sidekicks (Allen Event Center)
Child admissions policies are set by the promoter for each individual event. For most events, children 2 years of age and older must have their own ticket for entry. Please check the event’s ticket policies at the time and point of purchase. For Sidekicks games, children 2 and under are considered lap children, and do not need a ticket.
FC Dallas (Toyota Stadium)
Children that are 3 feet or shorter are not required to have a ticket into Toyota Stadium for sporting events. Children that are three feet or shorter may sit in a ticket holder’s lap, so long as the child does not obstruct the view of others nearby. There will be a height check station at all gates. If a child is taller than three feet, they must provide a ticket for entry. Policies may vary for concerts and special events. Please contact Customer Service at 469-365-0000 for information pertaining to specific events.
Dallas Jackals (Chocktaw Stadium)
Children 2 and under are free if not using a seat of their own.
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