By Claire Taylor
Fun & Cheap Things to Do in Dallas, Texas
is not known for being a cheap destination. In fact, a single evening of dining out and entertainment can easily rank up in the hundreds of dollars. Still, there are lots of things to do and see in this Texas city that will cost little, and provide great entertaining value for the money. As with everything, it's just a question of being open to trying new things.
White Rock Lake Park
White Rock is a main destination for both locals and tourists looking for a respite from the city's chaos. More than 1,000 acres of hiking and biking trails, woods and green open spaces combine to allow visitors a chance to enjoy clean air, practice bird-watching skills or have a picnic under a tree. Special events, including live concerts, are scheduled here throughout the year, all free of charge. The White Rock Marathon starts at the park, and is surrounded by a series of events and presentations that are open to everybody.
White Rock Lake Park
8300 E Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 670-8283
Museum of Natural History and Science
Dallas' Museum of Natural History and Science is a place to explore both the local and the universal for $8.75 (2009 entrance fee). Throughout history, Texas has been the source of many discoveries related to prehistoric animals and plants, and the museum houses many of them, including a series of exhibits of extinct wildlife not found in any other museum in the state. Visitors can also see a real paleontology lab, lots of dinosaur fossils, galleries featuring physics and medical instruments and a space program. There's also an IMAX theater in the premises.
Museum of Nature and Science
3535 Grand Avenue
Dallas, TX 75210
(214) 428 -5555
Pioneer Plaza
Situated right across from City Hall, Pioneer Plaza is a place to sit down, have a cold drink and enjoy the view of the rather old and ornate buildings around (the Convention Center is also across the street). The main attraction of the plaza, however, is the series of statues commemorating the Shawnee Cattle Trail, which went right through this street in the mid-19th century. The statues, which include a cowboy on horseback and several cows, are made of bronze in life-size likeness. Tours of City Hall and the Convention Center are available free of charge.
Pioneer Plaza
Young Street and Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 953-1184
The Sixth Floor Museum
Whether you buy into the conspiracy theories surrounding JKF's assassination or you simply want more information regarding the shooting and what happened immediately after, the Sixth Floor Museum is a gem of data and details. The extensive collection features lots of photographic data, as well as documents, newspaper clippings and artifacts. There are also recorded interviews and film fragments of the event. Tickets sell for $13.50 and include an audio guide that can be used for a self-guided tour around the museum and its collections.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 747-6660
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Kevin Finneran
