Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Grand Prairie

"On the shores of White Rock Lake, this gorgeous 66-acre arboretum showcases plants and flowers in theme gardens such as the Sunken Garden and the Woman’s Garden. Expect to see a lot of wedding parties posing for pictures amid the posies. During the spring wildflower season it gets so mobbed that nearby streets are closed."

"Along the shores of White Rock Lake, explore a 66-acre garden with rainbow-colored blooms throughout the seasons. Each garden feels like a unique room that flows into another. The Sunken Garden is a favorite."

"The Dallas Arboretum is one of my go-to places when finding a photo spot. And this reflecting pool is definitely my favorite spot at the Arboretum!"

"Situated at the heart of Dallas, USA, is this piece of urban green, Klyde Warren Park. It is constructed above Woodall Rodgers Freeway and is a unique example of modern architecture. It is a public park with free entry that hosts many fitness and leisure activities, has signature food trucks, and is a heaven for dog lovers."

"Spend the rest of the morning exploring Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Arts District (thedallasartsdistrict.org) at your leisure. The Arts District has the city's leading visual and performing arts venues. Impressive collections are always held at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Centre."

"Bridging Uptown and Downtown Dallas, the Klyde Warren Park offers five acres to roam. Perched above the Woodall Rogers Freeway, find a green spacewithlive music and lawn games. FInd food trucks on the side so grab a bite."

"Forever etched in infamy, the former Texas School Book Depository at the intersection of Houston and Elm Streets in Dallas is now home to a museum dedicated to remembering one of the nation's most tragic and defining moments: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Visitors to the museum are first introduced to the historical context with multimedia exhibits that describe the political climate of the early 1960s and then go on to highlight President Kennedy's trip to Texas in November of 1963 and the last days of his life. Just past here, you will see the sniper's perch in the corner window from which Oswald took the deadly shots, recreated to match the original photos from the crime scene."

"Certainly one for dark tourism, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a museum that examines the assassination of President John F Kennedy which took place on the block beneath the museum on Elm and Houston street. It not only chronicles the lives of the Kennedy’s and every last detail of one of the nation’s darkest moments, but it also honors the legacy of one of America’s most beloved presidents."

"If you want to pick your brains about past events, this museum is worth visiting. You can never go wrong if you want to bring your date or friend who is a history buff because they have intriguing clips and memorabilia that will really amaze you. One of their famous collections is about John F. Kennedy's life, which was also featured during the museum's golden anniversary."

"While not the tallest building in Dallas, the Reunion Tower is undoubtedly the most distinguished and most recognizable. Completed in 1978 and appearing as a geodesic ball perched atop five cylindrical concrete poles, its 560-foot length is spectacularly lit up at night, emphasizing its unique outline. After renovations in 2011, the Reunion Tower now boasts a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views over Dallas."

"Hop on here and then plan to get off at the Reunion Tower stop if you want gorgeous views from high up at their observation deck. Then ride the trolley a few more stops to learn more about the history of Dallas. If you’re hungry, consider getting off at the Klyde Warren Park for food at LARK on the Park where the sweet potato chips are to die for. Or they also have a line up of food trucks here!"

"This tower, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks, offers stunning panoramic views of Dallas and its suburbs. It was built in 1978 and was first used as a radio broadcast tower, and went through major renovations in 2009. It is also featured in several films including The Lathe of Heaven and The Tree of Life."

"Fair Park is full of superb 1930s art-deco architecture, none of it quite as inspired as this tribute to all things Texan. The Hall of Heroes pays homage to such luminaries as Stephen F Austin and Samuel Houston;..."

"Ken and Alyssa Bohacs of Dallas walk with their dog Max at Williams Park in Dallas. The LOVE sculpture is off to the right. The word here is pretty: Williams Park, located in University Park, is worth a drive from anywhere in North Texas."

"Well- about thirty minutes outside of Dallas in Grand Prairie. But the drive is worth it to go to the only park with sand and swimming near Dallas. Lynn Creek Park has a sandy beach right along Joe Pool Lake."

"You've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, before this 120-acre nature preserve and environmental education center opened in 2008, the area was home to the largest illegal dumping site in the state. Nowadays, the center (located ten miles south of downtown) serves as a gateway to the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in North America. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and over sixty species of birds which can be viewed along five miles of hiking trails that meander through forests, Blackland prairies and thriving wetlands."

"Trinity Audubon Nature Center lit up at night|© Jeremy Woodhouse / Courtesy of Trinity River Audubon Center. Opened in 2008 along the banks of the Trinity River, this center is at the entry of the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. The Trinity River Audubon Center offers each of its visitors a chance to discover miles of trails that feature local birds, vegetation, and wildlife and features public programs like guided hikes, bird watching classes, and the chance to learn more about the four breeds of owls that are native to Dallas."

"Go au naturel at this haven for hikes, forest and prairie land, bird-watching, and the perfect Insta shot. The center itself is also a structural beauty for your background."

"The River Legacy Park is located on the side of the Trinity River. You’ll find beautiful views at every turn and it’s the perfect spot for a nice stroll in the park, bird watching, outdoor exercising, meditating, or just taking a day to relax in a gorgeous atmosphere. You’ll also find some other great activities like their River Legacy Fall Festival, clay shooting, cardboard boat regatta, and more."

"As a slice of hill country in North Texas, Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve has plenty of options for great hiking (as featured in D Magazine) among its 600 acres of natural habitat. The best of these may be Escarpment Trail, a beautiful 2.5-mile roundtrip hike that ends at Cattail Pond. On this moderate trail, you’ll see native trees, grasses and wildflowers."

"University ParkThey may not make their own ice cream here, but Texas favorite Bluebell somehow tastes better when sandwiched between two freshly baked cookies (coconut chocolate chip, maple pecan, and fudge nut brownie top the lineup). You can also choose from more than a dozen toppings, including Fruit Loops, Oreos, and butter brickle, to be rolled in or sandwiched between two completely different cookies, or, better yet, stuffed into an ice cream taco for a little sweeter-than-usual Tex-Mex fun.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order take-out online, or get delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and GrubHub."

"Cookies and ice cream paired together…it’s a match made in heaven!. They have 16 different flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream and 13 kinds of cookies to choose from. You’re going to love it!"

"When it comes to ice cream sandwiches, Pokey O's and their famous ice cream sandwiches made with their fresh baked cookies and Blue Bell ice cream take the..."

"Macarons are an obvious choice at this Lake Highlands sweet shop, but you'll also find cupcakes and pastries that have become neighborhood favorites. On the weekends, folks line up starting at 10 a.m. for freshly-made beignets and coffee that are worth the wait."

"Over in Lake Highlands, Haute Sweets Patisserie is making some great macarons, cakes and cookies. They also have a second store at Legacy Hall in Plano. The space has a display case full of treats as soon as you walk in."

"For those who want to venture beyond sushi and ramen, behold Niwa, a super-slick yakiniku spot in Deep Ellum where do-it-yourself Japanese BBQ is the name of the game. Here, diners can choose from an array of marinated proteins and veggies and cook it all up over grills built right into their tables. Beef belly, chicken breast, lamb chops, rib eye and Wagyu, it's all there, as well seafood options like calamari and shrimp."

"This is a Japanese cuisine experience that uses an in-table grill for guests to cook premium ingredients. The selection of meat, vege..."