You don't have to break the bank to have a great day out, since we've rounded up some options for wallet-friendly fun.
CityPass
This booklet saves you 40 percent on regular admission at select area attractions, which is handy if you want to try crafting an in-town vacation. One caveat: It's valid only for nine consecutive days, starting with the first day you use it. So, what are your options if you buy a pass? The first two attractions are set: the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. But for the other two slots on the pass, you get to choose between the Dallas Zoo or The Sixth Floor Museum; and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum or the Dallas Arboretum.
Dallas Arboretum
BOGO Wednesdays offer buy one, get one free admission through July 31 (except July 4). In August, admission is $1 daily Aug. 1-31 with $5 parking, $1 soft drinks and frozen pops, $2 hot dogs and root beer floats, and $4 ice cream sundaes. For an extra $1, you can visit the Children's Adventure Garden (if you've got kids, note that there's a fun little splash pad there).
Fort Worth Zoo
The zoo offers half-price admission every Wednesday. While you're there, check out the 10-acre African Savanna, Texas Wild with animals from the Lone Star State, a meerkat colony and representatives of all four Great Ape species.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The museum offers free admission each Friday and half-price admission each Sunday. It displays post-World War II art in all media.
The Nasher Sculpture Center
Visit the Nasher on Target First Saturdays of each month for free family admission all day and activities for all to enjoy from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join in an art scavenger hunt, take a family tour and practice yoga in the garden.
Trinity River Audubon Center
It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Dallas, but the Trinity River Audubon Center feels worlds away. It is home to hiking trails, lots of birds and indoor exhibit hall attractions. Check it out for $1 per person from July 1 through August 31. There is also free general admission on the third Thursday of each month from September through June.
