From free food for the kids to extra savings on shopping essentials (and even staycation ideas!), make the most of your budget in DFW this summer.
Living in this economy means you’re probably already familiar with searching for as many deals as you can get, like restaurants that offer kids eat free options and programs for free and discounted summer movies for kids. But there are many more ways to save a buck and enjoy your summer in Dallas-Fort Worth, which helps those who are trying to pinch pennies right now (which is basically everyone!).
Bring your baby, kid, or teen to a local library to take advantage of their interesting classes and programming, sign up for free meals and snacks through the Summer Meals Program, or find ways to save dollars when shopping for essentials or going on fun family outings. With these summer deals, you can soak up the summer fun and keep your family fed, clothed, and entertained.
Find free breakfast and lunch for kids throughout DFW
You don’t have to go to a restaurant and buy an entrée for your child to eat this summer. Thanks to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Summer Meal Programs, children 18 and younger and eligible people with disabilities can get free food this summer at a variety of participating sites, including elementary schools, public libraries, and community centers. Locations may offer different types of meals and snacks at various times throughout the day.
More than 1 in 5 children struggle with hunger in Texas, according to the TDA. When school is out, kids can still get the nutrition they need through the Summer Meals Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Call 211, text “Food” to 304-304, or use the interactive site map to find the closest spot to you.
Take advantage of free family programming
Leaving the house doesn’t have to mean spending money with all the free, family-friendly events happening in DFW this summer.
Check your local library for activities to do with the kids. For example, Garland Public Libraries offer free story times, Lego Labs, magic shows, Makerlabs, STEAM labs, puzzle races, teen UNO tournaments, sewing and crocheting lessons, book clubs, and so much more—for babies to adults.
Another option is free live music, which provides a great chance to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and let the kids run around and burn energy. Live After 5 at Kaleidoscope Park in Frisco is one great option offering free live music every Thursday in June from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to interactive lawn games while you listen to music, kids can also go to the on-site splash pad, open through September 30.
Other ongoing series include Vitruvian Nights Live in Addison every other Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring a Taylor Swift tribute band on August 6, as well as other fun live acts; and the Richardson Community Band’s Summer Concerts at Huffines Park, including a show on June 21 with music from video games like Pokémon. Check your city for more local events.
Get extra savings if you participate in SNAP or WIC
If you’re signed up for assistance through Texas’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), there are additional deals you can score throughout DFW.
At the Dallas Zoo, you can purchase a Family-level membership at a discounted rate of $50, which includes free parking for one car, free daily admission for up to four people, discounts throughout the park, and more for one year.
People with SNAP or WIC benefits can get $3 daily admission (including up to six people) to the Dallas Arboretum; $3 general admission to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (including up to 7 additional family members); $5 admission for Open Play at Spark! (including up to 10 people per family); complimentary admission to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (including adults and children in the same household); and $3 exhibit admission (including up to four people) at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Be sure to check individual locations for more information, including what to bring to qualify for the discounted tickets.
Opt for a staycation instead of a vacation
Going on summer vacation is a beloved tradition for many, but if you are on a tighter budget this year, you can find plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do around DFW instead.
For example, stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Burleson, where you can score 50 percent off resort fees on Monday-Thursday stays through June 30. There are tons of ways to entertain the kids, with on-site pools, mini golf, ropes course, archery, hiking trails, and an arcade, among other things. Plus, the summer camp environment makes it memorable, as guests can choose to stay in a cabin, a massive pirate ship, a covered wagon, or a glamping tipi.
It’s located next door to the main attraction: the Pirates Cove Waterpark, which includes epic slides, a lazy river, and more summer fun.
Other options for a staycation include the new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, opening July 1. This kids’ haven includes characters, attractions, and rides based on “Shrek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Minions,” “Jurassic World,” “Trolls,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” Guests can also stay in the on-site resort, which will grant you access to early park admission and other perks.
Although there are currently no grand opening deals, it’s still cheaper if you’re looking for a top-tier amusement park experience without traveling to Florida or California.
Go shopping at an outlet mall
Outlet malls offer savings on designer brands, meaning your dollar goes even farther.
There is always a sale going on at Allen Premium Outlets, a beautiful outdoor outlet mall in Allen (with a cool, train-themed play area for kids!). Find summer clothes, shoes, and more for the fam during the National Outlet Shopping Day savings from June 11 through June 14, with deals at the Adidas Outlet Store, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Ann Taylor Factory, Banana Republic Factory Store, Carter’s, Crocs, Gap Factory, Levi’s Outlet Store, Rack Room Shoes, Vera Bradley Outlet, and so much more.
Tanger Outlets in Fort Worth is another great option, which is offering discounts during The Big Summer Sale from now through June 30. Score discounts at Crocs, Gap Factory, Hey Dude, Kate Spade Outlet, Loft Outlet, Skechers, The Children’s Place, and Under Armour among others.
When you’re ready for back-to-school shopping—which will be here before we know it—plan a trip to the outlets during Tax-Free Weekend, taking place from August 7 through 9 this year. On top of the savings you’ll get from select individual stores, shoppers also won’t have to pay sales tax on qualifying purchases of clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies.
