With the economy still in disarray, many major metropolitan areas that rely on tourism to keep them afloat have been offering incentives to travelers, from reduced hotel rates to free admission at local attractions. Meanwhile, other cities are promoting events and activities, which families can enjoy without dipping into their kid’s college fund.
In this installment of “Visit on the Cheap” I’m spotlighting Dallas, Texas. The Big D may have a flashy skyline and acres of high-end shopping malls, but there are also dozens of affordable sites that offer big fun to families of all sizes:
GETTING AROUND
Dallas has an excellent public transportation system. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers $3 all-day passes. Also, McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) runs a free trolley through Dallas’ trendy Uptown area, which is home to dozens of restaurants. The trolley takes riders from the Dallas Museum of Art to West Village, which features a series of shops, eateries and a movie theater.
SOUTHFORK
The Ewings’ fictional home, Southfork Ranch, is a huge tourist attraction and is located just 40 minutes north of downtown Dallas. You can tour the property and see memorabilia from the hit TV drama for just $9.50 per person.
COWBOYS STADIUM
A tour of the new $1.15 billion stadium where the Dallas Cowboys will be playing this fall costs $15 for adults and less than half that for kids. The shiny new structure features a retractable-roof and a host of gift shops and eateries.
MUSEUMS
The Dallas Museum of Art is free the first Tuesday of each month and Thursdays 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Otherwise you will have to shell out $10 for adults.
The Nasher Sculpture Center is free 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the first Saturday of each month, when the museum hosts various activities. Admission is $10 for adults all other times. Also, on the first Thursday of each month, the center is free 5 p.m.-9 p.m. with free American movie classics at 7 p.m.
The two museums also offer a combination ticket for $16 for families who cannot make it when admission is free.
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