Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Emily Johnson
Irving, Texas is a vibrant city located between Dallas and Fort Worth. With a population of over 240,000 people, Irving has plenty to see and do, even on a budget. From museums and nature centers to festivals and farmers markets, there are numerous free activities and attractions to enjoy in Irving.
| # | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the Mustangs of Las Colinas | Iconic sculpture exhibit at Williams Square featuring wild mustangs. |
| 2 | Tour Pioneer Plaza | Public park with a large-scale bronze sculpture exhibit depicting a cattle drive. |
| 3 | Hike River Legacy Parks | Over 1,300 acres of green space with trails for hiking and biking. |
| 4 | Visit the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum | Museum documenting the creation of the Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture. |
| 5 | Attend a Free Concert or Movie Screening | Free concerts and movie screenings in public parks during warmer months. |
| 6 | Stroll through Hackberry Creek Natural Area | A nature walk in an 80-acre wooded creekside area with native wildlife. |
| 7 | See the Exotic Animals at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center | Free-roaming animal preserve with over 1,100 animals from 50+ species. |
| 8 | Browse the Irving Archives and Museum | Museum showcasing Irving’s history and heritage. |
| 9 | Visit the Mustangs at Las Colinas Sculptor’s Studio | Studio and gallery of artist Robert Glen featuring the Mustangs of Las Colinas. |
| 10 | Shop the Irving Farmer’s Market | Farmer’s market with local produce, artisanal foods, and family activities. |
| 11 | See the Dorothy Land O’Lakes Museum | Museum displaying Land O’Lakes memorabilia and rotating art exhibits. |
| 12 | Take a Free Art Class | Free art classes and workshops at the Irving Arts Center. |
Here are the top 12 free things to do in Irving, Texas:
Explore the Mustangs of Las Colinas
Name and Location: Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture in Las Colinas Urban Center, Irving, TX
History and Significance: Massive sculpture of 9 mustangs seemingly running through water. Created by Robert Glen in 1981 to symbolize the wild spirit of Texas.
What to Expect: People admiring and photographing this iconic larger-than-life sculpture with the Dallas skyline as a backdrop. Makes for great photos.
Visitor Information: Free and open 24/7. Located next to the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum.
One of Irving’s most iconic attractions is the Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture exhibit. Located in Williams Square along Lake Carolyn, this larger-than-life sculpture features wild mustangs running through the water.
Created by artist Robert Glen, the mustangs are said to symbolize the wild spirit of the American West. The sculpture exhibit is completely free to visit and see. Make sure to bring your camera, as the mustangs make for fantastic photo opportunities with the Dallas skyline in the background.
Tour Pioneer Plaza
Name and Location: Pioneer Plaza in downtown Dallas, TX
History and Significance: Bronze sculpture trail depicting a cattle drive through Dallas in the 1800s. Dedicated in 1994.
What to Expect: 70 bronze longhorns and 3 cowboys sculpted by Robert Summers. Photogenic spot with a taste of Dallas history.
Visitor Information: Free. Located in downtown Dallas off Young St. Accessible daily.
Located in downtown Dallas but right on the border of Irving is Pioneer Plaza. This public park contains a large-scale bronze sculpture exhibit depicting a cattle drive from the 19th century. With over 40 life-size steers and three cowboys on horseback, the sculpture is quite impressive.
Walk around the plaza and get up close to the intricate details of the cattle drive scene. Pioneer Plaza is located right near the Dallas Convention Center, making it easy to access. Admission is free.
Hike River Legacy Parks
Name and Location: River Legacy Parks in Arlington, TX
History and Significance: 1,300 acre oasis with over 40 miles of trails along the Trinity River. Scenic nature preserve.
What to Expect: Hiking, biking, horseback riding with views of diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Educational programs available.
Visitor Information: Free access. Trails open daily 8am-5pm. Pets permitted on leash. Restrooms and water fountains available.
For outdoor recreation, venture over to River Legacy Parks. This lush green space contains over 1,300 acres with over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Explore the river bottoms, open meadows, forested areas, and wetland habitats.
The park also contains a living science center, butterfly garden, and playgrounds. There are several access points around the park that are free to use. It’s a great place to enjoy nature within the city limits.
Visit the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum
Name and Location: Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum in Irving, TX
History and Significance: Small museum dedicated to the famous mustang sculpture. Provides background on the artist and meaning.
What to Expect: Learn about the creation of the sculpture through exhibits, video and artwork. Shop for mustang-themed souvenirs.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Located next to the mustang sculpture.
To learn more about Irving’s famous mustang sculpture exhibit, check out the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum. Located inside the Williams Square Plaza towers, this small museum documents how the mustang sculptures were created along with showcasing the history of the las colinas area.
See photos, drawings, maquettes, and more relating to the iconic artwork. The museum is free and open Monday to Friday.
Attend a Free Concert or Movie Screening
Name and Location: Free concerts and movies in various parks around Irving, TX
History and Significance: Fun free events allowing the community to gather for entertainment.
What to Expect: Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy live music performances or movies under the stars.
Visitor Information: Schedules and details posted on Irving’s website. Concerts and movies offered May-October.
From spring through fall, Irving offers various free concerts and movie screenings in its public parks. Rock the Plaza occurs monthly in Heritage Park, featuring local live music performances. Other venues like Levy Event Plaza and Lynn Creek Park also host regular concert series.
Additionally, several parks offer outdoor movie screenings during warmer months. Bring some blankets and lawn chairs for free community entertainment. Event dates and details can be found on the Irving calendar listings.
Stroll through Hackberry Creek Natural Area
Name and Location: Hackberry Creek Natural Area in Irving, TX
History and Significance: 200 acre nature area with restored prairie, woodlands and wetlands. Features 3 miles of trails.
What to Expect: Walking/hiking trails, butterfly garden, observation deck over the creek. Spotting native birds and wildlife.
Visitor Information: Free access daily 8am-5pm. Leashed pets allowed. Parking lot at 2999 Hackberry Creek Drive.
For a peaceful nature walk not far from the city, visit the Hackberry Creek Natural Area. Over 80 acres of wooded creekside trails wind through this preserve, spotting native wildlife along the way.
It’s one of the last remaining wetland sloughs in the region, surrounded by limestone and hackberry trees. The nature area is open daily from dawn to dusk and has a few small parking zones for free access. Make sure to stay on the marked trails to preserve the ecosystems.
See the Exotic Animals at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Name and Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center near Glen Rose, TX
History and Significance: Drive-through wildlife center focused on conservation for 1,700 animals from 50 exotic species.
What to Expect: Chance to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more up close from your own vehicle on guided driving tours.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm. Admission fee $25-55 per vehicle. Tours must be booked in advance online.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a free-roaming animal preserve located just outside the Irving city limits near Glen Rose. Home to over 1,100 animals from 50+ species, Fossil Rim aims to conserve endangered exotic wildlife.
Visitors can drive their own vehicles along a 9.5-mile loop observing scenic pastures filled with exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, rhinos and more up close. Entry into Fossil Rim is free, with optional safari tours and activities available for a fee. It’s a unique free option for animal lovers.
Browse the Irving Archives and Museum
Name and Location: Irving Archives and Museum in Irving, TX
History and Significance: Records and preserves the history of Irving. Rotating exhibits focus on different aspects of the city.
What to Expect: Browse exhibits about Irving’s past. Research local history in the archives. Free lectures and programs.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Located at 801 W. Irving Blvd. Free parking onsite.
To dig into the Irving city history and heritage, spend some time at the Irving Archives and Museum. Located in a restored 1899 farmhouse, this museum has exhibitions covering Irving’s earliest days in the mid-1800s.
See artifacts from the farmstead houses, general stores, and railroads that shaped the city. Rotating exhibits also showcase different aspects of Irving’s culture over the decades. Admission to the museum is free.
Visit the Mustangs at Las Colinas Sculptor’s Studio
Name and Location: Robert Glen Sculpture Studio in Irving, TX
History and Significance: Working studio of the sculptor who created the iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas statue.
What to Expect: Meet the artist, see works in progress, browse his gallery, purchase artworks.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Located at 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
For an in-depth look at the Mustangs of Las Colinas statues, visit the onsite sculpting studio and gallery of artist Robert Glen. See works in progress, clay models, drawings, and more behind-the-scenes items related to the Las Colinas mustangs.
There is also a collection of Glen’s otherbronze sculptures and paintings to peruse. Groups need advanced reservations, but individual visitors can stop by the studio free of charge when it is open.
Shop the Irving Farmer’s Market
Name and Location: Irving Farmer’s Market at Irving Heritage Park in Irving, TX
History and Significance: Open air market since 2003 with farm-fresh local produce, foods and handmade crafts.
What to Expect: Shop for fruits, vegetables, baked goods, arts & crafts from local vendors. Live music and activities.
Visitor Information: Saturdays 8am-1pm from April-October. Free admission and parking. Pet friendly.
From April to October, the Irving Farmer’s Market sets up every Saturday morning in the city center. Browse fresh local produce, artisanal foods, handcrafted goods, and more from regional farmers and vendors.
In addition to shopping, the market features live music, chef demonstrations, gardening classes, children’s activities, and other family fun. There are also themed events on certain days like Tomato Fest or Peach Palooza. Admission is free.
See the Dorothy Land O’Lakes Museum
Name and Location: Dorothy Land O’Lakes Museum in Irving, TX
History and Significance: Honors Irving’s dairy farming heritage. Named after first Miss Universe contestant from Irving in 1956.
What to Expect: Exhibits of dairy memorabilia, historic farming equipment. Outdoor milk bottle display.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm. Located at Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St.
For a free museum experience, check out the quirky Dorothy Land O’Lakes Museum, located inside an office complex in Irving. Paying homage to the famous dairy company’s longtime Native American maiden logo, this museum has an extensive collection of Land O’Lakes memorabilia.
See over 2,500+ items exhibiting the logo through the decades on merchandise, advertising, and packaging. They also have rotating art exhibits. Admission is free.
Take a Free Art Class
Name and Location: Free art classes at various Irving locations
History and Significance: Art programs offered by Irving Arts Center to promote creativity and community.
What to Expect: Hands-on art classes in painting, drawing, sculpting for all ages and levels. Provided supplies/materials.
Visitor Information: Classes held at Irving Arts Center and other venues. Check website for full schedule. Registration required.
The Irving Arts Center offers free art classes and workshops for both kids and adults throughout the year. Families can take painting, drama, dance, music, and other creative classes together. For adults, there are options like figure drawing sessions with live models and intro workshops to mediums like pottery.
Class availability varies month-to-month. Browse the Irving Arts Center site for the current free offerings open for registration.
Conclusion
With numerous museums, nature areas, concerts, markets, and more, Irving has an impressive array of free things to do. Art lovers can take free classes at the Irving Arts Center. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the trails and wildlife at places like River Legacy Parks and Hackberry Creek.
And the iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture exhibit offers free art appreciation. For budget-friendly entertainment and sightseeing, be sure to put these top 12 free attractions in Irving on your Dallas-Fort Worth area itinerary. With so many options, you’ll be able to fill your days with memorable activities without spending a dime.
