There are certain cities in the US that are just iconic. Dallas is one of those cities and lately, it is making it up higher up the list of choices for your family vacation. After all, everything in Dallas is bigger and your family is ready for the biggest adventure of their lives…but how about your wallet? Don’t worry, these tips are going to help you to plan and budget ahead of time so you can have an incredible time with your family in Dallas. Let’s get to it.
What is the Average Cost of a Dallas Vacation
A Dallas vacation won’t cost you as much as a New York or San Francisco family vacation, but it is also not the cheapest place to visit. Particularly once your family is over 3 members. Here are some numbers to consider:
- Average cost for 1 person for 1-week in Dallas $750.
- Average cost for a 2 person 2-week vacation in Dallas $3000
That may not seem so bad, but once you add the kids (even with discounted rates like cheaper plane tickets and meals), this all ads up. Let us take a look at some ways to bring down those costs.
When to Visit Dallas
Dallas gets HOT in the Summer. It gets hot and humid. Sometimes the temperatures go above 100 Fahrenheit. What does this mean? While fewer tourists may bringing prices for hotels down, this still does not mean you will enjoy a cheap vacation in Dallas. Keep in mind local kids are out of school and many attractions meant to beat the heat will be packed. Don’t expect to easily find coupons for water parks, pools, and museums in Dallas.
Instead, think of booking your trip for the end of Spring and late Summer. Temperatures (on average) fall around 60-70 degrees which will allow you to enjoy the city more comfortably, and not pay exorbitant prices for things you’ll be doing with your family.
Cheap Transportation in Dallas
If you’re going to Dallas with your family, you are most likely flying into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Besides the cost of getting to the city from the airport with your family and all your luggage, Dallas is not the best city for exploration on foot. For a single person or a couple without kids, I would normally recommend not getting a rental car, but in Dallas, it is a different story.
However, if you really don’t want to rent a car, you have options for cheap transportation in Dallas. Particularly once you get to the city.
- Dallas DART – The DART light rail is the public transit authority for Dallas.
- The Dallas Free Trolley – First, it’s so cute. Your kids will love it. Second, it is free, so it is a great way to get around.
- E Frogs – Efrogs are eco-friendly shuttle service operating throughout Downtown Dallas. They service the Uptown, Downtown, Oaklawn, Deep Ellum, Arts District, West End, and Victory Park areas of Dallas. Even better, since EFrogs is tip-based shuttles, they offer no charge rides for office workers, hotel guests, restaurant and bar patrons, as well as visitors at parties and sporting events.
- The Dallas Street Car – It’s free and runs every 20 minutes 7 Days a week from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. A pretty good way to save money on transportation in Dallas.
How to Save Money on Dining Out in Dallas
You can find all types of restaurants in Dallas. You can find some cheap eats at taco shacks…or splurge on a Michelin Starred Meal. If you’re traveling with family, this can get expensive, fast. Here are a few stats to consider:
- $28 – the average cost of food per person per day.
- $11 the average cost of a meal for one person.
The first way to save on food costs during your Dallas trip has to do with where you stay. Since you are traveling with multiple people, think outside the box. Stay either at a family hotel that offers amenities like kids eat free or book yourself an Airbnb rental with a kitchen. This way you can make breakfasts and snacks “at home” and save on overpriced meals that really should cost nothing – I mean really…two eggs and bacon should not cost $10.
Another way to save on dining out is to search for Dallas Restaurant Coupons. There are some amazing deals out there such as all-you-can-eat deals, printable restaurant coupons, and even two for one deals.
You can also plan your visit during Dallas restaurant week, when some of Dallas’ top restaurants offer deep discounts on prix fixe menus for dinner and lunch.
How to Save on Ticket for Dallas’ Top Family Attractions
As mentioned before, Dallas is a very kid-friendly location. There are tons of things to do. These are some of our favorites:
- The Dallas Zoo
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- The Dallas World Aquarium.
- Six Flags Over Texas
Check out the Dallas City Pass. It’s valid for 30 days and gets you admission to some great spots like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Zoo. It also gets you some great discounts on Dallas attractions.
What Can you Do in Dallas for Free?
Not everything in Dallas costs money. Mix in some of these free excursions during your time there and enjoy freeganism.
- Free Music at Adair’s Saloon
- Kitchen Dog Theatre – they provide up to twenty free tickets to every performance to anyone who asks, no questions asked.
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
- Kimbell Art Museum (kids under 6 enter free)
- The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum’s Samurai Collection
- Crow Museum of Asian Art
Hope these tips help you with your planning. If you have more tips or questions, leave them in the comments.