Lewisville, Texas, offers plenty of exciting things to see and do, especially if you’re interested in budget-friendly attractions. The next time you’re looking for something fun and affordable to do around Lewisville, check out these awesome free entertainment options in the area.
Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park
Located about 10 miles south of Lewisville near the heart of Grapevine, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park is a tranquil spot that offers a calming getaway from the hustle of the city. It includes a large lawn, a butterfly garden, an herb garden, water features, walking bridges, and more. Since the flowers, trees, and bushes change color with every season, there’s always something new to see each time you visit.
If you’re interested in learning more about nature and gardening, you can sign up for one of the horticultural lessons at the greenhouse. These hands-on lessons will cover everything from soil preparation and plant propagation to container gardening and fertilization.
Wayne Ferguson Plaza
Wayne Ferguson Plaza is a 1.5-acre urban park situated in the heart of Old Town Lewisville. It’s located across the street from the Lewisville Grand Theater and Lewisville City Hall and adjacent to the historic Main Street commercial district. Not only is the plaza a great place to stroll around and take in the sights and sounds of the city, but it also offers a variety of free events you can enjoy throughout the year.
You can stop by on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to check out all of the unique independent retailers, restaurants, cafes, and distilleries in Old Town Lewisville. During June and July, be sure to visit every Tuesday evening for the Sounds of Lewisville concert series. This free family-friendly entertainment option includes two bands each week. You can also join neighbors and friends for one of the free community fitness classes. Options include Yoga in the Plaza on Wednesday evenings, Pilates in the Plaza on Thursday evenings, and a Tai Chi Ch’uan Essential Class on Saturday mornings.
Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve
If you’re interested in spending some time enjoying the great outdoors, head to Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. Located about 17 miles southeast of Lewisville in Southlake, this 758-acre educational nature center and reserve is an amazing place to reconnect with nature. The preserve is rich in both history and wildlife.
It’s named after Bob Jones, a man who was born into slavery in 1850 and became a highly respected and prosperous rancher in the area. The property at the preserve once belonged to the Jones family. In 1968, the Jones family sold part of their property to the Tucker family. The homestead the Tucker family built on this property now serves as the preserve’s nature center. When the Tuckers sold their land to the city, it was with the agreement that it would become a protected park space that people and wildlife in the area could enjoy.
Today, you can hike more than 20 miles of trails in the preserve to look for animals and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. With trails that range from the 1/4-mile White-Tailed Deer Trail to the 2-mile Grapevine Lake Trail, you’ll find options for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Dallas North Aquarium
Aquariums usually cost a lot of money to visit. However, you can get many of the same experiences without spending a dime when you visit Dallas North Aquarium. Located 12 miles east of Lewisville in Carrollton, Dallas North Aquarium is the largest aquarium specialty store in the state. The 14,000-square-foot facility features four 215-gallon wall installations and numerous large coral ponds filled with both marine and freshwater aquatic life.
As you stroll through the facility, you can marvel at all the bright colors and unique designs of the fish. You can also learn more about where these fascinating animals come from and what they need to survive. The store gets different species each week, so you never know what you might see when you visit.
After you’ve visited the store a few times, you might end up falling in love with fish and deciding you want to keep some as a pet. If so, the helpful staff at Dallas North Aquarium is more than happy to take you to the 6,500-square-foot dry goods section of the store to help you pick out everything you need to take these beauties home.
Railroad Dog Park
If you’re looking for something free to do with the four-legged family member, head to Railroad Dog Park. This 6-acre dog park in Railroad Park has a variety of amenities that humans and canines will enjoy. The park is split up into a 5-acre area dedicated to larger dogs and a 1-acre area dedicated to smaller dogs. Both areas include a transition spot where you can safely leash and unleash your dog. You’ll also find wash stations, waste disposal stations, covered seating where you can sit, and drinking fountains and watering fountains to keep everyone hydrated.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is another fantastic outdoor destination in Lewisville that offers something fun for everyone in the family. Outdoor amenities at this 24.3-acre park include an open play space, a playground, a 0.88-mile walking trail, and a sand volleyball court. If you want to make a day of it at the park, you can pack some food and enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables. Memorial Park is also home to Thrive, a multigenerational recreation center that offers events and activities for all ages.
Although Thrive isn’t free, it does offer affordable daily passes that let you take advantage of its gymnasium, indoor natatorium, indoor walking track, fitness area, indoor playground for children, community rooms, and more.
At Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, these are our favorite places to go when we’re looking for something free to do in the area. Which free attractions do you like to visit? Please be sure to contact us and let us know so we can add them to our list!
Image via Flickr by drewtarvin