How to Have a Fall Break Staycation in Dallas/Fort Worth

Fall Break is quickly approaching. Many DBU students are making plans to head home, spend time with family, and enjoy a few days away from campus. But what if you live too far away to make the trip—or you simply find yourself stuck on campus for Fall Break?

Don’t lose heart! Dallas and the DFW area have plenty of fun, affordable activities for students. Whether you are looking for a coffee shop to study in, a place to spend time with friends, or a day trip outside the city, you can make meaningful memories without spending a lot of money.

Visit the State Fair of Texas

If you are staying in Dallas during the fall, the State Fair of Texas is one of the biggest events happening nearby. Fair Park offers live music, exhibits, games, rides, food, and plenty of opportunities to experience a Texas tradition. You’re not truly a Texan until you’ve gotten a photo with Big Tex!

A trip to the State Fair can become expensive quickly, so plan wisely. Look for student discounts, special ticket offers, or promotional days before you go. You can also save money by eating before you arrive, sharing a few fair foods with friends, and choosing which attractions matter most to you.

Even if you do not spend the entire day at the fair, walking around Fair Park and enjoying the atmosphere can make for a memorable Fall Break outing. Be sure to check the official schedule and ticket information before planning your visit.

Find a New Favorite Coffee Shop

Coffee shops are abundant in the DFW area, and it seems there’s a new one popping up every week. Gather a few friends and visit a local coffee shop in a neighborhood you have not experienced before. Bring a book, play a card game, journal, or simply enjoy a conversation without rushing to your next class.

You do not have to spend a lot. Order one drink, split a pastry, and enjoy the time together. You could even create a coffee shop challenge by visiting a different shop each day of Fall Break and voting on your favorite.

Some Dallas students may also enjoy using a local coffee passport or promotion when one is available. These programs can be a fun way to try several shops while staying within a budget

Explore Dallas for Free

You do not need a large budget to enjoy Dallas. Consider visiting the Dallas Arts District, walking through Klyde Warren Park, or spending the afternoon at White Rock Lake. You can also visit the Dallas Museum of Art or the Crow Museum of Asian Art, which offer free general admission.

For a history-focused outing, walk around Dealey Plaza and the surrounding downtown area. If you enjoy taking pictures, make a photo scavenger hunt with your friends and include murals, public art, historic buildings, and Dallas landmarks.

Pack a lunch, bring a refillable water bottle, and make the day about spending time together. Sometimes a simple walk and a good conversation are exactly what you need after a busy semester.

Spend Time Outside

Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. Visit Cedar Ridge Preserve for a hike, or plan a picnic at White Rock Lake. You could also organize a field day with volleyball, frisbee, soccer, or lawn games.

If you are staying on campus, you can create your own outdoor event without going far. Bring blankets and snacks, a hammock, play music, and invite friends to spend the evening outside. You could even plan a sunset devotional or prayer walk to slow down and reflect on what God has been teaching you during the semester.

Be sure to check trail conditions, bring water, and travel with a group when hiking.

Take a Day Trip to Waco

Waco is a popular day-trip destination from Dallas and is about an hour and a half away by car, depending on traffic. It is a great option for students who want to get out of the city without planning an expensive overnight trip.

Visit Magnolia Market at the Silos, walk through downtown Waco, or explore the Dr Pepper Museum. You can also enjoy Cameron Park, visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument, or stop by the Waco Suspension Bridge. Waco offers a variety of attractions, so each person in the group can choose something they enjoy.

To keep the trip affordable, carpool, pack snacks, and choose one or two paid attractions instead of trying to do everything. A day in Waco can be as simple as walking around Magnolia, eating a packed lunch, and exploring the city together.

Visit Fort Worth

Fort Worth is another great option for a day trip. Students can walk through the Stockyards, explore Sundance Square, visit a museum, or spend time at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Many areas are free to explore, and students can choose whether they want to spend money on a meal, museum admission, or another activity.

Fort Worth is especially fun for students who want a change of scenery but do not want to travel too far from Dallas. Split the cost of gas, bring water, and plan your stops ahead of time.

Explore a Few More Nearby Places

If you have access to a car, several other North Texas destinations are close enough for a day trip:

• Grapevine: Walk through the historic downtown area, browse local shops, and look for seasonal events.
• Denton: Explore the downtown square, visit local shops, and enjoy the college-town atmosphere.
• Arlington: Spend time at a park, explore the area around the entertainment district, or plan a group activity.
• Plano: Visit a park, walk through a shopping district, or find a local restaurant to share with friends.
• Cedar Hill: Hike, picnic, or enjoy views of the Dallas skyline at a nearby nature preserve.

Before traveling, check hours, admission prices, parking information, and event schedules. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Serve During Fall Break

Fall Break can also be a wonderful opportunity to serve others. Ask your church, small group, or friends about local opportunities at a food bank, community meal, animal shelter, or neighborhood cleanup.

You could spend the morning serving and the afternoon enjoying a picnic or exploring Dallas together. Serving others gives your break a deeper purpose and allows you to reflect Christ’s love in your community.

Make Your Own Fall Break Plan

To review, there are endless options for fun things to do in Dallas over Fall Break. Use the list below as a starting point, then make the week your own! Get creative and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

• Visit the State Fair of Texas
• Try a new coffee shop
• Take a picnic to White Rock Lake
• Explore a free museum
• Plan a day trip to Waco or Fort Worth
• Host a game night on campus
• Volunteer with a local church or nonprofit
• Cook dinner together instead of eating out
• Take a photo scavenger hunt through Dallas
• Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship

Don't feel like you have to fill every moment of Fall Break. Rest is important, too. Take time to sleep, call your family, read a book, or enjoy a quiet afternoon with the Lord. Encouragement for the Break At the end of the day, focus on using your Fall Break to glorify God. If that looks like going home and spending time with family, receive that time as a gift. If that looks like staying on campus and exploring Dallas with friends, enjoy those opportunities with gratitude.

You do not have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have a meaningful break. Be faithful with the time, money, and relationships God has given you. Ask Him to help you rest well, serve others, and return to campus refreshed.

As Fall Break approaches, remember the words of Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (ESV)”

Whether you are at home, on campus, in Dallas, or on a day trip, seek to honor God in all that you do.