Some people in Dallas like to say there’s nothing to do here but eat, drink, and shop. I definitely consider this an uninformed opinion, but there’s no denying that shopping is in the DNA of Dallas, and has been since its early era.
That being said, shopping centers are third places, and many provide value far beyond their primary purpose. A common complaint about many third places is that there’s an expectation to spend money there. But at most retail stores, it’s relatively easy to spend time looking around, not buy anything, and just leave.
If you’ve sworn off of excess consumerism but want to find fun free things to do, especially during the heat of summer, consider “nonshopping” at some of these cool Dallas places. “Nonshopping” doesn’t have to exclude all the extra activities. If your budget allows, take in some of the amusements you’ll encounter inside these local shopping malls.
Shopping Malls
Indoor shopping malls are going the way of the dinosaur, but they still provide easy access to that most-valued thing in the summertime, air-conditioning. Malls have the same or more amenities that other third places have, and you’re unlikely to encounter any pressure to buy. You can even bring your own food and drinks within reason.
Try these ideas for making a Dallas-Fort Worth area mall a place you’ll want to hang out.
If it’s too hot for your daily walk except in the very early morning, go for a walk in a shopping mall. The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano is probably the best choice for this…sadly because the retail scene has declined significantly. The same is true at Ridgmar Mall in Fort Worth. There’s plenty of space to roam, so make their loss your gain.
Grapevine Mills is arranged in a loop that makes a perfect indoor walking track. If you’re looking to spend a longer time there, this mall is particularly kid-friendly with LegoLand, Rainforest Cafe, Lunar Golf, Round 1 Arcade, and Sealife Aquarium. There’s also plenty of activities for adults, with an AMC movie theater, The Escape Game, and immersive art experience, Meow Wolf.
Galleria Dallas is also a great place for a walk, with a few extra enticements. The first thing that comes to mind is the ice skating rink, but if you’re not ready to lace up a pair of skates, there are still a few more things to see.
A gallery wall next to the Apple store on Level 1 highlights a different local non-profit organization each month. Swing by to learn how the featured organization helps the community, and how you can support them.
Also on Level 1, near Guest Services, an Art Window display showcases the work of an area artist for four to eight weeks. Other long- and short-term art displays in various sections of the mall are part of the shopping center’s Artist Collective program.
At NorthPark Center, art is at the center of everything. From the architecture to the plant displays to the extensive art collection, the entire place is a feast for the eyes. There’s a movie theatre, a kid-centric library branch, multiple coffee shops and cafes, and more. Learn about that more part in my guide to spending a summer day at NorthPark.
Extra actvities at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco has a Frisco Public Library branch, a photo booth, and Infinite VR ride, Back in Time Escape Rooms, Dave & Buster’s, and iFly, an indoor skydiving experience.
Golden Triangle Mall in Denton has a mix of old mall and new attractions vibe, with community spaces bridging the two. Find a spot in the super comfy seating near the center court and listen to the baby grand player piano. The mall is alos home to Theatre Denton Annex, a venue for some performances by the theatre company.
Other Stores for “Nonshopping”
The Half Price Books Flagship store in Dallas.
Thrift stores and antique malls are great for treasure hunts and buy-nothing browsing.
Book stores are great places to while away a few hours. Whether or not it’s a buy-nothing day depends largely on your interests…and your willpower. The Wild Detectives, Interabang Books, and Deep Vellum, all in Dallas, have active event calendars with plenty of free events. Barnes and Noble stores are making a comeback in the area, and Half Price Books has several area locations as well.
For many in Dallas, the Half Price Books flagship store on Northwest Highway is a great place to lose track of time, for hours. There’s art and artifacts on display throughout the spacious store full of books (and records, and stationery, and more.)
Losing track of time in record stores can be particularly enjoyable. Interest in vinyl is growing, so it’s not unusual to find the latest tracks alongside vintage finds. And right in between, you might find a sentimental favorite from your high school or college days. The Dallas Observer wrote a nice record store roundup recently; check out their suggestions of 13 record stores where you can while away the time.
There’s definitely temptation to buy things at game stores, but many of them also have free events and gatherings. If you want to hide from the heat, but not from other humans, check out the calendars at Common Ground Games in the Dallas Design District or Madness Games and Comics in Plano or Boardwalk Games in Carrollton.
