25 Free Things to Do in The Colony, TX

Stretch your travel dollars with free live entertainment, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and much more. Explore our top picks of free activities in The Colony.

  1. Take in views of Lewisville Lake from a 10-foot wide, 3.5-mile, decomposed granite trail. The Shoreline Trail is perfect for hiking or cycling and all ages from sunrise to sunset. Free parking is available at both trailheads located at Stewart Creek Park (3700 Sparks Road) and Ridgepoint Park (4401 Standridge Drive).
  2. Cast a line thanks to The Colony Public Library’s partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Adult library cardholders (don’t worry, library cards are also free) can check out rods and tackle for up to seven days. Remember, a Texas Fishing License is required to fish on all waterways and city parks.
  1. Find a spot on the Lawn at Grandscape for weekly entertainment. With concerts, movie screenings, guided workout classes and more, there is always something happening on the stage inside the city’s largest entertainment district.
  2. Trek along the Tribute Shoreline Trail. The environmentally sensitive trail winds through 600 acres and spans just over 3-miles. Along the trail, learn about native flora and fauna that reside within the Wildlife Habitat area.
  3. Pack your discs because Bill Allen Memorial Park can’t be missed. Play a round of disc golf on the beautifully maintained greens surrounded by lush trees.
  1. Set up a puppy play date at Bacon’s Dog Park. The one-acre dog park features separate areas for large and small breeds with play structures in both. The park is open to the public and is located behind the expansive restaurant patio at The Shacks at Austin Ranch.
  1. Cool off at Kids Colony Splash Park & Outdoor Fitness. The Kids Colony playground is a spacious and inclusive wooden playground suitable for children of all ages, with ample seating for parents or guardians to enjoy, as well as fitness equipment for the whole family. The adjacent Splash Park provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat, featuring ground sprays and vertical splash elements open seasonally.
  2. Pack some blankets and your favorite cinema snacks for Movies in the Park. In the spring and fall, the city hosts free screenings of blockbuster hits on an inflatable big screen at The Colony Recreation Center.
  1. Take a behind-the-scene look at where Windmills crafts its 14 specialty beers. On the first Saturday of each month, enjoy a complimentary microbrewery tour with the restaurant and jazz lounge’s brew masters.
  2. Take part in The Colony Public Library’s free monthly programming, including story time for little ones, crafting workshops for teens and spice club for adults. Library membership is always complimentary.
  3. Catch a film screening fit for the whole family. Kid’s Movie on the Rooftop at Lava Cantina offers a free flick once a month with discounted kid’s meals and complimentary activities for the little ones. Check their events page for details on the next screening.
  4. Compete with a round of pickleball or tennis at Bridges Park. The free community park has two courts marked for both games and lights to keep the game going after the sun goes down. Be sure to get all the equipment you need at SCHEELS, the World’s Largest All-Sports Store.
  1. Enjoy free live country music every weekend at The LOCAL at the Shacks at Austin Ranch. Sit back and relax while you and your four-legged best friend dine at one of the five delicious food concepts surrounding the patio. Stop by Piper’s Puporium to make sure everyone gets a tasty treat.
  2. Get your geek on with book, TV and movie trivia nights across town. Previous themes featured Harry Potter, The Office, Disney Pixar and Marvel trivia. Locations include The LOCAL, Drunken Donkey and Lava Cantina.
  3. Experience the grandeur of NFM, the nation’s largest home furnishings store offering more than just furniture. Check out their monthly events ranging from celebrity appearances and tech demonstrations to giveaways and photo opportunities.
  1. Tour the city’s most Insta-worthy landscapes, snapping plenty of selfies along the way. Check out our roundup of some of the most photogenic backdrops across The Colony.
  2. Catch a concert at The Colony’s premier music venue. Lava Cantina hosts live music and entertainment nightly with regular free performances. Be sure to secure your complimentary ticket in advance.
  3. Walk under and around the 16,000 gallon saltwater aquarium at SCHEELS. You might even see Scuba Steve inside the tank feeding the fish.
  1. Play yard games like life-size Connect Four, Battleship, cornhole and bocce ball at Truck Yard. This adult playground and beer garden also features free live music Thursday – Sunday and cheap eats from rotating food trucks.
  2. Warm-up your vocal cords and sing your heart out at Karaoke Night. You can find an open mic throughout the week at Dirty Burger Bar, Saintsbury Tavern, The LOCAL or Shakertins.
  1. View exceptional public art on display across the city. From large sculptures at Austin Ranch to digital art installations and murals throughout Grandscape, there’s something for everyone.
  2. Explore the city’s past at The Colony Public Library. The Local History Corner offers insight into events dating back to the 1800s and historic artifacts on display to the public.
  3. View the once roadside attraction now on permanent display in The Colony, Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum. A former master plumber’s collection of over 1,400 decorated seats is a sight to see.  This eclectic collection can be viewed any day of the week on the second floor of Truck Yard.
  1. Peer inside Bridges Cemetery for a look into the city’s past dating back to 1855. Unique to most southern cemeteries, there are both Confederate and Union soldiers buried within. Seasonal public tours are available through The Colony Public Library’s Local History Committee.
  1. Time your visit to coincide with one of our many free annual events. In the spring, explore the wonders that take to the sky at Up, Up & Away! Festival of Flight. This family-focused event celebrates all forms of flight and features kites, birding demonstrations, paper airplane contests and live entertainment. On Independence Day, join in the festivities at Liberty by the Lake with a patriotic parade, live music, action-packed entertainment and food competitions. The American Heroes Festival pays tribute to veterans every November with a two-day concert series, Veteran ceremonies, four-day carnival and fireworks finale. In early December, Holiday in the Park kicks off the most wonderful time of the year with an illuminated parade, baking contests, live performances and pictures with Santa.

For more information on The Colony’s annual events, please visit the city’s Special Events page. Follow us on Facebook for more things to do in The Colony!