Fair Park Dallas is a 277-acre National Historic Landmark about two miles east of downtown, with a major collection of 1930s Art Deco exposition-style buildings, museums, gardens and event grounds. From Balch Springs, it makes a Dallas outing with plenty to see on the grounds; check hours and event details before you set out.
- Location: 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210, about two miles east of downtown.
- Highlights: the Fair Park Esplanade, Hall of State, African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park and Texas Discovery Gardens.
- Public access: general admission to the grounds is free; event admission varies.
- Getting there: DART’s Green Line stops at Fair Park and MLK, Jr. stations.
What does Fair Park include?
Fair Park brings together landmark exhibition architecture, open grounds, museums and gardens in one Dallas destination. The City of Dallas describes it as having the largest collection of 1930s Art Deco exposition-style architecture in the United States.
The Fair Park Esplanade is a 700-foot reflecting pool with three fountains, built for the 1936 Texas Centennial. It sits between Centennial Hall and the Automotive Building, beyond the main entrance off Parry Avenue. The Hall of State, also built for the Texas Centennial Exposition, commemorates Texas history.
Among the park’s museums and gardens are the African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park and Texas Discovery Gardens. Their addresses are 3536 Grand Ave, 1462 1st Ave and 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., respectively; all are in Dallas, TX 75210.
The Continental DAR House and Museum opens to the public annually during the State Fair of Texas. The grounds also serve as an event venue, so the mix of open areas and attractions can vary with what is scheduled.
How do you check Fair Park museum hours and event dates?
Museum hours and event schedules can differ, so check the official site before you go. Fair Park’s general grounds hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; those hours do not establish the opening times of each museum or garden.
General public admission to the grounds is free, while admission for events varies by event. The Esplanade fountain show runs daily every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting, and on Saturdays until midnight. Confirm the schedule before making it part of your plans.
For a day built around a particular museum or event, check that attraction’s current details first, then plan time for the surrounding grounds. A wider one-day Dallas itinerary from Balch Springs can help you fit Fair Park into a broader city visit.
How do you get around Fair Park and find access?
Fair Park’s grounds cover 277 acres, so decide which attractions or event areas matter most before you arrive. The park is at 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210, and its FAQ directs visitors to enter through Gates 5 or 6.
DART’s Green Line serves Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue at the fairgrounds entrance and MLK, Jr. Station near the MLK entrance at Gate 6. If you are arriving by bike, racks are available at Dos Equis Pavilion and at the DART stations on Parry Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Parking availability and rates vary by event. Fair Park has more than 14,000 parking spaces inside the grounds, with additional lots and street parking outside. General public parking is free on non-event days; event parking prices may vary, and overnight parking is not allowed. Accessible parking is available throughout the park on a first-come, first-served basis.
For transit connections, Fair Park says you can connect from the Trinity Railway Express to DART’s Green Line in Dallas. The Denton County A-train does not operate on Sundays, so check the transit operator’s service details when planning a trip that depends on it.
How do you travel to Fair Park from Balch Springs?
Fair Park is in Dallas, while Scottish Inns & Suites is a hotel in Balch Springs. Its address can help you set your destination for a drive.
Fair Park’s phone number is 214-670-8400. Before leaving, confirm the day’s access, parking and event arrangements through Fair Park’s official information.
For local trip planning around the hotel’s city, getting around Balch Springs covers driving, transit and local planning.
FAQs
Is Fair Park free to enter?
General public admission to Fair Park is free. Admission to events varies by event.
Where is Fair Park in Dallas?
Fair Park is at 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210, about two miles east of downtown.
Which DART stations serve Fair Park?
The Green Line serves Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue and MLK, Jr. Station near Gate 6.
Is parking available at Fair Park?
Yes. Fair Park has more than 14,000 spaces inside the grounds, along with additional lots and street parking outside. Rates and availability vary by event.