Free & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Ennis, TX

You don't need a big budget to fill a Saturday in Ennis. Between the city's parks, a library that runs story programs for little ones, a small railroad museum where kids get in free, and festivals that charge nothing at the gate, most families can plan a full month of outings for the cost of a tank of gas. Here is what we found, with what is free and what costs a few dollars.

Where can kids cool off for free in Ennis?

The splash pad at Rotary Park, 2300 Park Street, is the summer favorite. The city page lists its hours as 10 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week, until October 1, and lists no fee. Rotary is the largest community park in Ennis at 35.5 acres, with a new playground suitable for all ages, shaded gazebos for a picnic lunch, and the one-mile paved Ivan Goodwin Walking Trail that connects to Kiwanis Park. Check the city page for next season's splash pad dates.

Which Ennis parks have playgrounds?

Nine city parks list a playground on their official pages. None of the pages below list an entry fee. A few details worth knowing: Lions Park and Rogers & Maise Park have covered playgrounds for sunny afternoons, and the city notes that I.O.O.F. Park at Fairview has no restrooms.

Kiwanis Park, 610 Park Street, is the one locals call "the duck park", which tells you what to bring. At Bluebonnet Park & Athletic Fields, there are 10 acres of open green space for running off energy, plus a fishing pond with a 3/4-mile walking trail beside it.

What does the Ennis Public Library offer families for free?

The Ennis Public Library, 501 W Ennis Ave, is one of the best free resources in town. According to the library, "Cards are free for all members of a family." Bring a photo ID with your current address. A parent registers anyone under 18, and at least one adult in the family needs a card before a child can get one.

• Preschool storytime: from September through May, story time for preschool children through age 5 runs on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM for about 30 minutes (Story Time).
• Summer storytime: summer story time programs start at 10 AM on Wednesdays and last about an hour (Story Time).
• Family Fun Nights: held on Thursday evenings every other month during the school year (Family Fun Nights).
• Library hours: Monday through Wednesday 10 AM to 6 PM, Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM, Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM, closed Sunday. The library calendar lists upcoming programs, including summer reading.

Can't make storytime? Take the story outside. Lions Park, 1200 Lampasas Street, has a half-mile paved walking path featuring the library's Story Walk: 20 reading stations with the children's book of the month. It ends near a covered playground, and there's a Little Library book exchange if your kids want to trade a book.

Where can kids see bison near Ennis?

Kachina Prairie Park, 1816 W. Baldridge Street, is a 35-acre nature trail through an undisturbed remnant of Blackland Prairie, the tallgrass landscape that once covered this part of Texas. The city's own page invites visitors to "Say hello to the bison when you're on the trail!" The city also notes that the Ennis Public Library holds special events for children and families at the prairie, so watch the library calendar.

When is bluebonnet season in Ennis?

April. The 1997 Texas Legislature designated Ennis the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas (Visit Ennis). Each spring there are more than 40 miles of mapped driving trails, open April 1 through 30 in 2026, and the flowers typically peak around the third week of April (Ennis Bluebonnet Trails). Driving the trails costs nothing but gas.

The Bluebonnet Festival runs downtown during the season. In 2026 it ran April 17 to 19, with admission of $5 for adults while kids 12 and under get in free. Admission was card only (Visit Ennis). Check bluebonnettrail.org in March for next year's dates and the bloom report.

Is there a cheap museum morning in Ennis?

Yes. The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, 105 NE Main St, charges adults $3, and children under 12 are free. Inside you'll find railroad memorabilia, dioramas, depot replicas, Czech dolls, and a video about the town's history. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM, closed Monday. A family of four with two young kids can visit for $6.

Which Ennis festivals are free for families?

• National Polka Festival (Memorial Day weekend): downtown admission is free, and kids 12 and under are free at the dance halls. The 2026 festival ran May 22 to 24, and the site notes prices are subject to change (National Polka Festival).
• Ennis Freedom Fest (late June): held at Veterans Memorial Park, it has no entry fee, and kids activities are free, including rock climbing, paddle boats, and inflatables, plus fireworks. The Red, White & Bike Parade even has a "Best Under 6" award. The 2026 event was June 27 (Visit Ennis).
• Downtown holiday events: in the 2025 season, the Lights of Ennis Parade and Block Party had free admission, the Elf Seek & Find was a free family activity, and downtown ice skating was free (Visit Ennis). The 2026 dates weren't posted when we checked, so watch the Visit Ennis events page.

What about a Saturday morning market?

The Bluebonnet Market, Ennis's downtown farmers market at 100 N. Dallas St., is open Saturdays from April through October, 8 AM to noon, and offers special activities for children during the summer months. Browsing is a nice, easy stroll with a stroller before the afternoon heat.

Is Bardwell Lake worth a day trip with kids?

For picnics and bank fishing, yes. At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks on Bardwell Lake, day use at High View, Mott, and Love Parks is $5 per vehicle, or $40 for a Corps annual pass, paid by card at the fee machine (USACE fees). Little Mustang Creek Park is day use only with no fee, for the boat ramp and bank fishing (USACE parks).

One important safety note: the Corps says Bardwell Lake does not offer any designated swim beaches, and there is no lifeguard on duty (USACE). Keep little ones in life jackets near the water, and plan a picnic rather than a swim day.

Anything for older kids?

Try the 22-hole disc golf course at Lake Clark, entered from the south side of the lake off Airport Road. The city says the course is free and open to play, and calls it one of the most challenging, so it suits tweens better than toddlers. Bring a couple of discs and plenty of water.

Plan your week: free and cheap ideas by season

Before you go

• Fishing at Lake Clark Park requires a proper fishing license, per the city page.
• Festival prices are subject to change year to year, so check the official event page before you go.
• Splash pad seasons, library program days, and park amenities can change. The City of Ennis calendar can be filtered to Ennis events, library events, and parks and recreation.
• Texas summers are hot: go early, bring water, and use the covered playgrounds at Lions Park and Rogers & Maise Park when the sun is high.

Common questions

Questions about child care rather than weekend plans? Our parent FAQ covers tuition, meals, and enrollment.