The best free things to do in Longview, Texas are walking the Paul Boorman Trail, browsing the free galleries at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, and catching a Downtown Live concert at Heritage Plaza on a spring or fall Friday. In late November, the downtown Christmas tree lighting is free too.
Most of this list comes from Visit Longview's own free-things roundup and the city's parks pages, checked on Oct. 26, 2026. Seasonal items are marked.
Outdoors
1. Walk or run the Paul G. Boorman Trail
About 2.9 miles of paved trail along Grace Creek, with trailheads at 919 W Marshall Ave and 121 Summers Dr, per Visit Longview. Quarter-mile markers in the concrete make it easy to time a run. Restrooms, a playground and outdoor workout equipment are along the way. About 5 to 10 minutes from Grace Pointe.
2. Take the dog to Stragent Dog Park
Seven off-leash acres at the trail's north end, 121 Summers Dr, with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. City page.
3. Picnic at The Green
A 9-acre park at 207 S Spur 63 with a half-mile walking trail, a music garden with outdoor instruments, sculptures and picnic tables. Bring lunch and stay a while.
4. Play disc golf at Guthrie Park
Guthrie Park, 301 Tupelo Dr, has a free 18-hole disc golf course, plus tennis courts and a hike-and-bike trail. Ingram Park on US 259 has a 9-hole course.
5. Visit Teague Park and Veterans Plaza
Veterans monuments, a pond and an amphitheater at 415 American Legion Blvd. A quiet place for a walk.
6. Splash pads (seasonal)
Five free splash pads, at Lear, Broughton, Rotary, Spring Hill and Stamper parks, run from 9 a.m. to sundown. They are closed Nov. 1 through April 1, per the city, so save this one for spring.
Arts and culture
7. Longview Museum of Fine Arts galleries
Address: 215 E Tyler St Google rating: 4.8 stars from 188 reviews
Exhibition admission is free, according to the museum's visit page. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 to 2. Special events and docent-led tours can cost extra.
8. Pelaia Plaza and the J.T. Smith Sculpture Garden
A small downtown green at 137 E Tyler St with sculptures by several artists, a stage and picnic space, per Visit Longview. Pair it with the museum, which is a block away.
9. LeTourneau Memorial Museum
On the LeTourneau University campus, the museum is free and usually open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., per Visit Longview. Early earthmoving machines are on display outside. Call the university at 903-233-3260 to confirm hours before you go.
Music
10. Downtown Live (spring and fall)
Free Friday concerts at Heritage Plaza's Elaine Reynolds Stage, starting at 5 p.m., with a local band headlining until about 8, per Visit Longview. Food trucks usually come. Bring a chair or blanket.
11. Bach's Lunch with the Longview Symphony
Free Friday lunchtime classical recitals. The dining area opens at 11:45 a.m. and the music runs about 12:20 to 1. Bring your own lunch. Dates are posted at longviewsymphony.org.
Holiday freebies
12. Tree lighting, ArtWalk and drive-through lights
- Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 21, 4 to 7 p.m., Heritage Plaza. Entry and Santa photos are free, per Visit Longview.
- Holiday ArtWalk, Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 8 p.m., downtown, free, per Arts!Longview.
- Carmela's Magical Santa Land, a free drive-through light display that accepts donations, per KLTV. 2026 dates are usually announced in November.
For the full holiday calendar, see our Christmas events in Longview guide.
Tips
- Check the city calendar. Free library programs, races and park events are posted at longviewtexas.gov.
- Downtown stacks well. The museum, sculpture garden and Heritage Plaza are all within a few blocks of each other.
Grace Pointe Apartments at 113 Magnolia Ln is about 10 minutes from downtown and 5 to 10 minutes from the Boorman Trail. If you're planning a move, you can schedule a tour or call 903-414-6336.
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