Happy February, lovely readers! We hope you’re staying healthy, cozy, and warm right now. Let’s see what’s going on around Collin County this month, shall we?
Hint: Find even more things to do with kids over on Dallas Moms and Fort Worth Moms!
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
Black History Month :: McKinney Performing Arts Center is celebrating Black History Month all February long. Check the link for details and events.
Dallas Arboretum :: Yes, it’s winter, but temperatures fluctuate so much that $5 admission at the Arboretum could make for a great deal on the right day. Note: The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be closed January 1 – February 24 for preventative maintenance. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Dallas Public Library :: Find free activities this month for children of all ages! The filter function is really great — select your desired age group, library branch, program type, and more.
Dinosaurs Live! :: Last few weeks to see the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Remember, the dinos aren’t turned on if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free. Through February 20.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Lego Challenge :: Timberglen Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., every second Thursday of the month. Free event for kids ages six – eleven.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Prehistoric Adventures :: Journey back in time at the Crayola Experience in Plano! The Prehistoric Adventures craft theme runs through February 29.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Sensory Sundays :: Every third Sunday at Crayola Experience in Plano. From 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the attraction adapted just for sensory needs: lights will be dimmed, music will be turned off, a quiet room will be available.
Theme Backpacks :: Reminder that Plano libraries have backpacks that you can check out on all sorts of subjects: rain, friends, pets, dinosaurs, colors, etc. Each pack has books and an activity. Check the link for availability before you go. Free!
Toddler Tuesdays :: Come out to the Crayola Experience (Plano) on the first Tuesday of each month! Enjoy a special toddler craft, story time, activities, and more.
Winter Music Classes: Guitar :: Hampton-Illinois Branch Library, Dallas. From 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. FREE, winter music classes for students ages six – 12 years. Every Wednesday and Friday, January through March. Classes are packed with fun games, exercises, music theory, and hands-on performance techniques for beginning to advanced students.
February 1 – 4
Shrek: The Musical
Venue: NTPA Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $20 per person, premium. See link for evening and day show times.
February 2
Groundhog Day Celebration
Come out to Grandscape at The Colony for a fun Groundhog Day celebration, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public.
February 3
Little Sweetheart Dance
Enjoy an enchanted evening of music and dancing at the Little Sweetheart Dance, for fathers (or other significant male in the family) and young ladies, ages four – 14 years old. Venue: Plano Event Center. Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Zip Line Day
From 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at The Heard Science Museum in McKinney. Purchase one ticket ($12 each) for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required.
February 4
Krewe of Barkus
The beloved annual dog parade returns to Historic Downtown McKinney. See the link for more details on prize categories, entering, and watching the show. This year’s theme is “Barkus Salutes the Good Dogs: Unleash Your Superheroes.” 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Parade at 2:00 p.m.). Free!
February 4 – 5
My Fair Lady
Enjoy the 60th anniversary playing of this classic at Studio Movie Grill, Dallas. Showing starts at 6:45 p.m.
February 5
Story and Craft Time
Allen Public Library, from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. For kids in grades kindergarten – 2nd. Jump into this classic winter tale by acting out an animal character as someone reads The Mitten aloud. Limited to 30. Tickets will be available at the children’s desk 30 minutes before the program starts.
Pajama Story Time
Allen Public Library, from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. For ages three years and older and their caregivers. Come out for an evening story time featuring books, songs, and rhymes. Tickets will be available at the children’s desk 30 minutes before the program starts.
February 6
Toddler Tuesdays
Come out to the Crayola Experience (Plano) on the first Tuesday of each month! Enjoy a special toddler craft, story time, activities, and more.
February 7
Homeschool Program: Somewhere Under the Rainbow
This event at the Allen Public Library is recommended for kids in third grade and up. Students will learn about the science behind the weather phenomenon of a rainbow, and create inside rainbows using reflection surfaces and rainbow art. Limited to 24 active participants. Event runs from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
February 8 – 11
Disney’s Camp Rock – The Musical
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Frisco. Tickets: $12 per person in advance; $14 per person, starting February 5; $25 per person for premium seating.
Singin’ in the Rain
Venue: Courtyard Theater, Plano. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $25 per person, front row. See link for evening and day show times.
Winnie the Pooh KIDS
Venue: Starcatchers Theatre, Willow Bend Center of the Arts. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $25 per person, front row. See link for evening and day show times.
February 9
Nature Story Time
Venue: The Heard Science Museum, McKinney. Start time is at 10:00 a.m. These story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
February 10
Rock Stars – Star Catchers
Venue: Performance Location: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Starcatchers Theater, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 5; $25 per person, front row seats.
Second Saturday Bird Walk
Come out to the Heard Science Museum in McKinney for a nature walk! Begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and lasts one and a half hours. Included in general admission and is free for Heard Museum members.
Trick-a-Trout
Introduce kids to fishing this morning in Frisco! Exclusively for ages 16 and under. Bring your own gear to the lake at Warren Sports Complex, which will be stocked with approximately 4,500 rainbow trout. Tips and additional info at the link. 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
Through February 11
Stop the Presses
A melodrama performance at Art Centre Theatre in Plano. Tickets start at $18. Parent guidance recommended (PG). See link for performance times and more details.
February 13 – 15
Stuart Little
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Brodie Copeland Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $7 per student (schools rate); $10 per person, general public.
February 17
Prosper Fishing Derby
Come out to Frontier Park Pond in Prosper for the annual Prosper Fishing Derby. All you need is a pole, bait, and cooler. Prizes will be awarded in several categories by age group up to 14. No registration required. See link for all the fine print. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
Towne Lake Trout Derby
Fishing is HUGE this month. This annual McKinney fishing event has free hot dogs and refreshments, prizes for biggest fish and smallest fish, and a casting contest. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your own poles and bait for this one. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Mardi Pardi
Grandscape will host a Mardi Gras event for the whole family today with performances, crafts, pop-ups, Cajun food, a crawfish eating contest, and beads galore. See link for details on crawfish contest and VIP passes. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
February 21
Mardi Gras in The Star District
Come out for the first ever Mardi Gras party at The Star. Don your beads and enjoy live music, all-day Fat Tuesday specials from participating restaurants, live music, photo ops with your krewe, and more. All day. Free!
February 22
Black History Month Movie Night
One more from The Star (in partnership with the Frisco Inclusion Committee). The fun starts at 6:00 p.m., with a jazz performance, soul-inspired bites, activations, and more. Don’t forget to bring your chair and blanket to enjoy the movie! Showtime at 7:00 p.m. Free!
February 22 – 25
Peter Pan, Jr
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, front row seats.
February 29
Anastasia
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, premium. Through March 3.
Mary Poppins, Jr
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Brodie Copeland Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, premium. Through March 3.
- All Month
-
Black History Month :: McKinney Performing Arts Center is celebrating Black History Month all February long. Check the link for details and events.
Dallas Arboretum :: Yes, it’s winter, but temperatures fluctuate so much that $5 admission at the Arboretum could make for a great deal on the right day. Note: The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be closed January 1 – February 24 for preventative maintenance. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Dallas Public Library :: Find free activities this month for children of all ages! The filter function is really great — select your desired age group, library branch, program type, and more.
Dinosaurs Live! :: Last few weeks to see the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Remember, the dinos aren’t turned on if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free. Through February 20.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Lego Challenge :: Timberglen Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., every second Thursday of the month. Free event for kids ages six – eleven.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Prehistoric Adventures :: Journey back in time at the Crayola Experience in Plano! The Prehistoric Adventures craft theme runs through February 29.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Sensory Sundays :: Every third Sunday at Crayola Experience in Plano. From 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the attraction adapted just for sensory needs: lights will be dimmed, music will be turned off, a quiet room will be available.
Theme Backpacks :: Reminder that Plano libraries have backpacks that you can check out on all sorts of subjects: rain, friends, pets, dinosaurs, colors, etc. Each pack has books and an activity. Check the link for availability before you go. Free!
Toddler Tuesdays :: Come out to the Crayola Experience (Plano) on the first Tuesday of each month! Enjoy a special toddler craft, story time, activities, and more.
Winter Music Classes: Guitar :: Hampton-Illinois Branch Library, Dallas. From 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. FREE, winter music classes for students ages six – 12 years. Every Wednesday and Friday, January through March. Classes are packed with fun games, exercises, music theory, and hands-on performance techniques for beginning to advanced students.
- February 1 – 5
-
February 1 – 4
Shrek: The Musical
Venue: NTPA Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $20 per person, premium. See link for evening and day show times.
February 2
Groundhog Day Celebration
Come out to Grandscape at The Colony for a fun Groundhog Day celebration, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public.
February 3
Little Sweetheart Dance
Enjoy an enchanted evening of music and dancing at the Little Sweetheart Dance, for fathers (or other significant male in the family) and young ladies, ages four – 14 years old. Venue: Plano Event Center. Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Zip Line Day
From 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at The Heard Science Museum in McKinney. Purchase one ticket ($12 each) for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required.
February 4
Krewe of Barkus
The beloved annual dog parade returns to Historic Downtown McKinney. See the link for more details on prize categories, entering, and watching the show. This year’s theme is “Barkus Salutes the Good Dogs: Unleash Your Superheroes.” 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Parade at 2:00 p.m.). Free!
February 4 – 5
My Fair Lady
Enjoy the 60th anniversary playing of this classic at Studio Movie Grill, Dallas. Showing starts at 6:45 p.m.
February 5
Story and Craft Time
Allen Public Library, from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. For kids in grades kindergarten – 2nd. Jump into this classic winter tale by acting out an animal character as someone reads The Mitten aloud. Limited to 30. Tickets will be available at the children’s desk 30 minutes before the program starts.
Pajama Story Time
Allen Public Library, from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. For ages three years and older and their caregivers. Come out for an evening story time featuring books, songs, and rhymes. Tickets will be available at the children’s desk 30 minutes before the program starts.
- February 6 – 12
-
February 6
Toddler Tuesdays
Come out to the Crayola Experience (Plano) on the first Tuesday of each month! Enjoy a special toddler craft, story time, activities, and more.
February 7
Homeschool Program: Somewhere Under the Rainbow
This event at the Allen Public Library is recommended for kids in third grade and up. Students will learn about the science behind the weather phenomenon of a rainbow, and create inside rainbows using reflection surfaces and rainbow art. Limited to 24 active participants. Event runs from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
February 8 – 11
Disney’s Camp Rock – The Musical
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Frisco. Tickets: $12 per person in advance; $14 per person, starting February 5; $25 per person for premium seating.
Singin’ in the Rain
Venue: Courtyard Theater, Plano. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $25 per person, front row. See link for evening and day show times.
Winnie the Pooh KIDS
Venue: Starcatchers Theatre, Willow Bend Center of the Arts. Tickets: $14 per person, general admission; $25 per person, front row. See link for evening and day show times.
February 9
Nature Story Time
Venue: The Heard Science Museum, McKinney. Start time is at 10:00 a.m. These story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
February 10
Rock Stars – Star Catchers
Venue: Performance Location: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Starcatchers Theater, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 5; $25 per person, front row seats.
Second Saturday Bird Walk
Come out to the Heard Science Museum in McKinney for a nature walk! Begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and lasts one and a half hours. Included in general admission and is free for Heard Museum members.
Trick-a-Trout
Introduce kids to fishing this morning in Frisco! Exclusively for ages 16 and under. Bring your own gear to the lake at Warren Sports Complex, which will be stocked with approximately 4,500 rainbow trout. Tips and additional info at the link. 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
Through February 11
Stop the Presses
A melodrama performance at Art Centre Theatre in Plano. Tickets start at $18. Parent guidance recommended (PG). See link for performance times and more details.
- February 13 – 19
-
February 13 – 15
Stuart Little
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Brodie Copeland Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $7 per student (schools rate); $10 per person, general public.
February 17
Prosper Fishing Derby
Come out to Frontier Park Pond in Prosper for the annual Prosper Fishing Derby. All you need is a pole, bait, and cooler. Prizes will be awarded in several categories by age group up to 14. No registration required. See link for all the fine print. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
Towne Lake Trout Derby
Fishing is HUGE this month. This annual McKinney fishing event has free hot dogs and refreshments, prizes for biggest fish and smallest fish, and a casting contest. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your own poles and bait for this one. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Mardi Pardi
Grandscape will host a Mardi Gras event for the whole family today with performances, crafts, pop-ups, Cajun food, a crawfish eating contest, and beads galore. See link for details on crawfish contest and VIP passes. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
- February 20 – 29
-
February 21
Mardi Gras in The Star District
Come out for the first ever Mardi Gras party at The Star. Don your beads and enjoy live music, all-day Fat Tuesday specials from participating restaurants, live music, photo ops with your krewe, and more. All day. Free!
February 22
Black History Month Movie Night
One more from The Star (in partnership with the Frisco Inclusion Committee). The fun starts at 6:00 p.m., with a jazz performance, soul-inspired bites, activations, and more. Don’t forget to bring your chair and blanket to enjoy the movie! Showtime at 7:00 p.m. Free!
February 22 – 25
Peter Pan, Jr
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, front row seats.
February 29
Anastasia
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, premium. Through March 3.
Mary Poppins, Jr
Venue: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Brodie Copeland Theatre, Plano. Tickets: $12 per person, in advance; $14 per person, starting February 19; $25 per person, premium. Through March 3.
