Happy new year to all our lovely readers. Onward and upward! Let’s see what’s going on around Collin County that is kid-friendly in this fresh, new month and year. Stay safe and stay warm!
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
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.
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.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters, 7422 County Road 466, Princeton 75407. Open farm hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Tickets start at $10 per child (ages three – 14), $15 per teen and adult (15 years and up).
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.
Snow Day :: The Galleria. The magical, multi-sensory event is back at the Galleria, and once again, it’s joining forces with Santaland. You can visit either experience separately or purchase a combo package for a 15 percent discount. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free. Event runs through January 7.
Spanish Light Art Exhibit :: Meadows Museum, Dallas. Through January 7, 2024, the “Spanish Light: Sorolla in American Collections” collection will be on exhibit at the museum. Tickets are $12 per adult; children and teens (18 years and under) are free.
The Trains at Northpark :: The miniature trains will be at Northpark through January 5. See the link for varying hours of operation, including holiday hours. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. $10/adults, $5/children & seniors, kids under age two are free.
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.
January 1
Day 1 DFW :: Irving Convention Center. Lots of family fun, fireworks, and more. Proceeds benefit Vogel Alcove. See the link for specifics on the planned activities. $10 for adults; kids get in free.
DeSoto on Ice :: 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto 75115. Fun holiday event, through January 7. Skaters must be at least four years old to skate with rental skates sizes. Tickets are $15 per skater.
Snow Day :: Galleria, Dallas. A winter wonderland with tons of photo opportunities and magical interactive environments. Tickets are $15.99 for kids, $34.99 for adults; ages three and under free. Through January 7.
January 2
Read to Boomer the Dog :: Preston Royal Branch Branch Library, Dallas. From 3:30 – 4:30 a.m. Kids ages six – eleven can practice their reading skills with Boomer, a therapy dog.
January 3
Winter Mini Camp: Diggin’ Dinos :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 4
Alphabet Animals :: Highland Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Preschool age kids can explore the alphabet, enjoy a fun craft, practice motor skills, and learn about animals. Free event.
Baby Songs and Stories with J Nurture :: Dallas Public Library. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free event for babies and toddlers and their caregivers.
Toddler Story Time :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Learn songs, jump, play, and learn! For 18 months – three years.
Winter Mini Camp: Feathered Friends :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 5
Homeschool Hangout :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Fun for the entire family! Free event, but registration is required.
Winter Mini Camp: Making Tracks :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 6
Monster Truck Wars :: Fair Park Coliseum, Dallas. Show times at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. General admission: $20 per adult, $10 per child.
Cursive Handwriting for Beginners :: Preston Royal Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free class for kids ages six – eleven.
Stories and Songs :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, and plenty of dancing! This event is geared for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.
January 7
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
Sea of Lights :: Sea Life Aquarium, Grapevine. Tickets start at $19.99 per person. Event is open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily, through January 7.
January 8
After School Snacks :: Vickery Park Branch Library, Dallas. Refuel after school (from 3:30 – 4:15) with a free, nutritious meal provided by Education PV. Open to ages one – 18.
Family Fun: Painting With a Twist :: 3201 South Hardin Boulevard, Suite 204, McKinney 75070. Cost is $30 per person. Event is 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
January 9
Bilingual Story Time :: North Oak Cliff Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish. Suggested ages: six years old and under. ¡Cuentos, canciones y rímas en español para niños que quieren leer! Para edades de seis años y menor.
January 10
Reading Circle :: Prairie Creek Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kids can improve readings skills by taking turns reading aloud and earning prizes along the way! Free event for students ages six – eleven.
January 11
Lego Challenge :: Timberglen Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Listen to a fun story, watch a Lego movie, and create! For kids ages six – eleven.
January 12
Nature Story Time :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Start time: 10:00 a.m. Story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
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. Classes are packed with fun games, exercises, music theory, and hands-on performance techniques for beginning to advanced students.
January 13
Dinosaurs Quiet :: Heard Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Event hours 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. This is a sensory-friendly experience, and is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members.
Martin Luther King Jr Observance :: Carpenter Hall, 3333 North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving 75062. Event begins at 6:00 p.m. This year’s celebration will feature dance, song, poetry, and art performed by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Kamica King. Admission is FREE.
Movies at Dallas West :: Dallas West Branch Library. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free event for teens! This showing will be Young Frankenstein.
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
January 14
Zip Line Day :: Heard Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Event hours 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. Advanced registration required.
January 16
KidsWorld :: Dallas Market Center, Dallas. January 16 – 19. Annual trade event, showcasing an extensive array of baby, children’s, and juvenile products. This includes a diverse range of apparel, fashion accessories, gifts, gadgets, décor, textiles, and more. Register here.
January 17
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show :: Bookmarks in Northpark Center, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free magic show for kids and families!
January 18
Toddler Craft: Pinecone Owls :: Lochwood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free craft time for kids ages 18 months – six years old.
January 20
Moana’s Luau :: Bookmarks in Northpark Center, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free event for kids and families!
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
January 26
Much Ado About Nothing :: Genesis Children’s Theatre, Plano. See website for ticket cost and event times.
Nature Story Time :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Start time: 10:00 a.m. Story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
January 27
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
January 30
Toddler Story Time :: Dallas West Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:30 p.m. Sing songs, jump, and learn! Fun and FREE activity for kids 18 months – three years.
Winter Animals Paper Bookmark :: White Rock Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Fun and FREE after school activity, for kids ages six – eleven.
January 31
After School Chalk Art :: Dallas West Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Weather Permitting, kids will color outside; if the weather is inclement, kids will color inside using chalk and butcher paper. Geared for students ages six – eleven.
- All Month
-
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.
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.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters, 7422 County Road 466, Princeton 75407. Open farm hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Tickets start at $10 per child (ages three – 14), $15 per teen and adult (15 years and up).
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.
Snow Day :: The Galleria. The magical, multi-sensory event is back at the Galleria, and once again, it’s joining forces with Santaland. You can visit either experience separately or purchase a combo package for a 15 percent discount. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free. Event runs through January 7.
Spanish Light Art Exhibit :: Meadows Museum, Dallas. Through January 7, 2024, the “Spanish Light: Sorolla in American Collections” collection will be on exhibit at the museum. Tickets are $12 per adult; children and teens (18 years and under) are free.
The Trains at Northpark :: The miniature trains will be at Northpark through January 5. See the link for varying hours of operation, including holiday hours. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. $10/adults, $5/children & seniors, kids under age two are free.
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.
- January 1 – 7
-
January 1
Day 1 DFW :: Irving Convention Center. Lots of family fun, fireworks, and more. Proceeds benefit Vogel Alcove. See the link for specifics on the planned activities. $10 for adults; kids get in free.
DeSoto on Ice :: 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto 75115. Fun holiday event, through January 7. Skaters must be at least four years old to skate with rental skates sizes. Tickets are $15 per skater.
Snow Day :: Galleria, Dallas. A winter wonderland with tons of photo opportunities and magical interactive environments. Tickets are $15.99 for kids, $34.99 for adults; ages three and under free. Through January 7.
January 2
Read to Boomer the Dog :: Preston Royal Branch Branch Library, Dallas. From 3:30 – 4:30 a.m. Kids ages six – eleven can practice their reading skills with Boomer, a therapy dog.
January 3
Winter Mini Camp: Diggin’ Dinos :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 4
Alphabet Animals :: Highland Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Preschool age kids can explore the alphabet, enjoy a fun craft, practice motor skills, and learn about animals. Free event.
Baby Songs and Stories with J Nurture :: Dallas Public Library. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free event for babies and toddlers and their caregivers.
Toddler Story Time :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Learn songs, jump, play, and learn! For 18 months – three years.
Winter Mini Camp: Feathered Friends :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 5
Homeschool Hangout :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Fun for the entire family! Free event, but registration is required.
Winter Mini Camp: Making Tracks :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required. Cost is $21 per person for members, $24 per person for non-members. Ages kindergarten – 6th grade (12 years).
January 6
Monster Truck Wars :: Fair Park Coliseum, Dallas. Show times at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. General admission: $20 per adult, $10 per child.
Cursive Handwriting for Beginners :: Preston Royal Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free class for kids ages six – eleven.
Stories and Songs :: Lakewood Branch Library, Dallas. From 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, and plenty of dancing! This event is geared for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.
January 7
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
Sea of Lights :: Sea Life Aquarium, Grapevine. Tickets start at $19.99 per person. Event is open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily, through January 7.
- January 8 – 14
-
January 8
After School Snacks :: Vickery Park Branch Library, Dallas. Refuel after school (from 3:30 – 4:15) with a free, nutritious meal provided by Education PV. Open to ages one – 18.
Family Fun: Painting With a Twist :: 3201 South Hardin Boulevard, Suite 204, McKinney 75070. Cost is $30 per person. Event is 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
January 9
Bilingual Story Time :: North Oak Cliff Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish. Suggested ages: six years old and under. ¡Cuentos, canciones y rímas en español para niños que quieren leer! Para edades de seis años y menor.
January 10
Reading Circle :: Prairie Creek Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kids can improve readings skills by taking turns reading aloud and earning prizes along the way! Free event for students ages six – eleven.
January 11
Lego Challenge :: Timberglen Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Listen to a fun story, watch a Lego movie, and create! For kids ages six – eleven.
January 12
Nature Story Time :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Start time: 10:00 a.m. Story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
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. Classes are packed with fun games, exercises, music theory, and hands-on performance techniques for beginning to advanced students.
January 13
Dinosaurs Quiet :: Heard Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Event hours 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. This is a sensory-friendly experience, and is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members.
Martin Luther King Jr Observance :: Carpenter Hall, 3333 North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving 75062. Event begins at 6:00 p.m. This year’s celebration will feature dance, song, poetry, and art performed by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Kamica King. Admission is FREE.
Movies at Dallas West :: Dallas West Branch Library. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free event for teens! This showing will be Young Frankenstein.
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
January 14
Zip Line Day :: Heard Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Event hours 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. Advanced registration required.
- January 15 – 21
-
January 16
KidsWorld :: Dallas Market Center, Dallas. January 16 – 19. Annual trade event, showcasing an extensive array of baby, children’s, and juvenile products. This includes a diverse range of apparel, fashion accessories, gifts, gadgets, décor, textiles, and more. Register here.
January 17
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show :: Bookmarks in Northpark Center, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free magic show for kids and families!
January 18
Toddler Craft: Pinecone Owls :: Lochwood Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free craft time for kids ages 18 months – six years old.
January 20
Moana’s Luau :: Bookmarks in Northpark Center, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free event for kids and families!
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
- January 22 – 31
-
January 26
Much Ado About Nothing :: Genesis Children’s Theatre, Plano. See website for ticket cost and event times.
Nature Story Time :: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Start time: 10:00 a.m. Story times are designed primarily for young children and introduce a different nature-themed book each week.
January 27
Parents Night Out :: Win Kids, Flower Mound. Every Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child/$20 per sibling.
January 30
Toddler Story Time :: Dallas West Branch Library, Dallas. From 10:30 – 11:30 p.m. Sing songs, jump, and learn! Fun and FREE activity for kids 18 months – three years.
Winter Animals Paper Bookmark :: White Rock Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Fun and FREE after school activity, for kids ages six – eleven.
January 31
After School Chalk Art :: Dallas West Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Weather Permitting, kids will color outside; if the weather is inclement, kids will color inside using chalk and butcher paper. Geared for students ages six – eleven.
