Turns out, the theme for this month is art festivals. If you like your kettle corn and gyros with a side of art and music, then you’re in luck! We’ve also got lots of other outdoor kid- and family-friendly ideas for you to make the most of your family bonding before it becomes a sweat-fest around here. And of course, we have indoor ideas for when those pesky extreme weather systems threaten our good times. Mind the hail!
Through April 15 :: Are you an Easter Bunny photo op family? If so, Bunnyville at Willow Bend is your destiny. Bunnyville is open daily, but on Saturdays (and Friday 4/14) there’s extra fun to be had with Easter activities, face painting, balloon animals, and more!
April 1 :: In honor of Earth Day at the end of the month, Dayspring Nature Preserve is doing Earthfest Allen, a free event from 10-2pm. They’ve got live music, interactive exhibits, nature trails, and more. Bring a kite and a picnic when you go!
April 1 :: Number one outdoor thing to do now that it’s warm but before bugs and mosquitos overwhelm? Camping! Family Camp Out at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve is one night of games, nature walks, campfire stories from the Plano Public Library, and more. If you aren’t camping pros, this kind of event makes it easy – a limited number of tents provided first come, first serve, and breakfast and dinner are available for an additional fee if you don’t want to lug too much gear with you. See link for details!
April 1, 2 :: First up in the art festival circuit is Arts in the Square in Frisco Square. They’ll have over 120 artists, local musical talent and performers all day, interactive art activities, and lots of food and drink. Free admission!
April 1, 8, 15, 22 :: Watters Creek continues to do a great job hosting community events each month. Concerts by the Creek returns on April 1st at 7pm for their Saturday concert series. Definitely something to take advantage of while the mild(ish) weather holds.
April 3 :: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! at the Allen Public Library. This is a hands-on STEM event with interesting facts about ladybugs, bees, beetles, and more. 4-5pm for ages 5 and up.
April 7 :: Spring = bunnies. Heritage Farmstead Museum has Fun on the Farm: Peter Rabbit from 10:30am to noon for ages 2-5. Kids get story time, a craft and activity, and a wagon ride. Register online before April 5; $11 for one child and one adult, additional children $7 each.
April 7-9 :: Historic Downtown McKinney has an art festival this month, too. Arts in Bloom has all the goods – artists, music, Texas wines, kids art activities, food galore (mmmm, roasted corn). Free admission! Here’s all the info including the entertainment schedule.
April 8 :: It’s the annual StrEATS Food Truck and Music Festival in downtown Frisco from 12-7pm. This is an ever-growing family event with over 20 food trucks, live music (Springsteen tribute band Thunder Road, anyone?), children’s area, and local vendors.
April 8 :: Get a little early Easter action with the 25th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza at the Toyota Soccer Center, home of FC Dallas. This free event is from 1-4pm with 2pm egg hunts for ages 12 and under (age divisions in place to avoid total mayhem). Children with special needs can join the hunt on field #11. See here for all the relevant info and field numbers. There will also be face painting, bounce houses, 80,000+ eggs! Hot tip: no strollers allowed on the fields, so plan ahead for that.
April 15 :: Reserve your spots early for Zip Line Day at the Heard Museum. The zip line is for elementary aged kids (average minimum age is 8-9 years old) and up, but non-participating family members can totally be there to watch. Climb up a 23-foot tree and zip down 487 feet! $12 per ride.
April 16 :: The Allen Community Ice Rink will host an Easter Open Skate today from 1-3pm. $5 entry/$3 skate rental. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Allen Outreach Community and get a free skate rental. Open to all ages.
April 18, 19, 22 :: This is different and fun: the Davis Library in Plano will host a Shadow Puppet Extravaganza featuring I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean and other shadow shows this week. 11am showtime on Tuesday and Saturday and a 7pm show for Wednesday, so, options!
April 22 :: Here’s a new angle on the whole Disney Princess thing – Science With A Princess at Sci-Tech Discovery Center. The theme this month is Mulan, and kids get to meet Mulan, create paper lanterns, build air-powered rockets, watch colorful combustion demonstrations, and more. Recommended for Pre-K to 2nd grade. Pre-registration is required for this event, so check the link!
April 22-23 :: Plano will not be denied their art festival either, y’all. Plano Artfest in Historic Downtown Plano is this weekend, and Sunday is particularly family-friendly with sidewalk chalk contests, bounce houses in the Kid Zone, and make-it-and-take-it stations. The usual festival offerings of music, food, and vendors also applies, of course!
April 29 :: HEROS ASSEMBLE for the 2nd Annual Super Hero Night on the Square in downtown Celina. From 5 to 7:30pm they’ve got lots of family activities like tug-o-war, obstacle courses, bounce houses, costume contests, and more. Dress as your favorite hero! The evening caps off with an outdoor showing of The Avengers once it gets dark.
Anything cool that isn’t on our list? Share it with us in the comments!
