Dallas weekly e-newsletter |
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Thu, Jan 1: Day 1 DFW at Irving Convention Center
Sat, Jan 3: Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents The Little Mermaid at Plano Courtyard Theater
Sat, Jan 17: MLK Parade & Program at City of Carrollton
Sat, Jan 17: Dallas Area Train Show at North Texas Council of Railroad Clubs
Mon, Jan 19: Bricks 4 Kidz Camp Jan. 19th All Day at Bricks 4 Kidz Texas - Plano, Frisco
Mon, Jan 19: School's Out Camps- Eagle's Wings Athletics
Sat, Jan 24: Calvary School's Open House at Calvary Lutheran School
Sat, Jan 24: Gazillion Bubble Show! Presented by the Coppell Arts Center
Sat, Jan 24: PlayStation: The Concert at AT&T Performing Arts Center
Thu, Jan 29: Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie
Sat, Jan 31: Little Sweetheart Dance at Plano Event Center
Sat, Feb 14: Ennis Czech Music Festival at Sokol Hall
Sat, Feb 21: Grapevine Vintage Railroad Season Opener Excursions |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and sometimes even
from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out how to make the
family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's never perfect,
but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace, it’s more
likely to find its way into the room.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Through March 1, 2026, visitors to Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas will be able to let their imagination run wild as they travel back in time along a half-mile nature trail with 14 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. During the 20th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibition, these animatronic dinosaurs will move and roar, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors. New this year, the nature trail where the exhibit is located has been paved, making it even easier for families to visit. The Heard is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together. More information and tickets are available now at https://www.heardmuseum.org/
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Ripley's Believe It or Not - Grand Prairie Get ready to experience unbelievable family fun at the fascinating Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with five awesome indoor attractions under one roof. Discover wonder in our Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium and marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and interactive fun. Mingle with your favorite celebrities at Louis Tussaud Palace of Wax. Experience the thrill of riding the movies on our 7d moving theater or find your way through the exciting Ripley’s enchanted mirror maze with countless selfie opportunities. Last, test your skills at the all new Ripleys Power up video game experience. Ripley’s Grand Prairie is your one-stop destination for hours of family fun! $3 off Combo Ticket! https://www.ripleys.com/grandprairie/
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An extraordinary cosmic phenomenon the whole family can enjoy is happening this season at Meow Wolf Grapevine. We call it: Phenomenomaly. Enjoy interactive, live performances throughout the worlds, mysterious characters, magical puppets, and more. Plus...limited edition merch for this exclusive event series.
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Gingertown Dallas at NorthPark Center is one of the biggest gingerbread house exhibits in North Texas, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA). Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. Originally founded in 2006 by David M. Schwarz Architects, this unique holiday display showcases talent from local design, architecture, engineering, and construction firms to help spread joy and hope during the holidays.
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This isn’t just a game—it’s a live, interactive fantasy quest where every choice shapes your destiny. Explore immersive sets, face thrilling challenges, and experience the magic of storytelling brought to life. Solve puzzles, battle mythical foes, and uncover secrets in a one-of-a-kind fantasy world for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, gather your party and embark on an unforgettable journey. Book your adventure now and become a hero!
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A new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together. Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now – one that proves we’re better together. Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Dallas in this internationally acclaimed hit musical. Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.
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Balloon Museum presents Let’s Fly in Dallas — the third stop of its Texas tour. A one-of-a-kind experience set in the iconic space of the South Side Studios, featuring monumental inflatable artworks by renowned international artists. The exhibition explores air not only as a physical element, but as a metaphor for movement, lightness, and boundless travel.
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Harry Potter™: The Exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter™ by bringing to life some of your favourite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from the film series, as well as the extended Harry Potter universe. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience.
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This Kwanzaa event will celebrate the works of award-winning children's author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney. Bring the entire family and immerse yourself in African dance, music, storytelling, Kwanzaa crafts and the works of other African-American children's authors. Enjoy the knowledge, culture and warmth of the community. You won't want to miss this!
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Teens are invited to come to the Youth Discovery Center and enjoy an afternoon movie! This month we are showing Eclipse! Teens 13-18 welcome.
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Kids Night Out/ Parents Night Off is a scheduled opportunity for parents to plan a date night for three hours by dropping off their kids at Pipe and Palette for an evening of painting, pizza, popcorn, and a movie. Kids Night Out is every Friday & Saturday evening. Splatter Room Kids Night Out are every Saturday and every first Friday of the month.
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Bah Humbug! Embark on a magical Christmas Eve adventure with Ebenezer Scrooge as three otherworldly spirits whisk him away on a breathtaking journey of hope and redemption. From the nostalgic warmth of Christmases past to the stark truths of the present and the ominous shadows of the future, Scrooge’s journey is a spectacle of wonder. Prepare for dazzling visuals, enchanting melodies, and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the transformative power of the holiday spirit.
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What if the planet’s smallest geniuses could share their biggest secrets? Bug Lab is a captivating exhibition exploring the remarkable genius of insects, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world from a bug’s perspective.
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Rockin’ New Year’s Celebration is the perfect way to ring in 2025 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Guests can enjoy exclusive events and end the year with a breathtaking 360-degree fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve, marking the largest fireworks display in Texas.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around Dallas. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Dallas - Fort Worth - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, See link for times
- Christmas Spectacular Light Show - The Colony Fire Department, 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, USA, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, 5:30 - 10:30 pm Sunday - Thursday 5:30 - 10:50 pm Friday - Saturday
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco Square, Frisco, TX 75034, United States, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, 6-10 pm
- Holiday Lights in the Park- Andrew Brown Park East - Andrew Brown Park East, Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX, USA, 12/26/2025 to
12/28/2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Learn & Make: Holiday Heritage & Handcrafts - Timberglen Branch Library, 18505 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75287, United States, 12/26/2025, varies
- Gingertown Dallas - NorthPark Center, 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, United States, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, during normal mall hours
- SaturYAY - Kaleidoscope Park - 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034, 12/27/2025, 10 am- 4 pm
- 7th Annual Jerry Pinkney Day & Kwanzaa Celebration - Forest Green Branch Library, Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX, USA, 12/27/2025, 11 am- 3 pm
- Bilingual
Storytime / Hora de cuentos bilingüe - Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75212, United States, 12/27/2025, 10:30-11:30 am
- Teen Movie Saturday - J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201, United States, 12/27/2025, 1-3 pm
- Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, 6861 Eldorado
Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070, United States, 12/27/2025, 11 am- 1 pm
- Dungeons & Dragons - Prairie Creek Branch Library, 9609 Lake June Rd, Dallas, TX 75217, United States, 12/27/2025, 1-3:30 pm
- Saturday Morning Kids - Richardson Public Library - Richardson Public Library - 900 Civic Center Dr, Richardson, TX, USA, 12/27/2025, 10:30 - 11 am
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Dallas -ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This is the page where we showcase the Dallas-area winners for 2025. (Click here to see the full list of nominees.)
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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