Dallas weekly e-newsletter |
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Ongoing: Tianyu Lights Festival Koda's Adventure to the Magical Ocean 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:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond, rendered in light so vivid and
detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its heart, science is about
connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them
questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—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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Does your child love building, creating, and coding robots? Give them a head start in school and beyond with our 2026 Spring STEM and Robotics programs at Magikid. Recognized by NBC DFW as “a beacon of educational excellence in the Park Cities/North Dallas area,” Magikid Highland Park offers students ages 4–14 an integrated learning experience through Robotics, Coding, and 3D Design classes and camps. Our robotics teams have earned top honors at the Texas State Championship and U.S. Open, and now your child can learn through the same award-winning curriculum this spring. Spring enrollment is now open. Join our weekly classes or spring camps for hands-on, project-based learning where students solve challenges, unleash creativity, and collaborate with teammates—all with individualized attention and a low student-to-teacher ratio. Secure your spot in our 2026 classes today.
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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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From November 7, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the Tianyu Lights Festival brings families together for a magical evening at Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds in Dallas. This year’s theme, Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Ocean, invites guests to explore an enchanting wonderland of glowing art installations and larger-than-life lanterns that bring Koda’s dreams to life. Children will love the interactive playground and whimsical magic car ride, while families enjoy dazzling displays at every turn. The festival also features a marketplace filled with unique souvenirs and a food court offering delicious food and drinks, making it the perfect night out for all ages.
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Make birthdays unforgettable at Main Event, where every celebration feels bigger, brighter, and more exciting. From bowling and laser tag to hundreds of arcade games, there’s something for every guest to enjoy. Our events take the stress off planning with flexible packages, dedicated spaces, and nonstop fun from start to finish. Receive FREE Double Your Fun on arcade game play on any new group booking of 10 or more when you book and host by Feb. 6th, 2026, giving your group more games and more play. Lock in your date now and level up your celebration. Offer available at any Houston or Dallas/Fort Worth Main Event Location. Mention Code: KOAA26 when booking. Certain restrictions apply. See store for more details.
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Dive under the sea this January with Plano Metropolitan Ballet's The Little Mermaid! Join us for a magical retelling of the classic fairytale, filled with shimmering costumes, enchanting choreography, and a splash of wonder for the whole family. Don't miss this unforgettable journey where dreams, love, and courage sparkle on the stage.
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STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
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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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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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Cast a line and catch some trout with our Rangers! Partake in a friendly competition while we celebrate Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch's 30th Anniversary. Competition for prizes are for 16 years and younger! There will be tables and booths set up around the pond and drinks (hot cocoa, hot coffee, and water) provided by the park *Kid Fishpond will be closed for fishing prior to event for preparations*
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Join us for a family storytime program geared towards children ages 3 to 6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. No residency or registration requirement to attend.
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Meet and network with fellow chess lovers and enjoy friendly matches and casual play in a relaxed, supportive environment.
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Every second Saturday and other select dates, we offer a chance to meet one of our Education Animal Ambassadors. Learn curious facts and funny stories about our resident educational animals while getting an up close view of these animals and a chance to ask questions. Event is free, but donations are always appreciated to help support the many programs and free admission we offer for our communities
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Ready to discover what sets St. Monica Catholic School apart? Join us for our Bearcat Chats, where you'll have the chance to discover our dynamic curriculum, tour our vibrant campus, and experience our welcoming community.
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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.
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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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Gather your friends and family for a Loteria Night with a chance to win Raising Cane's themed prizes!
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- Bearcat Chat - St. Dallas, Friday, 01/09/2026,
10:00AM
- Toddler Time (16 Months-3 Years) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, McKinney, Friday, 01/09/2026, 10:30-11:15 am
- Volunteen Application Period - Allen Public Library, Allen, Friday, 01/09/2026 to Sunday, 01/11/2026, 10am-9pm
- Raising Cane's Lotería Night - Grand Prairie, Friday, 01/09/2026, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Animal Encounter - Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill, Saturday, 01/10/2026, 11-11:30 am
- Bilingual Storytime / Hora de cuentos bilingüe - Dallas West Branch Library, Dallas, Saturday, 01/10/2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, McKinney, Saturday, 01/10/2026, 11 am- 1 pm
- Saturday Morning Kids -
Richardson Public Library - Richardson, Saturday, 01/10/2026, 10:30 - 11 am
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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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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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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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