Dallas weekly e-newsletter |
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Fri, Mar 6: North Texas Irish Festival at Fair Park
Sat, Mar 7: TEXFest 2026 at City of Carrollton
Sat, Mar 7: Shark Week(end) at Children's Aquarium at Fair Park
Fri, Mar 13: Spring Break in the Park 2026 at Klyde Warren Park
Sat, Mar 14: Frisco Festival of Colors at Independence Practice Field
Sat, Mar 14: St Paddy’s Day Dash 5K at Central Market-Dallas
Sat, Mar 14: 2026 Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival
Sun, Mar 15: Wizard of Oz on Ice Presented by the Coppell Arts Center
Fri, Mar 20: Hello Kitty and Friends Party at Allen
Public Library
Fri, Mar 20: Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest Live @ the Tri-State Fairgrounds
Thu, Mar 26: Disney On Ice
presents Jump In! at State Farm Arena
Fri, Apr 17: Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Sat, Apr 18: DeSoto Public Library Everything Teen Expo 2026
Sat, Apr 25: 2026 South West Black Art Show at African American Museum of Dallas
Sat, Apr 25: Arbor Day at Hawaiian Waters |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the
crabby one.” But of course, if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy
and gray, energy runs low, and it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books
(although science nerds DO love Weir's books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket
to optimism now, and lift you to fun in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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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. |
Discover the Best of Texas & Beyond Want to stay in the know on the best places to go, things to do, and experiences worth exploring? The Lone Star Low Down from Texas Lifestyle Magazine highlights top travel destinations,
family-friendly outings, local events, dining, and exclusive giveaways. Whether you’re planning weekend adventures, road trips, or looking for inspiration close to home, this is your go-to source for discovering the best of Texas and beyond. Sign up here to receive the Lone Star Low
Down. |
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Train-A-Palooza #12 model train show will be held at the Grapevine Convention Center located at 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas March 14 & 15, 2026. Model train layouts will display various gauges of trains.
Choo Choo Express trackless train will be providing train rides in the parking lot.
Admission is for both days and the Lone Star Hi-Railers huge three rail O guage model railroad layout inside an actual 70-foot-long baggage car, located in the historic Grapevine Railyard area. Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grapevine Shuttle for attendees is free.
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Curious about rowing? Our Learn-to-Row Camps on White Rock Lake are the perfect introduction for kids who want to try something new in a fun, supportive environment. Campers learn the basics of rowing technique, teamwork, and water safety while building
confidence and making new friends. No experience is required — just a willingness to try! Rowing is engaging, full-body, and exciting, and our coaches make learning approachable and encouraging for every athlete. Whether your child is brand new to sports or looking for something different, this is a great place to start.
Spots are limited and camps fill quickly — register early to secure a spot.
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Saint Paul Catholic Classical School in Richardson, Texas, has formed students in Catholic faith and academic excellence since 1957. Serving PreK3 through eighth grade, SPCCS nurtures students in a close-knit community where they grow in faith, wisdom, and
virtue. Through daily prayer, small class sizes, and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, our students are shaped by the Gospel message and a strong Catholic tradition.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. We invite you to explore our academic and extracurricular offerings. Schedule a tour today and discover a community where Christ is at the center of all we do.
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Experience two amazing attractions for one incredible price! We’re thrilled to introduce an all-new Circus experience coming to the Epic Central lawn—and the best part? Your Epic Waters admission includes FREE access to all the big top excitement!
The Epic Circus Spectacular is Included in Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark Admission! One ticket. Two unforgettable attractions!
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Join the best robotics team in Dallas at Magikid Highland Park. Our award-winning VEX curriculum and championship teams are now enrolling for the 2026-2027 season. From beginner Academy to elite National teams, empower your child to lead, code, and compete.
Register for tryouts today!
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Tulipalooza is back for its eighth year blooming! Join us at Getzendaner Memorial Park for this magnificent springtime celebration filled with flowers, friends and fun. All to benefit our favorite local charities.
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Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology.
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Join us for a special Sensory-Friendly Day at the Perot Museum, created to support guests who benefit from lower sensory environments and their families. From 10am to 1pm, enjoy a Museum experience with adjusted lighting and sound, and designated quiet
areas.
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Ready to get a little science-y and a little squishy? Stop by at 11 AM or 1 PM Saturday and Sunday to dissect a real squid, check out its anatomy, and find out why so many of our residents love squid at mealtime – just don’t get inked!
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Bring the whole family and learn how to catch a fish "this big!"
Angler Education instructors will teach you how to properly prepare your fishing pole and discuss tips and tricks to help you on your fishing journey. We'll practice pan fishing a bit on land before we put our skills to the test in the water! Registration is $10 per person.
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Be amazed by Guinness World record-holder David Fisher (aka the Rope Warrior) in this high-energy, interactive jump roping show! Geared toward ages 5 and up.
Sponsored by The Conant Family Foundation.
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Celebrate Pokémon Day in style! As always, there will be pizza and drinks. But everyone is encouraged to bring their cards and video games to trade and battle with.
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Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary
Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious."
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Stop by the Children’s Area to take part in a scavenger hunt highlighting iconic Black athletes and sports legends.
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You're invited to join the Texas America250 Reading Challenge! Texans of all ages are invited to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits, and/or service
activity in 2026, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants who complete the challenge can receive a certificate from their local librarian.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Dallas area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our
guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
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- Black History Month Scavenger Hunt - South Irving Library, Schulze Drive, Irving, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, during normal library hours
- Pokémon Gym Badge Challenge - 900 Civic Center Dr, Richardson, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, all day
- Crafternoon: Year of the Horse - Audelia Road Branch Library, 10045 Audelia Road, Dallas, TX 75238, Friday, February 27, 2026, 3:45-4:30 pm
- Puppet Show Double
Feature - Allen Public Library, 300 N Allen Dr, Allen, TX 75013, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30 am
- Toddler Time (16 Months-3 Years) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, 6861 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30-11:15 am
- Wiggle and Read Storytime - 1 Lou Finney Lane, Greenville, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Book Babies - 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 11-11:45 am
- Playdough Party - The Colony Public Library, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, TX 75056, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:15-11:15 am
- 250 Years of Us: Amazing Race for Independence - Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young Street,
Dallas, TX 75201, Friday, February 27, 2026, all day
- Preschool Storytime - Nicholas P Sims Library, West
Main Street, Waxahachie, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10-11 am
- Frost Chuck Wagon Breakfast - Frost Bank 281 N Financial Center,
Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, February 27, 2026, all day
- Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages) - John and Judy Gay Public Library, 6861 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11 am- 1 pm
- Saturday Morning Kids - Richardson Public Library - 900 Civic Center Dr, Richardson, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30 - 11 am
- Celebrating Heritage Black History Month - Polk-Wisdom Branch Library, 7151 Library Lane, Dallas, TX 75232, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1-3 pm
- Cuentos & Stories - DeSoto Public Library, 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- IntelliChoice K-12 Math Tutoring - Fretz Park Branch Library, 6990 Belt Line Road, Dallas, TX
75254, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Play & Learn (Ages 0-5) at the Central Library - 713 Austin
Street, Garland, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10 am- 12 pm
- The Rope Warrior's Amazing Jump Roping Show - University Park Public Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza Suite 200, University Park, Dallas, TX 75225, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11 am- 12 pm
- Lunar New Year - Betty Warmack Library, Bardin Road, Grand Prairie, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11 am- 1 pm
- Dungeons & Dragons - Prairie Creek Branch Library, 9609 Lake June Rd, Dallas, TX 75217, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1-3:30 pm
- Family Storytime at Lewisville Public Library - Lewisville Public Library, 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville, TX
75067, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11- 11:30 am
- Tween Mini Millionaires Finance Workshop - Melissa Public Library, Barker Avenue, Melissa, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Taste of Texas Independence Chili cookoff - Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Showtime Saturdays at Galleria Dallas - Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:30 am
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Dallas area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Dallas area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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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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