Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
Elf in Concert, Polar Palooza, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids

13 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, and Other Dallas Celebrations for Kids

Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
12/22/24 - By Gabby Cullen

New Year's Eve is almost here and Dallas-Fort Worth has plenty of fun New Year's Eve celebrations perfect for families. You can head to a Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Dallas Arboretum or the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, spend all day riding waterslides and enjoying activities at Epic Waters, or head to a Taylor Swift tribute band concert at The HUB in Allen. If you've got night owls at home, Reunion Tower is bringing back the Lone Star NYE fireworks show, which is always a blast.

If you feel like hanging out at home, there are plenty of ways to host a great party and learn about celebrations from around the world. If you're looking for other fun things to do in Dallas with kids during the winter break, check out our events calendar or our round-up of the best activities in Dallas each weekend. 

That's a wrap on 2025! Happy Holidays from us at Mary Poppins to you and yours, and we'll see you in 2026!

6 Places to See Snow in Texas

Best Texas Road Trips for Families

Best Family Resorts in Texas

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Daytime New Year's Eve Events in Dallas

Epic Family New Year

Grand Prairie
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
North Texas's largest indoor water park is hosting a massive New Year's Eve party from 1pm - 1am, and you're invited! Come early or stay late—whatever works for your family! Enjoy live entertainment, games, special activities for kids, and, of course, all the rides and water fun you can handle. Duck drop will happen at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm, and midnight. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum

East Dallas
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the mild winter weather and the beautiful garden. READ MORE

Countdown to Noon at Sci-Tech Discovery Center

Frisco
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Come celebrate the new year with science! Fun activities include a light painting photo room, playing "Auld Lang Syne" on a giant DIY floor piano, making New Year's Eve hats, and making "wish bags" to pop! There will be ball drops at this Noon Year's Eve party at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, so decide what time works best for your family! READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the Fort Worth Science and History Museum

Cultural District
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
It's the perfect way to celebrate with your tiniest revelers! Bring your party pants to the Museum for a whirlwind experience of New Year’s traditions such as party poppers, resolutions, and more. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the North Oak Cliff Library

Oak Cliff - FREE Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Have your little ones missed out on ringing in the new year in the past because midnight is way past their bed time? Come to the North Oak Cliff Library to ring in the "Noon Year" with a countdown, balloon drop, sparkling apple cider toast, and activities to bring good luck in the New Year! READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Dave & Buster's

Northeast Dallas
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Celebrate early with a full party package that includes a $20 Power Card and unlimited video games, NYE hats and noisemakers, an electric ball drop, and plenty of snacks like mini pretzel dogs, bar burgers, french fries, churros, and more. There will even be a ginger ale toast! READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the South Irving Library

Irving - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Families can ring in the “Noon” Year with crafts, music, and a balloon drop! READ MORE

Day 1 DFW

Irving
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026
In its 11th year, this New Year's Day celebration at the Irving Convention Center is filled with family fun like a Candyland obstacle course, face and balloon artists, roving characters, a giant slide, a snow throw, bingo, arts and crafts, and so much more. There will also be live performances by DJ K-Sprinkles, Wildlife on the Move, and a magic show!  READ MORE

Nighttime New Year's Eve Events in Dallas

Family New Year's Eve Party

Allen - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
It's a family affair at The HUB! This New Year's Eve party is always a blast, and this year you'll dance to a Taylor Swift tribute band, enjoy face painting, a 9pm ball drop and confetti cannons, and more family fun. READ MORE

New Year's Eve in Sundance Square

Sundance Square - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
This fun party starts early enough that the whole family can enjoy food trucks, live music, street performers, and more. If your kids are old enough, hang around for the fireworks at midnight! READ MORE

Six Flags Over Texas Presents: Holiday in the Park

Last Day!
Arlington
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Celebrate 40 years of holiday fun at Six Flags Over Texas! Sled down a real snow hill, ride the Santaland Express, listen to stories read by Mrs. Claus, check out the decorated Christmas trees, listen to live performances, watch dazzling light shows, and much more. Be sure to bring extra cash for all the snacks and goodies. READ MORE

New Year's Early Eve at PGA Frisco

Frisco - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Enjoy a high-energy live performance from party band Extended Play from 6:30–8:30pm, followed by a 15-minute fireworks show to close out the night. This free celebration is perfect for families or anyone who prefers an early countdown! READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Reunion Tower

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
This one is for the older kids! The downtown Dallas sky on New Year’s Eve will come alive with a breathtaking display featuring over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects launched from Reunion Tower, a stunning 259 LED light display, and 500 drones, making it an unforgettable experience. Viewing areas include Trinity Groves, the Ronald Kirk Bridge, and Riverfront Blvd.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Gabby Cullen
Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.
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