What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in Dallas-Fort Worth?

The metroplex is known to stretch the Christmas holiday as long as possible, so if you were too busy to check out the holiday lights or Christmas shows, there’s still time! The Dallas Zoo Lights, Christmas in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, The Trains at NorthPark, and Electrify the Night Drive Thru Holiday Light Show are just a few of the festive happenings that run until early January.

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Yes! PGA Frisco is hosting an early New Year's Eve party, the Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Science and History Museum are hosting Noon Day's Eve events for little kids, and The HUB in Allen is bringing back its family New Year's Eve event, complete with a Taylor Swift tribute band. 

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Dallas-Fort Worth

One thing North Texas has going for itself in the winter is mostly mild temperatures. Sure, there might be a few really chilly days, but you can expect the weather to be in the fifties or sixties, or even in the seventies; it's Texas, after all. Take advantage by heading out to one of the best playgrounds in the metroplex or an outdoor attraction like the zoo or botanical garden.

More Holiday Guides for Dallas-Fort Worth

For even more holiday magic, check out some of our local guides and round-ups.

• Holiday Light Shows
• Holiday guide for Dallas-Fort Worth
• Festive Hotels & Christmas Towns

Top Family Events and Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth During Winter Break

1. Rodeo Rink at the Stockyards - Fort Worth

Winter break is the perfect opportunity to spend a day at the historic Stockyards, and the rodeo rink will be open until January 4, 2026. Watch the cattle drive, cozy up to the fire pits, check out the historic buildings, and enjoy that taste of cowboy culture you can’t find anywhere else.

2. Six Flags - Arlington

The days after Christmas are perfect for a trip to Six Flags. Yes, it’s going to be busy since the weather is usually mild and everyone else is out of school, but Holiday in the Park runs until December 31, and after that, thrill seekers can enjoy all the rides and attractions.

3. EpicWaters - Grand Prairie

The largest indoor water park in Texas is a great place to take the kids before school starts in January. Their holiday program runs until December 31, 2025, but all the slides and pools are open daily throughout the entire winter break.

4. Dallas Balloon Museum - South Dallas

This new exhibit features 65,000 square feet of art installations that blend technology with sensory exploration. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits, so it's great for families. Check out our review here. 

5. Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest - Plano

You don't have to be a Dungeon Master to have fun at this experience. In this choose-your-own-adventure immersive exhibit, you will navigate the mysterious dunegeon and face thrilling challenges. 

6. Meow Wolf Grapevine - Grapevine

Enjoy The Real Unreal like never before. This limited-time interactive experience is filled with mysterious characters, glowing creatures, giant puppets, and custom music.

7. Dallas Arts District - Dallas

See works from the Impressionists, modern art, Latin American Art, and more, all for free, at the Dallas Museum of Art. When you’re done, cross the street into Klyde Warren Park to grab a bite from one of the food trucks or at Mi Cocina. Let the kids play at the Sheila and Jody Grant Children's Park and watch the Nancy Guest Fountain before heading home.

8. River Legacy Nature Center - Arlington

The new arachnid exhibit opened on November 22, and it’s perfect for young kids. They can learn all about arachnids, and then the whole family can explore the nature preserve if the weather permits.

9. Astra Lumina - South Dallas

Follow a one-mile trail filled with light installations, celestial projections, and an astral soundscape through the Trinity Adventure Forest. This is one worth bundling up and braving the winter night to experience! It runs through December 31, 2025, so it's perfect winter break fun for families. 

10. Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth

If you’ve already been to see the lights at the Dallas Zoo this holiday season, check out the other fantastic zoo in the metroplex. The Fort Worth Zoo has different exhibits and a great play area for kids.

11. White Rock Lake - Dallas

Walk or ride bikes on the 9.4-mile trail around the lake, watch birds, or pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the views (weather permitting).

12. Dallas Stars - Frisco

Watch the Dallas Stars during their practices for free at the Comerica Center.

13. Traders Village - Grand Prairie

If you love flea markets, this is the place for you! While little kids might not have the patience to watch you haggle over prices, there’s a carnival with plenty of rides to use as bribes.

14. Trinity Trails - Fort Worth

Enjoy over 100 miles of trails along the Trinity River. It’s one of the best open spaces in the metroplex, and kids will love the geocaching adventures, Airfield Fallas, and Marine Creek.

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in Dallas-Fort Worth

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Meow Wolf Grapevine, the Fort Worth Science & History Museum, and other popular spots all have family-friendly events happening between Christmas and New Year's.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Dallas-Fort Worth?

There are plenty of free things to do in DFW during winter break. You can go to the Galleria, NorthPark, the Kimball Art Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, or, if it's a nice day, head to one of the awesome playgrounds in the metroplex. 

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?

Everything from Kidzania to Fritz's Adventure and even roller skating rinks is open between Christmas and New Year's. 

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?

Yes! The Dallas Zoo Lights, Christmas in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and the Tianyu Lights festival are just a few of the light displays that stay open until early January, 2026.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Dallas-Fort Worth?

PGA Frisco is hosting an early New Year's Eve party, the Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Science and History Museum are hosting Noon Day's Eve events for little kids, and The HUB in Allen is bringing back its family New Year's Eve event, complete with a Taylor Swift tribute band. 

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Yes, all the museums, zoos, and attractions kids love are open during winter break in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Q: What’s the best day trip from Dallas-Fort Worth during Christmas break with kids?