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The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
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New Year's Eve Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth: Countdown to 2026

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and Industry is dropping tons of confetti at their Noon Year's Eve Party. Photo courtesy of the museum.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and Industry is dropping tons of confetti at their Noon Year's Eve Party. Photo courtesy of the museum.
12/30/25 - By Gabby Cullen

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

New Year's Eve is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate with the kids. For a NoonYear's Eve Celebration, try the Dallas Arboretum, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco, or the Fort Worth History and Science Museum. Looking for a party vibe? Hooky Entertainment in Addison and Southlake, The HUB in Allen, and Round Two in Bishop Arts are all hosting family-friendly experiences that end at a reasonable hour. 

As far as the rest of the holiday weekend goes, you can check out Japanese culture and art at the Ikebana Art Showcase in Plano, take a Polar Plunge in Little Elm, or enjoy a Glow Swim in Irving. Not ready to see the holiday season end? The Dallas Zoo lights, ICE! at the Gaylord, and the Trains at NorthPark Center are running until Sunday, January 4, 2026. 

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Dallas-Fort Worth Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

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Best Things to Do on New Year's Eve Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth With Kids

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

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

Fort Worth 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

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

Jazzberry Jammin' New Years Eve

Plano
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Enjoy mid-day countdowns at 12 PM and 2 PM, Character Meet & Greets at 1 PM and 3 PM, and festive crafts including New Year’s crowns, coloring pages, and resolution lists. All activities are included with General Admission! READ MORE

Hooky Entertainment Ball Drop & Bowl

Addison, Southlake
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Get ready to ditch the everyday and jump into the most electric New Year’s Eve party made just for kids. From bowling to arcade fun, mocktails, and a huge balloon drop, it'll be nothing but action, sparkle, noise, laughter, and celebration. READ MORE

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

Family New Year's Eve Party

Allen
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 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

Day 1 DFW

Irving
Thursday, January 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

Karaoke Night in McCall Plaza

Plano - FREE
Friday, January 2, 2026
Get your favorite song ready and head to downtown Plano for a night of singing and laughter! Arrive early to enjoy one of the popular restaurants near McCall Plaza READ MORE

Little Elm 2026 Polar Plunge & 5K Run

Little Elm
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Get your costumes ready and start the new year with a brisk dip in the lake! The ticket price includes access to the Polar Plunge event, a t-shirt, hot chocolate, and donuts. Awards will be given to the best costume, youngest plunger, and oldest plunger; 5K and 1K participants will also receive a finisher medal. READ MORE

Family Movie Matinee: The Smurfs

East Dallas - FREE
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Enjoy a cozy afternoon at the White Rock Hills Branch library with the kiddos! Bring blankets, watch the movie, and enjoy coloring pages. READ MORE

Family Workshop at the Amon Carter: Life of the Party

Fort Worth Cultural District - FREE
Saturday, January 3, 2026
You're invited to the potluck! Spend the afternoon with your family learning about celebrations and still-life photography, chat and play in the galleries, and create still-life artworks inspired by Seven Days: The Still Lifes of Chuck Ramirez. This event is free but requires registration.  READ MORE

Glow Swim at the Heritage Aquatic Center

Irving
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Swim after dark with lights and music at Glow Swim! Enjoy a fun evening at the pool featuring glowing lights, upbeat music, and a unique nighttime swim experience for families, friends, and anyone looking to make a splash in the new year. READ MORE

The Eisemann Center Presents: Shen Yun: A Heavenly Gift

Richardson
Saturday, January 3 - Sunday, January 25, 2025
Experience the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company perform a mesmerizing tale of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. READ MORE

Plano Parks & Rec Presents: Ikebana Art Showcase

Plano - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, January 3-4, 2026
This fourth annual masterclass showcase features different varieties of art, such as Origami and Ikebana. Bring the family and friends to this free event and get lost in the beauty of Japanese culture. READ MORE

Dallas' Brightest Nights at the Dallas Zoo

Last Weekend!
Oak Cliff
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
The popular holiday event returns to the Dallas Zoo; be prepared to wander through the exhibits for a magical experience where wild things glow. Kids can meet the guy in red, take photos with friends, see the dinosaurs decked out for the holidays, and enjoy festive snacks.  READ MORE

ICE! featuring Elf™

Last Weekend!
Grapevine
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
One of the most popular things to do in Dallas over the holiday season! Get ready to bundle up and wander through the magical ice exhibit featuring everyone's favorite Elf. Zoom down frozen slides, creep through icy tunnels, and see ice sculptures of the Narwhal, Jovie, Papa Elf, and so many more. READ MORE

The Trains at NorthParkCenter

Last Weekend!
Park Cities
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Everyone loves the trains! This incredible annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House is in its 38th year and never disappoints. New this year is a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired experience, Sensory Friendly Hours, technology for visually impaired patrons, a LEGO feature, and brand-new merchandise. READ MORE
NorthPark Center is a great place to take the kids. Photo by Gabby Cullen
NorthPark Center is a great place to take the kids. Photo by Gabby Cullen

More Top Things to Do with Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth

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Places featured in this article:

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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