It’s a new year, and that means there are lots of new opportunities for fun in our neck of the woods. Rather than holing up indoors for the month of January, try venturing out and experiencing some of the unique activities the Metroplex has to offer:
Animal Inside Out, until Feb. 17 – We saw this groundbreaking “Body Worlds” exhibit the week it debuted at the Perot Museum, and we hear people are still pouring in to see it. Animals Inside Out puts the skeletons, muscles, organs and circulatory systems of various types of animals in the spotlight, via the scientific process of plastination. If you want to know more about plastination and see some animals like you’ve never seen them, check out the Perot. Click here for more information.
Chinese Lantern Festival, every night until Feb. 17 – This colorful light display in Fair Park is a great nighttime activity for those enduring the winter, post-Christmas blues, and the festival celebrating ancient Chinese culture was just extended until Feb. 17. So now there’s no excuse for missing out! Catch an acrobat show and some authentic Asian cuisine while you’re there. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Dallas Area Model Train Show, Jan. 19-20 – Choo-choo! All aboard for the Dallas Area Train Show, featuring locomotive displays and two full days of clinics for train-lovers. Kids 12 and under are free ($8 for adults), and the event is held at the Plano Centre. Click here for more information.
Dallas Opera Family Concert, Feb. 1 – Before a collection of favorite opera arias is performed at the Winspear Opera House at The Dallas Opera’s annual Family Concert at 2 p.m., families are invited to enjoy activities like face painting, crafts, and “hands-on opera creation” at 12:30 p.m. to kick off the afternoon. Click here for more information.
Denton Drum Circle, Jan. 18 – For three Saturday nights in January, head to Denton’s downtown courthouse with your favorite percussion instrument and drum away. This event is family-friendly and totally free, plus there are extra drums for you to borrow. Click here for more information.
Dinosaurs Live!, until Feb. 2 – Stroll along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails viewing life-size “animatronic” dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Megalosaurus until Feb. 2. Make sure you bring your little boys and girls who love dinos to see the very lifelike prehistoric creatures roar and move. Photo opportunities are also available as a memento. Click here for more information.
Frisco Fire Safety Town – To show your kids that safety can be fun, visit the adorable Fire Safety Town for an educational tour. They’re not open on the weekends, so squeeze in some fun after the kids are home from school! Click here for more information.
"Go, Dog. Go!" – Adapted from a favorite children’s book, this Broadway-caliber play complete with singing, dancing and fun all around will be performed at the Dallas Children’s Theater between Jan. 24 and Feb. 23. A special event will take place Jan. 25 to those who make separate reservations. Click here for more information.
“Grease,” Jan. 11 – Rockwall High School will present a classic musical on several dates including Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. For all of you who love tunes like “Greased Lighting,” poodle skirts and a good love story, don’t miss the high school production. Click here for more information.
Heard Museum Night Hike, Jan. 25 – Strap on your hiking boots, long pants and flashlights and get ready to walk through the wilderness! This seasonal nighttime hike is good for ages three and up and guarantees lots of adventure. Take in the sights and sounds of nature, courtesy of experienced trail guides at the Night Hike at 5 p.m. on Jan. 25. Click here for more information and to register.
New Parents Tour, Jan. 31 – Tour the Amon Carter Museum of American Art with other parents and grandparents who have kiddos age two or less. If your little ones throw a tantrum, you’ll be in good company! This event is designed just for you. Plus, it’s free and it’s held the last Friday of each month until September. The Amon Carter Museum’s New Parents Tour is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 31. Click here for more information.
Penguin Days at the Dallas Zoo, until Feb. 28 – The Dallas Zoo offers some special pricing during the coldest months of the year, calling January and February “Penguin Days.” Check out all the fabulous exhibits and exotic animals the zoo has to offer with just $5 admission and $8 parking. Click here for more information.
Pirate Weekend, Jan. 24-Jan. 26 – Head out to SEA Life Grapevine Aquarium for scavenger hunts and claiming treasure, plus other pirate-related activities. While you’re there, check out the stingrays, sea turtles, sharks and seahorses while walking under the 360-degree ocean tunnel. Click here for more information.
Truck Yard – This innovative low-key yet somehow sophisticated collection of food trucks on Lower Greenville has made too many “best of Dallas” lists to count since it opened last year. I hear the food is superb and the vibes perfect for unwinding after a long day at the office. Count me in! Click here for more information.