Ring in the New Year by checking out this list of kid-centric (and bedtime-friendly!) events where the entire family can enjoy some Texas-sized fun
Whether you wish time could slow down or you’re beyond ready to say goodbye to the past year, it’s still hard to believe that 2023 is fast-arriving. Whether your family’s past 365 days were ones for the record books or not, let’s make this coming year the best one yet. From festive light shows and walk-thru exhibits to a visit to an amusement park or zoo, the Dallas area has a variety of fun and festive ways to welcome in 2023.
1. Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party at Crayola Experience
No need to wait until midnight to begin your New Year’s celebrations. Join the Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party at Crayola Experience. With confetti and dancing galore, your kiddo can enjoy their New Year’s Eve all before bedtime.
Date: Dec. 31
6121 W Park Blvd., Suite A100
Plano, TX
Online: crayolaexperience.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrBHqyJl5Z/?hidecaption=true
2. Noon-Year’s Eve at the Dallas Arboretum
Complete with a ball drop, your family can welcome in the New Year at the Dallas Arboretum. Held in the Exploration Center Plaza, the Noon-Year’s Eve celebration includes festival games, a 2023 headband station, and a create-your-own noise maker booth. Don’t miss the ball drop at noon sharp!
Date: Dec. 31
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasarboretum.org
3. The Countdown to Noon at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center
The Countdown to Noon event at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center is full of STEM-inspired activities! Construct an animatronic clock, drive around the Robot Calendar Course, create a geometric New Year’s hat, visit the glow tattoo station, and more as part of their New Year’s festivities.
Date: Dec. 31
8004 N Dallas Parkway
Frisco, TX
Online: mindstretchingfun.org
4. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Offering activities for children of all ages, visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center for their Holiday Bricktacular event. Participate in special Holiday Minifigure trading, assist the Master Model Builder in creating a special holiday LEGO build, or check out the holiday-themed decor in MINILAND.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 25-Jan.8
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, TX
Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckg0dAbgU6T/?hidecaption=true
5. Dallas Zoo Lights
With more than a million lights, the Dallas Zoo Lights walk-thru event is a sparkling-fun way to celebrate the arrival of 2023. You will discover 3-D lighted sculptures, larger-than-life animal lanterns, a programmed light show, musical performances, and holiday-themed displays as part of this year’s Dallas Zoo Lights presentation. Plus, the carousel and mini-train stay open late, too.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 17-Jan. 1
650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX
Online: dallaszoo.com
6. Epic Family New Year at Epic Water Indoor Waterpark
For an Epic Family New Year, party it up at Epic Water Indoor Waterpark. This Hawaiian-themed event includes circus and aerial performances, interactive games, and hula dancing. Come hungry, though. You can add to your evening a dinner package with baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and dessert.
Date: Dec. 31
2970 Epic Place
Grand Prairie, TX
Online: epicwatersgp.com
7. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
End 2022 with some thrill-seeking fun at Six Flags Over Texas. As part of their Holiday in the Park event, Six Flags Over Texas is decked out with millions of lights, a 70-foot Christmas tree, and a holiday market filled with food options and holiday decor for sale. Don’t forget to grab a refillable hot cocoa mug and look for fire pits where you can make s’mores (for an additional fee).
Dates: Select days, Nov. 19-Jan. 1
2201 Rd. to Six Flags
Arlington, TX
Online: sixflags.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cltw4tSMNBY/
8. Drive-Thru Light Show at The Light Park
You can never see enough lights during the holiday season, right? If you want to stay in your pajamas on New Year’s Eve, have a cozy and comfy evening at this drive-thru light show. Purchase a ticket per vehicle to enter The Light Park, and get ready for an evening of dazzling sites!
Dates: Nov. 4-Jan. 1
1800 E Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, TX
Online: thelightpark.com
9. Zoo Year's Eve at Fort Worth Zoo
Drop off your child in 2022, and pick them up in 2023! At the Fort Worth Zoo, your kiddo can spend the night and participate in some Zoo Year’s Eve fun at this kids-only, parent-free New Year’s celebration including a night hike, movie, and continental breakfast.
Date: Dec. 31
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fortworthzoo.org
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrYkKJpeNU/?hidecaption=true
10. Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE
Reunion Tower Over The Top NYE 2023 delivers a Texas-sized fireworks spectacular on New Year’s Eve. Although the fireworks cannot be viewed from within Reunion Tower, from the lawn of Reunion Tower, or from other restricted zones within the “hot zone”, you can watch this firework show from the comfort of your home on live television, Facebook live, or YouTube.
Date: Dec. 31
300 Reunion Blvd. East
Dallas, TX
Online: reuniontower.com
11. Day 1 DFW 2023
Who said the fun had to stop on New Year’s Eve? Kick off 2023 by attending Day 1 DFW 2023 at the Irving Convention Center where your kids can enjoy rock climbing, face painting, circus acts, animal shows, silent disco, bounce houses, and a toddler play area. Plus, this family-friendly event ends with a firework show!
Date: Jan. 1
500 W Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX
Online: vogelalcove.org
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