Okay, Dallas parents, the holiday rush is finally over, but we can't let the first weekend of the new year be a total snooze-fest. Forget generic museum trips; we've got real stuff lined up! You absolutely need to check out the Free First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center for some low-key artsy fun, and if you have any energy left, the Holiday at the DeGolyer House at the Arboretum is winding down its festive magic this weekend.
Quick Picks
Free First Saturdays
Nasher Sculpture Center
Free art activities and tours—perfect for getting that cultured but cheap weekend in.
Holiday at the DeGolyer House (Evening Hours)
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Catch the festive lights and cheer inside the beautiful house before it packs up for the year.
Imagination Playground
Dallas Public Library @ North Oak Cliff Branch
A dedicated, free hour for the littlest ones (under 5) to connect imagination and creative play.
Free First Saturdays
It’s the first Saturday, which means free admission to the Nasher! They usually have interactive art activities and tours geared toward families, so it’s a great way to sneak in some culture without draining your wallet. Go early to beat any crowds that might be lingering after the holidays.
Why we picked it: It’s one of the best consistent free offerings for families in a prime Dallas spot.
Holiday at the DeGolyer House (Daytime Hours)
The holiday decorations at the Arboretum are incredible, but they are *leaving* right after this weekend! This is your last chance to see the beautiful interior of the DeGolyer House all decked out for the season. Go early Saturday morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
Why we picked it: It's a last-chance look at a stunning holiday display right as the season officially ends.
Being Human Hall Exploration
The Perot is always a win, but their 'Being Human Hall' is a cool look at our traits and abilities. While it's a standard exhibit, it's a great anchor for a cold or uncertain weather day. It’s engaging for older kids who are done with toddlers' rooms.
Why we picked it: It's a reliable rainy-day option with new-year educational vibes.
Sensory-Friendly Day
This is a fantastic, thoughtful event for families needing a lower-sensory environment to enjoy science and flight exhibits. It’s free entry and includes hands-on crafts and experiments tailored for a calmer experience. Definitely worth checking out if you have a sensitive kiddo.
Why we picked it: It's a dedicated, free opportunity for sensory-friendly fun in a usually busy museum.
Community Puzzle Decorating
Stop by the Manske Library to add your touch to a community puzzle—it's a super low-key way to contribute to something bigger! Since it runs daily, you can pop in anytime on Saturday or Sunday without committing to a time slot. Plus, you can donate old puzzles if you have some taking up space.
Why we picked it: A very local, low-commitment, genuinely free activity that helps declutter old puzzles.
WalkSTEM at Klyde Warren Park
You can use the app to explore STEM connections right there in the park—it turns a regular playground visit into a learning scavenger hunt. It’s free and available every day, making it a perfect spontaneous Saturday activity if the weather holds. Great for curious teens who think they are 'too cool' for most things.
Why we picked it: It leverages a favorite park with a free, self-guided tech/science element.
First Saturday Guided Gallery Tour
Head west to Irving for a free guided tour of the galleries happening Saturday afternoon—no reservation needed! It's a neat way to see local art collections without the pressure of a huge downtown museum. Teens might actually like the contemporary stuff here.
Why we picked it: A truly free, accessible art tour happening on Saturday morning.
The Kodansha Manga Gallery
This is a traveling exhibit from the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco featuring Japanese comics—how cool is that?! It’s free to check out at the library during regular hours all weekend. Definitely a quirky, unexpected find for your manga-loving teen.
Why we picked it: A traveling, free art exhibit focused on manga is a unique draw for older kids.
Dallas Farmers Market @ The Shed
Get some fresh air and local goodies at the Farmer's Market! The Shed features seasonal produce, meats, and honey—great for a Saturday morning outing. It’s way less stressful than a big box store and supports local growers.
Why we picked it: A reliable local market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning, getting what’s in season now.
Imagination Playground
If you have little ones under five who need some structured, imaginative play, hit up the N. Oak Cliff branch library. It’s a totally free meetup designed just for them to play and cooperate. Perfect for a quick Sunday morning energy burn before nap time.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely free, dedicated program for the under-5 crowd that many parents overlook.
Holiday at the DeGolyer House (Evening Hours)
If you want the full experience, the evening hours let you see the house and gardens lit up, which is totally different from the daytime tour. This is genuinely the final evening they are running this holiday event, so grab tickets ASAP if you missed the earlier windows.
Why we picked it: The final evening of a major holiday attraction means it’s now or never for the lights.
Cowboys Ranch Family Game Day Powered by Ethos
This is a genuinely free family game day sponsored by Ethos—check the specifics on Eventbrite, but it looks like a fun, low-pressure outdoor hang. Games are always a hit, and being powered by a local group suggests it might be a genuine community event, not just a sales pitch.
Why we picked it: It's a weekend event explicitly listed as 'Free' on Eventbrite, which is gold for parents.
Imagination Playground
If you have little ones under five who need some structured, imaginative play, hit up the N. Oak Cliff branch library. It’s a totally free meetup designed just for them to play and cooperate. Perfect for a quick Sunday morning energy burn before nap time.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely free, dedicated program for the under-5 crowd that many parents overlook.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Final Weekend)
This is the absolute last chance to catch *Beauty and the Beast* before it closes on Sunday night! If your kid loves musicals, this is a big production worth the splurge for a Sunday matinee. You'll need to check the exact Sunday showtime online for this weekend.
Why we picked it: It's the final Sunday performance of a major Broadway-style production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Dallas this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are several genuinely free options: Free First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center (Sat), the Imagination Playground at North Oak Cliff Library (Sun), the Cowboys Ranch Family Game Day (Sun), Sensory-Friendly Day at the Frontiers of Flight Museum (Sat), Community Puzzle Decorating at Manske Library (Sat/Sun), WalkSTEM at Klyde Warren Park (Sat/Sun), the First Saturday Guided Gallery Tour in Irving (Sat), and browsing the Dallas Farmers Market (Sat).
Are there any last-chance holiday events this weekend?
Yes, the big one is the Holiday at the DeGolyer House at the Dallas Arboretum, which ends its run after this weekend. Make sure to check the exact times for Saturday/Sunday, especially the evening hours on Sunday, as that's your final shot!
What's good for my under-5s on Sunday if the weather is iffy?
Your best bet for the little ones on Sunday is the Imagination Playground at the North Oak Cliff Branch Library from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. It's free, indoors, and specifically designed for that age group to encourage creative play.