Things to Do With Kids Around the Holidays in DFW (Real Ideas Families Actually Use)

December in Dallas–Fort Worth can feel busy fast, especially with school schedules, work deadlines, and everything that comes with the holidays. The good news is that DFW has no shortage of family-friendly things to do and not all of them require big plans, expensive tickets, or driving across town every night.

These are real, doable ideas families around North Texas actually use during the holidays. Whether you’re new to the area, visiting family, or just looking for ideas beyond the usual shopping and baking, DFW offers plenty of festive, family-friendly things to do throughout December.

Ice Skating and Indoor Fun Around DFW

Even though Texas winters are usually mild, December is still the best time of year to lean into winter-style activities with kids, especially ice skating.

One of the most reliable options is the: 

Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center

13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240

Located inside the Galleria Mall, this rink runs year-round, but December is when it really feels like Christmas thanks to the giant indoor tree above the ice. It’s a great choice for families with kids of different ages, and weekday afternoons tend to be much calmer than weekends.

If you’re exploring life in Dallas, this is one of those classic holiday experiences locals come back to year after year!

Another popular seasonal option is Fort Worth’s Panther Island Ice Rink (dates and location vary each year). This one feels more like a holiday event than a skating lesson, with lights, music, and hot chocolate nearby. It’s perfect if you want atmosphere over performance.

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, indoor attractions are lifesavers. 

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science

2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201

This is a go-to for many DFW families during Christmas break. It works well for a wide age range and feels different than a normal visit thanks to seasonal decor and holiday crowds!

For younger kids: 

Crayola Experience Plano

6121 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093

This is especially popular in December. The crafts often double as Christmas gifts kids can take home, which parents appreciate. Going earlier in the day helps avoid afternoon crowds.

Christmas Shows and Performances Worth Taking Kids To

December is peak season for holiday performances across DFW, but choosing the right ones makes all the difference with kids.

A classic choice is Texas Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker”, performed at Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or the Winspear Opera House at 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

Matinée performances tend to work best for families, especially if it’s your kids’ first time. It’s one of those events that feels special without needing to explain much, kids get it.

If you’re looking for something more casual and usually more affordable, many suburbs host holiday concerts and Christmas plays through local theaters, schools, and symphonies. These are great options if you want to support local arts and avoid the formality of bigger productions.

Another favorite is Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Texas events. Downtown Grapevine is packed with lights, music, and short performances that make it easy to wander, stop for a bit, and leave when kids are ready.

Creating Simple Holiday Traditions at Home (What We Actually Do)

Not every December memory needs tickets or reservations. Some of the best traditions are the ones you repeat every year without overthinking them.

One tradition our family almost skipped this year, but didn’t, is our boys versus girls gingerbread house contest. It’s become a favorite in our friend group and neighborhood.

Here’s how it works: there are only two gingerbread houses. One is the boys’ house, one is the girls’ house. They start out identical. The dads get together and bring decorations for the boys’ house, and the moms handle decorations for the girls’ house. The kids decorate in separate rooms so there’s no spying or copying ideas.

Our kids are getting older now, about 10½ and 14½, and with busy school schedules and holiday burnout, we honestly thought we might be done with this tradition. We even talked about skipping it this year. The kids immediately shut that down and begged to keep it.

It’s still a contest, complete with a trophy that the winning team keeps for the year. We post the final houses on social media, tally the votes, and hand off the trophy until next Christmas. It’s simple, a little competitive, and somehow still one of the most talked-about nights of the season.

That’s the thing about traditions, the ones that matter most usually aren’t the biggest or most expensive. They’re just consistent.

Because winters are mild, December is also a great time for evening walks or bike rides. Trails around White Rock Lake, neighborhood sidewalks, and local parks are often quieter during the holidays and give families a chance to slow down between events.

A Low-Stress Holiday Getaway Without Leaving DFW

If your family needs a reset but doesn’t want to deal with airports or long drives, staying local can feel surprisingly refreshing.

Grapevine is an easy choice in December, especially for families who don’t normally spend time there. Even one overnight stay can feel like a holiday getaway thanks to the decorations, events, and walkable downtown.

Another option is booking a one-night hotel stay in a part of DFW you don’t usually visit. Kids love the novelty of sleeping somewhere new, and parents get a break from daily routines, without the stress of travel.

Why the Holidays Feel Different in DFW

December in Dallas–Fort Worth is all about balance. There’s plenty to do if you want full calendars and festive outings, but there’s also space to slow down, stay close to home, and build traditions that don’t feel forced.

That balance is a big reason families love living here. You can have a big Christmas event one weekend and a quiet night at home the next, without feeling like you’re missing out.

And if you’re considering putting down roots in North Texas, the holidays are a good reminder of what makes DFW special: family-friendly options, manageable travel, and communities that make room for both celebration and rest.

Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas.