What better way to celebrate the arrival of 2023 than with free, kid-friendly events and activities happening in Dallas all January long
Out with the old, and in with the new. It’s 2023! Although you might be worn out from all the holiday fun in December, the month of January has plenty of happenings in the Dallas area. And better yet, there are numerous free options for the entire family to enjoy! You can bundle up the kids for a stargazing event complete with telescopes, you can party it up and celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year, or you can even visit one of the world’s largest collections of samurai armor. So get ready, get set, and go start off 2023 with these free events.
Free, Kid-Friendly Events around Dallas in January
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Asia Times Square
Jan. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15: Located in Grand Prairie, this free two-weekend event takes place at one of the largest Asian Markets in Texas. Shop local vendors, see live performances, and eat tasty food as you celebrate the Lunar New Year. Admission and parking is free. Event details.
Join in a Family Story Hour
Jan. 11 and 25: Presented by the Arlington Museum of Art, enjoy a family storytime all about “Telling the Knight’s Tale” in the Play Room of the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. There is no pre-registration required for this free event. Event details.
Attend the Frisco StarFest
Jan. 14: Take part in a free stargazing event at the Frisco Commons Park led by the Texas Astronomical Society. Beginning at dark, you can view the beauty of the night sky through several telescopes that will be available for public use. Event details.
Explore the Solar System with a NASA Ambassador
Jan. 14: At this event hosted by the City of Richardson, TX, your family can learn about the planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, the Sun, and the entire solar system in a presentation by NASA Solar System Ambassador Michelle Wilde. Registration is required. Event details.
Make a Sundial at the Plano Public Library
Jan. 15: Learn how the position of the sun in the sky can help you tell time. Kids of all ages are welcome to make their own sundial as part of this Plano Public Library event. Event details.
Enjoy a Game Night at the Grapevine Public Library
Jan. 19: Play a board game, card game, or party game during an evening of fun at the Grapevine Public Library. You can bring your own games or utilize the selection of games available at the library. If you want to take a game home, you can even check one out at the end of the evening. Event details.
Welcome in the Year of the Rabbit
Jan. 22: The Carrollton Sun Ray Chinese School will host a New Year’s celebration at the Carrollton Public Library to welcome in 2023 and the Year of the Rabbit. Event details.
Connect with a Loop Group
Jan. 25: Want to learn how to crochet or knit? Even if you are a beginner, join the Loop Group that gathers at the Mansfield Public Library to learn crocheting or knitting techniques and new stitches. Plus, all materials will be provided. Event details.
Shop The Bargain Market at the Johnson County Event Center
Jan. 28: This semi-annual market is a shopping event you won’t want to miss. The Bargain Market brings together local businesses, boutiques, and retailers to help shoppers find all the best local deals under one roof. Better yet, both admission and parking are free. Event details.
Free Museums and Exhibits around Dallas in January
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and The Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the events leading up to and following his assassination. The main exhibit – John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation – is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository building,
Expert Tip: Children ages 0-5 can visit The Sixth Floor Museum for free. Youth, adults, and seniors require a paid ticket.
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://www.jfk.org/
The Nasher Sculpture Center
View collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in both the indoor and outdoor galleries at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Your family can enjoy the Nasher Sculpture Center for free every third Friday of the month or every first Saturday of the month (except when on New Year’s Day or July 4th).
Expert Tip: If you can’t visit the Nasher Sculpture Center during these free admission events, general admission is always free for children under 12, first responders, military personnel, and SNAP EBT card holders. Adults and seniors are not free.
2001 Flora St.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/
Fair Park
Fair Park is an iconic Dallas historic site that spans 277 acres and is home to several museums. In fact, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. From murals to memorials, Fair Park has plenty of historical and architectural treasures to see.
Expert Tip: Fair Park is free to the general public, but it regularly hosts special events that are not free. Before you plan your free visit to Fair Park, first check their events calendar.
3809 Grand Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://www.fairparkdallas.com/
The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art is a museum highlighting geometric forms displayed in unique formats. The museum focuses on the MADI art movement, a modern art form, by displaying the work of contemporary geometric artists and MADI artists.
Expert Tip: Admission is always free. The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art also hosts guest artist workshops and special music events.
3109 Carlisle St.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://www.geometricmadimuseum.org/
The Dallas Museum of Art
General admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is always free. When you make a general admission reservation, you are able to view the Museum’s collection galleries for free.
Expert Tip: While general admission is always free, certain special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://dma.org/
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection is the only museum located in the United States that is solely dedicated to samurai art and armor. Actually, it’s one of the largest collections in the world.
Expert Tip: Yes, general admission is free, but The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection is only open to the public Wednesday thru Sunday from 11 – 5 p.m.
2501 N. Harwood St.
Dallas, TX
Online: https://harwooddistrict.com/arts/
