The year 2023 is drawing to a close, with New Year festivities now only days away, including several family-friendly happenings.
Multiple locations across Dallas-Fort Worth will be hosting special events to ring in the New Year. These include plenty of kid-friendly local water parks, museums, zoos, and other venues.
For those seeking to start 2024 with a splash, Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is hosting its own Hawaiian luau-themed party from 1 p.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 1. This event will feature hula dancing, interactive games, duck drops, circus and aerial performances, and more, according to the event website. Tickets are available online, with an option to add dinner.
The Crayola Experience in the Willow Bend Mall in Plano will be holding its own Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will feature several kid-friendly activities, such as dance parties, character appearances, arts and crafts, and much more, according to an event flyer.
The Shops at Highland Village will also be hosting its own free New Year’s Noon Celebration on December 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unlike other events, this one seeks to celebrate the New Year at noon rather than when the clock strikes midnight.
“A countdown to noon will feature a balloon drop with balloons — each of which will have a hidden piece of paper inside corresponding to a prize,” reads the event website. “Face painting, a photo experience, games, a stilt walker, and fun costumed characters will add to the festivities and help you cheer in the new year.”
Local museums such as the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and Explorium Denton Children’s Museum will also be holding events.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will hold its Noon Year’s Eve! event on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., complete with a confetti drop and arts and crafts. Tickets for this event are free with admission or museum membership, according to the event website.
Explorium Denton Children’s Museum’s own Noon Year’s Eve Party will offer a unique balloon drop and STEAM activities on December 30 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Families can enter this event for just $5 and enjoy making confetti poppers and countdown clocks, according to All Events.
The Fort Worth Zoo will also be hosting its Zoo Year’s Eve event on December 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., offering dinner, snacks, and a continental breakfast for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. Tickets to this event cost $100 per child, according to the zoo’s website.
The Celanese Foundation will also put on its Day 1 DFW celebration for families on January 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Irving Convention Center. This event features multiple attractions for families to enjoy on four floors, including inflatable slides, rock climbing walls, mini golf courses, live performances, a dance party, and much more, according to Vogel.
Tickets for this event cost up to $10.
