Ok, Moms, let’s see what kind of kid-friendly shenanigans we can get up to this month. Is school out yet? No? Almost? Regardless, we know that getting out of the house is key to sanity, so here’s a handy list of ideas for you and yours.
The Guide below is just a glimpse of some of the more interesting events happening around the city to help you plan your month of May. We maintain a full calendar of events here, and when you subscribe to our Newsletter, you’ll get this list sent straight to your inbox! Enjoy!
All Month :: Scarborough Renaissance Festival is in Waxahachie through the 29th, helping to satisfy all your low-key LARP urges. The first weekend in May is “Live the Fantasy Weekend” with fantasy-based costume contests for adults and kids. They have an ultra-informative website, so you can easily see what will be the most fun for your fam when you go.
All Month :: Did you know the Dallas Zoo has had 35 different baby animals born this spring? Babies from 14 different species, including a baby lion, which is always one of the hottest zoo births. There’s also a new $14 million hippo habitat expected to open any minute. Get 15% off zoo memberships right now!
May 3 :: Time your next trip to NorthPark to coincide with Señorita Margarita! Señorita Margarita’s puppet show is a high energy, super fun celebration of Mexican culture complete with “La Cucaracha” and a Mexican Hat Dance. 10:30am. Free!
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 :: The Arboretum has BOGO Wednesdays this month and extended hours on Wednesdays until 8pm. Come and see ZimSculpt, the current exhibit of modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures throughout the gardens!
May 4 :: JumpstART Stories & Art: Moms are Amazing! at the Irving Arts Center. That’s some propaganda we can get behind. 10am for ages 2 and up. Free!
May 4 :: May the 4th Be with You… celebrate Star Wars Day in Downtown Carrollton from 4-6pm. Star Wars-themed booths and activities followed by The Force Awakens at sunset for those who can stay up that late.
May 5-6 :: It’s Cinco de Mayo! Historic Downtown Garland is doing a 2-day festival with mariachi music, Mexican food, and margaritas. The 3 M’s, if you will. They’ve even got our number with a kids zone – bounce house, face painting, crafts, all that good stuff. Free!
May 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 :: The Dallas Children’s Theater presents James and the Giant Peach this month. LOVE that book, and this adaptation is supposed to be great. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Lots of different showtimes available, so click here for tickets.
May 6-7 :: Get some steady-state cardio in as you stroll through the Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson, then relax by the lake with some food and local live music. Festival comes complete with children’s area, as all good festivals now do. Free parking and admission!
May 6, 12, 19, 26 :: Toddler Storytime at Fretz Park Library is on Fridays at 11am for about an hour. This is for your kiddies aged 18 months to 3 years. Stories, songs, and a little jumping around for good measure.
May 9 :: Perot Tech Truck at the Arcadia Park Branch Library brings cool hands-on tech projects for your elementary-aged kids. 3pm, free!
May 10 :: Mrs. Pocket’s Puppet Playtime presents “Are You My Mother?” at Bookmarks (NorthCourt) in NorthPark Mall. This is such a sweet story, and the kids will be able to interact with the puppets. 10:30am. Free!
May 10 :: Barnyard Buddies at Dallas Heritage Village will read Sheep in a Jeep today. Kids ages 4-12 are $5 and the first accompanying adult is free. 11am. Read a story, do a craft, explore the Village!
May 13 :: Discovery Days at the Perot Museum is about Meteorology this month, and it sounds pretty great. Experiment to see how and why the color of the sky changes throughout the day. Make clouds in a bottle and create tornados with dry ice. You can even get FEMA’s take on the best emergency preparedness kits for both humans and animals. Did not even know there was one for animals, so I guess I’d better get down there and educate myself.
May 13 :: The 27th Annual Asian Festival is at Fair Park from 11am-7pm today. This is a free event with cultural performances, vendors, yummy food, a children’s fair, and more!
May 19-21 :: Taste Addison *might* be a little more intriguing for the parents since Carrolton’s own Vanilla Ice will be performing (whaa?), but kids 11 and under are free, and the whole weekend will be filled with music, chef demonstrations, a kid’s activity area, and more! Tickets for ages 12 and up are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.
May 19-21 :: Hot competition for Taste Addison is the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival at Galatyn Park in Richardson the same weekend. Tons of music, food, and family-friendly fun, including, wait for it…a kids zone! I’ll be going for the Queen tribute band, of course.
Did we miss something cool and fun? Let us know in the comments!
