Spring break fun gets super-sized to two full weeks in Dallas-Fort Worth this year. That's because the area's largest districts are taking back-to-back weeks off: Dallas ISD's spring break falls March 10-14, while Fort Worth and most surrounding school districts are off March 17-24. If your family is planning to stay home and avoid travel hassles, this big guide to fun events and activities will help you plan the perfect staycation over the next two weeks. It's got special events at both new and beloved local venues, ideas for outdoor activities, concerts, shows, and more. Bookmark and check back often; the list will grow as more are announced.
Amusements
Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills. The long-anticipated Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills officially opened to the public on March 1. The park, aimed at preschool age children, features five rides, seven themed playscapes, a water play area, episodes of Peppa Pig playing on a big screen, and more. Admission starts at $27.99, with various packages and passes available. Find it at 8851 Blvd. 26, North Richland Hills.
Grapevine Convention Center presents Train-A-Palooza, March 8-9 at Grapevine Convention Center. The 11th Annual Train-A-Palooza will include sales tables, working model train layouts, and train-related toys. Exhibitors include TCA North Texas Chapter, North Texas T-Track, North Texas Brick Society, Texas Special, On30 Outlaws, Merle Wait, and DFW O Scale Modelers. The Choo Choo Express trackless train will provide train rides in the parking lot.
EpicCentral/Epic Waters, Grand Prairie: North Texas families can enjoy 16 fun-filled days of dinosaurs at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie from March 8-23. In addition to checking out large animatronic dinos, families can also participate in dinosaur storytimes, fossil digging, dino-themed games, and more during The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest on Saturday, March 15. Events are free to the public and suitable for children of all ages. Additionally, Grand Prairie's Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is ready to welcome vacationers during its "Epic Spring Break" events from March 7-23. Special programming includes live entertainment three times daily, creative family-friendly activities, a dance party, arcade challenge, and much more. Visitors should also be on the lookout for special mermaid appearances throughout the break. General admission prices vary.
The dinos are coming to Grand Prairie.Courtesy photo
Reunion Tower, Dallas, has a week's worth of special events, March 10-16. Select events include: "Bubblepalooza" hands-on science class (2-4 pm March 10), Wildlife on the Move (2-3 pm March 11), Sam the Magic Man (2-3 pm March 12), Cima Arts claymation art class (2-4 pm March 13), Mavs ManiAACs & Mascots meet-and-greet (2-4 pm March 15), and more. Consult the entire schedule of events here.
Circus Vazquez at Riders Field, Frisco: Circus Vazquez features an all-star assemblage of performers who have graced the stages of circus festivals around the world. They include Ringmaster Memo Vazquez; Russia’s award-winning clown, Boris Nikishkin; French trapeze artist Alexander Lichner; China’s Kung Fu Boys, who combine traditional martial arts with high level acrobatics; Ethiopia’s Gondor Troupe, showing off strength and dexterity in a high-energy acrobatic display; Chilean circus legends The Flying Caceres on the flying trapeze; and Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe bringing high energy dance and acrobatics to the circus ring. After the show, the audience is able to meet many of the stars who just entertained them. Daily through March 30.
Fever and Moment Factory present Astra Lumina, Trinity Forest Adventure Park. There’s an extraordinary place right here on Earth that holds a special connection to the stars above. Come nightfall, mysterious observatory grounds set the stage for a phenomenal event: a visit from the stars. While here, the fallen stars release an astral energy that transforms the forest into a celestial pathway for humans to discover. As the night unfolds, the stars regenerate, rise, and reunite in the night sky, to shine brighter than ever before. Astra Lumina is an enchanted night walk that invites visitors to discover the wonder of visiting stars. Guests will set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. The multi-sensory immersive experience is for all ages. Nightly on select dates through April 6.
Meow Wolf presents Spring Carnival, March 17-23 at Meow Wolf, Grapevine. Meow Wolf Grapevine’s The Real Unreal is debuting an all-new interactive midway-games scavenger hunt for spring break. Guests can explore a world of surreal carnival games, unlock hidden treasures, and collect limited-edition Meow Wolf artwork that forms a one-of-a-kind take-home poster. Meow Wolf Midway is a free addition to any paid ticket to The Real Unreal. Open daily.
Puttshack Addison (5100 Belt Line Rd.) offers a 9-hole, tech-infused mini golf course for full-on family challenges, plus kid-friendly food and cocktails for mom and dad. Kids under 12 play for $9, and ages 13+ for $14, plus guests get 50% off a second game Monday through Thursday.
Museums & Exhibits
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, hosts Spring Break at the Carter: Art Party, a free, fun-filled celebration of art and creativity for kids and their grown-ups. Happening 1-4 pm March 18-21, events include hands-on art-making activities, exploring the galleries with interactive games, collaborating with Carter Community Artist Dizzy Orbit on a large-scale fiber sculpture inspired by Jean Shin: The Museum Body, enjoying snacks from local food trucks, and more. Visit the website for a complete schedule.
The Arlington Museum of Art presents "Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition,"which tells the story of the world’s most loved princess through an intimate new lens. The exhibition features a collection of larger-than-life images taken by Diana’s trusted friend and Official Royal Photographer, the late Anwar Hussein, as well as his sons Samir and Zak. Each image is accompanied by first-hand accounts of the stories behind the world-famous moments, told through an in-depth audio guide. Daily through April 6.
Arlington Museum of Art presents "Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz": The Arlington Museum of Art presents a collection of costumes from the movie adaptation of Wicked, celebrating the artistry of the costume design and 20+ years of the beloved Broadway musical. The exhibition features original costumes, props, and images from the film, provided by NBCUniversal Archives & Collections. Highlights from the exhibition include Glinda’s "bubble" dress and Elphaba’s "Defying Gravity" costume. Daily through April 27.
These "Wicked" costumes just won an Academy Award.Courtesy photo
Titanic: The Exhibition: At Titanic: The Exhibition, visitors can embark on an immersive, interactive tour of the Titanic, complete with recreations of the ship's interior and exterior. Guests can visit the dock from where the ship first set sail, explore the galleries and boiler room, take a look inside a millionaire's suite, stroll the exterior promenade deck, and see the Grand Staircase. Hundreds of artifacts from Titanic and her sister ships tell the details of the Titanic's sinking, including recovered objects, authentic White Star Line objects, and even props and costumes from James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster, Oscar-winning film. A VR experience provides a new perspective on the ship's downfall. The exhibition will be located at 14902 Preston Road, a former Steinmart within Pepper Square in North Dallas. Daily through May 11.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum presents a new Holocaust survivor speaker series and special exhibition, A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America. Between March 11-20, the Museum is offering a speaker series that includes the testimonies of Holocaust survivors, refugees, and hidden children, as well as second-generation survivors. Guests can choose between virtual or in-person attendance for the speaker series. "A Better Life For Their Children" encourages guests to discover one of the most transformative initiatives in American history forged by Booker T. Washington, a Black educator, author, and reformer, and Julius Rosenwald, a Jewish businessman and philanthropist. Between 1912 and 1937, their ambitious program partnered with local communities to build thousands of schools for Black children across the segregated South and Southwest. (Note: The museum is not recommended for children under 12.) Open daily, including two (normally closed) Tuesdays, March 11 and 18.
Outdoor venues
Klyde Warren Park, Dallas is hosting a full slate of daily activities during "Spring Break in the Park." Select events include Paint Party Workshop and Art on the Go with SMU Meadows (11 am March 10), Cliburn Kids on the Road concert (11 am March 11), Perot Tech Truck (11 am March 12), Wildlife on the Move (2 pm March 13), Music Bingo (7 pm March 14), Instant Improve with Dallas Children's Theater (10:30 am March 15) and much more. Consult the entire calendar of spring break events here.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Dallas Blooms: Outside the Ordinary: Dallas Blooms will showcase more than 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs in a display that includes 350,000 tulips, along with daffodils, hyacinths, and cherry blossoms. As the festival unfolds, the gardens evolve with the colors of vivid azaleas and cherry trees, offering visitors a fresh visual experience each week. This year’s festival invites guests to go "Outside the Ordinary" with sculptures by the late Seward Johnson, a celebrated American artist renowned for his life-size, hyper-realistic bronze figures that capture everyday people in familiar moments. Among the featured works is Crossing Paths, the monumental metal sculpture leaving its home in New Jersey for the first time, and the largest metal sculpture ever hosted by the garden. Daily through April 13.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Butterflies in the Garden. Visitors can witness the transformation of nature and marvel at the sight of brilliantly colored living jewels fluttering in the Rainforest Conservatory of Fort Worth Botanic Garden during Butterflies in the Garden, the largest exhibit of live, exotic butterflies in North Central Texas. Exhibit visitors will have the chance to see a diverse collection of butterflies from various parts of the world, including Central, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides), known for its striking beauty, is one of the most popular butterflies on display. Local favorites will also be showcased. Daily through April 30.
Fort Worth Stockyards presents Spring Break: Stockyards Style. The historic Fort Worth district celebrates spring break with family fun all month long, including bull riding and championship rodeo action, AAC basketball watch parties, adult drink specials at the RANCH2O Cocktail Bar, St. Patrick's Day weekend shenanigans, and more.
Concerts & shows
Lightwire Theater presents The Ugly Duckling, March 9 at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Richardson. In an age when technology seems to provide many distractions, Lightwire Theater brings the classic tale, The Ugly Duckling, to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling plays out on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Blooms & Beats, March 14 at FWBG. The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens will present Blooms & Beats, a family-friendly event that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of music and local flavors. Guests will enjoy spring in the Garden while listening to live music performances by local artists.There will also be offerings from Fort Worth food trucks, yard games, and a selection of adult beverages. March 14's concert brings The Seven6 Band (Food trucks: Gordo’s Mexican Cantina & Mission Burgers). Start time is 6:30 pm.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Butterflies in the Garden.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Plano Symphony Orchestra presents "An Oceanic Adventure," March 15 at Plano ISD, Robinson Fine Arts Center. Part symphony, part poem. Debussy’s La Mer (The Sea) is one of the most influential pieces of the 20th century and has been an audience favorite for more than 100 years. The concert will also include the three grand prize winners of the Plano Symphony Orchestra’s annual Collin County Young Artist Competition performing their winning concertos.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Dancing Beyond Borders, March 15 at Arts Fort Worth. DBDT: Encore! transcend borders and boundaries in their 25th anniversary season with a stunning display of contemporary works. The program includes Prototype by Tyrone C. Walker, High Society by Floyd McLean, Jr. and more.
Broadway at the Bass presents Les Misérables, March 18-23 at Bass Hall, Fort Worth. Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, the production tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.
Casa Mañana presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, March 22-April 6 at Casa Manana Theatre. Go under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder and the evil sea witch, Ursula. In the iconic tale of self-discovery and love, a brave little mermaid trades her fins for feet. The musical features Disney's classic songs "Kiss the Girl," "Under the Sea," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," and "Part of Your World." This show is suitable for all audiences.
Hotel staycations
Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is offering spring breakers big discounts on stays during their "Spring Breakout" celebration from March 6 through April 27. Guests who use promo code "FLASH" can receive a 40 percent discount on stays booked by March 9. The "Spring Breakout" programming includes seasonal games, yoga trails, spring-themed craft activities, dance parties, storytimes, and much more family-friendly fun. Nightly room rates vary by location.
Unique ideas
Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas
After more than a century as the bedrock of downtown Dallas, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus will close its location at 1618 Main St. on March 31. NM owner Saks Global has vowed to execute a $100 million renovation to reimagine their NorthPark store, and there are also stores at the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, and the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. Reservations at the Zodiac Room, the store's iconic in-house cafe, are completely sold out — but no shopping fanatic should let the month go by without making a final pilgrimage to the original store and riding the beautiful brass elevator one last time.
Tulipalooza is an annual tulip festival that has become a North Texas tradition, with over 300,000 tulips and daffodils from Holland blooming across Getzendaner Park at 400 S. Grand Ave. in Waxahachie. They’re now in bloom and ready for pictures and picking alike. Half of the proceeds from online ticket sales support local charities. In addition to the tulips, the event features food vendors, live entertainment, and photo-opps. The festival is open daily from 10 am-7 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; $5 for 12 and under. (Note: Temporarily closed due to weather.)
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Alex Bentley, Amber Heckler, and Teresa Gubbins contributed to this story.
