Looking for fun things to do with the kids this month? Have a look at our round-up of family-friendly May events in Dallas. (Hint: Find even more things to do in the metroplex on Collin County Moms and Fort Worth Moms.)
And be sure to check out these additional guides to help you with summer planning:
- 2024 Summer Camps for Dallas Kids
- Guide to Childcare in the Dallas Area
- Guide to Swim Lessons in the Dallas Area
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
What to Know When You Attend a Texas Rangers Game with Kids
Baseball season is in full swing. If you’re thinking about going to a Rangers game with kids, here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.
Concerts by the Lake
Thursdays
Starting May 2, you can bring a picnic dinner and hear tribute/cover bands at The Harbor Amphitheater in Rockwall overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard. Concerts are family-friendly. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
KidLinks Therapeutic Music and Movement Series
Thursdays
Move and groove with your kids during this fun music series at Klyde Warren Park, Thursdays, 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Small instruments provided. Register ahead for kids ages 2 – 6. Free!
The Magician’s Nephew
Select dates
Mark your calendar for the Dallas Children’s Theater production of the prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Recommended for ages seven and up. Tickets from $20.
Safari Nights
Saturdays
This “wild” Saturday night concert series returns for its 10th season! The Dallas Zoo welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy cover bands, extended zoo hours, kid-friendly activities, and one-of-a-kind animal encounters. Event activities are included with zoo admission.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Through May 27
Head to Waxahachie on Saturdays and Sundays for a fun olde time! This Ren Faire is family-friendly with games, rides, and shows for everyone. If you’ve never been, check out our past article on bringing kids. 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tickets from $14.
Showtime Saturday
Visit the Galleria to see David Chicken and other friends perform interactive shows each Saturday. You’ll find them on level three near the play area. 11:30 a.m. Free
May 2
JumpstART Stories & Art
Kids make a Mother’s Day inspired craft and hear stories at Irving Art Center. JumpstART is for ages two and up. All supplies are provided. 10:00 a.m. Free!
May 3
First Fridays on the Farm
Visit Nash Farm in Grapevine and help the farmhands shear sheep. Little visitors also learn all about the uses of wool. Kids ages 3 and up. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $5 admission.
May 4
Cinco de Mayo Dallas
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a parade on historic Jefferson Boulevard. Nine blocks will be lined with DJs and performers, vendors, exhibitors, art and cultural centers, murals, Latin food and drinks, and more. 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free!
Free First Saturdays
Free First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center features a rotating schedule of artsy things to see and do. Family programming runs 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star Park
Come dressed up for race day and try to win Best Hat (winners receive $500!). There will be live music, live races, a Kentucky Derby simulcast, and plenty for the kids: a petting zoo, pony rides, and the Bar & Book Lawn. Tickets from $15. 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
May the 4th Be with You
Downtown Carrollton’s annual space-themed movie screening features crafts, a 360-degree photo booth, mobile gaming trailer, laser tag, and more. Come dressed as your favorite galactic character for a chance to win a prize in the costume contest. The fun takes place 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Free!
May 4 – 5
Cottonwood Art Festival
Cottonwood Art Festival is a major art experience in Richardson with lots to see and do. Stroll the tents to see work from 200 selected artists. Satisfy your cravings at one of the many food vendors, and don’t miss the ArtStop Children’s Area where kids can get hands-on. Free!
May 5
Mums and Sons: Adventure in Wonderland
This annual celebration at Farmers Branch Historical Park includes lawn games, crafts, picnic lunch, and a tour of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland exhibit in the Queen Anne Victorian Cottage. A perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tickets $20.
May 9 & 11
Arturo’s Art & Me: Fur-ever Friends
Explore the wide world of pets, listen to a story, and create art with a favorite grownup. For ages three to five years old. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets $7 – $10.
May 11
Denton Drive Live
This family-friendly music series in Farmers Branch Historical Park features two bands, family activities, and food and drink for purchase. 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free!
World Migratory Bird Day
Hike the Trinity River Audubon Center trails in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Enjoy guided walks, live animal programs, a scavenger hunt, and crafts for kids. Reserve tickets online. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
May 12
Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to our lovely readers! If you need inspiration for a celebration, check out our article 12 Mother’s Day Ideas :: Mom-Approved Activities & Brunches in Dallas.
Second Sunday Funday
Second Sunday Funday at Irving Art Center is designed for families to create together. This month’s theme is Masterpieces with Mom, so bring your mom, aunt, grandma, or other significant person. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
May 17 – 19
Asian Heritage Fest
Honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Grand Prairie. Enjoy history exhibits, traditional and modern dance, food vendors, fun for kids, and more. Event hours TBA. Cash is recommended for shopping and dining. Free admission.
Main Street Fest
Enjoy artisan and marketplace vendors, non-stop live entertainment on two stages, carnival and midway, the popular Pint-Sized Craft Alley, and much more. Hours vary by day. Tickets $5 – $9, kids under six free.
Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival
This annual Richardson event features tons of bands, artists, performers, acrobats, magicians, a marketplace, and the WF! Kids area (a space with kid-friendly fun, art, and games). Tickets from $15, kids 12 and under free.
May 18
2024 Asian American Heritage Festival
A diverse day of celebration awaits you at this second annual festival held in Garland at Winters Park Amphitheater. Activities include performances, crafts, and the Colorful World parade. Fun for all ages from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Free!
Fusion
Celebrate the many cultures of Irving with an eclectic mix of live music and performances, dance, food, and family-friendly activities. 2024 performance schedule and activity details TBD. Free!
May 18 – 19
Black Heritage Celebration
The Dallas Arboretum hosts this family-friendly event packed with cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, and fashion shows alongside a fair of vendors, designers, artists, and businesses. Kids will have a blast! 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Included with arboretum admission.
May 26
Fiesta Charra
This family-friendly event at Lewisville Rodeo Arena featuring activities of a traditional Charreada, which is similar to a rodeo and traditionally performed in Mexico. Kids will have a great time face painting, bull riding, potato sack racing, and more. Live music and contests round out the event. 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
- All Month
-
What to Know When You Attend a Texas Rangers Game with Kids
Baseball season is in full swing. If you’re thinking about going to a Rangers game with kids, here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.
Concerts by the Lake
ThursdaysStarting May 2, you can bring a picnic dinner and hear tribute/cover bands at The Harbor Amphitheater in Rockwall overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard. Concerts are family-friendly. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
KidLinks Therapeutic Music and Movement Series
ThursdaysMove and groove with your kids during this fun music series at Klyde Warren Park, Thursdays, 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Small instruments provided. Register ahead for kids ages 2 – 6. Free!
The Magician’s Nephew
Select datesMark your calendar for the Dallas Children’s Theater production of the prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Recommended for ages seven and up. Tickets from $20.
Safari Nights
SaturdaysThis “wild” Saturday night concert series returns for its 10th season! The Dallas Zoo welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy cover bands, extended zoo hours, kid-friendly activities, and one-of-a-kind animal encounters. Event activities are included with zoo admission.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Through May 27Head to Waxahachie on Saturdays and Sundays for a fun olde time! This Ren Faire is family-friendly with games, rides, and shows for everyone. If you’ve never been, check out our past article on bringing kids. 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tickets from $14.
Showtime Saturday
Visit the Galleria to see David Chicken and other friends perform interactive shows each Saturday. You’ll find them on level three near the play area. 11:30 a.m. Free
- May 1 – 4
-
May 2
JumpstART Stories & ArtKids make a Mother’s Day inspired craft and hear stories at Irving Art Center. JumpstART is for ages two and up. All supplies are provided. 10:00 a.m. Free!
May 3
First Fridays on the FarmVisit Nash Farm in Grapevine and help the farmhands shear sheep. Little visitors also learn all about the uses of wool. Kids ages 3 and up. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $5 admission.
May 4
Cinco de Mayo DallasCelebrate Cinco de Mayo with a parade on historic Jefferson Boulevard. Nine blocks will be lined with DJs and performers, vendors, exhibitors, art and cultural centers, murals, Latin food and drinks, and more. 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free!
Free First Saturdays
Free First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center features a rotating schedule of artsy things to see and do. Family programming runs 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star Park
Come dressed up for race day and try to win Best Hat (winners receive $500!). There will be live music, live races, a Kentucky Derby simulcast, and plenty for the kids: a petting zoo, pony rides, and the Bar & Book Lawn. Tickets from $15. 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
May the 4th Be with You
Downtown Carrollton’s annual space-themed movie screening features crafts, a 360-degree photo booth, mobile gaming trailer, laser tag, and more. Come dressed as your favorite galactic character for a chance to win a prize in the costume contest. The fun takes place 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Free!
May 4 – 5
Cottonwood Art FestivalCottonwood Art Festival is a major art experience in Richardson with lots to see and do. Stroll the tents to see work from 200 selected artists. Satisfy your cravings at one of the many food vendors, and don’t miss the ArtStop Children’s Area where kids can get hands-on. Free!
- May 5 – 11
-
May 5
Mums and Sons: Adventure in WonderlandThis annual celebration at Farmers Branch Historical Park includes lawn games, crafts, picnic lunch, and a tour of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland exhibit in the Queen Anne Victorian Cottage. A perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tickets $20.
May 9 & 11
Arturo’s Art & Me: Fur-ever FriendsExplore the wide world of pets, listen to a story, and create art with a favorite grownup. For ages three to five years old. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets $7 – $10.
May 11
Denton Drive LiveThis family-friendly music series in Farmers Branch Historical Park features two bands, family activities, and food and drink for purchase. 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free!
World Migratory Bird Day
Hike the Trinity River Audubon Center trails in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Enjoy guided walks, live animal programs, a scavenger hunt, and crafts for kids. Reserve tickets online. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
- May 12 – 18
-
May 12
Mother’s DayHappy Mother’s Day to our lovely readers! If you need inspiration for a celebration, check out our article 12 Mother’s Day Ideas :: Mom-Approved Activities & Brunches in Dallas.
Second Sunday Funday
Second Sunday Funday at Irving Art Center is designed for families to create together. This month’s theme is Masterpieces with Mom, so bring your mom, aunt, grandma, or other significant person. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
May 17 – 19
Asian Heritage FestHonor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Grand Prairie. Enjoy history exhibits, traditional and modern dance, food vendors, fun for kids, and more. Event hours TBA. Cash is recommended for shopping and dining. Free admission.
Main Street Fest
Enjoy artisan and marketplace vendors, non-stop live entertainment on two stages, carnival and midway, the popular Pint-Sized Craft Alley, and much more. Hours vary by day. Tickets $5 – $9, kids under six free.
Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival
This annual Richardson event features tons of bands, artists, performers, acrobats, magicians, a marketplace, and the WF! Kids area (a space with kid-friendly fun, art, and games). Tickets from $15, kids 12 and under free.
May 18
2024 Asian American Heritage FestivalA diverse day of celebration awaits you at this second annual festival held in Garland at Winters Park Amphitheater. Activities include performances, crafts, and the Colorful World parade. Fun for all ages from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Free!
Fusion
Celebrate the many cultures of Irving with an eclectic mix of live music and performances, dance, food, and family-friendly activities. 2024 performance schedule and activity details TBD. Free!
May 18 – 19
Black Heritage CelebrationThe Dallas Arboretum hosts this family-friendly event packed with cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, and fashion shows alongside a fair of vendors, designers, artists, and businesses. Kids will have a blast! 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Included with arboretum admission.
- May 26 – 31
-
May 26
Fiesta CharraThis family-friendly event at Lewisville Rodeo Arena featuring activities of a traditional Charreada, which is similar to a rodeo and traditionally performed in Mexico. Kids will have a great time face painting, bull riding, potato sack racing, and more. Live music and contests round out the event. 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
