Looking for fun things to do with 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:
- 2023 Summer Camp Guide for Dallas Kids
- Guide to Childcare in Dallas
- Guide to Swim Lessons in the Dallas Area
Get this and other hyperlocal resources delivered right to your inbox by joining the Dallas Moms subscriber list. You can also join one or more of our community groups for moms. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter! We also produce Momfessions Podcast. Listen today!
Click the tabs to see events for each week.
What to Know When You Attend a Texas Rangers Game with Kids
Baseball season is back, and if you’re thinking about going to a Rangers game with kids, here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.
Charlotte’s Web
Select dates
A Dallas Children’s Theater production of the beloved classic. Recommended for ages five and up. Tickets from $20.
Concerts By the Lake
Thursdays
Starting May 4, you can bring a picnic dinner and hear tribute/cover bands at The Harbor Amphitheater in Rockwall (overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard). See a schedule of bands and more info at the link. 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
Lighthouse Immersive Experiences
See Disney animated works come to life on a grand scale at this new exhibit. Lots more info at the link. Tickets $30.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Through May 14
Head to Waxahachie on Saturdays and Sundays for some olde time fun! This Ren Faire is family friendly, with games, rides, and shows for everyone. Tons of information and a schedule at the link. If you’ve never been, check out our past article on bringing kids — yes, there’s lots for them to like! 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tickets from $14.
Showtime Saturdays
Visit the Galleria to see professional circus clowns Slappy and Monday and their fascinating friends perform a different show each week. You’ll find it on level three near the play area. 11:30am. Free
May 4
JumpstART Stories & Art
Make a special craft inspired by mothers at Irving Art Center this morning. JumpstART is for ages two and up. 10:00 a.m. Free!
May 4
May the 4th Be with You
Downtown Carrollton annual space-themed event 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. Details at the link. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Free!
May 5
First Fridays on the Farm
Visit Nash Farm in Grapevine and explore different tools from the 19th century and how to use them. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $5 admission.
May 5
Sounds of Summer 2023
Sounds of Summer kicks off in Garland today and continues every other Friday through the summer. Enjoy live music from artists and entertainers, grab a bite from on-site food vendors, and let the kids challenge each other in the activity area. 7:00 p.m. Free!
May 6
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!
May 6
Free First Saturdays
Free First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center feature a rotating schedule of art-y things to see and do. See link for the day’s activities. Family programing runs 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
May 6
Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star Park
Come all 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 for the kids: a petting zoo, pony rides, and Funny Farm Slide. Tickets from $15.
May 6 – 7
Black Heritage Celebration Day
The Dallas Arboretum hosts this annual event packed with cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, fashion shows, and a vendor fair of designers, artists, and businesses. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Included with garden admission.
May 6 – 7
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 7
Mums and Sons: Fiesta in the Park
This annual Farmers Branch Historical Park celebration includes lawn games, crafts, lotería, and a tour of the general store. Light lunch will be served. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tickets $15.
May 11 & 13
Arturo’s Art & Me: All About Japan
Learn about Japanese art and culture, listen to a Japanese folktale, and create art with the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. For ages three – five years old plus an adult. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets $7 – $10.
May 12 – 14
Asian Heritage Festival
An annual celebration in Grand Prairie in honor of AAPI Heritage Month featuring fire dancers, food vendors, lion dances, and more. Event hours TBA. Free!
May 13
Denton Drive Live
This family-friendly music series in Farmers Branch Historical Park features two bands, family activities, and food and drink for purchase. This month is a British invasion with Elton John and Beatles cover bands. 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free!
May 13
World Migratory Bird Day
Hike the Trinity River Audubon Center trails for free today in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Enjoy guided walks, live animal programs, a scavenger hunt, and crafts for kids. Tickets are free, but you must reserve them in advance online. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free!
May 14
Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to our lovely readers! If you need inspiration for a celebration, check out our article on Mother’s Day brunch and special activities in Dallas.
May 14
Second Sunday Funday
Second Sunday Funday at Irving Art Center is designed for families to do together. Bring your mom, aunt, grandma or other significant person in your life and celebrate this special day by making amazing art. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
May 19 – 21
Main Street Fest
Enjoy artisan and marketplace vendors, non-stop live entertainment on two stages, carnival and midway, Pint-Sized Craft Alley, and much more. Hours vary by day. Tickets $5 – $9, kids under six free.
May 19 – 21
Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival
This annual Richardson event features tons of bands, artists, performers, acrobats, magicians, a marketplace, and WF! Kids (an area with kid-friendly fun, art, and games). Tickets from $15, kids 12 and under free.
May 20
Fusion
Celebrate the many cultures of Irving with an eclectic mix of live music and performances, dance, food, and family-friendly activities. See link for performance schedule and activity details. 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
May 21
Sunny South Dallas Food Park
This recurring event features Black-owned food trucks (including vegan options), shopping, entertainment, live music, and kid-friendly activities. 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
May 28
Fiesta Charra
This family-friendly event at Lewisville Rodeo Arena featuring activities of a traditional Charreada, which is similar to a rodeo and practiced in Mexico. Stay tuned for schedule of events (last year’s included a jalapeño eating contest, Ballet Folklorico, Rodeo Comedy Show, and more). 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
- All Month
-
What to Know When You Attend a Texas Rangers Game with Kids
Baseball season is back, and if you’re thinking about going to a Rangers game with kids, here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.
Charlotte’s Web
Select datesA Dallas Children’s Theater production of the beloved classic. Recommended for ages five and up. Tickets from $20.
Concerts By the Lake
ThursdaysStarting May 4, you can bring a picnic dinner and hear tribute/cover bands at The Harbor Amphitheater in Rockwall (overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard). See a schedule of bands and more info at the link. 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
Lighthouse Immersive Experiences
See Disney animated works come to life on a grand scale at this new exhibit. Lots more info at the link. Tickets $30.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Through May 14Head to Waxahachie on Saturdays and Sundays for some olde time fun! This Ren Faire is family friendly, with games, rides, and shows for everyone. Tons of information and a schedule at the link. If you’ve never been, check out our past article on bringing kids — yes, there’s lots for them to like! 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tickets from $14.
Showtime Saturdays
Visit the Galleria to see professional circus clowns Slappy and Monday and their fascinating friends perform a different show each week. You’ll find it on level three near the play area. 11:30am. Free
- May 1 – 7
-
May 4
JumpstART Stories & ArtMake a special craft inspired by mothers at Irving Art Center this morning. JumpstART is for ages two and up. 10:00 a.m. Free!
May 4
May the 4th Be with YouDowntown Carrollton annual space-themed event 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. Details at the link. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Free!
May 5
First Fridays on the FarmVisit Nash Farm in Grapevine and explore different tools from the 19th century and how to use them. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $5 admission.
May 5
Sounds of Summer 2023Sounds of Summer kicks off in Garland today and continues every other Friday through the summer. Enjoy live music from artists and entertainers, grab a bite from on-site food vendors, and let the kids challenge each other in the activity area. 7:00 p.m. Free!
May 6
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!
May 6
Free First SaturdaysFree First Saturdays at the Nasher Sculpture Center feature a rotating schedule of art-y things to see and do. See link for the day’s activities. Family programing runs 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free!
May 6
Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star ParkCome all 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 for the kids: a petting zoo, pony rides, and Funny Farm Slide. Tickets from $15.
May 6 – 7
Black Heritage Celebration DayThe Dallas Arboretum hosts this annual event packed with cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, fashion shows, and a vendor fair of designers, artists, and businesses. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Included with garden admission.
May 6 – 7
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 7
Mums and Sons: Fiesta in the ParkThis annual Farmers Branch Historical Park celebration includes lawn games, crafts, lotería, and a tour of the general store. Light lunch will be served. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tickets $15.
- May 8 – 14
-
May 11 & 13
Arturo’s Art & Me: All About JapanLearn about Japanese art and culture, listen to a Japanese folktale, and create art with the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. For ages three – five years old plus an adult. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets $7 – $10.
May 12 – 14
Asian Heritage FestivalAn annual celebration in Grand Prairie in honor of AAPI Heritage Month featuring fire dancers, food vendors, lion dances, and more. Event hours TBA. Free!
May 13
Denton Drive LiveThis family-friendly music series in Farmers Branch Historical Park features two bands, family activities, and food and drink for purchase. This month is a British invasion with Elton John and Beatles cover bands. 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free!
May 13
World Migratory Bird DayHike the Trinity River Audubon Center trails for free today in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Enjoy guided walks, live animal programs, a scavenger hunt, and crafts for kids. Tickets are free, but you must reserve them in advance online. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free!
May 14
Mother’s DayHappy Mother’s Day to our lovely readers! If you need inspiration for a celebration, check out our article on Mother’s Day brunch and special activities in Dallas.
May 14
Second Sunday FundaySecond Sunday Funday at Irving Art Center is designed for families to do together. Bring your mom, aunt, grandma or other significant person in your life and celebrate this special day by making amazing art. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
- May 15 – 21
-
May 19 – 21
Main Street FestEnjoy artisan and marketplace vendors, non-stop live entertainment on two stages, carnival and midway, Pint-Sized Craft Alley, and much more. Hours vary by day. Tickets $5 – $9, kids under six free.
May 19 – 21
Wildflower! Arts & Music FestivalThis annual Richardson event features tons of bands, artists, performers, acrobats, magicians, a marketplace, and WF! Kids (an area with kid-friendly fun, art, and games). Tickets from $15, kids 12 and under free.
May 20
FusionCelebrate the many cultures of Irving with an eclectic mix of live music and performances, dance, food, and family-friendly activities. See link for performance schedule and activity details. 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
May 21
Sunny South Dallas Food ParkThis recurring event features Black-owned food trucks (including vegan options), shopping, entertainment, live music, and kid-friendly activities. 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free!
- May 22 – 31
-
May 28
Fiesta CharraThis family-friendly event at Lewisville Rodeo Arena featuring activities of a traditional Charreada, which is similar to a rodeo and practiced in Mexico. Stay tuned for schedule of events (last year’s included a jalapeño eating contest, Ballet Folklorico, Rodeo Comedy Show, and more). 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free!
