Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Dallas-Fort Worth Area, TX

As we drift closer to the end of fall... and near the chilly nights of winter... our time spent outdoors will begin to narrow. Which is why it's so helpful to start planning ahead [including finding our mis-matched gloves] so that we can still get out on the weekends and brave the shivers for some family fun.

Saturday

Fall Wreath Craft at Lakeshore Learning store. Children and their parents can come anytime between 11 and 3 to create a family fall wreath. Have fun with the materials and glue provided, included with guided instructions. Makes a perfect gift for your Thanksgiving out-of-towners. FREE!

Dallas Public Library's Children's Activity Series at Northpark Center brings you Critterman and the "Harry Potter Creepy Safari." Guides take children through Harry Potter-themed adventures with wizards, muggles and the like. This fun, hands-on activity series is most appropriate for elementary school children. Visit the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's at 2pm followed by a special ballet performance by students from the Imagine The Impossible at 3pm. FREE!

The annual exhibit of the Trains at NorthPark will arrive on Saturday. More than 40 Lionel-type O-Gauge and larger G-Gauge locomotives chug on 2,500 feet of winding track past miniature national landmarks including San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, the Southwest's Painted Desert, Dallas' Reunion Tower, the Statue of Liberty and New York City's Times Square. If you have a train lover in your group, this is one you won't want to miss. Try to visit during off beat mall hours to avoid lines. The exhibit opens on Saturday and will run through January 4. Tickets for adults/$5, seniors and children ages 2-12/$3. Under 2 years is free.

Southlake Town Square will kick off the holidays with a family fun event, including a Teddy Bear Ball at 3pm. Free activities include pictures with Santa, letter's to Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment and more. Hours are 3-9pm with a special center square tree lighting at 6:30pm. Carriage rides and pictures with Santa will begin shortly after. FREE!

Sunday

Join our beloved Pinocchio and Geppetto in a musical production by American Family Theater. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts , Hill Performance Hall. $10-$20. Recommended for ages 3+. For more info: 972-744-4650.


Christmas in the Country at Flower Mound Christmas Trees in Flower Mound starts today. This Christmas tree farm offers a selection of Christmas trees and fun for the entire family! Complimentary hot cider and hot chocolate along with kids' activities including mazes, sleigh-hay rides and more. Open 9am-8pm on Sunday and everyday afterwards until Christmas.