It’s January! New beginnings. A clean slate. All the optimism and potential that comes with a new year? WE’LL TAKE IT. Have a look at our roundup of January events and activities below to get 2023 started off right.
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
9 Indoor Play Areas in Plano and
10+ Indoor Places to Take Kids in McKinney
Check out these local indoor play places for days when it’s too wet or cold to play outside!
Dinosaurs Live!
Get some steps in and check out the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Be sure to check the weather before you go, because they won’t turn on the dinosaurs if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free.
North Texas Performing Arts
There are a bunch of limited-run North Texas Performing Arts productions this month. Check the link to see which ones appeal to you! Bonnie and Clyde is in partnership with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, which is pretty cool. Tickets to all shows from $12.
Plano Library Programs
I love how thoughtful and organized all the Collin County library systems are. Check out the Plano library program calendar, which you can filter by event category, location, time, and more. I’ve got my eye on Spies, Secrets, and Ciphers for grades k – 5th on January 8. Free!
Starry Night Over McKinney
This might be interesting for early elementary kids who are just learning about Starry Night: Visit the Heard-Craig Center in McKinney to see paintings done by local artists interpreting Van Gogh’s style. Select dates throughout the month. Free!
January 1
Day 1 DFW
The annual Day 1 DFW event will have family-friendly, fun-filled activities and performances all day long. As always, proceeds benefit Vogel Alcove. See link for details. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks show! $10 for adults, kids get in free.
January 6 – 7
The Frozen Kingdom
This Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents an original fairytale (that looks like it may borrow from a certain Anna and Elsa story) at the Courtyard Theater in Plano this month. Tickets $20.
January 7 – 8
Bluey’s Big Play
Come see a live version of the super popular animated show this weekend at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie. The production features puppetry, live actors, and memorable sets from the series. A great experience gift idea! Tickets from $61.
January 7 – 8
Open Farm Days
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 8
Lakefront Polar Plunge
Are you up for it?? Tickets to the event include a t-shirt, hot chocolate, and access to The Cove at The Lakefront for the after party (show your shirt to gain access!). Pizza will be provided at the after party for each plunger. See link for additional details. 1:00 p.m. Tickets $25.
January 14 – 15
Open Farm Days
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 20 – 21
The Frozen Kingdom
This Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents an original fairytale (that looks like it may borrow from a certain Anna and Elsa story) at the Courtyard Theater in Plano this month. Tickets $20.
January 21
Sensory-Friendly Dino Encounter
The Dinosaur Company in Allen will host a self-paced, interactive event for families in need of a more relaxed and inclusive experience. More details at the link! 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. $7 for ages four and up. Kids three and under are free.
January 21
Zip Line Day
It’s zip line day at the Heard in McKinney! Climb a 23-foot tree to the platform and zip down the 487-foot line. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required. See the link for more details. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. $12 per person, per ride.
January 21 – 22
Open Farm Days
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 22
New Year Celebration
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit (the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac). Children of all ages are welcome to visit the Carrollton library as the Carrollton Sun Ray Chinese School leads a variety of activities celebrating Chinese culture. 4:00 p.m. Free!
January 28 – 29
Open Farm Days
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 29
Lunar New Year Celebration
Visit Blue House Too at Watters Creek today for a special celebration presented by the Allen Philharmonic. Watch demonstrations and performances and participate in origami folding, calligraphy, and children’s crafts. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free!
- All Month
-
9 Indoor Play Areas in Plano and
10+ Indoor Places to Take Kids in McKinneyCheck out these local indoor play places for days when it’s too wet or cold to play outside!
Dinosaurs Live!
Get some steps in and check out the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Be sure to check the weather before you go, because they won’t turn on the dinosaurs if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free.
North Texas Performing Arts
There are a bunch of limited-run North Texas Performing Arts productions this month. Check the link to see which ones appeal to you! Bonnie and Clyde is in partnership with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, which is pretty cool. Tickets to all shows from $12.
Plano Library Programs
I love how thoughtful and organized all the Collin County library systems are. Check out the Plano library program calendar, which you can filter by event category, location, time, and more. I’ve got my eye on Spies, Secrets, and Ciphers for grades k – 5th on January 8. Free!
Starry Night Over McKinney
This might be interesting for early elementary kids who are just learning about Starry Night: Visit the Heard-Craig Center in McKinney to see paintings done by local artists interpreting Van Gogh’s style. Select dates throughout the month. Free!
- January 1 – 8
-
January 1
Day 1 DFWThe annual Day 1 DFW event will have family-friendly, fun-filled activities and performances all day long. As always, proceeds benefit Vogel Alcove. See link for details. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks show! $10 for adults, kids get in free.
January 6 – 7
The Frozen KingdomThis Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents an original fairytale (that looks like it may borrow from a certain Anna and Elsa story) at the Courtyard Theater in Plano this month. Tickets $20.
January 7 – 8
Bluey’s Big PlayCome see a live version of the super popular animated show this weekend at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie. The production features puppetry, live actors, and memorable sets from the series. A great experience gift idea! Tickets from $61.
January 7 – 8
Open Farm DaysCathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 8
Lakefront Polar PlungeAre you up for it?? Tickets to the event include a t-shirt, hot chocolate, and access to The Cove at The Lakefront for the after party (show your shirt to gain access!). Pizza will be provided at the after party for each plunger. See link for additional details. 1:00 p.m. Tickets $25.
- January 9 – 15
-
January 14 – 15
Open Farm DaysCathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
- January 16 – 22
-
January 20 – 21
The Frozen KingdomThis Plano Metropolitan Ballet presents an original fairytale (that looks like it may borrow from a certain Anna and Elsa story) at the Courtyard Theater in Plano this month. Tickets $20.
January 21
Sensory-Friendly Dino EncounterThe Dinosaur Company in Allen will host a self-paced, interactive event for families in need of a more relaxed and inclusive experience. More details at the link! 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. $7 for ages four and up. Kids three and under are free.
January 21
Zip Line DayIt’s zip line day at the Heard in McKinney! Climb a 23-foot tree to the platform and zip down the 487-foot line. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required. See the link for more details. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. $12 per person, per ride.
January 21 – 22
Open Farm DaysCathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 22
New Year Celebration2023 is the Year of the Rabbit (the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac). Children of all ages are welcome to visit the Carrollton library as the Carrollton Sun Ray Chinese School leads a variety of activities celebrating Chinese culture. 4:00 p.m. Free!
- January 23 – 31
-
January 28 – 29
Open Farm DaysCathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
January 29
Lunar New Year CelebrationVisit Blue House Too at Watters Creek today for a special celebration presented by the Allen Philharmonic. Watch demonstrations and performances and participate in origami folding, calligraphy, and children’s crafts. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free!
