Big family outings around Dallas–Fort Worth

Halloween at the Heard

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary — McKinney · Collin Co. · North suburbs

Evening Halloween event at the Heard's nature preserve and museum.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Cost not listed

See the Heard's site for tickets and age guidance.

Autumn at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — Dallas · Dallas Co. · Dallas

The Arboretum's famous fall display of pumpkins and harvest color, plus the Children's Adventure Garden.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Garden admission; see site

Sept 19 – Nov 1.

State Fair of Texas (final weekend)

Fair Park — Dallas · Dallas Co. · Dallas

The State Fair of Texas wraps up its 2026 run with rides, a petting zoo, Little Lone Stars Land and fair food.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Daily tickets; see site

Runs Sept 25 – Oct 18. Hours 10am–10pm Fri–Sat, 10am–9pm Sun (per the fair FAQ).

Autumn at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — Dallas · Dallas Co. · Dallas

The Arboretum's famous fall display of pumpkins and harvest color, plus the Children's Adventure Garden.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Garden admission; see site

Sept 19 – Nov 1.

Boo at the Zoo at the Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo — Fort Worth · Tarrant Co. · Fort Worth

Daytime Halloween event with treat stations, live entertainment, animal shows and a community pumpkin patch.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Free with zoo admission or membership

Autumn at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — Dallas · Dallas Co. · Dallas

The Arboretum's famous fall display of pumpkins and harvest color, plus the Children's Adventure Garden.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Garden admission; see site

Sept 19 – Nov 1.