Ring in the New Year by checking out this list of kid-centric (and bedtime-friendly!) events where the entire family can enjoy some Texas-sized fun

Whether you wish time could slow down or you’re beyond ready to say goodbye to the past year, it’s still hard to believe that 2023 is fast-arriving. Whether your family’s past 365 days were ones for the record books or not, let’s make this coming year the best one yet. From festive light shows and walk-thru exhibits to a visit to an amusement park or zoo, the Dallas area has a variety of fun and festive ways to welcome in 2023.

1. Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party at Crayola Experience

No need to wait until midnight to begin your New Year’s celebrations. Join the Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party at Crayola Experience. With confetti and dancing galore, your kiddo can enjoy their New Year’s Eve all before bedtime.

Date: Dec. 31

6121 W Park Blvd., Suite A100
Plano, TX
Online: crayolaexperience.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrBHqyJl5Z/?hidecaption=true

2. Noon-Year’s Eve at the Dallas Arboretum

Complete with a ball drop, your family can welcome in the New Year at the Dallas Arboretum. Held in the Exploration Center Plaza, the Noon-Year’s Eve celebration includes festival games, a 2023 headband station, and a create-your-own noise maker booth. Don’t miss the ball drop at noon sharp!

Date: Dec. 31

8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasarboretum.org

3. The Countdown to Noon at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center

The Countdown to Noon event at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center is full of STEM-inspired activities! Construct an animatronic clock, drive around the Robot Calendar Course, create a geometric New Year’s hat, visit the glow tattoo station, and more as part of their New Year’s festivities.

Date: Dec. 31

8004 N Dallas Parkway
Frisco, TX
Online: mindstretchingfun.org

4. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Offering activities for children of all ages, visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center for their Holiday Bricktacular event. Participate in special Holiday Minifigure trading, assist the Master Model Builder in creating a special holiday LEGO build, or check out the holiday-themed decor in MINILAND.

Dates: Select days, Nov. 25-Jan.8

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, TX
Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckg0dAbgU6T/?hidecaption=true

5. Dallas Zoo Lights

With more than a million lights, the Dallas Zoo Lights walk-thru event is a sparkling-fun way to celebrate the arrival of 2023. You will discover 3-D lighted sculptures, larger-than-life animal lanterns, a programmed light show, musical performances, and holiday-themed displays as part of this year’s Dallas Zoo Lights presentation. Plus, the carousel and mini-train stay open late, too.

Dates: Select days, Nov. 17-Jan. 1

650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX
Online: dallaszoo.com

6. Epic Family New Year at Epic Water Indoor Waterpark

For an Epic Family New Year, party it up at Epic Water Indoor Waterpark. This Hawaiian-themed event includes circus and aerial performances, interactive games, and hula dancing. Come hungry, though. You can add to your evening a dinner package with baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and dessert.

Date: Dec. 31

2970 Epic Place
Grand Prairie, TX
Online: epicwatersgp.com

7. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas

End 2022 with some thrill-seeking fun at Six Flags Over Texas. As part of their Holiday in the Park event, Six Flags Over Texas is decked out with millions of lights, a 70-foot Christmas tree, and a holiday market filled with food options and holiday decor for sale. Don’t forget to grab a refillable hot cocoa mug and look for fire pits where you can make s’mores (for an additional fee).

Dates: Select days, Nov. 19-Jan. 1

2201 Rd. to Six Flags
Arlington, TX
Online: sixflags.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cltw4tSMNBY/

8. Drive-Thru Light Show at The Light Park

You can never see enough lights during the holiday season, right? If you want to stay in your pajamas on New Year’s Eve, have a cozy and comfy evening at this drive-thru light show. Purchase a ticket per vehicle to enter The Light Park, and get ready for an evening of dazzling sites!

Dates: Nov. 4-Jan. 1

1800 E Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, TX
Online: thelightpark.com

9. Zoo Year's Eve at Fort Worth Zoo

Drop off your child in 2022, and pick them up in 2023! At the Fort Worth Zoo, your kiddo can spend the night and participate in some Zoo Year’s Eve fun at this kids-only, parent-free New Year’s celebration including a night hike, movie, and continental breakfast.

Date: Dec. 31

1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fortworthzoo.org

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrYkKJpeNU/?hidecaption=true

10. Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE

Reunion Tower Over The Top NYE 2023 delivers a Texas-sized fireworks spectacular on New Year’s Eve. Although the fireworks cannot be viewed from within Reunion Tower, from the lawn of Reunion Tower, or from other restricted zones within the “hot zone”, you can watch this firework show from the comfort of your home on live television, Facebook live, or YouTube.

Date: Dec. 31

300 Reunion Blvd. East
Dallas, TX
Online: reuniontower.com

11. Day 1 DFW 2023

Who said the fun had to stop on New Year’s Eve? Kick off 2023 by attending Day 1 DFW 2023 at the Irving Convention Center where your kids can enjoy rock climbing, face painting, circus acts, animal shows, silent disco, bounce houses, and a toddler play area. Plus, this family-friendly event ends with a firework show!

Date: Jan. 1

500 W Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX
Online: vogelalcove.org

We’re big fans of all things American Girl and now you have a new way to immerse yourself in the world of the characters: American Girl Vacations! Brought to you by Academic Travel Abroad, you can travel to Hawaii and enter the life of Nanea, or New York and step back in time with Rebecca. The trips span 6-7 days and are packed with activities and experiences sure to delight your doll lover.

Rebecca’s New York trip is scheduled for December in New York City. In your six days, you’ll join a sewing class to learn about the Jewish principle of mitzvah, see The Nutcracker live and explore the Museum of Moving image at a private after-hours party. You’ll also get to try some of the city’s iconic eats, like sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen and frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III. All accommodations are included, in this case, a stay at a four-star hotel in Manhattan. And a professional on-site host will help you make the most of your time in the Big Apple.

Nanea’s Hawaii trip is also slated for December in Oahu. Scheduled for seven days, you’ll get to learn the art of hula dancing, care for pups at the humane society and enjoy a private tour of Pearl Harbor. You can try your hand at making shave ice, explore a rain forest and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. Don’t forget the luau celebration! You’ll stay at a four-star hotel on Waikiki Beach and also be treated to a professional on-site host.

Space for both trips is limited to 25, but if you miss the first two there are more to come! The trips have flexible cancelation policies and enlist a professional travel team to help with questions regarding flights, extra accommodations and COVID-19 protocols. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember!

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of American Girl 

 

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If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, Hawaii should be at the top of your list. Made up of eight islands including hot spots Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai, the Hawaiian Islands offer tons of opportunities for family adventure, history unlike anywhere else in the U.S., gorgeous views and sunny days galore. We’ve got 15 reasons why Hawaii should be your next family vacation spot, scroll through to check them out!

Feel the Island Vibes

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

Waikiki Beach is what you think of when you dream of a vacation in Hawaii—soft sand, breathtaking views of Diamond Head and warm water. Made up of three separate beaches with their own Hawaiian spirit, Waikiki Beach is 3 km long and offers families the opportunity to relax and play in an absolutely gorgeous setting. Within Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach has a sea wall that makes for calm waters for family-friendly beach days, and Kaimana Beach is where local families gather.

Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Oahu
More info
: gohawaii.com

Experience Hawaii's Sea Life Up Close

We love Sea Life Park Hawaii because of its focus on education and conservation of Hawaii's unique marine species. From dolphins and sea lions, to sharks and Hawaiian rays, Sea Life Park provides interactive experiences like touch pools and trainer talks where you can learn how these animals live and how to protect them for the future. It is a must-visit spot for animal-loving families!

Sea Life Park
Waimanalo, Oahu
More info
: sealifeparkhawaii.com

Undeveloped Beauty, Unending Adventure

If you want to experience the undeveloped natural beauty of Hawaii, plan to spend some time at the 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch. This private nature reserve offers both land and water activities like jungle Jeep tours, Jurassic Park movie site tours, kayak trips and horseback rides. It's the perfect spot to visit on your multi-generational vacation as there's something for every age, interest and activity level.

Kualoa Ranch
Kaneohe, Oahu
More info
: kualoa.com

Culture + Relaxation

Sheraton Waikiki

The recently renovated Sheraton Waikiki knows what parents want when they visit Hawaii—enough activities to keep the kids busy and plenty of time for relaxation. Guests can immerse themselves in Polynesian culture with ukulele lessons, lei-making experiences and hula dancing. Parents looking to do some exploring on their own can send kids ages 3-12 to the full- or half-day kids program or book little ones from three months and up at Poppins Day Care. With pool and beach activities, arts and crafts, PlayStation and books to read, the kids are guaranteed to have a great time. 

Honolulu, Hawaii
More info: marriott.com

Learn about Hawaii's History

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Families looking to learn about the area's history should plan to spend some time visiting Pearl Harbor. It was here that a surprise air attack by the Japanese plunged the United States into World War II, claiming thousands of lives. You can hear first-hand stories from survivors, peer into the shallow harbor and see the sunken hull of the USS Arizona and gain a new perspective on this period in our nation's history. 

Pearl Harbor
Oahu
More info
: gohawaii.com

See Hawaii on Two Wheels

There's no better way to experience the Hawaiian Islands than on a bike. Bike Hawaii Tours will set your crew up with road bikes, mountain bikes or e-bikes to get you going on your bike excursion. Tagalong trailers are available for little ones who want to check out the scenery and professional nature guides lead the way to some of the most picturesque viewpoints on the island. 

Bike Hawaii Tours
Honolulu, Oahu
More info
: bikehawaii.com

Watching for Whales

Free-photos via pixabay

If your visit to Hawaii happens from November-May, you'll definitely want to book a spot on a whale watching tour. The warm waters, lack of predators and variety of ocean depths make the Hawaiian Islands a spot where humpback whales return year after year. Spotting these massive mammals in the wild is something you won't soon forget! Boat and kayak tours are available throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with Maui as one of the best whale watching locations. 

More info: hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

Take a Hike

Hiking is an awesome way to get everyone moving and see another part of Hawaii. On Oahu, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse hike is popular with families as it starts at a large parking lot that leads to the two-mile paved trail overlooking the lighthouse. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for whales in the distance as you hike!

Makapuu Point
Oahu
More info
: gohawaii.com

Convenience Is Key

Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

Experience oceanfront luxury at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali. Here you can reserve a private beach cabana to spend your day in the sand, or grab a poolside lounge chair to watch the kids enjoy the spray area and waterfalls. Nearby Whaler's Village offers dining and shopping opportunities just a short walk away, perfect for a leisurely sunset stroll. 

Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Lahaina, Maui
More info
: marriott.com

Experience Polynesian Culture

A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center will allow you to experience thousands of years worth of culture from six different island nations, each with its own flavor and appeal. Play traditional games, learn dance moves, see a young warrior climb a 40-foot palm tree in his bare feet and try local delicacies like poi. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional luau buffet and performances. 

Polynesian Cultural Center
Laie, Oahu
More info
: polynesia.com

Island Royalty

Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the country that was an official state residence of royalty? From 1882 to 1893, Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. You can tour this historic landmark and see the throne room, private living quarters and Coronation Pavilion. Kids will love seeing the ancient regalia of the Hawaiian royalty from swords and precious jewelry to the two golden crowns of the King and Queen.

Iolani Palace
Honolulu, Oahu
More info
: gohawaii.com

Sandy Beaches

When the keiki (kids) are looking for some water time, head to the Kohala Coast, where Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beaches are great spots for swimming, playing in the soft sand and snorkeling in the protected waters. Families can book a family outrigger canoe experience or swim with the manta rays at night.

Kohala Coast
More info: gohawaii.com

Adventure Awaits

If you are looking for something totally unique to do on your visit to Hawaii, Kauai Backcountry Mountain Tubing must be on your list. Adventurers aged five and up don a headlamp and sit in a tube as they float down the open canals and through several amazing tunnels and flumes that were engineered and hand-dug in the 1870s! The journey ends with a picnic lunch and dip in a naturally-formed swimming hole. 

Kauai Backcountry Mountain Tubing
Lihue, Kauai
More info
: kauaibackcountry.com

Your Island Oasis is Here

Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Soak up the Big Island sun at one of the three pools that you'll find at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, or head a few steps more to the white sand beach just out front. The resort's water slide means you'll definitely have a hard time getting the kids to leave the pool and on-site activities like snorkeling and kayaking take your beach day to the next level. Choose a suite with bunk beds that has more than enough room for everyone to spread out. The resort's sunset luau is not to be missed with authentic Hawaiian food, dancing and music. The resort also has two championship golf courses with panoramic ocean views and palm trees, surrounded by lush, meticulously maintained grounds.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii
More info
: marriott.com

Cool Off with Shave Ice

It's not a Hawaiian vacation without a visit to a local shave ice stand (or two). Ululani's is well-known for serving authentic Hawaiian shave ice with dozens of house-made flavors like coconut, watermelon, tamarind and pink bubble gum. Try the Hawaiian rainbow—strawberry, pineapple and vanilla—or sunset beach—guava, mango and passion orange. Perfect for a hot day, these iconic treats are not to be missed!

Ululani's Shave Ice
Six locations on Maui and one on Hawaii
More info: ululanishawaiianshaveice.com

With Marriott Bonvoy™, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to Hawaii with Marriott Bonvoy.

—Kate Loweth

 

Featured photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

 

Even though the leaves may be turning a gorgeous shade of orange and brown, doesn’t mean that throwing a tropical luau-themed birthday party is out of the question. If you’re looking to imbue a bit of summer into your drab fall or winter birthday parties, here’s an excellent idea courtesy of our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists. Marisa, mom to Lillie, decided to take her daughter’s love of hula dancing to the next level. Not only were Marisa and Lisa (she even took the photos!) kind enough to share their photos of the sweet birthday party, but they also gave us some inside tips on how this celebration came together. Ah, to be the daughter of a party planner. We all can dream, right?

When you’re the daughter of a party planner, extraordinary birthday parties are the norm. For Marisa’s daughter’s third birthday party, she took her little one’s love of hula and tiki torches to a whole new level with this awesome celebration that featured hula dancing and a tiki piñata.

The party took place in Marisa and Lillie’s backyard, which would be really easy to emulate if you live in a warmer climate like Los Angeles. If your city isn’t blessed with year round sun, then host your luau party indoors with bright tropical decorations such as tablecloths, streamers and other colorful decor to recreate a tropical island.

Believe it or not, Marisa made the hula girl cake. She dishes to us that you simply need to use a Wilton doll cake pan. The trick is to use a grass frosting tip to get the grass skirt effect. To make the cake a little larger and more substantial for her entire party, Marisa baked another 9 inch round cake, stacked the doll cake on top of it, and then frosted them together. Just a little bit of ingenuity, creative flair, and patience and you can easily make your own hula girl cake!

Head to your local bakeshop for hula girl and tropical cookie cutters. Lillie insisted that her mom make hula cookies but only if they had blonde hair like hers!

If you’re in Los Angeles, head to Party City and Moskatels in Downtown L.A. for all of the store-bought party goods. If you don’t live in the SoCal region, call up your local party shop or check out Etsy for some personalized goods.

All the printed matter for Lillie’s third birthday was designed by Gretchen Postiglione at P.Ink Creative and the party favors were personalized Hawaiian t-shirts from Etsy vendor 98Bottles.

A birthday party, especially when there are antsy little kids involved, wouldn’t be complete without tons of activities. Here, Marissa brought in a hula dancer and three musicians. After the show, the dancers taught the kids some hula dance steps. There was also swimming and water tables filled with soapy water for those non-hula inclined. We love how even the dads are getting into the hula.

A special thanks to our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists for sharing their inspirational photos and ideas. Do your kids love to hula? Do you think they’d love this theme? Share with us your thoughts on this party and the photos in the comment section below. 

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