Gabby Cullen

Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.

Latest posts by Gabby

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Dallas-Fort Worth Great for Kid Birthday Parties

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 01/25/2026 - 2:16pm

Chuck E. Cheese is a great spot for a classic kid's birthday party, with games, dancing, pizza, and more! Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

When we were kids, birthday parties meant our parents claimed a picnic table in a park, had us pin a tail on a donkey, passed out goodies and cake, and called it a day. These days, while it can be hard not to fall into the habit of planning an elaborate party for your kid, complete with a theme, balloon arches, top-notch entertainment, and custom cakes, if you're looking for cheap party rentals in Dallas-Fort Worth, they do exist!

I'll be totally honest — when my kids were little, I went into full Pinterest mode and planned elaborate themed parties. But, as they got older and life got more expensive (ahem, looking at you club soccer and competitive dance company fees), I realized that I didn't need to spend so much for the kids to have fun. That's when we started looking at places like roller skating rinks, arcades, even just going to the mall and letting the kids wander the bookstore and their favorite shops before hitting the food court.

It's totally possible to throw an amazing but budget-friendly birthday party for kids in DFW. You just need to know where to look. I've compiled some of my favorite party rental spots from all over the metroplex, so take a look and get planning!

Where to Eat With Kids Near Disneyland: 11 Family-Friendly Anaheim Restaurants

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 12:59pm

Mama Cozza's is popular with locals and tourists alike. Photo courtesy of Mama Cozza's

Disneyland might be the Happiest Place on Earth for families, but for your wallet? Not so much. And while I wholeheartedly believe that a trip to Disneyland Resort is worth every penny, I also happen to believe that it’s not only smart, but fun to find Anaheim restaurants near Disneyland that have great food and an even better vibe. Not that there’s anything wrong with dining on character-shaped grilled cheese, pizza, and corn dogs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it's just that dining outside the park before or after your adventure may be a calmer, cheaper, tastier way to go.

Anaheim is overflowing with family-friendly restaurants that serve up everything from award-winning dumplings to burritos that could be three meals, pizza with a side of arcade games, and much more. That’s why this list of spots that are either within walking or driving distance from Disneyland Resort is worth its weight in gold. It’ll give you variety on your vacation and let you save that extra cash for more Dole Whips.

Looking for other things to do while you’re there? Check out our list of the best things to do in Anaheim besides Disneyland and our Guide to Orange County with Kids.

Daddy/Daughter Dances, Creature Features, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 01/21/2026 - 10:01am

We've got two events for fathers and father-figures to join their young ladies on the dance floor this weekend. Photo via canva.com

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth this weekend? Here are our picks for the coolest family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

I don't know about you, but with ice and potential snow in the weekend forecast, the last thing I want to do is be outside. The good news is that there are plenty of things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth with kids that don't require you to dust off your winter gear and brave the elements.

Dallas Children's Theater kicks off its 2026 lineup with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show; a kid-friendly version of The Wizard of Oz comes to Casa Mañana in the Fort Worth Cultural District, and a free maker faire is happening at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco on Saturday, and baseball lovers can hit up the Texas Rangers Fan Fest in Arlington.

Feel like cozying up at home with the kids? We've got plenty of ideas to keep cabin fever at bay, like these boredom busters, the best board games for kids, and movies every kid should watch.

Don't forget to check websites to confirm an event is still happening before bundling up the kids for the day. Stay warm, North Texas!

MLK Weekend 2026 in Dallas-Fort Worth: 14 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 11:44am

The Day of Service and Festival holds music, dance, spoken word, and video performances for all ages that celebrate and honor MLK. Photo courtesy of the City of Arlington

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth for MLK weekend 2026? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

There's no telling when that infamous North Texas ice storm will blow through the metroplex, so take advantage of the mild winter temps and enjoy all the fun things to do with your kids for MLK weekend 2026! There are many opportunities to honor the legendary civil rights leader: attend the 44th MLK Day Parade in Dallas, the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Rally in downtown Fort Worth, or spend time with fellow community members at the MLK Day of Service and Festival in Arlington.

Plenty of other iconic DFW events are happening this weekend, including the start of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the 42nd Annual KidFilm Family Festival at the Angelika Film Center. Happy long weekend, y'all!

79 Free Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth With Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 01/11/2026 - 12:25pm

Enjoy the courtyard with ducks and turtles at Northpark Center. Photo by the author

Free things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth—what? Yup, you heard that right!

When I moved to North Texas in 2013, I was blown away by the number of attractions, activities, tours, and events in DFW that cost absolutely nothing. Being a mom on a budget with two young kids meant I was constantly looking for ways to keep them engaged without putting stress on my wallet; I can say to this day, I haven't ever been disappointed when I look for affordable fun for my family in DFW. So save your cash for summer camps, theme parks, and Cowboys games, and take advantage of all the free things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth with kids.

The metroplex definitely lives up to that whole “everything is bigger in Texas” thing; even if you’ve lived here your entire life, we’re betting there are some boxes you haven’t checked when it comes to family fun in Dallas-Fort Worth. So scroll through this list, make your plans, and have a blast, ya’ll!

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New Year's Eve Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth: Countdown to 2026

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 11:29am

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and Industry is dropping tons of confetti at their Noon Year's Eve Party. Photo courtesy of the museum.

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

New Year's Eve is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate with the kids. For a NoonYear's Eve Celebration, try the Dallas Arboretum, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco, or the Fort Worth History and Science Museum. Looking for a party vibe? Hooky Entertainment in Addison and Southlake, The HUB in Allen, and Round Two in Bishop Arts are all hosting family-friendly experiences that end at a reasonable hour.

As far as the rest of the holiday weekend goes, you can check out Japanese culture and art at the Ikebana Art Showcase in Plano, take a Polar Plunge in Little Elm, or enjoy a Glow Swim in Irving. Not ready to see the holiday season end? The Dallas Zoo lights, ICE! at the Gaylord, and the Trains at NorthPark Center are running until Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Dallas-Fort Worth's New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 12/28/2025 - 12:00pm

Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

New Year's Eve is almost here, and Dallas-Fort Worth has plenty of fun New Year's Eve celebrations perfect for families. You can head to a Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Dallas Arboretum or the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, spend all day riding waterslides and enjoying activities at Epic Waters, or head to a Taylor Swift tribute band concert at The HUB in Allen. If you've got night owls at home, Reunion Tower is bringing back the Lone Star NYE fireworks show, which is always a blast.

If you're looking for other fun things to do in Dallas with kids during the winter break, check out our events calendar or our round-up of the best activities in Dallas each weekend.

That's a wrap on 2025! Happy Holidays from us at Mary Poppins, and we'll see you in 2026!

Christmas Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth Top Things To Do: Cirque Musica, Beauty and the Beast, and More

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 12/23/2025 - 10:22am

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland returns to Frisco, Photo courtesy of TCG Entertainment

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

The gifts are unwrapped, the holiday dinner is over, and the kids are starting to get a little antsy; it's time to find things to do for Christmas weekend in the metroplex. If you want to catch one last holiday light display, head to the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano or Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. If you want to see a show, Beauty and the Beast is playing at Fair Park, or the Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is in Frisco for just this weekend. Plus, there are Kwanzaa celebrations in Fort Worth at The Dock and the Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas!

Have an amazing Christmas holiday, ya'll!

Gabby Cullen

Latest posts by Gabby

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