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

The Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX With Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:28pm

Kalahari Resorts is one of best things to do in Round Rock, TX. Image courtesy Kalahari Resorts

A mere 21 miles away from Austin lies Round Rock, TX. A charming Texas town that’s grown exponentially in the last few decades, it’s the kind of place with plenty of excitement and family-friendly entertainment to warrant a visit all on its own—even without a stop at Texas’ state capital. Luckily, we’ve got all the details on the best things to do in Round Rock, TX with kids, so whether you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Austin, or if you’re in the mood for water park fun, here’s everything you need to know.

The best part? Round Rock is under three hours away from both Dallas and Houston, so it’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway or weekend road trip.

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

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 01/19/2025 - 12:25pm

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

Free things to do in Dallas—what? Yup, you heard that right! There’s no shortage of attractions, activities, tours, and events in DFW that cost you absolutely nothing, so save your cash for summer camps, theme parks, and Cowboys games and take advantage of all the free things to do in Dallas and the rest of the metroplex with kids.

DFW 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, especially when it comes to free things to do in Dallas. So scroll through this list, make your plans, and have a blast, ya’ll!

MLK Weekend 2025 in Dallas: 16 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 11:44am

Build the ultimate family adventure at Brick Fest Live! Photo by Gina Ragland

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth for MLK weekend 2025? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

With all the recent cold weather and snow days here in DFW, it might feel like your normal routine hasn't quite recovered Well, there's a three-day weekend ahead, so it might be a good idea to plan so you don't end up staying at home... again. There are plenty of fun things to do with your kids for MLK weekend 2025, including several chances to honor the legendary civil rights leader. Attend the 43rd MLK Day Parade in Dallas or the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Rally in downtown Fort Worth. Check out the Step Team Showcase in Arlington, or spend time with fellow community members at the MLK Day of Service and Festival.

Plenty of other iconic DFW events are happening during MLK weekend: The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo kicks off this week, and the Angelika Film Center hosts the 41st Annual KidFilm Family Festival. Happy long weekend, y'all!

New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Dallas: Hanukkah Parties, Holiday Festivals, and More

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 12/25/2024 - 11:29am

Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season! Photo courtesy Vitruvian Lights

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2025? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

New Year's Eve is next week, but that doesn't mean the party hasn't already started. Head to Valley Ranch Library in Irving for Winterfest and New Year's Eve crafts, or see the Vitruvian Park Lights in Addison before they're gone on Jan. 1. If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to the holiday season, Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland will keep the vibe alive, and if you're feeling nostalgic for all things childhood, snag tickets to the opening weekend of Broadway Dallas' Peter Pan.

And, since Hanukka starts on the 25th, New Year's Eve weekend in Dallas has plenty of family-friendly events, like the 10th Annual Chanukah at Southlake Town Square, to help you celebrate!

12 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, and Other Dallas Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 12/22/2024 - 12:25pm

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 feel like hanging out at home, there are plenty of ways to host a great party and learn about celebrations from around the world. 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 2024! Happy Holidays from us at Mary Poppins to you and yours, and we'll see you in 2025!

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Dallas for Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 12/08/2024 - 2:44pm

Zoom down frozen slides, creep through icy tunnels, and more at ICE! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Texas at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center.

When it comes to holiday activities in Dallas, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, the holiday season in Dallas really lasts from early November through New Year's Eve!

Of course, not all Christmas events and holiday activities are created equal. That's why we've rounded up the absolute best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Here is our curated list of must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Dallas for kids and families in 2024.

Our picks for Dallas-Forth Worth's top holiday activities and Christmas events are a mix of classic favorites like Holidays at the Arboretum, the Dallas Zoo Lights, and the Trains at NorthPark mixed with some unique happenings like Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park featuring Matisyahu and the 31st Annual Christmas/Kwanzaa concert at the Black Academy for Arts and Letters

So pull out your calendar and check out the whole list below. Happy holidays, ya'll!

60 Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 3:33pm

Looking for something to do in Dallas today? Boy howdy, have we got you covered!

Check out the very best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth with kids. We’re talking museums, attractions, events, activities, seasonal fun, and more—basically, all the things any good North Texan should have on their bucket list.

Kids. One minute they’re playing in the sandbox and the next they’re off to the movies with friends—gasp! Thank goodness there are so many things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth that there are plenty of opportunities for making memories before they grow up.

As a parent in DFW, there’s a good chance you’ve done some of these things, but this list of 60 things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth with kids is bound to have a few adventures you’ve wanted to try and maybe even a few you’ve never heard about. The best part? There’s always next weekend.

If you manage to get all these things done, there's so much more to do in Texas, like booking a stay at one of the best resorts for families and checking out the coolest road trips in Texas.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Hottest Toys and Christmas Gifts for Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 7:21am

Cookeez Makery is one of the hottest new toys of 2024!

Looking for the best Christmas gifts for kids? Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide 2024, with the hottest toy suggestions for kids of all ages.

'Tis the season—it’s time to get serious about Christmas gifts for kids. The holidays will be here before you know it, and that means shopping. Lots of shopping. To help you find the perfect gift, we've talked to kids, toy experts, and parents to fill our gift guide for 2024 with some of the hottest toys of the season.

Whether your toddler loves Ms. Rachel or your teenager is dying for the latest Percy Jackson book, we’ve got the perfect gift for kids of all ages and interests.

For more gift ideas, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Gift Guide 2024, which has suggestions for cool stocking stuffers, baby's first Christmas gift, and more.

Gabby Cullen

Latest posts by Gabby

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