Dallas Observer | The Leading Independent News Source in Dallas, Texas

Actress Tatyana Ali Joins Dallas Activists At Second Black Moms Fair

By Rhema Joy Bell

Jul 28, 2025

The event offered up a chance for Dallas' Black community to strengthen connections and build familial resources.

10 Kid-Friendly Restaurants That Parents Won't Hate, Including 2 Breweries

By Carly May Gravley and Lauren Drewes Daniels

May 14, 2025

The most kid-friendly restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth are most equipped with playgrounds and usually booze for frazzled parents.

North Texas Lawmaker Wants To Incentivize Short-Term Foster Parents

By Alyssa Fields

Apr 24, 2025

Rep. Julie Johnson says the Texas foster care system has many problems, including a shortage of parents.

A view of the new Slick City Action Park in Arlington

Get Ready to Slide: Arlington’s Slick City Action Park Is Opening This March

By Gloria Diez Giella

Mar 14, 2025

The new location is for activity-seeking parents, with thrills for all-ages slide lovers.

New North Texas Indoor Water Park Could Be One of the Largest in US

By Diego Hernandez

Mar 3, 2025

North Texas will soon have another place to escape the heat with a proposed giant water park in Allen.

Mind-Bending Fun Returns: Dallas' Museum of Illusions Is Expanding

By Gloria Diez Giella

Jan 21, 2025

A larger and reimagined array of illusions is arriving in Dallas in March, when the Museum of Illusions will reopen after a remodel.

A rope ladder feature at the new Dallas location of Fritz's Adventure.

Unique Urban Playground, Fritz's Adventure, Will Open Soon at Grandscape

By Jef Rouner

Jan 10, 2025

Kids can now run around a construction site safely.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume on display at Arlington Museum of Art.

Arlington Has Key to the Magic Kingdom With the Walt Disney Archive Exhibitions

By Christine Odwesso

Dec 31, 2024

Disney adults (and kids): There's a big exhibition for you in Arlington.

Iceberg Right Ahead: Dallas Is Getting a Massive, Interactive Titanic Exhibition

By Erin Runnels

Dec 19, 2024

We'll never let go, Jack: Here’s a preview of what’s aboard the exhibition coming early next year to Dallas.

Dallas Artist Marco Saucedo Is a Better Grinch Than Jim Carrey

By Diego Hernandez

Dec 16, 2024

The Grinch in Dallas is looking to spread holiday cheer and help raise money for a good cause.

Where To Get Blinded by Christmas Lights in DFW

By Liam Gaughan, Ava Thompson and Desiree Gutierrez

Dec 12, 2024

DFW went all out this year with the Christmas lights. You gotta see 'em to believe 'em.

Grimm’s Toys Recycles Old Toys Into New Stories

By Diego Hernandez

Nov 25, 2024

The Dallas company gives kids "stories you can cuddle" by recycling old toys.

Best Dallas-Forth Worth Neighborhoods for Halloween Decorations

By Kendall Morgan

Oct 30, 2024

Dallas went all out this year for Halloween. Here are the houses you can't miss.

Latest Dallas Halloween Forecast: Here’s What To Expect

By Kelly Dearmore

Oct 28, 2024

Will the kids need waterproof costumes on Thursday night?

Peppa Pig Theme Park Announces New Opening Date, Despite PETA’s Objections

By Eva Raggio

Oct 24, 2024

PETA may not be happy with the Peppa Pig Theme Park, but kids are so loyal to Peppa they've switched accents.

Steven Novak's Halloween display in Dallas.

Dallas' Mega-Viral King of Halloween Is Back With a Display of Pop Culture Carnage

By Kendall Morgan

Oct 22, 2024

In 2020, multiple neighbors called the police over an East Dallas man's gory Halloween display. Steve Novak has moved to Oak Cliff, but he's back at it.

The Midway sign at the State Fair of Texas.

10 State Fair Rides That Will Blow Your Mind

By Vanessa Quilantan

Oct 10, 2024

If you're the thrill-seeking type, here are the rides you won't want to miss at this year's State Fair of Texas.

They're Back, Witches: The Scariest and Most Creative Haunted Houses in North Texas

By Christine Odwesso and Liam Gaughan

Oct 9, 2024

Get ready to scream and clutch your lover's hand as you traverse the scariest haunted houses in DFW.

Author Allyson Jannotta holds her first published book, children's story Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes.

Longtime State Fair Vendor Publishes a Funnel Cake-Inspired Children’s Book

By Desiree Gutierrez

Oct 7, 2024

Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes is Funnel Cake Factory’s Allyson Jannotta’s mom fantasy.

Behind the Scenes of the Cirque du Soleil Show at the State Fair of Texas

By Mike Brooks

Oct 4, 2024

In a bit of pairing genius that may rival peanut butter and chocolate, Cirque du Soleil will set up shop in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Kids & Family

Harry Potter Immersive Exhibition Coming to Dallas

A Gamers Feast at the National Video Game Museum

Kids & Family

Harry Potter Immersive Exhibition Coming to Dallas

A Gamers Feast at the National Video Game Museum

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email