Disclaimer :: This guide contains content from featured sponsors.
Fall is finally here! Have a look at our roundup of kid-friendly October events in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and more. Find even more things to do in the metroplex on Dallas Moms, Denton County Moms, and Fort Worth Moms.
Thank you to our sponsor, Huffhines Harvest Fest, for making this guide possible!
And be sure to check out these additional guides to help you with fall fun:
- A Guide to Fall Fun in Collin County :: Events, Farms, Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and More
- A Mom’s Guide to the State Fair of Texas
- What to Know When You Attend a Dallas Cowboys Game with Kids
Get this and other hyperlocal resources delivered to your inbox by joining the Collin County Moms email subscriber list. You can also connect with other moms by joining one or more of our Collin County Moms community groups. We also produce Momfessions Podcast. Listen today!
Follow along on our socials:
Huffhines Harvest Fest
Huffhines Harvest Fest is a family-friendly, free fall festival. It is held on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 at Huffhines Park in Richardson. It features a pumpkin patch, vignettes of fall-themed décor, live music, festival food and craft beverages, marketplace vendors, a costume contest, and many children’s activities, including Hay Daze lawn bowling, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow dress-up, face painting, and a petting zoo.
Click the tabs to see events for each week.
Art Drop In :: Jump Into Art Studios
Saturdays
Artists of all ages drop in 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a morning of creativity in the heart of downtown McKinney. Sign up online for $35.
The Boho Market :: multiple locations
Select Days
Shop local for one-of-a-kind finds at these markets popping up in Dallas, Richardson, and McKinney. Days and hours vary. Free admission. Pets welcome.
Daily Discoveries :: Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Weekdays
At 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., explore, create, and learn during hands-on activities around different themes. Free with museum admission for grades k – 5, but all ages are welcome.
Dinosaurs Live! :: Heard Museum
Daily
Animatronic dinosaurs roar along the nature trails for life-like encounters. Children ages 3 – 12 pay $12. Adults pay $16. Seniors ages 60+ pay $14.
Heritage Village Tours :: Chestnut Square
Thursdays and Saturdays
Head over to McKinney and learn about life in the early days of Collin County. Educational tours are for all ages and begin at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $7 – $10.
Mad Science :: John and Judy Gay Library
Tuesdays
McKinney kids in grades k – 5 do STEAM activities from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Nature Story Time :: Heard Museum
Fridays
Kids enjoy nature-themed stories every Friday at 10:00 a.m. Visitors may include puppet friends or live animals. Register online.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters
Weekends
Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more in Princeton from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 – $15. Ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $3.
Plano Farmers Market :: Berkeley Square
Saturdays
Families shop local produce and artisan products every Saturday year-round from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in a pet-friendly environment.
Saturday Chess Meetup :: John and Judy Gay Library
Saturdays
Learn to play chess or practice your skills every Saturday in McKinney from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at this free come-and-go event. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
State Fair of Texas :: Fair Park
Daily
Experience the North Texas tradition with Big Tex, rides, and corny dogs. Single tickets and season passes can be purchased online or at the gate. Gates open daily at 10:00 a.m. through October 19.
Story Time :: Interurban Railway Museum
Fridays
Enjoy stories, songs, and a tour of historic Car 360 every Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Plano. Admission is free for kids ages five and under.
October 2
Community Plant Swap :: Frisco Public Library
Swap out healthy plants, gardening equipment, and pots you are willing to part with from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. This free event is for ages six and up.
October 3
Friday Night Market :: Downtown Celina Square
This free, family-friendly event features more than 60 local vendors, live music, and more. Stop by from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Little Farmer Friday :: Heritage Farmstead Museum
Kids make crafts, meet animals, hear A Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and ride a wagon. Activities take place 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Get tickets online — $15 for kids, $7 for toddlers, and $5 for adults, plus tax.
October 3 – 4
Vignette Art Fair :: On the Levee
Make a day of celebrating Texan women in the arts in Dallas’s Design District. Admission is free. All ages welcome.
October 4
Cottage Market :: Allen Heritage Village
Shop this outdoor market first and third Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through November 15. Admission is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.
Critter Club :: Fairview Town Center
Kids ages 3 – 10 meet and learn about ruffed lemurs from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Activities include face painting, prizes, and more.
Fairy Garden Walk :: Allen Heritage Village
Families enjoy crafts, a scavenger hunt, fairy garden demos, and enchanting displays with miniature landscapes. Hours are 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free admission.
First Saturdays :: Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
From 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., enjoy games, the raptor program at 10:00 a.m., and guided trail walks. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults.
Old Time Saturday :: Downtown Farmersville
Kick off the town’s annual festival with the Audie Murphy Hero Run at 8:00 a.m. Then stick around for the parade, pancake breakfast, shopping, and more family fun. Admission is free. Individual activities may have entry fees.
Opera on Tap :: Prosper Public Library
Families experience the fun of opera music and movement from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Free admission.
October 7
Game Design Basics :: Frisco Public Library
Teens don’t need coding experience to learn about basic video game design at this free workshop from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
National Night Out :: Olde City Park
The city of Wylie welcomes friends and neighbors to an outdoor evening focused on community safety. Enjoy hot dogs, activities, and fireworks from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
October 10 – 12
Disney’s Newsie’s, Jr. :: Starcatchers @ Fairview Youth Theatre Mainstage
Newsboys unite to strike against unfair price hikes, proving their strength in solidarity and sparking a movement for justice against powerful publishers. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $12 –$14.
Huffhines Harvest Fest is a family-friendly, free, fall festival. It is held on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 at Huffhines Park in Richardson. It features a pumpkin patch, vignettes of fall-themed décor, live music, festival food and craft beverages, marketplace vendors, a costume contest, and many children’s activities, including Hay Daze lawn bowling, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow dress-up, face painting, and a petting zoo.
October 14
College Essay Workshop :: Frisco Public Library
Teens applying to college get expert tips to write compelling and authentic admissions essays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a laptop.
Creative Arts Studio :: John and Judy Gay Library
Teens ages 13 and older embellish festive pumpkins for fall and Halloween décor. from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. All experience levels are invited. Admission is free. Reserve a spot online.
October 16
Teen 3D Printing Club :: Prosper Public Library
From 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., teens learn three-dimensional design, 3-D printing, and participate in monthly challenges. Bring a laptop.
October 18
Cottage Market :: Allen Heritage Village
Shop this outdoor market first and third Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through November 15. Admission is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.
Plano International Festival :: Haggard Park
Families experience tastes and sounds from around the world at Plano’s free multicultural fest. Hours are 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 17 – 18
Halloween Movie Workshop :: The Movie Institute
Young filmmakers ages 12 – 18 spend two days making their own short film inspired by the Halloween season. Friday hours are 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 1:00 – 11:00 p.m. Cost is $299.
October 19
Art Club with Amber Lee :: Legacy West
Kids of all ages create art during this three-hour instructor-led workshop beginning at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free.
October 19
Pumpkin Dunk :: APEX Center
Kids dunk for pumpkins in a floating pumpkin patch each hour from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Cost is $12 for members and $16 for non-members. A free special-needs hour will be at 3:00 p.m. for ages 2 – 18.
October 25
Halloween Spooktacular :: The Park at Fairview Town Center
Enjoy a free screening of Wicked at 5:00 p.m. with prizes for best costumes (optional) and free Halloween goodie bags for kids while supplies last. Bring chairs and blankets.
Pop-Up STEM: Spooky Science :: Frisco Public Library
Young scientists in grades k – 5 enjoy spooky STEM activities during this come-and-go event. Hours are 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost is free.
October 29
Mystery Monster Creation :: Frisco Public Library
Students ages 6 – 12 receive a bag of mystery supplies to create spooky monsters or whatever else inspires their imaginations from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free admission.
October 30
Día De Los Muertos :: Frisco Public Library
Families with kids of every age celebrate with free games, crafts, a demo with H.E.B., and more activities. Hours are 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Make & Take: Halloween Treats :: Central Market Plano
Students ages 13 and older make Halloween treats (caramel apples, hand pies, and more!) from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $90.
- All Month
-
Art Drop In :: Jump Into Art Studios
SaturdaysArtists of all ages drop in 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a morning of creativity in the heart of downtown McKinney. Sign up online for $35.
The Boho Market :: multiple locations
Select DaysShop local for one-of-a-kind finds at these markets popping up in Dallas, Richardson, and McKinney. Days and hours vary. Free admission. Pets welcome.
Daily Discoveries :: Sci-Tech Discovery Center
WeekdaysAt 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., explore, create, and learn during hands-on activities around different themes. Free with museum admission for grades k – 5, but all ages are welcome.
Dinosaurs Live! :: Heard Museum
DailyAnimatronic dinosaurs roar along the nature trails for life-like encounters. Children ages 3 – 12 pay $12. Adults pay $16. Seniors ages 60+ pay $14.
Heritage Village Tours :: Chestnut Square
Thursdays and SaturdaysHead over to McKinney and learn about life in the early days of Collin County. Educational tours are for all ages and begin at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $7 – $10.
Mad Science :: John and Judy Gay Library
TuesdaysMcKinney kids in grades k – 5 do STEAM activities from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Nature Story Time :: Heard Museum
FridaysKids enjoy nature-themed stories every Friday at 10:00 a.m. Visitors may include puppet friends or live animals. Register online.
Open Farm Days :: Cathy’s Critters
WeekendsEnjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more in Princeton from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 – $15. Ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $3.
Plano Farmers Market :: Berkeley Square
SaturdaysFamilies shop local produce and artisan products every Saturday year-round from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in a pet-friendly environment.
Saturday Chess Meetup :: John and Judy Gay Library
SaturdaysLearn to play chess or practice your skills every Saturday in McKinney from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at this free come-and-go event. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
State Fair of Texas :: Fair Park
DailyExperience the North Texas tradition with Big Tex, rides, and corny dogs. Single tickets and season passes can be purchased online or at the gate. Gates open daily at 10:00 a.m. through October 19.
Story Time :: Interurban Railway Museum
FridaysEnjoy stories, songs, and a tour of historic Car 360 every Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Plano. Admission is free for kids ages five and under.
- October 1 – 4
-
October 2
Community Plant Swap :: Frisco Public LibrarySwap out healthy plants, gardening equipment, and pots you are willing to part with from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. This free event is for ages six and up.
October 3
Friday Night Market :: Downtown Celina SquareThis free, family-friendly event features more than 60 local vendors, live music, and more. Stop by from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Little Farmer Friday :: Heritage Farmstead Museum
Kids make crafts, meet animals, hear A Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and ride a wagon. Activities take place 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Get tickets online — $15 for kids, $7 for toddlers, and $5 for adults, plus tax.
October 3 – 4
Vignette Art Fair :: On the LeveeMake a day of celebrating Texan women in the arts in Dallas’s Design District. Admission is free. All ages welcome.
October 4
Cottage Market :: Allen Heritage VillageShop this outdoor market first and third Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through November 15. Admission is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.
Critter Club :: Fairview Town Center
Kids ages 3 – 10 meet and learn about ruffed lemurs from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Activities include face painting, prizes, and more.
Fairy Garden Walk :: Allen Heritage Village
Families enjoy crafts, a scavenger hunt, fairy garden demos, and enchanting displays with miniature landscapes. Hours are 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free admission.
First Saturdays :: Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
From 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., enjoy games, the raptor program at 10:00 a.m., and guided trail walks. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults.
Old Time Saturday :: Downtown Farmersville
Kick off the town’s annual festival with the Audie Murphy Hero Run at 8:00 a.m. Then stick around for the parade, pancake breakfast, shopping, and more family fun. Admission is free. Individual activities may have entry fees.
Opera on Tap :: Prosper Public Library
Families experience the fun of opera music and movement from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Free admission.
- October 5 – 11
-
October 7
Game Design Basics :: Frisco Public LibraryTeens don’t need coding experience to learn about basic video game design at this free workshop from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
National Night Out :: Olde City Park
The city of Wylie welcomes friends and neighbors to an outdoor evening focused on community safety. Enjoy hot dogs, activities, and fireworks from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
October 10 – 12
Disney’s Newsie’s, Jr. :: Starcatchers @ Fairview Youth Theatre MainstageNewsboys unite to strike against unfair price hikes, proving their strength in solidarity and sparking a movement for justice against powerful publishers. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $12 –$14.
- October 12 – 18
-
Huffhines Harvest Fest is a family-friendly, free, fall festival. It is held on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 at Huffhines Park in Richardson. It features a pumpkin patch, vignettes of fall-themed décor, live music, festival food and craft beverages, marketplace vendors, a costume contest, and many children’s activities, including Hay Daze lawn bowling, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow dress-up, face painting, and a petting zoo.
October 14
College Essay Workshop :: Frisco Public LibraryTeens applying to college get expert tips to write compelling and authentic admissions essays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a laptop.
Creative Arts Studio :: John and Judy Gay Library
Teens ages 13 and older embellish festive pumpkins for fall and Halloween décor. from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. All experience levels are invited. Admission is free. Reserve a spot online.
October 16
Teen 3D Printing Club :: Prosper Public LibraryFrom 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., teens learn three-dimensional design, 3-D printing, and participate in monthly challenges. Bring a laptop.
October 18
Cottage Market :: Allen Heritage VillageShop this outdoor market first and third Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through November 15. Admission is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.
Plano International Festival :: Haggard Park
Families experience tastes and sounds from around the world at Plano’s free multicultural fest. Hours are 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- October 19 – 25
-
October 17 – 18
Halloween Movie Workshop :: The Movie InstituteYoung filmmakers ages 12 – 18 spend two days making their own short film inspired by the Halloween season. Friday hours are 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 1:00 – 11:00 p.m. Cost is $299.
October 19
Art Club with Amber Lee :: Legacy WestKids of all ages create art during this three-hour instructor-led workshop beginning at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free.
October 19
Pumpkin Dunk :: APEX CenterKids dunk for pumpkins in a floating pumpkin patch each hour from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Cost is $12 for members and $16 for non-members. A free special-needs hour will be at 3:00 p.m. for ages 2 – 18.
October 25
Halloween Spooktacular :: The Park at Fairview Town CenterEnjoy a free screening of Wicked at 5:00 p.m. with prizes for best costumes (optional) and free Halloween goodie bags for kids while supplies last. Bring chairs and blankets.
Pop-Up STEM: Spooky Science :: Frisco Public Library
Young scientists in grades k – 5 enjoy spooky STEM activities during this come-and-go event. Hours are 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost is free.
- October 26 – 31
-
October 29
Mystery Monster Creation :: Frisco Public LibraryStudents ages 6 – 12 receive a bag of mystery supplies to create spooky monsters or whatever else inspires their imaginations from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free admission.
October 30
Día De Los Muertos :: Frisco Public LibraryFamilies with kids of every age celebrate with free games, crafts, a demo with H.E.B., and more activities. Hours are 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Make & Take: Halloween Treats :: Central Market Plano
Students ages 13 and older make Halloween treats (caramel apples, hand pies, and more!) from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $90.
