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Thanksgiving Break in Dallas with Kids

Thanksgiving week is Nov 21–29, 2026. Start Thursday at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, then fill the other days with indoor museums, The Trains at NorthPark and free time at Klyde Warren Park. Several big attractions close on Thanksgiving Day itself, so check each one before you go.

Photo for Thanksgiving Break in Dallas with Kids

Photo: John P Salvatore / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Check before you go

  • Thanksgiving Day closures: Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas Museum of Art and The Trains at NorthPark are closed Nov 26. The Arboretum is closed during the day but open at night.
  • Turkey Trot prices rise as race day gets closer, so register early.
  • Changes every year, so check the official links for hours, prices and closures on Nov 26–27.
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    Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

    DowntownThu Nov 26, 2026; starts 8:30 or 9 AMPrices rise as race day nears; current youth (7–12) price on Race Roster through Nov 9: $37 timed / $30 untimed, plus fees. Tots/toddlers (newborn–6): $18 plus fees. Diaper Dash $15. Family Zone free. Check the registration page for adult and current prices.

    A 5K or 8-mile run/walk from Dallas City Hall. Strollers are welcome (start at the back of the untimed corral). There's a free Family Zone and a Diaper Dash for crawling babies.

    Tots and toddlers need to be registered to get a shirt.

    Website SourceSee in the guide
  4. Photo of Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas
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    Photo: Bibiscal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas

    East Dallas / White RockThanksgiving Day: closed daytime, open at night. Holiday Cheer pricing Nov 26.Holiday Cheer pricing $12 on Nov 26; other days vary (see the Arboretum site).

    The 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, Christmas Village and DeGolyer House. On Thanksgiving it's open at night only, at the $12 Holiday Cheer price.

    Website SourceSee in the guide
  5. Photo of Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park
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    Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

    Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park

    Fair ParkOpen 7 days a week, 9 AM–5 PM (Thanksgiving Day hours not posted)Adults (13+) $14.95; children 3–12 $9.95; 2 and under free. Military and senior discounts are available. Separately ticketed extras (such as the Mining Company) are not included.

    A small, toddler-sized aquarium with touch tanks and stingrays. Most visits take 1–2 hours, and parking is free.

    Website SourceSee in the guide

Dates and prices change — please confirm with each place before you go.

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