DFW Child

Sorry, kids. Summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and parents are planning ahead for the 2026–2027 school year. This August, more than 40,000 students are expected to return to Plano Independent School District campuses, including 42 elementary schools. In case you don’t already have these dates on your calendar, jot these down.

Summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and parents are planning ahead for the 2026–2027 school year. For your students returning to classes at Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District campuses—which this year include 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 3 high schools—write down these important dates on your calendar. The week following tax-free weekend (August 7–9): The back-to-school start date for students is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

If you’re raising kids here in Celina or Prosper, you already know these communities are growing fast. The new neighborhoods, new playgrounds and new businesses are exciting but also can be a little overwhelming. But when you have three hours to fill on a random Tuesday, your brain goes blank, you don’t need a giant day trip. You need somewhere budget-friendly and stroller-friendly, with parking that isn’t a headache, bathrooms you can count on, and something that keeps your kiddos happy.

Preparing and packing a healthy school lunch is a daily act of care, so when that barely touched sandwich comes home at the end of the day, it’s easy to wonder whether the effort was worth it. For parents navigating busy mornings and picky eating, it’s trial and error to figure out what works. So we asked dietician Mikie Rangel for realistic strategies that help families put together foods your kids are more likely to eat.

Even though Independence Day fireworks are behind us, the rest of July is busting at the seams with new and fun activities and destinations for families—among them, Universal Kids Resort in Frisco (open as of July 1), a new mega coaster and two different ways to experience Dude Perfect. Plus, not only is it National Ice Cream Month (and that’s not a fake holiday, Reagan gave it an official presidential proclamation back in ’84), it’s also National Park and Recreation Month.

In this article: Watch the game from the lazy river at a ballpark (the world’s only!) Experience football, soccer and ninja-inspired adventures Climb, splash and play at Frisco's parks Explore hands-on museums and imaginative role play Find more indoor fun for hot or rainy days If you live in Frisco—or are thinking about moving here—you’ll quickly see how easy it is to keep kids entertained without overplanning.

Summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and parents are planning ahead for the 2026–2027 school year. For students returning to classes at Fort Worth Independent School District campuses—including under 80 elementary schools, 25 middle schools and 21 high schools—the school year is starting earlier than most. In case you don’t already have these on your calendar, write in these dates.

Sorry, kids. Summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and parents are planning ahead for the 2026–2027 school year. This August, approximately 50,000 students are expected to return to Arlington Independent School District campuses, including more than 50 elementary schools, 10 junior highs and 13 high schools. In case you don’t already have these on your calendar, write these dates onto your calendar.

Families looking to start new traditions don’t have to wait until the holidays. Fort Worth hosts annual events nearly every month of the year, from rodeos and arts festivals to holiday parades and zoo celebrations. Here’s what to expect—and what’s in it for the kids and the whole family. For many more events on specific dates as they are announced, search our calendar for events closest to you.

The Town of Grapevine has become the go-to destination for Dagmar Larsen and her family. The small-town feel coupled with big-city amenities is what Larsen, who lives in nearby Colleyville, likes best about raising her two daughters, ages 17 and 5. “There are charming downtown areas, parks, good school districts, but you’re also just a short drive to one of the biggest airport hubs,” she says. These are the favorite local spots her family visits throughout the year.