A Collin County Mom’s Guide to the Month of October

Happy October, everyone! Lots going on this month as usual, but I want to really quickly point out National Night Out on October 3rd. It’s for neighborhoods to gather, usually at some sort of block party, with the purpose of getting to know one another a little better. It began as a crime-fighting initiative, but on top of that it seems like a really great way to have some face-to-face time with people in your community. We need that right now, y’all! I’ve linked to Wylie’s Night Out in the Guide because they’re doing one of the bigger events, but be sure to check in with your own neighborhoods to see what’s going on.

Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite Collin County events in October. Be sure to PIN IT for later OR subscribe to our Newsletter and have our monthly guides sent straight to your inbox. Enjoy!

Through October 22 :: It always seems like there’s so much time to get over to the State Fair of Texas, but then it’s gone before you know it, right? Check out their daily schedule to help plan your visit before it’s too late!

October 1 :: Party with the Heard Natural Science Museum at their 50th Birthday Celebration today. Kid-friendly activities and refreshments, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra + their instrument petting zoo, Monarch butterfly talk, and more. Regular admission gets you in. Free for members, but be sure to reserve your spot with a free member’s ticket. 1-4pm.

October 3 :: Strengthen community bonds at Wylie’s National Night Out in Olde City Park. Pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, fireworks, face painting, and lots of free food. Like always, everyone is encouraged to turn their porch lights on when they get home from the party and meet their neighbors. 5:30-8pm. Free!

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 :: Every Tuesday is Little Ones Lapsit (0-16 months) from 10:15-11am and Little Explorers (3-5 years) from 11:15am-12pm  at the John and Judy Gay Library in McKinney. They like for you to register in advance, so click the links for “tickets.” Free!

October 4, 11, 18, 25 :: Project Wild is a weekly program for ages 3-6 at the Davis Library in Plano. Explore wildlife and the world around us through a wide range of activities every Wednesday. New themes and concepts each week. 10-10:30am. Free! P.S. Plano continues to have the best library events brochure.

October 7-8 :: Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson is one of the top art festivals in the U.S. Over 240 artists, local bands, food & beer garden, and kid’s art area with a potter’s wheel and other hands-on fun. Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm. Free!

October 9 :: Harrington Library in Plano has an Art Workshop for Grades K-5 today. Get a little messy and create one large group artwork using paper and paint. 3pm. Free!

October 13 :: Heritage Farmstead’s Fun on the Farm for kids ages 2-5. Read the book Crash, Bang Donkey!, do a craft & an activity, and take a wagon ride. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance. 10:30am-12pm. $11 for one adult and one child, $7 for each additional child.

October 14 :: The Allen Public Library is also celebrating the big 5-0 this month with an outdoor carnival-style party in the courtyard with games, prizes, music, crafts and family fun. 10-11:30. Free!

October 14 :: Tour the world at the Plano International Festival at Haggard Park. Tons of performances—dance, music, vocal, and acrobatic; a Children’s Global Village filled with free educational hands-on activities; a food truck court with classic festival fare and all sorts of international offerings; fashion shows featuring ethnic dress, and more. 11am-5pm. Free!  

October 15 :: Barnyard Bash at Play Street Museum McKinney. In addition to regular play, kiddos can pet, hold or snuggle some little furry animals. 9-10:30am. $16 per child.

October 15 :: Do you Kidz Bop? The Pavilion at the Irving Music Factory has a Kidz Bop Live show today at 3pm if you can handle that much youthful enthusiasm at high volume. Tickets from $29.50.

October 19 :: Watters Creek Lucky Duck Kids Club is today (always the third Thursday of the month). Crafts, treats, and entertainment for kids ages 2-6 and their families. 11am-12pm. Free!

October 21 :: Lego Family Fun Day at the Allen Public Library for ages 5 and up + their families. This month’s theme is mad science. 10:30-11:30am. Free!

October 27-29 :: Safari Run in Plano has Spooktacular Open Play costume parties this weekend with games and contests. Check the calendar at the link, as party times vary by day.

Anything we missed? Let us know below.

And don’t forget to check out our Guide to Fall Fun in Collin County!