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

September! Back-to-school. Football. The State Fair of Texas. Oktoberfest. Fall is at our doorstep, mamas, and I am here for it. Side note: Friday Night Lights always made me laugh because it consistently showed the first high school football game of the year with everyone in the stands wearing jackets and scarves. I mean…really?

In addition to the local family-friendly events below, our friends and sponsors at Addison Oktoberfest want to invite you down the Tollway to celebrate their 30th Anniversary on September 14-17, 2017.

While most known for the stein and traditional Bavarian food, Addison Oktoberfest offers fun for the whole family all weekend long! While you’re enjoying a strudel your children can enjoy the carnival atmosphere and performances on the Bowl Stage. Plus, Sunday ONLY, you won’t want to miss the Dachshund Parade!

Tickets are now available online – $10 for ages 12+ and children under 12 are FREE. Visit on Thursday or Sunday and admission is complimentary for all!

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September 1, 2 :: This one’s for the new moms looking to get back into it – Baby Boot Camp does a 60-minute postpartum fitness class. Strollfit meets at Stonebriar in Frisco. Have you heard about it? Class meets at 9am, and the first one is free to try out!

September 3 :: Play Street Museum Frisco has Open Play by Reservation today with a Magnets in Motion theme (ages 1-8). Reserve your playtime for 12-2pm or 3-5pm. FYI, each Play Street location will do a Magnets in Motion Open Play this month, so check their site for your nearest location/date.

September 5, 12, 19, 26 :: Every Tuesday, the Josey Ranch Lake Branch of the Carrollton Public Library does Toddler Time activities for ages 1-3 and Mother Goose Time for pre-walkers. Toddler Time at 10:15am; Mother Goose Time at 11am. Free!

September 6, 13, 20, 27 :: Every Wednesday is Art Start at the Parr Library in Plano. Stories are followed by a creative and messy (in a good way) art project. Materials and smocks provided. 11am-12pm, ages 3-6. Free tickets required, and are distributed 30 minutes prior to the program.

September 8 :: Heritage Farmstead Museum’s Water on the Farm is for kids ages 2-5 from 10:30am-12pm. Space is limited, so register early! $11 for one child + a parent, $7 for each additional child.

September 9 :: Today is Global Village’s Multicultural Festival in Frisco, with diverse performances, crafts, food, and fun. An interactive cultural experience for your whole family. 11am to 6pm. Free!

September 9 :: Victor E. Green will be at the McKinney StarCenter ice rink from 12-1:30pm. Who is that, you ask? It’s this fuzzy green dude who became the Dallas Stars mascot when we weren’t looking. They’ll have games, inflatables, and the opportunity to skate with Victor E.

September 9 :: Head to the Heard Museum for Zip Line Day today from 1-4pm. 487 feet of zipping, y’all. That’s a long zip line. Pre-registration required. $12 per ride.

September 12, 13 :: Haggard Library in Plano presents a Little Red Hen puppet show for all ages. 10:30-11am. Free! Pro tip: Save this Plano Public Library fall flier for quick reference to all their upcoming kids’ programs.

September 16 :: The 2017 Heart of Gold 5k Run is a chance to do some family physical fitness while supporting pediatric cancer research and families burdened by the fight. Opening ceremonies at 7:30am at Galatyn Plaza in Richardson. Food, music, giveaways, prizes and an Adventure Zone for the kiddos. Click the link to register for the run.

September 21 :: Lucky Duck Kids Club time at Watters Creek. Kids can drop in for fall-themed activities, crafts, and treats. Designed for ages 2-6 but all kids and families are welcome. 11am-12pm. Free!

September 22-24 :: Downtown McKinney sneakily slips in Oktoberfest a bit early. Yes, Oktoberfest = beer, but there’s also a ton of family and kid stuff to do—petting zoo, face painting, carnival rides for littles, and lots more. Here’s the FAQ so you can know everything before you go. Free admission!

September 22-24 :: Oak Point Park in Plano is home to the Plano Balloon Festival:  tethered rides, fireworks and glowing balloons at night, sky diving performances, a kids fun zone…tons of attractions and entertainment, basically. Their website is ultra-informative and detailed, so be sure to check it out if you have questions. $5 admission, free for kids 36″ and under.

September 29 :: Howwwdy, folks. Gates open for the State Fair of Texas today through October 22. Time to figure out how to finagle free admission, so you have more cash to spend on tickets/food. That Doritos Bacon Mozzarella Cheese Stick isn’t going to eat itself.

September 30 :: The Frisco Heritage Center brings us Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day, and I am drawn to this event for two main reasons: 1) old timey Western photo booth and 2) armadillo races. I always wanted to do those Old West costume photos as a kid! 11am-4pm. $5 per person, kids under 2 are free.

What else is happening this month? Let us know in the comments!