Our friends at McDonald’s sponsored this edition of “Around Cowtown.” McDonald’s is hosting a series of Lunch Bunch dates for FWMB readers — that include FREE food! Be sure to check out each month’s “Around Cowtown” so you don’t miss the next date. We’d love to have lunch with YOU.
Smell that? The distant burning of fire logs. The crisp, cold hint of winter. Don’t let the season fool you; there is so much more to December than sipping hot chocolate and gazing at Christmas decorations. Fort Worth and the surrounding area presents a variety of opportunities for fun this month — whether nature, exercise, or shopping is your jam. We’ve rounded up the best Cowtown has to offer, from pet adoptions to comic conventions, for this edition of “Around Cowtown.” And remember to check out the “2018 Guide to Holiday Events” if you’re looking for holiday-themed events this month! It includes separate pages for all things Christmas lights, Christmas tree farms, family-friendly events, parades, Santa sightings, and stage shows and other performances. You are bound to find some holiday happenings that speak to you and your family traditions!
December 14
Lunch Bunch at McDonald’s — 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. // Join us for the last Lunch Bunch even of the year, featuring a speaker from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and focusing on how McDonald’s gives back to local communities. Kids will be able to participate in holiday-themed crafts and activities such as a reindeer antler toss and stocking decorations. Additionally, a special holiday character will be on-site for photos!
December 1
Urban Traders Market at Waterside — 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. // Fort Worth’s favorite handmade market returns to Waterside for the best in local handmade goods! You will find everything under the sun for you, your home, and life. Come out to a fun, kid- and dog-friendly event and beautiful day of shopping!
December 1 – 2
Japanese Maple Festival — 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. // Enjoy traditional Japanese dance, music, martial arts, sword demonstrations, raku, tea ceremonies, taiko, and more in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Admission to the Japanese Garden is $12 for adults, $4 for children ages four through 12, and free for ages three and younger.
December 6
Nature Adventurers: Adventures with Woodpeckers! — 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. // This class provides a special hands-on learning opportunity designed especially for preschoolers and an adult partner to introduce them to the naturally fun learning at River Legacy. Children ages two years six months to five years old with a parent/caregiver will participate in a hands-on lesson, classroom activities, story and song time, and go on a guided nature walk.
December 8 – 9
BMW Dallas Marathon Saturday Events and Sunday races — Times vary daily. // Saturday’s portfolio of events for the iconic racing event will include the two-mile walk, 5K, 10K, and a series of new family races. These family races are for children 12 and younger, and will feature the 100-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 800-meter dash, and one-mile race. Sunday’s race course — of a five-person marathon relay, half, full, and ultra marathons — will begin and end in downtown Dallas and will highlight the best areas of the city.
MEGA Adoption Event — 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. // Join the Humane Society of North Texas and the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control at the largest shelter pet adoption event to be held in Fort Worth. More than 500 amazing pets — dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and small animals will be available for $10 adoptions at Will Rogers Coliseum (Cattle Barn #2).
Fanboys Comic Con III Benefiting Cook Children’s Hospital — 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. // The largest one-day comic convention in Texas is coming to Ridgmar Mall (now expanded to two separate days). Fanboys Comic Con is the celebration of all things fandom, from Star Wars to Superman and everything in between. Enjoy free entry and special guests.
December 11
Family Wellness Festival — 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. // This event is to celebrate family wellness supported by preventive care measures. There will be prenatal and postpartum fitness demos, a small workshop on prenatal and postpartum nutrition, smoothie bar, and light refreshments. The goal is to help new and first-time mothers gain access to resources to support their birth journeys.
December 13
Nature Adventurers: Adventures with Owls! — 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. // This class provides a special hands-on learning opportunity designed especially for preschoolers and an adult partner to introduce them to the naturally fun learning at River Legacy. Children ages two years six months to five years old with a parent/caregiver will participate in a hands-on lesson, classroom activities, story and song time, and go on a guided nature walk.
December 13 – 14
Silhouettes by Artist Karl Johnson — 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // Karl will be creating hand-cut silhouettes by appointment at The Happy Lark. Each one takes only a minute or two, and all ages are welcome — even the squirmy ones. Appointments are required!
December 26
Magnificent Mammals! (Winter Break Family Activity) — Times vary. // Enjoy an indoor animal exploration at the time slot of your choice, followed by a craft. Registration is ONLY available in person at the Science Center the day of event. Cost is $2 per person for activity — OR included with purchase of Discovery Room one-day admission ($5 for adults; $3 for children).
