Who needs a spring break vacation to Disneyworld when we have an epic new Peppa Pig Theme Park right here at home? Ski trip, schmi trip, we've got giant dinosaurs roaming Grand Prairie and butterflies fluttering around in Fort Worth. If your family is staying home and avoiding travel hassles over spring break, this big guide to fun events and activities in the Fort Worth area will help you plan the perfect staycation over the next week or so. It's got special events at both new and beloved local venues, ideas for outdoor activities, concerts, shows, and more. And here's a separate list of quick getaways around Texas.

Bookmark and check back often; the list will grow as more are announced. (Note that we've excluded camps, which often require advance registration.)

Amusements

Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills. The long-anticipated Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills officially opened to the public on March 1. The park, aimed at preschool age children, features five rides, seven themed playscapes, a water play area, episodes of Peppa Pig playing on a big screen, and more. Admission starts at $27.99, with various packages and passes available. Find it at 8851 Blvd. 26, North Richland Hills.

Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, will be open daily March 13-23, from 11 am-9 pm. In addition to all the rides, Six Flags' spring break activities will feature character dance parties, stilt walkers, and a DJ blasting dance-able music daily from 2-6 pm in the Boomtown-themed area. Quick: Guests can purchase a single day admission ticket online March 13 for $29 to be used March 13-23. (That's a 68% savings off the front gate price.) Check out the website for more details.

EpicCentral/Epic Waters, Grand Prairie: North Texas families can enjoy fun-filled days of dinosaurs at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie now through March 23. In addition to checking out large animatronic dinos, families can also participate in dinosaur storytimes, fossil digging, dino-themed games, and more during The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest on Saturday, March 15. Events are free to the public and suitable for children of all ages. Additionally, Grand Prairie's Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is ready to welcome vacationers during its "Epic Spring Break" events daily through March 23. Special programming includes live entertainment three times daily, creative family-friendly activities, a dance party, arcade challenge, and much more. Visitors should also be on the lookout for special mermaid appearances throughout the break. General admission prices vary.

Meow Wolf Grapevine has some "real unreal" things planned for Spring Break. Photo by Kate Russell

Meow Wolf presents Spring Carnival, March 17-23 at Meow Wolf, Grapevine. Meow Wolf Grapevine’s The Real Unreal is debuting an all-new interactive midway-games scavenger hunt for spring break. Guests can explore a world of surreal carnival games, unlock hidden treasures, and collect limited-edition Meow Wolf artwork that forms a one-of-a-kind take-home poster. Meow Wolf Midway is a free addition to any paid ticket to The Real Unreal. Open daily.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine, is inviting guests of all ages to explore over 2 million LEGO® bricks, race custom-built cars, and to marvel at DFW’s iconic landmarks in MINILAND. There are also interactive rides and play areas. Spring breakk hours are 10 am-6 pm daily through March 23; admission starts at $27.99.

Museums & Exhibits

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, hosts Spring Break at the Carter: Art Party, a free, fun-filled celebration of art and creativity for kids and their grown-ups. Happening 1-4 pm March 18-21, events include hands-on art-making activities, exploring the galleries with interactive games, collaborating with Carter Community Artist Dizzy Orbit on a large-scale fiber sculpture inspired by Jean Shin: The Museum Body, enjoying snacks from local food trucks, and more. Visit the website for a complete schedule.

See the "bubble dress" Ariana Grande wore as Galinda in "Wicked." Wicked

Arlington Museum of Art presents "Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz": The Arlington Museum of Art presents a collection of costumes from the movie adaptation of Wicked, celebrating the artistry of the costume design and 20+ years of the beloved Broadway musical. The exhibition features original costumes, props, and images from the film, provided by NBCUniversal Archives & Collections. Highlights from the exhibition include Glinda’s "bubble" dress and Elphaba’s "Defying Gravity" costume. Daily through April 27.

The Arlington Museum of Art presents "Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition,"which tells the story of the world’s most loved princess through an intimate new lens. The exhibition features a collection of larger-than-life images taken by Diana’s trusted friend and Official Royal Photographer, the late Anwar Hussein, as well as his sons Samir and Zak. Each image is accompanied by first-hand accounts of the stories behind the world-famous moments, told through an in-depth audio guide. Daily through April 6.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Art Break!, March 17-21. Admission is free for all, and complimentary hot dogs and lemonade will be served for kids at Café Modern on Monday (11 am- 2 pm; while supplies last). Each day, the museum will offer art talks, hand-on activities, screenings, and more.

The Kimbell Art Museum presents Spring Break Art Extravaganza, March 18-21. Families of all ages can enjoy art making, gallery activities, story times (available in English and Spanish), and more. Melt Ice Creams will be available for purchase on Thursday and Friday afternoon. Each day is free to attend, and no reservations are necessary.

Outdoor venues

Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Butterflies in the Garden. Visitors can witness the transformation of nature and marvel at the sight of brilliantly colored living jewels fluttering in the Rainforest Conservatory of Fort Worth Botanic Garden during Butterflies in the Garden, the largest exhibit of live, exotic butterflies in North Central Texas. Exhibit visitors will have the chance to see a diverse collection of butterflies from various parts of the world, including Central, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides), known for its striking beauty, is one of the most popular butterflies on display. Local favorites will also be showcased. Daily through April 30.

Fort Worth Stockyards presents Spring Break: Stockyards Style. The historic Fort Worth district celebrates spring break with family fun all month long, including bull riding and championship rodeo action, AAC basketball watch parties, adult drink specials at the RANCH2O Cocktail Bar, St. Patrick's Day weekend shenanigans, and more.

Concerts & shows

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Dancing Beyond Borders, March 15 at Arts Fort Worth. DBDT: Encore! transcend borders and boundaries in their 25th anniversary season with a stunning display of contemporary works. The program includes Prototype by Tyrone C. Walker, High Society by Floyd McLean, Jr. and more.

Yunchan Lim won the 2022 Cliburn competition. You could see the next winner at the screening auditions in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of The Cliburn

Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Screening Auditions, March 16-22 at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU. The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Screening Auditions will feature 77 pianists representing 22 countries and regions - from an international applicant pool of 340. Those who are chosen will advance to the seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, taking place May 21-June 7, 2005. The auditions are free and open to the public, but there's a strict age requirement: Patrons must be 10 years or older to attend performances. For a detailed schedule and more information about the competitors, head here.

Broadway at the Bass presents Les Misérables, March 18-23 at Bass Hall, Fort Worth. Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, the production tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

Casa Mañana presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, March 22-April 6 at Casa Manana Theatre. Go under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder and the evil sea witch, Ursula. In the iconic tale of self-discovery and love, a brave little mermaid trades her fins for feet. The musical features Disney's classic songs "Kiss the Girl," "Under the Sea," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," and "Part of Your World." This show is suitable for all audiences.

Hotel staycations

Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine's "Spring Breakout" programming includes seasonal games, yoga trails, spring-themed craft activities, dance parties, storytimes, and much more family-friendly fun. Plus, sip on seasonal cocktails and mocktails (for the young pups) while making a splash in the 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. Spring Break Day passes and room packages are available. Nightly room rates vary by location.