Family-Friendly Things to Do in Allen, TX This Weekend: September 11–13

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? There’s plenty happening around Allen, Texas, from carnival rides and storytime to local markets, first-responder fun, live music and more.

Whether you’re looking for a free activity, something to keep the kids busy Saturday morning, or a fun family outing for the whole weekend, here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Allen this weekend, September 11–13, 2026.

St. Jude Carnival

Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 13
St. Jude Catholic Parish | 1515 N. Greenville Ave.

It's carnival weekend in Allen!

The annual St. Jude Carnival is back with four days of rides, games, food and family fun. The Talley Midway Carnival runs:

• Friday: 6–11 p.m.

• Saturday: 3–11 p.m.

• Sunday: 3–10 p.m.

Families with younger children can also check out the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival on Saturday from 12–7 p.m.

Admission is free, while rides, games and food are additional. Check the St. Jude Carnival website for ticket and wristband information.

Our pick: If you have younger kids, the Courtyard Carnival is a great Saturday afternoon option. Older kids will probably want to head for the midway rides.

Family Fun Days at The Farm: Local Heroes & Helpers

Saturday, September 12 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
The Farm in Allen

This month's Family Fun Days at The Farm is all about celebrating the local heroes who help keep our community safe.

Kids can meet firefighters, police officers and EMS professionals, explore emergency vehicles and learn about safety.

There's also a Jr. Hero Training Zone, badge-making, thank-you card crafts for first responders, yard games, live music, vendors, snow cones and temporary tattoos.

And the best part? It's free and open to the public. (Eventeny)

This is one of our top picks for families with younger kids this weekend.

Reading Bear Name Reveal & Storytime at Bravo Park

Saturday, September 12 | 10–11 a.m.
Bravo Park at Sloan Corners | 785 Bravo Park Dr.

Have you met Allen's Reading Bear yet?

Head to Bravo Park Saturday morning for a special bear-themed storytime and Reading Bear name reveal. Jeanie Schulmeister will read two bear-themed books before the official name of Bravo Park's Reading Bear sculpture is revealed.

The name was selected through a community naming contest held in partnership with Allen Public Library, making this a fun opportunity for kids and families to be part of a little piece of Allen history.

Admission is free.

If you have little readers at home, this is definitely one to put on your list.

Farmers Market at The Village at Allen

Saturday, September 12 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Grove at The Village at Allen | 190 E. Stacy Rd.

Start your Saturday morning with a trip to the Farmers Market at The Village at Allen.

The market features fresh produce, handmade goods and local artisans. It's free to attend, and dogs are welcome, too.

It's an easy family outing if you want to grab breakfast or coffee, browse local vendors and enjoy some time outside.

Explore the Allen Depot

Saturday, September 12 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Allen Heritage Center | 100 E. Main St.

For a quieter—and educational—family activity, stop by the historic Allen Depot Saturday.

The depot features exhibits about Allen's history, including the railroad, early settlers, the Interurban, the telephone exchange and more.

Admission is free, and the event is listed as appropriate for all ages. (City of Allen)

It's a particularly fun stop for kids who are interested in trains, local history or exploring something a little different.

Celebrate Grandparents Day at Allen Public Library

Saturday, September 12 | 2–3 p.m.
Allen Public Library | 300 N. Allen Dr.

Bring the grandparents along for a special afternoon at the library!

Let's Celebrate Grandparents Day gives children and grandparents a chance to play games, make crafts and create memories together.

The program is recommended for ages 5 and up, and no ticket is required. (City of Allen)

If you're looking for something meaningful to do with grandparents this weekend, this is a sweet option.

Dallas Card Show

Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 13
Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center | 777 Watters Creek Blvd.

Have a sports-card collector or Pokémon fan in the family?

The Dallas Card Show is taking over the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center this weekend with sports cards, trading cards, comics, toys, collectibles, autographs and memorabilia.

General admission is $15 per day, with VIP and multi-day passes also available. (Dallas Card Show)

This could be a fun stop for older kids and tweens who love collecting, trading and hunting for that one card they've been looking for.

Live Music: Radio Edit at Watters Creek

Saturday, September 12 | 7–9 p.m.
Watters Creek Village | 970 Garden Park Dr.

End the day with dinner and live music at Watters Creek.

Radio Edit will perform on the Village Green Saturday evening, playing rock, pop and country hits from the 1960s through today's music.

The concert is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy an evening outside. (Visit Allen)

Guns & Hoses Boxing Tournament

Saturday, September 12 | Doors at 5:30 p.m.; first bout at 6:30 p.m.
Credit Union of Texas Event Center

Looking for something a little more exciting?

The 25th Annual Guns & Hoses Boxing Tournament brings North Texas police officers and firefighters into the ring for a night of friendly competition and fundraising.

Proceeds support the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas, which provides assistance to families of fallen first responders and supports children's charities throughout North Texas.

Tickets are required. The City of Allen lists the event as all ages, although we'd recommend it more for families with older kids and teens. (City of Allen)

Know about another family-friendly event happening in Allen? Drop it in the comments so we can add it to the list!

Event details can change, so we recommend confirming times, admission and other details with the event organizer before heading out.