Dallas Solar Eclipse 2024: Everything you need to know

A once in a lifetime solar event is coming to Texas this Spring 2024, and people are flocking across the nation to witness it. There is a lot to know about the upcoming solar eclipse, from where to see it, how to view it safely, fun solar eclipse activities, and quite a lot more. We’ve gathered up everything you need to know about the upcoming solar eclipse and organized it into a few, easy to browse sections packed full of helpful information and links on how to make the most out of your Dallas Solar Eclipse experience this year.
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Guide to Dallas Solar Eclipse
The Texas Solar Eclipse is coming, and here is everything you need to know to witness this amazing event.

Dallas Solar Eclipse Details
Looking for the who/what/where/why/when details on our upcoming Dallas Solar Eclipse? You’ve come to the right place!
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon crosses directly between the Earth and the Sun. Depending on the totality of the eclipse, it may block some or all of the Sun’s light, leaving Earth is a temporary state of unexpected twilight. Though we may rarely get the privilege of experiencing a total solar eclipse, they are not exactly rare. Solar eclipses happen on Earth about 2 – 5 times a year. A total solar Eclipse is still even more rare still, occurring every 18 months or so, on average.

When is the Dallas Solar Eclipse?
The last total solar eclipse in the Dallas / Fort Worth Area was on July 29th, 1878, and the next total solar eclipse is THIS YEAR on April 8th, 2024. During this time, the Moon will fully cover the Sun to produce total darkness for 2 – 4 minutes, starting around 1:40PM. You can enter your location and determine the exact time of totality in your area using the timeline on Eclipse 2024. Eclipse 2024 also provides a time lapse simulation of what the total solar eclipse will look like from your exact location.

Solar Eclipse Safety
We cannot wait to see the solar eclipse, but it’s always important to be diligent when it comes to solar eclipse safety. Outside of that 2ish minutes when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, it is absolutely not safe to view an eclipse without proper eye gear. This is true EVEN if you are viewing the eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope unless you are using a special purpose solar filter. Luckily, you’ve got quite the range of options when it comes to solar eclipse safety, and many of them are easy to obtain and quite affordable.
Paper Solar Eclipse Viewers
The most budget friendly and simple eye protection for a solar eclipse is probably the paper solar viewer. This thick piece of cardboard or plastic has a safety lens in the middle that you can look through to view the Texas solar eclipse as much as you would like.
- Rainbow Symphony Eclipse Viewers (11 pack)
- Rainbow Symphony Eclipse Viewers (25 pack)
- Rainbow Symphony Eclipse Viewers on Lanyard (10 pack)
You can also buy single eclipse viewers if you do not need many, but expect to pay as much as a 10 pack.
PROS: Good budget option, especially when you need a large quantity of viewers. Works even if you wear glasses.
CONS: Using viewers can be tricky for younger kids. They may struggle to line up the viewer properly or get distracted and forget to lift the viewer before looking at the solar eclipse. Eclipse viewers can also be damaged and do not last as long as some of our other options.

Paper Solar Eclipse Glasses
Welcome back to the day of those old school paper glasses you used when you were a kid. Yep, they still work (well maybe not the exact ones you used several years ago) and are a perfectly viable budget option for viewing the Dallas Solar Eclipse.
- LUNT Solar Systems Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack)
- LUNT Junior Solar Systems Solar Eclipse Glasses (4 pack)
- Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack)
These are just a few suggestions, but there are certainly LOTS of options out there.
PROS: Great budget option, especially when you need a large quantity of eclipse glasses. I like that the junior glasses are a bit chunkier and can help prevent curious kiddos and those with impulse control struggles from glancing over or under their glasses to see this special event without filtration.
CONS: More difficult to pair with prescription glasses. Paper eclipse glasses are not nearly as long lasting and durable as some of our other options. If you see any kind of scratches or damage on your paper eclipse glasses, you will have to consider them unsafe for viewing the solar eclipse and discard them for another pair.
Plastic Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses
There are several styles of Plastic Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses available as a slightly more durable option for your solar eclipse viewing.
- Medical King Solar Eclipse Glasses (2 pack)
- SEIC Solar Eclipse Glasses (3 pack)
Though there are not as many options for plastic eclipse glasses, you can still find them in a few different styles and configurations.
PROS: More durable than paper glasses.
CONS: Pricing is considerably higher than paper glasses, and some can still be pretty flimsy. Sizing can be more difficult for younger children, and it is difficult to layer plastic solar eclipse glasses with prescription glasses.

Solar Eclipse Goggles
I am very excited to share with you guys what I feel like is both the ultimate solar eclipse viewing option AND quite affordable. With the proper lens kit, you can modify welding goggles to create the ultimate solar eclipse safety goggles, and they fit well for kids, adults, and folks who need prescription glasses.
We have used Arc Zone Solar Eclipse Goggles for both our kids, ages 5 and 10, as well as for both my husband and myself. When you purchase this welding goggle kit from Arc Zone, it comes with a shade 14 welder’s UV filter plate which you need for safe solar eclipse viewing. Swapping the lens is as simple as popping one out and popping the other one in. It takes only a couple of minutes, and your Solar Eclipse Goggles will be good to go. The goggles block all peripheral views, giving you a completely safe solar eclipse viewing environment.
PROS: Flexible fit. Added safety features that are great for young children and folks with impulse control. Can be worn with prescription glasses. Durable and long lasting.
CONS: Pricing is higher. You have to swap in the #14 shade kit.
Solar Eclipse Binoculars & Solar Eclipse Solar Lenses for Cameras
This finally category is a bit of a catch-all for additional solar eclipse viewing options. From cardboard binoculars to regular ones and handy dandy solar lens for your smart phone or camera.
- Celestron EcliptSmart Binoculars 2X (Cardboard, 2 Pack)
- Celestron EcliptSmart Binoculars 10X
- Smartphone Solar Imaging Solar Filter
No matter what type of glasses, goggles, or viewers you decide to purchase to watch the Dallas Solar Eclipse this year, make sure they are CE and ISO Certified and preform a visual check for any kind of lens damage. It is incredibly important that all eclipse glasses have specialized, undamaged lenses to properly block harmful radiation and protect you from loss of eyesight and blindness. NEVER use regular sunglasses OR camera lenses to view a solar eclipse directly.

Solar Eclipse Crafts & Activities
Enjoying the solar eclipse together as a family is by far one of my most favorite things to do. It is so much fun to enjoy the world around us in such an unusual and magical state, both leading up and from the total solar eclipse to those few moments of absolute totality. Here are a few activities that we love.

DIY Solar Eclipse Viewers
You may or may not have heard of pinhole projectors, but they make a great way to indirectly view the eclipse and a great alternative to buying new equipment or teaching super young kiddos how to safely view an eclipse. You can create a pinhole projector with a variety of household items, or my very favorite tool: a tree. Simply gather around beneath a large tree near a sidewalk or paved area and watch as all the shadows turn into tiny little magical eclipses all around you. Other ways to create a pinhole project include viewing the solar eclipse via the shadows created by a:
- Colander
- Slotted spoon
- Woven basket
- Hole punched paper or cardstock
- Eclipse Cereal Box Viewer (tutorial)

Solar Eclipse Art
A favorite activity of ours is bringing a fresh, white sheet of paper outside and putting it on the sidewalk beneath our big oak tree. Grab your favorite art supplies and start capturing the phases of the Dallas Solar Eclipse as it approaches totality. It’s almost hard to remember to look UP when the designs on the ground as so absolutely captivating, but once your fun little shadows disappear, it’s safe to look at the total solar eclipse until you start to see any light. Then it’s back to your eclipse glasses or goggles, my friend!

Solar Eclipse Educational Resources
There are lots of great websites to learn more (and teach your kiddos) about the upcoming solar eclipse. Here are a few of our favorites so far. Let me know your favorites in the comments!
- NASA Eclipses – A number of eclipse related resources, videos, and links
- Solar Eclipse Across America – Maps, phases, and additional info
- Great American Eclipse – animated simulation of the 2024 Total Eclipse alongside maps and additional info
- Generation Genius – Lesson plans, activities, and information about eclipses. (Videos & Reading)
- Mystery Science – Lesson plans, activities, and info about the solar eclipse. (Videos & Reading)
- National Geographic – Video
- SciShow – Video

2024 Solar Eclipse Map (Texas)
We all know Texas is a GIGANTIC state. Naturally, not all areas in Texas will experience the total solar eclipse in full totality. To best assess and plan your location for the upcoming solar eclipse, I recommend checking out this 2024 Solar Eclipse Map. TLDR; if you are in North Texas, you are either in the path of totality or just minutes away from experience a the total Dallas Solar Eclipse. So plan your sweet spot for viewing, pack your safety equipment, and get ready for April 8th!

DFW Solar Eclipse Viewing Events
If you prefer to experience your Dallas Solar Eclipse in a social setting, there are PLENTY of eclipse viewing events, and I am in the process of trying to gather them all up for you. The list below is what I have so far. Please note, some of these events DO require tickets, so please take the time to click through and research before you make plans. If you know of an event that I haven’t listed yet, please drop a comment and let me know so I can get it added!
- Eclipse in the Garden – Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
- Windhaven Meadows Park & Oak Point Park – City of Plano
- Bluebonnet Eclipse Festival – Johnson, TX
- Solar Eclipse Party – East Side Denton
- Kerrville Eclipse Festival – Kerville Parks & Rec
- 2024 Eclipse Fest – The Robinson Family Farm
- Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival – Hillsboro, TX
- Total Eclipse of the Park – Coppell, TX

Total Eclipse of the Sun 2024
Suffice to say, the entire community is extremely excited about the upcoming Dallas Solar Eclipse, and I hope these resources, events, and activities will help you make the most of your experience! The upcoming solar eclipse is a great time to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the world around us. I hope you can allow yourself to be surrounded with peace and wonder during this magical event.
Originally posted on February 19, 2024.