Fall Round-up: Pumpkin Patches & Pumpkin Farms in the Arlington Area 2023

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." ~ Anne of Green Gables

It's October! That means it's time for pumpkin patches, hayrides and all things slightly spooky.

This is my favorite time of year. I have two October babies and a love of Halloween. 

This month, the EA Crew plans to celebrate spooky season by getting spooked at Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas, catching a chilling performance featuring Edgar Allen Poe's creepiest creations at the Brian Clowdus Experience in Granbury, having nightmares after driving through Arlington's creepiest car wash, stepping into a pumpkin wonderland at Pumpkin Nights and more! Have a Halloween suggestion? Email it to me, pretty please!

However, if you are looking for an experience that is more cute than creepy and lets you experience all things fall without the fright, you need a pumpkin patch! Here are a few great ones in the area you won't want to miss.

Arlington-area pumpkin patches 2023

Pumpkin patches are fields of pumpkins for kids to wander through (and purchase!) that have a few photo set ups as well as some games and activities. They are usually free. 

St. John the Apostle, by Kohl's on Green Oaks, has been a favorite for years. Pose for cute pictures, shop for pumpkins and more. They even host story time at this area favorite!

First Christian Church on Collins & Park Row has some fun games and photo opportunities for kiddos. And, of course, pumpkins of all sizes. 

St. John Lutheran Church in Mansfield at Walnut Creek & Debbie is a great spot for fall photos and all things pumpkin. 

The Woods United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie at 20 & Lake Ridge has 1,000s of pumpkins to delight all ages and tons of cute photo opps to boot!

DFW-area pumpkin farms 2023

Pumpkin farms, at least these on my list, are different from patches because pumpkin farms usually cost money and are all-day activities with tons of fun for all ages. Most of the farms on this list could keep your kiddos happy for an entire afternoon and into the evening. Plan accordingly!

Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm in Midlothian will have your kids off electronics and engaging in good old-fashioned fun like it's their job! Wander through the maze, play on the hay bales. Too much fun to list here. $17 per person. 

Country Critters Farm in Alvarado has a fun pumpkin patch and petting zoo the kids will love. Play on the bounce pillow, go on train rides, play in the maze and the list goes on! $15 per person. 

Hall's Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine offers hayrides, a corn maze and more. We hosted a birthday party here when my kids were little- this has been a favorite for years! Only $5 per person Monday- Thursday, $15 on the weekends. 

Mainstay Farms in Cleburne is a spot where a kid can be a kid- and adults can be kids for the day, too! Lots of awesome activities keep kiddos of all ages happy all day, sans screens! Tickets start at $25 on the weekends if you buy in advance online. 

Fritz Park Petting Zoo in Irving is the perfect low-cost activity for littles. Bring young kiddos here to interact with animals, play games and find a perfect pumpkin for only $5 a person! Definitely a must if your kids are younger (This spot is the perfect size and experience for the under 10 set).

Notably absent from this list this year is the Flower Mount Pumpkin Patch, which won't be opening for the 2023 season. Super sad about this one- it was a favorite!

If I've missed a spot in the area that needs to be added to this list, please let me know! I'll do my best to get it added.

Happy Fall y'all!

Spring Break 2021: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in DFW!

It's been a year. 

Spring Break 2021 is less than a week away, and my kids are ready for FUN!

While this Spring Break might not look like Spring Breaks in years past, there is still lots of fun to be found all over the Metroplex for adventure seekers! Whether you want to stay in Tarrant County or venture to Dallas and Collin Counties, I've got a list of activities for you that will keep your kids happy and entertained (and out from under foot!). 

If you are traveling for Spring Break, head over to Zulily to check out my article on packing tips! 

Spring Break 2021 in DFW- Must Visit Spots

Play Street Museum (multiple locations: try Fort Worth, Keller or Irving for close options!):

This spot is great indoor fun for littles. Let them learn, explore and play in a safe environment. Be sure to check the website for operational hours at each location. EA recommends this spot for ages 6 and younger.

Sweet & Sassy Southlake: 

Your girly girls (and tomboys!) will thank you for making a trip to this sweet spot. Girls can get manicures, pedicures, haircuts and more at this hot makeover spot. Check out their camp offerings. My girls can't get enough of this place! EA recommends this spot for ages 12 and younger. (Bonus: it's across the street from Central Market and Yogurtland!)

Epic Waters: 

Get your swim on at this indoor waterpark. Littles can play in the splash area and older kids can try out the awesome (and slightly terrifying!) slides that will leave them breathless. Enjoy the lazy river and try out the indoor surf challenge. EA recommends this spot for all ages, but book online before you go to guarantee your spot!

Main Event Grand Prairie: 

Your one-shop stop for fun, this place has something for everyone. Grab lunch or dinner, go bowling, play arcade games, play on the sky course, try out the virtual reality gear. Main Event will entertain your kids for ages. Although this spot is fun for all ages, some activities have height restrictions. EA recommends if for all ages but especially for ages 6 and up.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!: 

If you've never been to Ripley's, be prepared to be weirded out. Tons of unusual artifacts and interesting exhibits will enchant (and possibly nauseate) guests. I loved this place as a kid! As an adult, well, the jury is still out. EA recommends this spot for ages 7 and older. 

Crayola Experience Plano

Kids will love this colorful place to play and create. Mold melted wax into fun shapes, make a crayon with your name on it, create colorful works of art and so much more. EA recommends this spot for ages 10 and younger. 

Peppa Pig World of Play Grapevine 

Y'all, this is truly the spot I wish had opened so many years before it did. I love Peppa Pig. I love everything about Peppa Pig. And the World of Play at Grapevine Mills is absolutely charming and so fun for little kids. It's a safe, bright area for young ones to explore and learn. I can't say enough good things about this spot, even if you don't have Peppa fans at home (although try to not fall in love with Peppa after you visit here- I dare you!). EA recommends this spot for ages 6 and younger.

Dallas Zoo & Fort Worth Zoo: 

I often see people post online and ask which zoo they should visit or buy a membership to, Dallas or Fort Worth. I think both zoos offer so much to visitors and you can't go wrong either way. Cost is similar between the zoos and the drive time is about the same, as well. Here are pros and cons of both, from the EA mama:

Dallas: 

Pros: childrens' play area features a water play zone my kids can spend hours at, large open area in the middle of the zoo allows kids to run and play, plenty of space for a picnic.

Cons: on busy days, parking can be a nightmare.

Fort Worth:

Pros: lots of parking spaces/easy parking, indoor climbing structure for kids (although this is currently closed for construction, keep watching the website for details), fun swamp bridge for kids to run across.

Cons: Safari Splash is a fun splash park located in the zoo but it costs extra, even for members. Currently no real area for kids to roam and play.

EA's thoughts: Dallas if you want to kick back while the kids play, Fort Worth if you really want to engage with the animals. Make sure to buy tickets in advance online! 

Scheels The Colony:

Guys. It is killing me that we haven't visited this sporting goods store yet because I like to be first for everything- so someone go and tell me how it is! Ride the indoor Ferris Wheel for $1 per person, play a few arcade games, grab some coffee or candy, check out the aquarium and more! The Ferris Wheel alone would make it worth the drive for the EA crew!

Other ah-mazing spots to check out (there are just SO many here in DFW!): KidMania Fort Worth, KidZania Frisco, SeaLife Grapevine, SeaQuest Fort Worth, Legoland Grapevine, The Happy Lark Fort Worth, Celebrations Fort Worth, All Star Ninjas Mansfield, PlayStudio Fort Worth. 

Free Spring Break Fun (The BEST Parks in the Metroplex)

Looking for somewhere to take the kids to keep them entertained during Spring Break but want to go easy on your wallet? Try these fun spots to burn off some steam without breaking the bank!

PlayGrand Adventures Grand Prairie: 

This all-abilities playground will keep your little happy and occupied for hours! It just reopened March 1, so get head outside and enjoy this park!

Dream Park Fort Worth: 

This park is located right along the Trinity in Fort Worth and is sure to entertain kids of all ages. Plus, it has a fence around it so kids can't escape! This spot has so many fun features kids will beg to stay as long as you'll let them!

Bicentennial Park Southlake: 

This park has a zipline, large climbing structure and plenty of seating for parents. When the weather warms up, there is a splash pad in the center of the park that allows kids to cool off while playing. This spot is so fun your kids will want to stay for hours. 

What did I miss? Happy Spring Break, guys!