Wednesday, May 29, 2024

DFW Summer Bucket List 2024



School is out- Yay! Time to find things to do with the kids this summer. Without going broke. Or crazy. Or possibly both at the same time...

Fun things to do with the kids in Dallas/Fort Worth for Summer 2024


If free is the name of the game...

Go stroll & splash at Airfield Falls in Fort Worth. Or pack a picnic and play at Dream Park in Fort Worth or PlayGrand in Grand Prairie. Both of these parks will blow your mind! Or wait until the sun sets at head to Joya Park in Farmer's Branch. The glow-in-the-dark playground is spectacular! Got a little one who loves planes? You'll love Founder's Plaza at DFW Airport where you can watch airplanes take off and land. 

Okay, this one isn’t free, but stick with me… Go hang out at Wild Acres Brewing. Grab a beer (if that’s your thing) or a pop (soda for the non-Midwesterners) and let the kids run wild. There’s a shaded playground, jump pad, fun bikes and lots of space to roam. And let’s be honest, you’ll be thirsty at some point this summer, right? 

Don't forget to sign up for a Kids Bowl Free pass! Kids can bowl two free games of bowling every day all summer long (some restrictions apply). 

My kids are ready for the pool...

You're in luck with sooo many options in the area! The City of Arlington has some fabulous pools with water features that feel like a mini waterpark and cost less than $10 per person to get in. Both Bad Konigshafen (we call it BK Pool!) at Stovall Park and Randol Mill Aquatic Center at Randol Mill Park will keep your kids happy for hours. Have kiddos younger than 5? Check out Howard Moore Play Pool, a spot where we spent countless hours when my kids were toddlers. And don't forget about the free splash pads! Arlington has three, Mansfield has a great one at Clayton Chandler Park and Kennedale's Sonora Park is a great spot, too! 

Looking for more? Well, here we go... Hawaiian Falls in Mansfield is a fabulous option. And their "best deal" package gets you admission plus food and drink for $42.99 per person. Plus parking is free. Score! NRH2O in North Richland Hills is also a great outdoor option and lets you bring in your own cooler. Want to go big? You can't go wrong with Arlington's own Hurricane Harbor. Prepare to spend the day! 

But wait... There's more! Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is a great option if you don't want to mess with sunscreen (although don't forget it altogether because of the outdoor splash pool!), as is The Cove at the Lakefront. Yes, Little Elm is a bit of a drive. But The Cove is around $20 per person and allows you to bring in your own food! Talk about cost effective. You can also check out WhoaZone on Lake Grapevine, a floating waterpark in the lake. It's a ton of fun! Just don't forget your water shoes- trust me here. Looking for something a little more upscale? Try Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, where you can have a drink at the swim-up bar while the kids hang out in the water (just be sure someone has an eye on them at all times). Other options we love: day passes to Great Wolf Lodge, NRH Centre Pool, Pirate's Cove in Burleson & The Brick in Burleson. Burger's Lake is a hidden gem in Fort Worth that you need to visit if you haven't already. Perfect for all ages. 

And don't forget Fireside Surf at GrandScape in The Colony! Kids can learn to surf right here in North Texas. 


Help! We're sunburned and need to hang indoors for a few days...

Oh let me count the ways I can find entertainment for you...
Kids like to bounce and climb? Check out Urban Air in Mansfield or Arlington. Ground Control in Irving/Las Colinas has some super-cool features. Ninja Warrior Kids in North Richland Hills is equally awesome with some high-flying features. EVO Entertainment in Southlake has a cool ropes course and then you can see a movie afterward (or beforehand!). Hapik Climbing and Obstacle Warrior Kids are next door to one another in Garland- a bit of a drive from Arlington but worth it in my opinion! Main Event in Grand Prairie also allows you to be adventurous. And don't forget Bolder Adventure Park! You can't go wrong there.


My kid prefers video games...

I gotchu. Check out EVA in Flower Mound, where you step into the game. Or Immersive Gamebox at GrandScape in The Colony. You and your fam can play in your own private room. So fun! And harder than it looks... Sandbox VR in Fort Worth is a great immersive experience your kids won't soon forget. Zero Latency VR at the Irving Mall is a nearby option that offers up a ton of fun. We also can't wait for Activate Games to open in Southlake- something to keep on your radar! Two Bit Circus in Dallas at the Shops at Park Lake blends VR with traditional carnival games and tons of fun. 


Like old-school arcades? Cool! Check out these awesome choices in Arlington: Black Dog, Cidercade & Freeplay

My kid is a bit sporty. Anything active you can think of?

Where do I start? There are tons of awesome minigolf options that have popped up recently. PopStroke at GrandScape is owned by Tiger Woods and outdoors. Prefer to be inside? Check out Puttery at the GrandScape or Puttshack in Addison. Both allow you adult beverages (or sodas, etc.) while you try to make a hole in one. Sixes Social Cricket is another fun way to get your sport on at GrandScape. Cricket is similar to baseball... but harder in some ways and easier in others. Try it for yourself! Don't forget about the batting cages at D Bat in Mansfield and Alley Cats in Arlington. (Alley Cats has two mini golf rounds, also). Fowling Warehouse in Plano is super cool, too- it’s football and bowling combined! Definitely recommend. Like pickleball? Check out Chicken N Pickle in Grapevine or Grand Prairie and try your hand at this hot new sport. 


My kids are little. Like, younger than 8. What do you recommend for them?

Oh so many things! Things I would have died for when my own babies were actually babies. Play Street Museum is amazing. There is a location in Mansfield and several more all over DFW. Try Kids Empire in Hurst- so cool! Alliance in north Fort Worth at KidMania- and also the free play area at Living Spaces. Yep, free (and yep, the furniture store!)! Grand Prairie, too. Drop your kiddos (don't forget socks!), grab a free coffee and look at furniture. No shame in the game. KidZania in Frisco at Stonebriar Centre is pretty incredible- I definitely recommend for kids ages 4-10. So worth the drive, I promise you. Project Play in Hurst is another great indoor option, as is KVC Play in Duncanville. Kiddleton at Hulen is fun for toddlers. And there's a new spot in Southlake called Brightside Play that's very cool, as well. Cheeky Monkeys has several DFW locations you won't want to miss. The Forest Park Mini Train is sure to be a hit on cooler days, too. I'm sure I'm missing a few but this should set you off on the right foot!


Anything else you haven't listed above that I should add to my bucket list?

Always. Seriously. Andretti Go Karts, for one. The Grand Prairie location should be open this summer but you can always hit up the location at the GrandScape! Six Flags is always fun, especially for older kids. GoApe at River Legacy is a fun way to have fun in the sun, just be sure you drink plenty of water as you swing through the trees! iFly is a great way to be adventurous without actually jumping out of a plane, and DynoRock in Arlington offers rock-climbing for all ages. Go ride the Ferris wheel at Scheel's in the GrandScape for $1 a person. Pretty fun! Meow Wolf is a unique must-visit at Grapevine Mills. There aren’t a lot of words to describe it beyond wow! 

Got a crafty kid? You need Hawaii Fluid Art! Make pour-over creations or a fun hat. You can’t go wrong! Likewise Catalyst Creative in downtown Arlington will help you get your creative juices flowing. Brown Baking X 3 in Arlington offers up loads of baking classes to get your kids to enjoy creativity in the kitchen. Crayola Experience in Plano is a cool way to engage with one of your favorite brands from childhood. There is enough to keep kids happy all day! 

Don't forget tried-and-true activities such as the Fort Worth Zoo, the Dallas Zoo, the Perot Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. You can't go wrong with Legoland, SeaLife or Peppa Pig World of Play at Grapevine Mills Mall, either. SeaQuest has some neat animal encounters. The Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are both great spots for strolling and picnicking. River Legacy in Arlington will put you up close with reptiles and animals. Dallas World Aquarium is another great spot for your little animal lover. And Fossil Rim! Let the animals stroll up the car and delight the kids. Dinosaur World is a fun stop when you are in Glen Rose, too. 

Want a beach? Hit up Little Elm or Granbury- both of these spots are only about an hour from Arlington and have fabulous public beaches. 

Want to do it all? No problem! Buy a Pogo Pass- code Everything will save you 50% on the price. Or try out a GetOutPass- again use code Everything to save big. 

DFW is a pretty great place to raise kids, don't you think?...


Friday, May 24, 2024

Summer Reading Freebies 2024

I'm an avid reader... I'm about to finish my 30th book of 2024! But my girls have grown up in a digital age where the lure of the internet is real. I'm all about incentivizing them to read in hopes that one day they'll love it as much as I do. 

If your kids are like mine, they are incentivized by prizes, rewards and freebies. So, here it is- the list of cool, free things they can get in Summer 2024 for reading.


Girl in Pool


Summer 2024 Reading Freebies in the DFW area

Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book from a selected list when they read 8 books of their choosing. Download the journal here and once your child has completed their reading, bring it to your closest location for a free book. Program runs July 1- August 31, 2024. 

This program is best for teachers to sign up for to reward their kids, but I still wanted to include it! Teachers can enroll in the program and then receive free meal cards to be handed to students who complete five books. 

I loved the Book It! Program as a kid and I still love it as an adult! Kids can earn a free personal pan pizza for completing their reading journal. This program is designed for kids in PreK through 6th grade. Homeschool children can participate in this program during the school year, too! 

Summer reading camp is back! You can enroll your child on the linked website and print their reading log. Once they complete their summer reading (between June 1 and July 31), they can bring their completed reading log to their local HPB store and receive $5 in bookworm bucks, which is good for $5 off anything in the store. 

We especially love this prize. Read 5 books and then play games all day! Score! Submit your reading log to the above link and your child receives free admission to Freeplay! This is an easy, fun reward for kids- and parents! 

Don't forget to check out the programs at your local library. Last year we earned a free membership to the Perot Museum through the Grand Prairie Library! 

Monday, May 20, 2024

Summer Movie Cheat Sheet 2024

Cheap summer movies in a dark, cool theater are an easy way to keep kids entertained while school is out. Check out these great movie deals in the greater Fort Worth area. 



Cheap Summer Movies in DFW 2024

Movies start June 10. Tickets are $1.75 each (plus tax) and kids' snack combos will be $1 off during summer movie showtimes. Mansfield & Grand Prairie show these movies Wednesdays at 10 am- check the website for additional locations and showtimes.

Summer movies start June 24 and run through August. Tickets are $3 each. At the AMC Parks location, movies are shown on Mondays at 11 am and 2 pm. See the website for the full line-up of movies. 

Kick back at Look Cinemas with $2 movies all summer long! Movies start June 10 and are shown most days during the week at 12 pm. See the website for movie selections. 

Movies at Studio Movie Grill are shown Monday through Thursday at 11 am at both Arlington locations. Movies change weekly, and the series starts May 27. Tickets are $6 each and include popcorn and a drink.

Enjoy $1 movies all summer long at EVO in Southlake. Movies start June 7 and run through August. Pro tip? Go on Wednesdays when games are 1/2 price and you've got a full day of air-conditioned fun under one roof!

Starting June 9 you can see a different movie every week for just $3. There will be food specials during the Kids Dream Series, and you can also purchase a movie passport for the series which enables you to see all 12 summer movies for $18! Score! 

Family-friendly throwback movies for $5 each at Flix Brewhouse in Mansfield. These movies come with activity sheets and adjusted volume levels. On Tuesdays during summer, kids can enjoy $5 kids meals where they can choose from several menu options with a drink included. Add a cookie for $1. 








Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Fort Worth/Arlington Fun for the Holidays 2023

 It's November. Already.

That means it's time. 

Time for peppermint mochas and sleigh bells and Santa photos and Love Actually on repeat. It's time to make your list and check it twice.

I could go on. 

Really, for me, November 1 is a time to assess the holidays. What events are we attending? What parties do we have? What big-ticket items do I need to budget for? What actually even is my budget for the season?

While I can't help you figure out your budget for holiday merriment in 2023, I can tell you what events you might want to check out this holiday season. From lights at the zoo to drive-thru displays and everything in between, here are a few activities you might want to consider for the Holidays 2023. 


Holiday ready at our house!


DFW Holiday Happenings 2023

1. Christmas at the Gaylord Texan. It rarely feels like the holidays without a visit to the Gaylord. Even if you decide to skip out on the paid activities it's fun to simply wander the premises, admiring all the lights. Gaylord is perhaps best known for ICE, it's huge walk-through display of ice sculptures that require you to wear a parka so you don't get cold! Other activities at the Gaylord include snow tubing, a walk-thru light display and more. Stay the night if it's in the budget (and you have a spare night or two!). Code ARLINGTON will save you 50% on select dates HERE

2. Dallas Zoo Lights. We love Dallas Zoo Lights because it feels as if you've stepped into a holiday movie set! Wander through the zoo at night to see thousands of twinkling lights. You likely won't see many animals but that's okay. You can still grab festive food and drinks, see Santa and so much more. Be sure to bundle up if it's cold outside as this event is mostly outdoors. 

3. Holiday at the Arboretum. I admit- last year was the first year I visited Holiday at the Arboretum and I was absolute dazzled by it! Watch as they make the Twelve Days of Christmas come alive in fun snow globe-like displays and then stop and enjoy the Christmas Village. Last year I was freshly back from a visit to Germany and the holiday village had the same quaint feel I loved during my visit to Deutschland. I can't wait visit again this year (and be sure you follow me on social if you're interest in tickets for you and the fam!)

4. Prairie Lights. Definitely an EA Crew fave, Prairie Lights is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit without leaving your car! Although you'll want to for the holiday village halfway through, trust me on this. Tune your radio to the proper station and watch as thousands of holiday lights sparkle and dance to the music. Halfway through, get out of the car and grab some snacks, ride a few rides and see Santa himself! We love this event because it is priced per car, not per person. 

5. The North Pole Experience at the Hilton Anatole. We've never done the Anatole at Christmas- maybe this will be the year?! In addition to special holiday hotel packages, the Anatole offers up some fun activities in December, including Breakfast with Santa and The North Pole Experience. You can visit Santa's workshop, enjoy holiday treats, engage in immersive experiences and more. 

6. The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor. The Light Park is holiday cheer enjoyed exclusively from the comfort of your car! So grab the kids and some hot cocoa and drive through lights that twinkle and dance to music. Go early in the season and you will find this is one of most affordable holiday activities in DFW so you can enjoy it more than once!

7. Texas Christkindlmarket in Arlington. Wander through the stalls at the Christkindlmarket at Globe Life Field Plaza for free, shopping with vendors and enjoying holiday treats. Live music is frequently performed by choirs and schools from around the area. Although this event is small, it is such a fun and unique activity for Arlington to have- make sure you visit it so it keeps coming back! Plus you can take charming photos while you're there. 

8. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway. If you've ever wanted to see what it takes to be a Nascar driver, this is your chance! Totally kidding, totally kidding. However, you CAN drive on the raceway at Texas Motor Speedway to see their fantastic presentation of lights. Turn on your favorite holiday music, throw kids and friends in the car and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. 

9. Daystar Christmas. This is another event I had seen on Instagram for years but didn't visit until last year. Y'all- I was missing out! Daystar Christmas, located just up 121 from Arlington, is totally FREE and offers loads of walk-through lights displays for everyone to enjoy. Bundle up and go for a stroll and make sure your phone is charged to take alllll the pictures. There is a cafe with warm drinks for purchase. Seriously- if holiday activities aren't in the budget this year, no worries- this one will still knock your socks off without breaking the bank. 

10. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas. We just love Six Flags- and it doesn't hurt that it's a quick drive across town for us! Six Flags knows how to do the holidays right, and Christmas is no exception. Live entertainment, festive treats, loads of lights and more await at Six Flags for you to enjoy in between exciting rollercoasters and thrilling rides. A holiday must-do for sure!

This was taken at Prairie Lights several years ago. We love that event! 


What events will you be attending this holiday season? We are so sad that Enchant won't be back for another year in DFW... Maybe next year?!

Sunday, October 1, 2023

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.

Pumpkin patch


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!









Thursday, June 1, 2023

Summer Reading Clubs 2023: Cool Things Your Kids Can Earn by Reading

It's June, which means it's summer. The kids are out of school, the cupboard is constantly almost bare and the kids are trying to see how much screen time they can log in one single day. 

I say this every year, but this summer, especially, I don't want my kids to lose the progress they've made all year at school. One way to help kids get (and stay) ahead academically is by encouraging them to read, which is why so many places offer incentives for kids who are willing to open a book or 5 or 10 this summer. (I'm paying my kids to read books in Spanish. They are all inspired... for now)


kid summer reading
This kid loves to read... and she loves when she gets prizes and incentives for reading, too!


If your kid needs a little extra push to crack open a book and journey with the characters inside, I get it. So do bookstores and other local companies, who are willing to give your kids some cool freebies in exchange for reading. So, if your kid is looking for a reason to head over to the library and pick up a few new titles that pique their interest, well, here it is. Here are several summer reading programs your kids won't want to miss!

Summer reading programs where kids can earn prizes for reading

  • Free Play Arlington- Kids love video games? Same. Make them earn their gaming adventures by reading five books and submitting their list to the Free Play website (linked above) for free admission plus other goodies! Kids can submit multiple lists for multiple free entries. This sounds like a reading challenge my kids can get behind!
  • Chica Power- I'm super excited about this one because this is an awesome local mama supporting awesome local kids! Kids can earn one free kids shake at Chica Power (located at Bowen and Park Row in Arlington) for every 5 books they read. They can pick up a punchcard starting Saturday and start earning summer treats right away. Yum!
  • H-E-Buddy Reading Club- Read 10 books and mail or email the completed form (linked above) for the chance to a win a prize that will be mailed to your home. 
  • Book It Reading Program- Kids can read for their dinner with the Book It Program from Pizza Hut. Kids can simply read, log their time online and then submit the form to have a coupon for a free Personal Pan Pizza mailed right to them. Yum! 
  • Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Log- Have your kiddo read eight books, complete the log and bring it to your closes Barnes and Noble location for a free book from a preselected list. What a great way to build your home library! 
  • Feeding Reading from Kellogg's- Okay, so this one isn't so much encouraging your kids to read as much as it is giving them free books to fill their library. But one participating Kellogg's product (see the link for details) and submit the online form for a free book. Redeem up to 10 times for 10 free books!
  • Summer Reading Club from Half Price Books- The interactive summer reading club has lots of cool activities and resources for mom and dad as well as an incentive for the kids- bring in the completed reading log and get $5 in bookworm bucks that can be applied to anything in the store. Shopping spree!
  • Discover Summer at the Arlington Public Library- The library offers lots of great summer programming so check back often. Be sure to check back for prizes for a completed reading log, too! Don't forget to check out summer reading incentives from other area libraries, too, such as Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Kennedale and more. 
  • Free book tote from Little Mama Shirt Shop- Download the free tracker at the linked website and read 200 books with your kiddo this summer (picture books count!). Then submit the tracker for a free tote! This is how they suck me in... I want basically every shirt in this shop! 

tote
Snag this adorable tote when you and your kiddo read 200 books together this summer!



If I've missed any summer reading incentives, please send them my way! I love love love to read myself and will do anything to encourage it in my kiddos!


Sunday, May 28, 2023

Summer Movie Club: Cheap Summer Movies for Kids in 2023

Summer is here, friends! Time for turning off the alarms, going with the flow and soaking up the Texas sun. Pools, barbeques, play dates, movies... I'm here for all of it!

When my girls were younger, we lived for cheap summer movies. It was a way to get out of the house, enjoy some air conditioning and entertain the girls before naptime with a great kids' movie. The offerings have varied quite a bit by theater over the years, but I'm happy to say some of the big chains are bringing back their cheap summer offerings this summer.

So if you need something to do that isn't outdoors because you need a break from the heat and/or the sun and you don't want to break the bank, add these cheap summer movie dates to your calendar!

Cheap summer movies for kids 2023

Catch movies every Wednesday at 9:30 am. You can get $1 off kids' snack meals during the show and catch movies such as Minions: The Rise of Gru and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. 
Catch these flicks at Cinemark in Mansfield on 287 & 157. 





See a different movie every week starting May 27 for $3 on Wednesdays and $5 on Saturdays. Movies include The Paw Patrol Movie, Land Before Time and more!
Catch these flicks at AMC at Parks Mall or AMC at Eastchase and I-30.

Head to the website to grab two FREE tickets to any show! You can also buy tickets for $15 each to see a movie each week all summer long! Talk about a great deal. Plus there are discounts on snacks.
Catch these flicks at the Movie Tavern in Bedford or Forth Worth.





Studio Movie Grill has a different movie every week for the first showing of the day Monday- Thursday through August 24. Your $6 ticket includes a snack and a drink. 
Catch these flicks at the Studio Movie Grill at the Arlington Highlands or Lincoln Square.

I can't find anything more than $2 movies this week for the Summer Series at Look, but hopefully there are more movies to come! This week you can see Trolls: World Tour for $2 each.
Catch these flicks at the Look Cinemas in Arlington at I-20 and Green Oaks. 

Other spots to search for free or cheap movies:
The library sometimes has free or cheap movies. Also check with local open-air spots, such as The Lot in Mansfield or The Levitt in Arlington. Epic Central in Grand Prairie is also a spot to watch. 

Where else have you seen cheap movies for Summer 2023?