Pumpkin Patches in the Fort Worth Area 2024

Fall has arrived! If you're ready for all things pumpkin-related, you're in the right spot!

Pumpkin patches are definitely the place to be in October. Whether you go for the photos, the fall decor, the light, apple- and pumpkin-spiced treats, you can't deny that pumpkin patches are a rite of passage each fall.

The Fort Worth area is home to a number of awesome pumpkin patches, so you're in luck there! Whether you are looking for a spot that is sure to provide a full day of play for you and the kids or you and your SO or just looking to grab a few pumpkins and maybe a few pictures, you can find it in the Fort Worth area.

It's pumpkin season!

Fort Worth area pumpkin patches 2024

All-day adventures: area farms with pumpkin patches and fall activities

Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm (Midlothian): Pumpkins & animals & hayrides, oh my! This pumpkin patch, a quick drive from the Arlington area, provides a day's worth of family-friendly fun for your whole crew. More than 20 fun activities await on 25-acres of wide-open spaces. Open weekends (and some weekdays) starting 10/5. Tickets start at $20 each.

MainStay Farm (Cleburne): The Fall Festival is open now through November 3, 2024, and it is so worth the drive! From the Texas Big Wheels to the all-new World of Pumpkins and the gorgeous fall photo ops to the Texas-sized pumpkin barn, you're sure to have big fun at this hoppin' spot. Tickets start at $26 per person when purchased online in advance. 

Country Critters Farm (Alvarado): Featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, hayrides, a bounce pillow, duck races and oodles more, Country Critters Farm is endless fun for kids of all ages. Open weekends from October 5 until November 10 as well as Monday, October 14, Country Critters Farm is the best bang for your bucket with tickets priced at just $15 per person (and police & active military are free with ID!). 

Fritz Petting Zoo (Irving): Support the local Arlington family that runs this farm and make the drive over to Irving for the $5 per family petting zoo with loads of fun fall activities. Purchase a pumpkin from the darling patch and your dollars will support the Irving Animal Shelter. Also enjoy feeding animals and pony rides during your visit (these activities do cost extra). This is an absolutely charming spot, especially if you have younger kids. 

Sunset Hill Tree Farm (Alvarado): Opening this weekend, Sunset Hill Tree Farm has a fabulous pumpkin patch with lots of opportunities for fall fun. Enjoy the playground, kids climbing wall, hayrides, obstacle course, bounce house and so much more. There is also an on-site cafe, and tickets are only $10 per person! Teachers are free opening weekend with ID. Score! 

Hall's Pumpkin Farm (Grapevine): Open Wednesday- Sunday, Hall's Pumpkin Farm is a long-time favorite in the area. Check out the corn maze, hayrides, activities and, of course!, the pumpkins. Treats available for sale onsite. Go on a weekday and admission is only $5 per person- it's $15 for adults and $10 for kids on the weekends. 

Just the pumpkins please: smaller spots with pumpkins, photo ops & fun

St. John (Mansfield): Adorable photo ops and pumpkins for sale plus activities on Saturday- see website for calendar of events. 

All Saints Luteran Church (Arlington): Photo ops with lots of pumpkins! Plus free activities on Saturday. Watch the Facebook page for times, patch opens Saturday, 10/5. 

St. John the Apostle (Arlington): Tons of pumpkins and adorable photo ops- I've been brining my kids here for 15 years and counting! Patch is open daily from 10 am- 8 pm. No purchase required. 

First Methodist (Mansfield): Hang out at the patch, play some games, take some photos and pick out a fun pumpkin to take home. Patch is open daily from September 29- October 31, 9 am- 7 pm. 

The Pumpkin Patch at First Christian Church (Arlington): Opening October 13, this pumpkin patch offers activities for the whole family as well as all the pumpkins for sale you could possibly want! 

A previous year's photo from St. John the Apostle in Arlington

More opportunities for pumpkins...

I can't skip mentioning the following favorites, too:

Dallas Arboretum is a great place for gorgeous pictures with White Rock Lake as a stunning backdrop. Bring a stroller for kids- you'll get some steps in here!

Pumpkin Nights here in Arlington is obviously a favorite. It's a whole Halloween experience complete with jackolanterns galore and a fun night for everyone that you won't soon forget. 

Dallas Farmer's Market has a great display of pumpkins you can snap photos at before you shop for local goods and produce right in the heart of Dallas.

Happy Fall, Y'all! 

Get Your Spook On: Haunted Houses (and other Happenings) in the DFW Area for Halloween 2024

Is spooky your season? It is definitely ours! If you love to be scared out of your mind, you're in luck- DFW is home to some incredible haunted houses (and other creepy experiences). Enter if you dare!

My kids aren't little anymore (and no, I don't want to talk about my feelings on this topic!), so my days of church trunk-or-treats and more-fun-than-scary Halloween Happenings are (sadly) behind me. 

Two of my three daughters were born in October, so maybe this should have been an indicator for me that Halloween was going to be huge in our house. My oldest has seen just about every horror movie made in the last 40 years and somehow still manages to sleep well at night. My girls love haunted everything. (Should I be worried about what this says about me as a mom?!) We are just dying to visit all the spooky, creepy, heart-pounding activities the Halloween season ushers in.

Lucky for us, DFW is home to some seriously awesome haunted happenings. From sweet to spooky, there is certainly something for everyone. If you're looking to get your spook on this Halloween Season, here's your cheat sheet of places to check out!

Spooky Vibes for the EA Crew!

Seriously Spooky Haunted Houses in the DFW Area for 2024

• Creekside Manor
• located in Midlothian
• costs $25 per person (fast pass available for an additional fee)
• opens October 4
• 4 realms of terror
• Cutting Edge Haunted House
• located in Fort Worth
• tickets start at $30 (dynamic pricing in effect)
• open some weekends in September (including Friday 9/13) and then weekends in October
• haunted attraction set in a 100-year-old abandoned meatpacking facility
• Dark Hour Haunted House
• located in Plano
• tickets start at $30 (dynamic pricing in effect, VIP tickets available)
• open weekends starting September 13
• recommended for ages 10 and up
• Hangman's House of Horrors
• located in Fort Worth
• tickets are $39 per person (timed entry and fast pass available for a surcharge)
• open weekends starting September 27
• haunted house plus various other creepy activities
• Moxley Manor
• located in Bedford
• tickets are $35 for general admission (fast pass is $50 per person)
• open weekends starting September 27
• features three top-rated haunted houses
• Reindeer Manor Presents: Thrasher Slasher Scare Park
• located in Grand Prairie at Alliance Skate Park at Lone Star Park
• tickets are $40 per person (VIP tickets available)
• open weekends starting October 4
• an entire spooky park awaits plus three haunted houses
• Screams Halloween Theme Park
• located in Waxahachie
• tickets start at $40 per person (dynamic pricing in effect, fast pass available)
• open weekends starting October 4
• 5 haunted houses and so much more. Truly a wicked experience. 
• Thrillvania Haunted House Park
• located in Terrell
• tickets start at $25 per person (dynamic pricing in effect)
• open weekends starting October 5
• 3 haunted houses on 50 haunted acres

Looking for more macabre for your spooky season? Don't forget these awesome events:

-Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas (they also offer Boo Fest during the day for the littles!)

-Pumpkin Nights in Arlington (code EVERYTHING will save you 10% on weekday tickets!)

-Nights of Frights at Ripley's Believe It Or Not in Grand Prairie 

-The Sleepy Hallow Experience in Granbury (a favorite of EA's!)

-Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Plano (non-scary fun for little ones)

Behind the scenes tour of a Six Flags Fright Fest Haunted House (So. Freaking. Scary!)

Happy Haunting, everyone! 

Drury Hotels: Your Secret to Budget-Friendly Family Travel

Sometimes, I discover something at this middle-aged stage of life and wonder how I've made it this far without uncovering this magical find sooner.

And such is the case with Drury Hotels.

Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, TX

I'm a mom of three daughters who was raised as one of four kids by a flight attendant mother who encouraged us to travel far and often. Summers and school breaks were usually spent discovering faraway places such as Hawaii or Europe. This may or may not explain my inability to sit still as a grown adult...

As an airline employee, my mom and her dependents (my dad and three siblings and me) all got incredible flight benefits, making travel far more affordable for our big family. It wasn't until I grew up and moved away from home that I understood how invaluable these benefits were. Now, with three kids and serious wanderlust myself, I have the constant desire to travel but not always the same perks that enabled inexpensive travel that her job allowed us.

And then I discovered Drury Hotels. And guys... Why didn't I know about these spots sooner?! Why have you all kept this secret from me?!

Smiling in the lobby of the Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, Texas

A new family- and budget-friendly hotel opens in Arlington, Texas

The new Drury Plaza Hotel opened earlier this year in Arlington, right in the heart of the entertainment district. We were invited for a weekend staycation right here on our home turf to explore everything that Drury Hotels offer. And to say I was blown away I don't think even begins to cover it...

The hotel sits on Road to Six Flags, right across from Lincoln Square. It provides ample free parking for hotel guests and is an easy spot to rideshare to and from when enjoying concerts, games and events at nearby AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field. 

The hotel also has different rooms available to suit your needs. We tried out both the two queen deluxe as well as the king deluxe and found both spacious and accommodating. Although the king deluxe is the more expensive choice, it did come with a jacuzzi tub the girls loved as well as a door my husband and I could close as we slept so the girls wouldn't bother us. And let me tell you- actually, let me just show you!- the gorgeous views of the Arlington Entertainment District from our seventh-story window...

View from the 7th Floor of the Drury Plaza Hotel

So many awesome amenities, why didn't I discover Drury Hotels sooner?

Gorgeous hotel views aside, let me tell you all the reasons we will be seeking out a Drury Hotel the next time we hit the road (which will hopefully be later this year!),

• Daily 5:30 Kickback. Guys- this is truly a game changer, especially if you have a big family. Every day from 5:30-7 pm, you can stop into the breakfast and restaurant area for free food. And we aren't talking pretzels and snacks like some hotels offer. We are talking free dinner for everyone in your travel party! Friday night we had hot dogs, tacos, nachos and more. Plus three alcoholic beverages for anyone 21 and over. For my family of five, the value of this is easily $75 plus per night.
• Free breakfast daily. Our breakfast spread each morning was extensive and delicious! We enjoyed waffles, oatmeal, cereal, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, the list goes on. There was ample room for everyone at the hotel to find a seat. And the super friendly staff even wandered around each morning refilling coffee for guests. Talk about customer service! 
• On-site restaurant for late-night dining plus $5 desserts each night from 5:30-7:30 (don't skip the cookie with ice cream- so yummy!). Sometimes you just need room service. Or a bite to eat after you've been dancing and singing for hours at a concert at one of the nearby venues. For this, there is Kitchen + Bar, a spot where you can grab dinner until late into the night or order room service. Or, of course, meet friends for a drink until the late hours. Fabulous!
• Fantastic pool & fitness center. The fitness center at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington is big and inviting and enabled me to get some miles on the treadmill Sunday. The pool is covered so it doesn't get as hot in the Texas summers but still allows you to sit by the pool either in the sun or out of the sun depending on your needs. It also features a separate jacuzzi. The girls had so much fun in the pool Friday night and even made friends with some of the out-of-town guests at the hotel.

Coffee, sunshine & pool time at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, Texas.

When you're on the road with the family, think Drury for your travel needs.

Drury now operates in 150 hotels in 26 states, including the new location here in Arlington. Honestly, I can't wait to start visiting Drurys around the country. And when I've got family or friends in town, I know where I will recommend they stay. 

Our experience at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington couldn't have been better. Everything from the rooms to the amenities to the service was absolutely top-notch, and the rates are affordable to boot (and did I mention the amenities that accompany those rates?!). 

When your plans call for family travel, look Drury Hotels up and thank me later! (In Texas alone you can find Drurys in College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, McAllen and Amarillo)

Enjoying 5:30 Kickback at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, TX.


*Please note, we were given a free stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel in exchange for social promotion on my blog and social channels. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

The Woodlands Resort: All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway for the Whole Fam

Did I just find the perfect family-friendly resort in Texas? Less than four hours from Arlington? I think so...

Kid-friendly weekend escape in Texas: The Woodlands Resort

Grab the bathing suits (and maybe the golf clubs!)- it's time for family fun in the greater Houston area

Karaoke by the pool. A foam party for all ages. Glow swimming. Poolside movies. A poolside bar with delicious drinks (both with and without alcohol). If you're looking for family fun within driving distance of DFW, you're in luck! The Woodlands Resort has everything you need for a fun getaway for groups of all sizes and guests of all ages.

We checked in for an overnight in mid-June to The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas, and were instantly sad we were only staying one night. This destination, only three hours from our Arlington home, has everything we could have wanted in a serene setting on the northern outskirts of Houston. From the moment we drove up, we knew we were in for fun in the Texas sun.

Enjoying the lazy river at The Woodlands Resort.

The Woodlands Resort offers:

• 4 on-site dining options, including two restaurants, a market and coffee shop and a poolside bar and grill. Plus the resort offers room service!
• Lots of outdoor and recreational fun. Play a round of golf. Or grab a racquet and try out pickleball or tennis. And there's a fitness center onsite.
• A calendar of fun activities to keep kids (and adults!) entertained at no additional charge.
• A water park and pool area that is your one-stop shop for fun. From waterslides to a lazy river and splash areas for toddlers, the water area at The Woodlands Resort is perfect for all ages.

Drinks by the pool at The Woodlands Resort. 

Honestly, we spent most of our time at this resort at the pool and waterpark area. During the summertime (and throughout the year), the resort offers programming at the pool to keep kids entertained so caregivers can sit back and enjoy their vacation, too! What kinds of activities are offered? Well, for starters, there is a nightly movie by the water. We got to watch 101 Dalmatians as we splashed. Throughout the day, kids can engage in activities such as Popsicle Bingo, Poolside Karaoke, Turtle Feedings and more. Check out the schedule here. (My daughters want me to encourage everyone to go under the water, also, as fun Disney movie is piped in that can't be heard when your head is above the water!)

Enjoying a poolside movie at The Woodlands Resort

The waterpark at this hotel is truly the reason to travel down to this area, especially if you are looking for a quick getaway that will be fun for adults and kids. The waterpark area features multiple slides, a lazy river, multiple play pools and a splash area as well as ample seating options. Combine all of this with the additional programming over the summer and the poolside bar for adults (plus an ice cream shop for all ages), and you'll truly wonder what took you so long to discover this wooded oasis. We spent our day Saturday by the pool and only saw the kids when they were hungry. They loved roaming around, meeting other kids and engaging with the activities. And my husband and I enjoyed Dr Peppers by the pool while we got some sun and hung out together. 

We dined poolside the night we arrived and enjoyed light bites at on-site Spruce Market the morning before we left. We also did smores around the fire Friday night for $6- my youngest just can't seem to resist roasting marshmallows even when she has no intention of eating them! 

Breakfast on the go from Spruce Market at The Woodlands Resort

My husband was bummed he didn't have time to golf but our trip to the Houston area was quicker than we would have liked. The next time we visit, we will be checking out the pickleball courts, too!

I can't recommend this spot enough if you are looking for a fun vacation that is drivable from DFW. Obviously The Woodlands and Houston in general has a lot of fun to offer travelers, from The Sloo Moo Institute to NASA and Aquarium to the Houston Zoo. But The Woodlands Resort is truly a destination unto itself and all you need for a great, relaxing and undeniably fun weekend away.

*Disclosure: We received a free night and resort credit in exchange for a blog and social media posts. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Greater Arlington Area FREE Indoor Playgrounds

When the weather is hot and you want to get the kids out of the house, check out these fun & free indoor playgrounds in the greater Arlington area. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church: Open daily 9 am- 7 pm. Rent out the adjacent room for birthday parties on the weekend! Great play area for the 12 and younger set about 30 minutes from Arlington. Grab coffee at the adjacent coffee bar, Cuppa Espresso Bar. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church

The Playscape at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills: Designed for kids in 5th grade and younger, The Hills Playscape is open Saturday & Sunday from 3-5 pm for playtime as well as Monday- Thursday from 5-6:30 pm. 

Wesley's Indoor Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake: Perfect for kids ages 11 and younger, Wesley's Playground is open Sunday- Friday starting at 8 am (closing times vary, check website for details). There is even a great spot for tots! While you're there grab a beverage at Wesley's Cafe. 

Wesley's Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas.

The REC of Grapevine Indoor Playarea: You do not need to be a member of the rec center to enjoy this awesome indoor playground! Perfect for elementary-aged kids, this playscape is open when the REC is open. See the website for hours. 

Free play area at the REC in Grapevine

Living Spaces Play Area: Fort Worth & Grand Prairie: Both Arlington-area locations of this awesome furniture store have free indoor playareas where you can drop off the kids! I repeat: You can drop off the kids! Don't forget socks. Kids can play for two hours while caregivers shop. The play area is open during store hours, see website for further details. Bonus: The Fort Worth location has inexpensive glasses of wine to sip while you hang kid-free! 

Bubbleland at Gateway Church Grand Prairie: Bubbleland is open for play on Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm and then on Saturday from 3:30- 5:30 pm and on Sunday from 8:30 am- 2:30 pm. Younger kids will enjoy this play area and caregivers can stay cool in the air-conditioning!

Open Play at Rush Creek Church, Green Oaks & Mira Lagos Campuses: Ideal for kids ages 3-10, Rush Creek Church Green Oaks will open its doors for indoor play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9- 12 pm & 1- 3 pm through August 8. Mira Lagos will be open during the day Monday through Friday. 

IKEA Smaland Grand Prairie: Kids must be potty-trained and no taller than 4'4" to play for free for an hour at the IKEA playground while parents and caregivers shop or eat at the cafe. This is a fun, safe spot for littles- just don't forget socks! Keep them in your purse for summer IKEA visits for sure. See the website for open times. 

Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield: This fun spot for little kids allows them to climb and move. The play area is open during the summer for playtime, although the website currently says it's closed for maintenance. Keep checking back though- this is another fun spot for your list!  

Of course there are loads of awesome Chick Fil As, McDonald's, Burger Kings and more with fun and free play areas. Feel free to drop your favorites in the comments!

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?...

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.

Summer 2024 Reading Freebies in the DFW area

Barnes & Noble- 

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. 

Panda Express-

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. 

Pizza Hut- 

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! 

Half Price Books-

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. 

Freeplay-

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!