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?!

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!

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)

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! 

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!

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

Cinemark Clubhouse: $1.50 kids movies, June 19- August 10

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. 

AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids: $3 Wednesdays and $5 Saturdays starting May 27

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.

Marcus Theatres/Movie Tavern Kids Dream Family Film Series: As cheap as FREE through August 5

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 Summer Children's Series: $6 movies include a snack through August 24

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.

Look Cinemas Summer Series: $2 movies

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?

Alley Cats Entertainment: Your Source For Fun in Arlington

Kids bouncing off the walls? Been there! Alley Cats Entertainment knows the feeling. That's why they offer nonstop fun for kids of all ages! With locations in Arlington and Hurst, Alley Cats will keep your kids happy and active for hours. 

*This is a sponsored post, paid for by Alley Cats. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

My kids love arcades and fun centers. They love saving their quarters for a few weeks and then letting loose at an arcade with the hopes of winning big. My youngest is actually a pretty skilled arcade hustler, regularly hauling home stuffed animals from claw machines around town. It brings me back to my own youth and my own little brother, who was literally the king of claw machines in and around my home town. At one point he amassed hundreds of stuffed animals, skillfully acquired from local claw machines, truly without much effort. It was rare he would play and didn't win and a reason we spent a lot of time at arcades and fun centers around Chicagoland in the 90s. 

But truly, is there anything more fun than an arcade and fun center brimming with games and possibilities? It's such a great way to spend a rainy day or a blisteringly hot afternoon or any day when your kids need out of the house. It's a great place to meet up with friends or maybe even make new ones. And it's great for all ages! Everyone loves an arcade and fun center- from 5-year-olds to 15-year-olds, parents and even grandparents, everyone gets a kick out of an arcade.

Playing a fun arcade game at Alley Cats Arlington.

And, if you're local to the Arlington area, there is nothing like Alley Cats Entertainment. First off, it's the stuff local legend is made of! My husband, who grew up in Arlington, remembers playing at Alley Cats at about the age my kids are now. And I've been taking our girls there for more than a decade, dating back to when my youngest was just starting out in kindergarten, taking the free bowling lessons they offered after school one year. 

Alley Cats is the spot for local entertainment

We love Alley Cats because there is simply so much to do under one roof, and Alley Cats has a great location with lots of parking. Seriously! 

Check out all the things you can do at Alley Cats:

- play mini golf (9 or 18 holes)

- hit balls at the batting cages

- challenge friends to laser tag

- go bowling

- play billiards

- check out the new VR laser tag

- play all kinds of arcade games

- climb on the rock wall

- grab a bite to eat from the food area (or a drink at the bar)

So much to do under one roof! 

The new Limitless VR tag game at Alley Cats Arlington.

Alley Cats supports the community

I know you have choices when it comes to arcade entertainment around town. The mall has an arcade. The Highlands has an arcade- heck, they have two! Grand Prairie has an arcade... I could go on. The point is, I know you have choices.

But here's why Alley Cats is the best: Alley Cats supports the local community. Hosting an event for you school? Email them. They'll work with you! Having a fundraiser? I just hosted a silent auction for the Arlington Council of PTAs and they gave us play passes to include. And I know they've done this multiple times this year alone. They are hosting an educator night later this month so you can come check out their offerings. The point is- they support the kids in this community. That can't always be said of larger, more corporate locations.

Alley Cats also participates in the Kids Bowl Free program in the summer. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free and your kiddos can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long. Rent shoes from Alley Cats or snag some here and head to Alley Cats as often as you can. Bowl two games, let your kiddo run wild with a $5 game card and then head home for lunchtime and nap and you've had hours of fun for literally $5! 

Alley Cats is affordable fun for everyone

If you've followed my shenanigans for a while, you know that I am, and always have been, a mom in search of a good deal. Heck- it was the whole reason EA was started! I'm the mom who clips coupons, shops the clearance rack, asks for freebies and will go anywhere I can find a deal. 

Y'all- Alley Cats is a great deal! Seriously. You can spend $35 for an all-day play pass and your kids can go hog wild. Unlimited mini golf, rock climbing, laser tag AND bowling (including shoe rental)? That's a steal of a deal. And have you seen the Spring Break specials? Half price on those passes before 12 pm every day. $17.50 for ALL of that ALL day? Definitely add Alley Cats to your Spring Break bucket list. 

Alley Cats Entertainment offers up great deals for Spring Break and beyond. 

Alley Cats isn't even just for kids. My teen loves to go here on Friday nights with a group of friends while I sit at the high top tables scrolling and hopping they'll be ready to leave soon (spoiler alert: they will never be ready to leave soon, they will be checking out the cute boys until Alley Cats turns out the lights!). Beyond even teens though, Alley Cats is a fun adult date night! I love heading there with my husband to bowl (someday, hopefully, maybe, I will beat him) or play a few arcade games (I love skeeball and find the games where you drop in the coin and it pushes a platform of coins onto a lower platform of coins in hopes of a big win fun to watch). 

The point is: Alley Cats is fun. For everyone. For the community. For kids. For adults. For birthday parties. For groups. For rainy days. For summer days. For any day! Support this awesome business because businesses such as Alley Cats make Arlington awesome. 

Winning a prize from the giant claw machine at Alley Cats Arlington.

Everything Arlington was Featured on Redfin!

Check out the Redfin article we were recently featured in:

Y'all ready to discover some fun facts about Dallas, TX? Whether you're a long-time resident, considering buying a new house, or renting an apartment in the Big D's bustling housing market, Dallas is full of surprises and fascinating history. From the invention of the frozen margarita machine to the birthplace of the world-famous Cowboys cheerleaders, Dallas is a city that never stops innovating and entertaining. So, sit back, grab a Dr Pepper, and get ready to learn more about living in Dallas, a unique and exciting city.

Welcome to Texas, Y'all!

Read the full article here: 13 Fun Facts About Dallas, TX | Redfin

Spring Break Guide 2023: Adventure On, DFW!

There's no doubt about it- Dallas/Fort Worth is the place to be. Especially during Spring Break! From indoor waterparks to adventure playlands and more, DFW has something for everyone this March. 

I'm rolling out my annual Spring Break Guide today, so I've gone back through my old posts about places to go and things to do. Y'all- I'm constantly amazed at all the awesome offerings for families and kids of all ages all over the Metroplex. But this year... Guys. There are SO many new businesses (or awesome new offerings at some tried and true favorite businesses!) that have cropped up to keep your kids active and engaged this Spring Break (and beyond!). So, if travel isn't in the plan or budget this year, don't worry. Check out all these fantastic new spots in the greater DFW area and your kids won't have a chance to say "I'm bored!" 

New spots in DFW to check out for Spring Break 2023

Dallas Area

The Fowling Warehouse (Plano)- Nope, that's not a typo, that's a new thing you can check out in Plano! Fowling is a combination of two American favorites- football and bowling! So grab a bite (and maybe a beverage, if that's your thing!) and get fowling. Perfect for groups and all ages, this game will get you active and having fun. I can't wait to check it out! 

Two Bit Circus (Dallas- Northpark Mall area)- I featured this spot on my social channels over the holidays and we loved it so much! Two Bit Circus is brought to you by the son of the founder of Chuck E Cheese- so you know this family knows fun! Indulge in so many VR games or go a bit old school with the arcade games. There are light bites as well as drinks available. Trust me- this spot is a blast for kids of all ages!

Enjoying family time at the new Two Bit Circus in Dallas.

Game Show Battles (Dallas- Galleria area)- Grab your besties and duke it out, game show style! Choose between two different showdowns and then challenge your opponents to some crazy-fun competitions. Perfect if you have a big family and want to claim bragging rights or for going head-to-head with another family. Everyone will have a blast! 

Fort Worth Area

Sandbox VR (Fort Worth- Arts District)- Have a gamer at home? Actually, the answer is irrelevant... Sandbox VR is a seriously fun gaming and VR experience for the whole family or set of friends or whomever! We went a few months ago and haven't stopped talking about it. You put on VR headsets and embark on a journey based on which scene you select. We were pirates! Gaming really isn't even my jam and I would go back and do this many more times! Perfect for spring break fun. 

Family time at Sandbox VR in Fort Worth.

Bolder Adventure Park (Grand Prairie)- Adventure on, friends! This brand new spot at Epic Central in Grand Prairie is for the adventure seekers and the adventurous at heart. Rope courses, zip lines, ice skating, bumper cars, archery, adventure nets... You name it, this indoor facility has it. Your kids will be able to climb and play all day- when I take mine I plan to see them for little else than water breaks! 

Go Ape (Arlington)- I'm so excited that Arlington officially has its own outdoor adventure course! Located at River Legacy, this course is for thrill seekers. I visited the Plano location last year and conquered my fear of being high off the ground being help up by a single rope. It was actually a blast! There are minimum age requirements, though, so check that before you go. 

Favorite haunts with new attractions you won't want to miss

In addition to all of these exciting new attractions that have opened in the past year in DFW, let's not forget all the awesome spots that have made DFW the place to be for years now! Although you have probably visited several of these spots before, they each have recently opened new attractions that may make them feel fresh and fun again for you and your kids this Spring Break!

Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington)- Aquaman launches March 11! This ride is supposed to be one-of-a-kind, launching riders backward and forward and ending with a massive splashdown. While I could maybe give this one a miss (fine, I'll ride it once. Once! Simply to say I've ridden it), my kids would lose their minds for something this fun-sounding. 

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Grand Prairie)- Our favorite indoor waterpark has a brand new slide to get excited about- Locura! With a 40-foot drop and a 360 degree horizontal loop, this ride sounds terrifying- I mean awesome! Seriously, we love Epic because there is so much for the kids and see and do. Perfect for the whole family, Epic is a great way to get excited about pool time this summer. 

Trader's Village (Grand Prairie)- If you are looking for affordable fun for the whole family, this is it! Trader's Village is open during the week for Spring Break and the rides area features a brand new coaster for kids to get excited about, the Prairie Screamer! The low height requirement means it will be fun for (almost) everyone in your party, and an all-day wristband for unlimited rides starts at $15. 

I could type another 2,000 words on all the fun things to do in area with kids. If you have little little ones, don't forget Play Street Museum in Mansfield or Project Play in Hurst. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is great for younger kids and the Perot Museum is wonderful for all ages. Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole opens March 3 if you are willing to brave the cooler temps for outdoor water fun or you can check out Cove at the Lakefront in Little Elm for a less-expensive indoor waterpark option.  There is iFly and Alley Cats and Main Event and Urban Air and seriously guys I could ramble and ramble. If you're looking for fun for your kids in DFW this Spring Break and can't find it on this list, send me a message or shoot me an email. I'd love to help you navigate all the awesome offerings in the area. And if you own or offer one of the awesome offerings in this area, message me about coming and featuring your spot, too!