Monday Funday

I can feel summer drawing to a close because most of the special events that have been going all summer are over. The bad news is... There are still 21 more days before the kids go back to school...

1. Book Babies. 11a. Story time for little ones at the main branch of the Grand Prairie Library.

2. Read Play Learn. 12p. Shotwell Branch of the GPPL. Family Storytime.

**Ongoing Monday Events** 

1. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. This week's feature is Kung Foo Panda 2. 11a.

2. Toddler Jump at Flight Deck Arlington. Ages 6 and under. 10a-12p. $8 per hour per kid. 

3. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/child. Monday's times are 12:30p- 2p and 2:30p- 4p. Don't forget your socks!

4. Have you checked out area splash pads?! They ROCK for the younger kids! Brantley Hinshaw, California Lane and Don Misenheimer are great options in Arlington; Sonora Park in fabulous in Kennedale; Splash Factory is awesome in Grand Prairie (this one does cost $2/person).

5. Family Nights at Randol Mill Pool! $5 admission for everyone after 5p.

6. Jump from 10a-1p at Urban Air in Mansfield for just $12/person!

Park of the Week: Deaver Park

Arlington Park of the Week:

Deaver Park

Kelly Elliott Rd., just north of Sublett Rd.

Why I love this park:

My kids adore this play area! My oldest goes to Corey Academy, so this is a great park for us to pop into after we drop her at school.
This park features two fabulous play areas: one for the under 5s and one for the big kids.
There is also a basketball court and huge field with goals for informal soccer games! There are plenty of grills and picnic tables if you want to make an afternoon of being at the park.

Why I don't love this park:

Like some of the other parks I've featured, this one also has no bathrooms. So plan accordingly!

Weekend Ready!

If it could just cool down about 25 degrees, that'd be great...

Ways to keep the kiddos entertained this Saturday:

1. Story time at Barnes and Noble at Parks Mall. 11a. Enjoy a book and a cute craft! All ages.

2. Olympic Field Day at Veteran's Park with RTM Realty. 3p. Snacks, prizes and crafts. All ages.

3. Dive In Movie: The Land Before Time. Shady Valley Country Club. 8:30p. Free. All ages.

4. Harry Potter Countdown at Barnes and Noble. 8p. Um... I'm pretty pumped about this. I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan. So... There's that. The two-act play The Cursed Child is released at midnight. Countdown to midnight with other Potter fans, and enjoy crafts and games!

Don't forget: Saturday, July 30 is the LAST day to turn in your reading hours to the library for prizes!

1. Summer Reading Club End Party. 10:30a. All ages. Free. Mansfield Public Library.

2. Friday Night Lights Final Celebration. 7p. Teens. Free. Elzie Odom Recreation Center.


**Ongoing Friday Events**

1. Head over to Studio Movie Grill for $1 movies. 11a. This week's feature is Rio.

2. Camp Creativity at Michael's (every M, W, F). 10a. $5/person. Pop in to one of the three area Michael's and let your kiddo make a cute craft!

3. $1 hot dog Fridays at BK and Randol Mill Pools. Yum!

4. Let the kiddos bounce out their crazies at Pump It Up. Bounce times for Friday are 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. $8/kid. Don't forget their socks!

5. Register at Kidsbowlfree.com and stop on over at Alley Cats in Arlington. Bumpers optional :)

6. Toddler Jump at Flight Deck Arlington. 10a-12p. $8 per kid per hour. 

7. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Don't forget your socks! 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4.

It's Almost Friday...

1. Little Art. 11a. Southeast Branch of the APL. Free. Let your tots create something wonderful! And then stay for lunch afterward :)

2. Camp Be A Star performance, 3:30p. Theatre Arlington. Free. Come see a free performance put on by the kids of Camp Be A Star!

3. Teen Movie Night. 5p. Mansfield Public Library. Free. This week's movie is He Named Me Malala.


**On-going Thursday activities**

1. 9 am movies at Cinemark Mansfield for $1. This week it's Norm of the North.

2. 11 am movies at Studio Movie Grill for $1. This week's feature is Rio.

3. The Church on Rush Creek has open play in their play area from 10-2, but they do close for lunch from 12-1. But pop over in the morning for air-conditioned, free fun! This is best for the 5 and under set.

4. Head over to Pump It Up on Eden Rd. to let the kiddos bounce out some energy! We went Wednesday and it was fairly empty! It's $8 per kid for 1.5 hours of bouncing. 12:30-2 and 2:30-4.

5. Free lunch at the library! North East, East and South East Branches. 12 noon. Go make some new friends in the area and get your kids a nutritious meal.

6. Throwback Thursdays at BK and Randol Mill pools! Take $1 off admission at both pools. These are great for all ages!

7. Toddler Time at the Southwest Branch of the APL. Stories and sing-a-longs for the under 3 set. Plus stay for lunch afterward! 10:15a.

8. Preschool Story Time at Lake Arlington Library. For the 3 to 5 set. 10:30a.

9. Bilingual Story Time at the Mansfield Public Library. Songs and stories in English and Spanish. 10:30a.

10. Bouncing Babies Storytime. Southwest Branch. 11:15a. For the 18 months and under set.

11. Check out Urban Air in Mansfield. At last check, they were doing a special- $12.99 per child to jump from 10a-1p! That's a great deal :)

12. Register with Kidsbowlfree.com and spend some time indoors perfecting your game! Bumpers not required... ;)

13. Book Babes. This one is for infants-18 months! 12p at the Shotwell Branch of the Grand Prairie Public Library. Sing and play with babes!

Wednesday, coming at ya!

Events are winding down as we near the end of July. 
Don't forget to complete reading hours for the three great reading programs in the area: Half Price Books, Arlington Libraries and Barnes & Noble! Hours are due by July 31.

1. 10:30a, Mansfield Public Library. James Wand Magic Show! Treat the kiddos to a secret agent magic show! Geared toward kiddos 3-10.

**Ongoing Wednesday Activities**

1. Camp Creativity at Michael's. Head to one of the three area Michael's for craft time at 10a. Crafts are $5/child.

2. Cinemark Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Mansfield. 9a. This week's feature is Norm of the North. $1/ticket. (search the page for the coupon posted last week- you can save $1 on a wacky pack, which is popcorn, fruit snacks and a drink!)

3. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. 11a. This week's feature is Rio.

4. Bad Konigshafen pool at Stovall Park has $5 admission after 5p.

5. Woodland West Pool has family night from 8-10p. Admission is $2.50/person.

6. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Wednesday times are 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4. Don't forget socks!

7. Play and Learn at the Grand Prairie YMCA. Free. Drop by with your littles (best for the under 5 set) and play with play doh, make crafts, engage with new toys. Enjoy the indoors!

Tuesday, coming at you!

I can tell summer is winding down because summer reading clubs are ending, events are fewer and fewer each week and my newfeed is filled with questions about backpacks and nap mats. I wish I could say I'll be sad to see summer go...

1. Read, Set, Create. Art for Tweens, 1p. Mansfield Public Library. Free.

2. Big Board Game. Life-size Monopoly for kids 8-12. 2:30p. Southwest Branch of the APL. Must preregister. morelibrary.org

3. Family Fun Night. 7p. East Branch of the APL. Zumba!

4.

**Ongoing Tuesday Events**

1. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. 11 am. This week's feature is Rio.

2. Summer Movie Camp at AMC @ Parks. 10a. $1 per ticket. This week's feature is Kung Fu Panda.

3. Storytime at the Barnes and Noble at Parks Mall, 11 am. Stay for crafts and activities afterward!

4. 2 for 1 Tuesdays at all Arlington Public Pools! That's right- get two guests in for the price of one! BK pool is closed today.. But take advantage of this great special at other pools such as Howard Moore, Helen Wessler and Randol Mill.

5. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8 per child. Times are 12:30-2, 2:30-4. Don't forget your socks!

6. Craft Tuesdays at Peter Piper Pizza! Head over to Peter Piper for a craft and games! Buffet lunch for kids is only $4.73 per kid and includes a drink. Add 20 tokens for $5 more! Kids can color and do various themed crafts each week! This week's theme is Christmas in July!

7. Toddler Tumble at Flight Deck Arlington, 10a-12p (this goes on daily). $8 for one hour of jumping. This is for kids 6 and under.

8. Open jump starts at 10a at Urban Air Mansfield. Check the website for current specials (urbanairtrampolinepark.com)

9. Free bowling at Alley Cats! Sign up your kiddos here: kidsbowlfree.com. Then go enjoy some air-conditioned fun! (this is an every day event!)

10. Open play at the Church on Rush Creek. Drop by the air-conditioned play room at Rush Creek and let the kiddos run around! Best for the 5 and under set. Open play is from 10-12 and 1-2p.

*Looking for a way to get the kiddos out from under foot? Check out all the awesome camps the City of Arlington offers! My girls will be attending camps at Cliff Nelson and Elzie Odom this summer! Camps start at age 3... naturallyfun.org for more!

Couch Shopping (and Supporting Local Mamas!)

I have a bit of a confession to make…

I’m a shopaholic.

As in… Never met a sale I didn’t like. Or a pair of shoes I didn’t absolutely need.

My husband will never understand…

Having three girls slowed down my mall-browsing days, though. I mean, packing up my lot to traipse through Nordstrom to find the Fall top or fits-just-right pair of J Brands? Yeah. No. Not anymore.

And thanks to a little thing called The Internet and promos like Free Shipping, I don’t need to haul the trio to the mall and tell them all that I’m not buying every toy they see or Descendants top they can’t live without.

But there’s the issue of price…

It’s hard to outfit three girls in cute clothes. I mean, if I could afford everything in the Tea Collection Fall line… Well… Then I would buy it all. And I’d love to outfit myself in Jessica Simpson’s entire Fall line of maternity clothes.

But I can’t, so…

So instead I co-op and wholesale shop to keep my crew and me clad in trendy clothes (yes, even in my pregnant-with-a-surrobaby state, I like to pretend to know what is currently trendy, even if I will never, ever dress like a Kardashian or be able to pull off maternity wear like Blake Lively).

Luckily for me, Arlington and Mansfield are home to several amazing co ops and online wholesale groups that keep me up-to-date in cute clothes while not totally destroying my bank account.

Intrigued? Read on…

1.       With Joy Wholesale (facebook.com/groups/withjoywholesale)

a.       This site was started by a wonderful Mansfield mama who wanted trendy boutique clothing without the steep retail price. Low and behold, her brand was born: With Joy Wholesale, which carries lots of boutique name brands below cost. How does it work? She posts one or two tops/dresses/rompers per day… And you fill out a google form with your size and email address. Everything is sold in “packs”- 2 smalls, 2 mediums, 2 larges. When your pack fills, you receive an invoice for the amount of purchase. You pay, she orders. When your item is in, you can choose to pick it up in Mansfield or Arlington. Voila! Discounted boutique shopping from your home! My entire summer wardrobe is lovely, oversized Umgee tops that I paid less than retail for through With Joy.

2.       Boutique Wholesale (https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrontporchboutiquewholesale/)

a.       This site was started by a wonderful Arlington mama who was also looking to update her wardrobe below retail. It is run in the same fashion as With Joy. She only has one pick up location, in Arlington. She has styles similar to what With Joy offers and has even offered girls boutique clothing. She’s also done pants and crops and sandals… Summer wardrobe, done! I can’t wait til all the Fall stuff is out! (See things online that you want her to feature? PM them to her- she’s happy to try and find them and list them on her page!)

3.       A Touch Of Love (This is a secret FB group… Request access here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchAq3L9j0jDuStrWon1u1bCjsMNpa5jAO5wNmJ4TXJxx8Hhg/viewform?c=0&w=1)

a.       ATOL is a co op… Meaning they do clothes and then some! Several buys are run per month. When a buy is posted, you can look through pictures, read item descriptions, ask questions. When you are ready to order, you fill out a google form. When the buy closes, the owners invoice you for the amount you owe. Most items take 4-6 weeks. You can choose to pick up in Pantego area, south Arlington, etc. Examples of amazing things I’ve bought on here (below retail, of course!): character capes and masks, honey sticks, Surf Sweets, boutique bows and headbands, muslin blankets, matching outfits for my girls, organic shampoos and soaps.

A word of caution about co ops and wholesale: This shopping is not for you if you like to have things in your hands instantly. I’ve had to wait on tops for more than a month and co op items for up to two. So… plan ahead! You can’t order a top for your son’s third birthday a week from Friday. But… If you can wait, it’s worth it! The other down side is… All sales are final. So… If you order a medium top thinking “I hope this isn’t too big/small,” and then it is… It’s still yours. There is no return policy. However, most the owners are happy to let you repost the item on the page and see if another shopper is interested is buying from you. Lastly- please don’t ruin it for the rest of us! Don’t sign up for 12 boutique outfits and then get the bill and go… Never mind. These sites are very up front about pricing, so sticker shock shouldn’t be an issue. But you will be removed from the group if you order and then don’t pay because it messes up buying for the rest of us.

All this said- happy shopping! Please message me with any questions J

It's Just Another Manic Monday...

1. 11a, Southeast Branch of the APL, Free. Play days. Free play for the 0-4 set in the community room. Stay for lunch afterward!

2. 5:30p, Southwest Branch of the APL. Free. Chess Club. All levels. For ages 7-14.

3. 6:30p. Michael's (all locations). Free. Yarn class. Create an amazing canvas for your wall using yarn! Supplies may cost up to $20.

**Ongoing Monday Events** 

1. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. This week's feature is Rio. 11a.

2. Camp Creativity at Michael's. $5 per child. Any of the three area locations. 10a-12p. Make a new craft every time you attend!

3. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/child. Monday's times are 12:30p- 2p and 2:30p- 4p. Don't forget your socks!

4. Have you checked out area splash pads?! They ROCK for the younger kids! Brantley Hinshaw, California Lane and Don Misenheimer are great options in Arlington; Sonora Park in fabulous in Kennedale; Splash Factory is awesome in Grand Prairie (this one does cost $2/person).

5. Family Nights at Randol Mill Pool! $5 admission for everyone after 5p.

6. Jump from 10a-1p at Urban Air in Mansfield for just $12/person!

Hey, hey- it's the weekend!

Saturday, July 23

1. 8a. Christmas In July at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market. Listen to holiday music and prepare to see the main man himself! All ages.

2. 10a, Michael's (all locations). $2/kid. Create a woodland forest! Parents can shop while kids craft. Parents must remain in store. Ages 3+.

3. 11a. Barnes & Noble, Parks Mall. Free. Story time! Too Many Moose! Fun for the whole family.

4. 1p. Barnes & Noble, Parks Mall. Free. Book signing. Author Joi Grady will sign her children's book I Like You and I Love You.

5. 1p. Sonora Park Splash Pad. Free. Party for the end of summer reading club! Enter to win prizes. Wear your suit!

6. 1p. Mansfield Public Library. Free. Chess Club. All levels welcome.

If Mom (and Dad) need a break...

Check out the grand opening of Legal Draft Beer Co. in downtown Arlington! 500 E. Division St. Live music and fun! 12p-6p.

Have a great weekend!

It's Friday I'm in Love...

It's Friday, I'm in love...

1. 10a, Little Ballet, Lake Arlington Branch of the APL. Let your tiny dancer dance the wiggles out! Register at morelibrary.org.

2. 10a. Splashing Story Time, Sonora Park Splash Pad (Kennedale). Listen to a story and stay cool in the summer heat. Be sure to pack snacks!

3. 11a. Children's Jazz class, Lake Arlington Branch of the APL. Your 5-10 year old will love learning new dance moves! Register at morelibrary.org.

4. 12:30p, Open Gym at Texas Tumble Tots. $2/kid. Let your little Olympian try out his skills!

5. 3p. Family Movie Matinee, Mansfield Public Library. Drop in for the last matinee movie of the summer! This week's feature is The Sound of Music.

6. 6p, Pokemon Go Event, Alley Cats. Stop by and meet other Pokemon Go players and get a $5 game card when you show your app! Other discounts available depending on your level.

7. 7p, Friday Night Fun for teens, North East Branch of the APL. Teens and their friends can play games and hang out together in a supervised environment.

**Ongoing Friday Events**

1. Head over to Studio Movie Grill for $1 movies. 11a. This week's feature is Chicken Run.

2. Camp Creativity at Michael's (every M, W, F). 10a. $5/person. Pop in to one of the three area Michael's and let your kiddo make a cute craft!

3. $1 hot dog Fridays at BK and Randol Mill Pools. Yum!

4. Let the kiddos bounce out their crazies at Pump It Up. Bounce times for Friday are 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. $8/kid. Don't forget their socks!

5. Register at Kidsbowlfree.com and stop on over at Alley Cats in Arlington. Bumpers optional :)

6. Toddler Jump at Flight Deck Arlington. 10a-12p. $8 per kid per hour. 

7. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Don't forget your socks! 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4.

Park of the Week- Clarence Thompson Park

Arlington Park of the Week

Clarence Thompson Park

Corner of Brown Blvd. and Baird Farm Rd., 76011

Why I Love This Park

This used to be the park I would stop at after I dropped my oldest at school on the north side. It offers lots of shade and cute play structure for the 2-5 set, as well as a larger play structure for the older kids. There are toddler and big kid swings, a large spinning structure and lots of things to climb! The play area is covered in lots of shade, which is an added bonus!

In addition to a great play area, Clarence Thompson Park also offers loads of picnic tables and a large practice field for kicking a soccer ball or throwing a baseball.

Why I Don't Love Clarence Thompson

Because this is another neighborhood park, there are no bathrooms. Make sure your little ones go before they stop!

Baird Farm and Brown is also a very busy intersection. Although the park is set fairly far back off both roads, this is not your typical quiet neighborhood park. If you have kids that like to run (especially away from you!)- and can run quickly- this may not be your favorite spot.

1. 10:30a- Kennedale Public Library- Olympic Trials! School-aged kids can try out fun obstacle courses to get them moving!

2. 11a- Woodland West Branch of the APL- Little Art for 0-4. New theme each class!

3. 1p- Southeast Branch of the APL- Crafternoon. Kids 5-10 can come get their creativity on! (registration required; morelibrary.org)

4. 1p- Mansfield Public Library- Origami for Teens, 13-17. Learn the art of paper folding!

5. 2p- Kennedale Public Library- Lego Club. Kids 5-10 can come build Lego masterpieces.

6. 5p- Downtown Mansfield- Third Thursdays. Enjoy a stroll through downtown Mansfield with drink specials, shopping discounts and Pokemon Go Lures!! There will even be a huge water balloon fight with 1700 water balloons at 6:30!


**On-going Thursday activities**

1. 9 am movies at Cinemark Mansfield for $1. This week it's The Sandlot.

2. 11 am movies at Studio Movie Grill for $1. This week's feature is Chicken Run.

3. The Church on Rush Creek has open play in their play area from 10-2, but they do close for lunch from 12-1. But pop over in the morning for air-conditioned, free fun! This is best for the 5 and under set.

4. Head over to Pump It Up on Eden Rd. to let the kiddos bounce out some energy! We went Wednesday and it was fairly empty! It's $8 per kid for 1.5 hours of bouncing. 12:30-2 and 2:30-4.

5. Free lunch at the library! North East, East and South East Branches. 12 noon. Go make some new friends in the area and get your kids a nutritious meal.

6. Throwback Thursdays at BK and Randol Mill pools! Take $1 off admission at both pools. These are great for all ages!

7. Toddler Time at the Southwest Branch of the APL. Stories and sing-a-longs for the under 3 set. Plus stay for lunch afterward! 10:15a.

8. Preschool Story Time at Lake Arlington Library. For the 3 to 5 set. 10:30a.

9. Bilingual Story Time at the Mansfield Public Library. Songs and stories in English and Spanish. 10:30a.

10. Bouncing Babies Storytime. Southwest Branch. 11:15a. For the 18 months and under set.

11. Check out Urban Air in Mansfield. At last check, they were doing a special- $12.99 per child to jump from 10a-1p! That's a great deal :)

12. Register with Kidsbowlfree.com and spend some time indoors perfecting your game! Bumpers not required... ;)

13. Book Babes. This one is for infants-18 months! 12p at the Shotwell Branch of the Grand Prairie Public Library. Sing and play with babes!

Hump Day Happenings!

Activities for Wednesday, 7/20

1. Story time with Miss Peggy at the Chick Fil A at Camp Wisdom and 360. Free. Kids enjoy singing and story time, as well as a snack and a treat bag! 10a.

2. Miss Aimee's Fun2B Fit Balloon show. Comedy, story telling and balloon art! Free. Mansfield Public Library. 10:30a. Geared for kiddos 3-9.

3. Family Game Time at the Mansfield Public Library. Enjoy classic board games with friends and family. Come and go, 12p-2p. Free.

**Ongoing Wednesday Activities**

1. Camp Creativity at Michael's. Head to one of the three area Michael's for craft time at 10a. Crafts are $5/child.

2. Cinemark Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Mansfield. 9a. This week's feature is The Sandlot. $1/ticket. (search the page for the coupon posted last week- you can save $1 on a wacky pack, which is popcorn, fruit snacks and a drink!)

3. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. 11a. This week's feature is Chicken Run.

4. Bad Konigshafen pool at Stovall Park has $5 admission after 5p.

5. Woodland West Pool has family night from 8-10p. Admission is $2.50/person.

6. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Wednesday times are 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4. Don't forget socks!

7. Play and Learn at the Grand Prairie YMCA. Free. Drop by with your littles (best for the under 5 set) and play with play doh, make crafts, engage with new toys. Enjoy the indoors!

Tuesday Times!

Tuesday is jam-packed!

1. Kids Kamp at the Parks Mall. 11a. Near Macy's. Slappy & Monday will perform a great clown show! Freebies for guests.

2. Cinema Clubhouse at the MAC. (Mansfield Activities Center) Free with membership, $1 for nonmembers. 1p Concessions available. This week's movie is Big Hero 6.

3. Free drawing class at Michael's, all locations. 6:30p. Supplies may cost up to $18.

4. Children's Jazz Class, ages 5-12, 10a. Southeast Branch of the APL. Kids can learn moves from a local instructor. Preregister at www.morelibrary.org.

5. Tumbling Tots Storytime. 10:30a. Kennedale Library. Crafts, play and stories for toddlers!

6. Hip Hop for Kids, ages 5-12, 11a. Southeast Branch of the APL. preregister at morelibrary.org

7. Balloon twisting class for tweens! Ages 9-12. 1p. Mansfield PL. Preregister at morelibrary.org.

8. Storytelling Camp, ages 7-12. Lake Arlington Branch of the APL. 2p. Songs, campfire tales and so on. Goes til Thursday. Preregister at morelibrary.org

9. Math and Science Camp, ages 8-12, Southwest Branch of the APL. 2p. Engaging activities and experiments. Goes til Thursday. Preregister at morelibrary.org.

10. Nightlight Story Time. First United Methodist Church of Arlington. 5:30p. Storytime for the whole family!

11. Family Fun Night at Elzie Odom- roller skating! 7p. Free. Fun for the whole family!

**Ongoing Tuesday Events**

1. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. 11 am. This week's feature is Chicken Run.

2. Summer Movie Camp at AMC @ Parks. 10a. $1 per ticket. This week's feature is Hotel For Dogs.

3. Storytime at the Barnes and Noble at Parks Mall, 11 am. Stay for crafts and activities afterward!

4. 2 for 1 Tuesdays at all Arlington Public Pools! That's right- get two guests in for the price of one! BK pool is closed today.. But take advantage of this great special at other pools such as Howard Moore, Helen Wessler and Randol Mill.

5. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8 per child. Times are 12:30-2, 2:30-4. Don't forget your socks!

6. Craft Tuesdays at Peter Piper Pizza! Head over to Peter Piper for a craft and games! Buffet lunch for kids is only $4.73 per kid and includes a drink. Add 20 tokens for $5 more! Kids can color and do various themed crafts each week! This week's theme is Neighborhood Friends!

7. Toddler Tumble at Flight Deck Arlington, 10a-12p (this goes on daily). $8 for one hour of jumping. This is for kids 6 and under.

8. Open jump starts at 10a at Urban Air Mansfield. Check the website for current specials (urbanairtrampolinepark.com)

9. Free bowling at Alley Cats! Sign up your kiddos here: kidsbowlfree.com. Then go enjoy some air-conditioned fun! (this is an every day event!)

10. Open play at the Church on Rush Creek. Drop by the air-conditioned play room at Rush Creek and let the kiddos run around! Best for the 5 and under set. Open play is from 10-12 and 1-2p.

*Looking for a way to get the kiddos out from under foot? Check out all the awesome camps the City of Arlington offers! My girls will be attending camps at Cliff Nelson and Elzie Odom this summer! Camps start at age 3... naturallyfun.org for more!

Places to (Birthday) Party in the Arlington area!

Every year I do this to myself... Three times. I stress out, panic and pull my hair out wondering where to have one of my daughters' birthday parties!
Someday I'll have a large house with an even bigger backyard that can accommodate loads of kids, a bounce house (or three), water activities, the works. But until then, I'll be outsourcing my party to the lowest bidder.
If you are like me and can't seem to think of somewhere to go except Chuck E, Cheese, read on!

1. For the Little Ones
Try: First Baptist Mansfield (1800 E. Broad St.), Pantego Bible Church (8001 Anderson Ave., Fort Worth), The Church on Rush Creek (2350 SW Green Oaks Blvd.)
You don't have to be members of these churches to host a fabulous party. We've been to more than a few parties at popular churches in the area, and they are fantastic for the younger sets. I love doing church parties because they are immune to the weather. You can also bring in whatever food you want... No having to buy their pizza or order from the location's preferred vendor. The play areas at the three listed churches are fun for young kids, but if you want to add another activity for party-goers, you can always hire a balloon artist or face painter to give kiddos something else to do!

Photo of play area at First Baptist Mansfield

2. For the Little Princess

Try: Chelsea's Tea Room (4772 Little Rd.), Part Time Princess Parties (212 W. Main St.)

For the little diva in your life, why not try a princess party? Invite several of her sassiest friends and let them dress up and act like princesses for the day! At Chelsea's, girls get to walk the runway in their fancy fashions and enjoy a story at "tea time." At part time princess parties, girls get to meet their favorite princess and enjoy a sing-along and dance lesson with her! Alternately, you can also hire one of these princesses to come to your house if you'd rather play hostess!

photo from Part Time Princess Parties' Facebook page

3. For the Kid with Endless Energy

Try: Flight Deck Arlington (1600 Interstate 20 W), Urban Air Mansfield (989 N. Walnut Creek Dr.), Pump It Up (1120 Eden Rd.)

Got a kid who loves to bounce around and (literally) climb the walls? Both Flight Deck and Urban Air offer party packages for the birthday child and his friends to spend several hours expelling all that energy somewhere that isn't on your furniture! You can bring your own cake and purchase food (usually pizza) directly from the venue. This is great for the older kids, 6 and up, as parties are generally done during open jump. 

Pump It Up offers a similar package. They have two rooms filled with inflatables, and your party will spend 45 minutes enjoying each room. Then your partygoers relax in the party room enjoying a cake of your choosing, plus light snacks (you provide those) or pizza you've purchased directly from the venue. We had my oldest's 5th birthday here and she still talks about how fun it was!

photo of bounce room at Pump It Up

4. For the Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Try: Howard Moore Play Pool (1999 Bever Blvd.,), Helen Wessler Play Pool (2200 Greenway St.), Splash Factory (601 E. Grand Prairie Rd., GP)

My May baby loves her birthday because we are able to do water park parties! (My October girls are crazy jealous...) This year we did my 4 year old's party at Howard Moore- it was fabulous! For a flat fee (Howard Moore was $250), you get a private party for 2 hours. We brought hot dogs (precooked, as you can't have open flame at the pool), chips, waters and cupcakes. We had two hours with just my daughter and her friends and the staff at Howard Moore. It was wonderful! Helen Wessler is a great option for younger kids, as is Splash Factory. These play pools are great for about 7 and under... And the best part is- your swim suit is optional!

photo of Howard Moore play pool

5. For the Budding Olympian

Try: ASI Gymnastics (5531 S. Cooper St.), Texas Tumble Tots (12615 FM-917, Alvarado), Little Gym (1724 E. Broad St.), Cheer Texas (1120 Eden Rd.)

Let your little gymnast try her hand at the bars, beam and trampoline with her friends! Cheer Texas lets kiddos play at their own pace, while Texas Tumble Tots offers a mix of games and activities as well as free play. You can bring in your own food refreshments for the birthday kid. Little Gym and ASI offer slightly more guided options, with gymnastics instructors helping the birthday bunch enjoy the venue. Both places let you cater in your own food and cake.

photo from Texas Tumble Tots, from their FB page

6. For the Crafty Kid

Try: Michael's (any area location), Build A Bear (inside Parks Mall), JoAnn Fabrics (any area location)

Take your party to the craft store and let kids create a one-of-a-kind party favor! Themed crafts can be customized to the birthday child's desired theme. Bring in your own food and the craft store will do the rest. Tons of add-ons available (such as face-painting!). 

If your child wants a new cuddly friend, take the party to Build a Bear and let each child design a new BFF. Then let the kids have a teddy bear parade all the way to the food court and treat partygoers to Chick Fil A and birthday cake!

photo from JoAnn Fabric

Last but not least...

7. For the Water Baby Born in Winter

Try: The Brick (550 NW Summercrest Blvd., Burleson)

If you are willing to make the 25 minute drive to the Burleson Rec Center, your birthday child can enjoy a pool party no matter what time of year it is! The Brick has an AMAZING indoor water area complete with a splash pad, a water slide and a vortex pool. You can rent a party room right off the pool for partygoers to enjoy snacks and cake before (or after) getting wet in the pool. We had my oldest's 6th birthday here, and it was a huge hit with the kiddos! Be sure to pack your suit- you will probably end up wet!

photo of swimming area at the Brick

Some great, free camps at the library this week! Be sure and preregister at Morelibrary.org!

1. Southwest Branch of the APL, 2p. Math and Science camp! From the website: Put the brakes on the summer slide! Math and Science Camp offers a week packed with engaging and educational activities and experiments.  Learn a little more about the world around us. For ages 8-12.

2. Twilight gaming for tweens and teens. Video games and board games. Free! East Branch of the APL. 5p.

3. Chess Club for kids 7-14. No experience or chess knowledge needed! Drop by to learn or practice the game. 5:30p. Southwest Branch of the APL.

**Ongoing Monday Events** 

1. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. This week's feature is Chicken Run. 11a.

2. Camp Creativity at Michael's. $5 per child. Any of the three area locations. 10a-12p. Make a new craft every time you attend!

3. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/child. Monday's times are 12:30p- 2p and 2:30p- 4p. Don't forget your socks!

4. Have you checked out area splash pads?! They ROCK for the younger kids! Brantley Hinshaw, California Lane and Don Misenheimer are great options in Arlington; Sonora Park in fabulous in Kennedale; Splash Factory is awesome in Grand Prairie (this one does cost $2/person).

5. Family Nights at Randol Mill Pool! $5 admission for everyone after 5p.

6. Jump from 10a-1p at Urban Air in Mansfield for just $12/person!

Weekend Round-Up!

Activities for Saturday, July 16:

1. Secret Life of Pets Craft class at all Michael's locations. 10a- 12p. $2 per child, ages 3 and up. They craft, you shop! (Parents must remain on premise)

2. Free yoga at Katherine Rose Park! In conjunction with Mansfield Chamber of Commerce Health Fest. 11a. Kiddos have their own yoga class (free) at 12p!

3. Mansfield Health Festival at Katherine Rose Park. 10a- 1p. Activities, sports and fun for the whole family. Free!

4. Story time at Barnes and Noble. From their website: Every parent has heard this classic kid question on a long car ride! After reading this inventive new book (that even turns upside down for several pages!), you'll never look at being bored the same way again. Join us for this fun-filled Storytime with activities to follow. 11a. 

5. Saturday Story time at the Southwest Branch of the APL. Interactive story time for the 4 and under set. 10:30a.

6. Sports Sampler at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center. 1p. Want to get your kid involved in area sports and don't know where to start? This is for you! Learn about all the activities available to your kiddo!

7. Chess Club. All skills and ages welcome. 1p at the Mansfield Public Library.

8. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. At Willie Pigg Auditorium in Mansfield. Support local theater! Saturday showtimes are 2 and 7, Sunday show is at 2p.

9. Pokemon Go Fan? This one's for you! Barnes and Noble at Parks Mall, from their Website: 4:00 PM Learn how to become a Pokémon Champion, take a photo with a Pikachu and Charizard standee, enjoy a special offer and more as we celebrate 20 years of Pokémon! 

10. Bubble Soccer for teens and adults! What a fun way to spend a Saturday night! Free. 8:30p at Elzie Odom Recreation Center.

11. Saturday and Sunday: Head over to Studio Movie Grill at 11a for an hour-long straight-to-DVD movie. Only $3 per ticket- perfect price and length for young moviegoers! July's feature is Sammy & Co.

12. Saturday at 11a- Secret Life of Pets screening for kids with special needs. 

Lots of fun for Friday!!!

1. Little Ballet, 10a, Southwest Branch of the APL. Free lessons for the under 5 set! preregister at morelibrary.org.

2. Children's Ballet, 11a, Southwest Branch of the APL. Free lessons for the 5-12 set! preregister at morelibrary.org.

3. Upcycled Jump Ropes, 2p, Southeast Branch of the APL. Learn to make a jump rope out of recycled plastic bags! Free.

4. Free Family Movies at the Mansfield Public Library. 3p. This week's feature is Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3.

5. Bad Konigshafen's 10th anniversary party! 3-6p, BK Pool. Fun, popsicles and prizes! Admission fee applies. Don't forget that BK pool caps admission at 450 patrons. Get there early!

6. Friday Night Lights: Fun in the Sunset. East Branch of the APL. 7p. For teens. Free.

**Ongoing Friday Events**

1. Head over to Studio Movie Grill for $1 movies. 11a. This week's feature is The Peanuts Movie.

2. Camp Creativity at Michael's (every M, W, F). 10a. $5/person. Pop in to one of the three area Michael's and let your kiddo make a cute craft!

3. $1 hot dog Fridays at BK and Randol Mill Pools. Yum!

4. Let the kiddos bounce out their crazies at Pump It Up. Bounce times for Friday are 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. $8/kid. Don't forget their socks!

5. Register at Kidsbowlfree.com and stop on over at Alley Cats in Arlington. Bumpers optional :)

6. Toddler Jump at Flight Deck Arlington. 10a-12p. $8 per kid per hour. 

7. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Don't forget your socks! 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4.

Park of the Week

F.J. "Red" Kane Park

Cooper St., just north of Eden Rd., 76001

Why I love this park...

Kane Park is a beautiful gem of a park on the city's south side. It offers loads of space and something for everyone!

The park has a large, open grassy area, perfect for kicking around a soccer ball with the littles or playing a game of football with friends. Adjacent to the open field is a basketball court perfect for a little practice or a pick up game with friends.

The play area is one of a kind. There is a small structure for the 2-5 set, plus two toddler swings and two big kid swings. But the big kid play area- wow! It is a three-story structure with all sorts of climbing walls and slides. Large platforms in the middle let the kids hang out and decide how they want to get down from the structure after the challenge of climbing up!

Aside from these great features, there is also a gorgeous pond near the play area with a large, gated sitting area, where kids can watch ducks and turtles in the water. It's a great spot for feeding ducks! (But don't feed them bread! Did you know bread isn't all that great for ducks? Be sure and google appropriate duck snacks- we like to bring frozen peas or cooked rice!) My girls love watching turtles bob up and down in the water, and we love the beautiful spot in the center of the pond!

There is also a great walking trail around the pond for getting those fitness-tracker steps in, grills and picnic tables for impromptu BBQs and bathrooms for the littles who refused to go before you left home!

What I don't love...

The play area itself is very sunny. During the summer, there isn't a lot of reprieve for kiddos- especially if they want to swing. We save this park for the cooler days of late Fall!

1. Drum Circle for teens at the Mansfield Public Library. Kids 9-17 are encouraged to come and learn about and play various instruments. 1p. Free. Must preregister: morelibrary.org

2. Magic Class with James Wand! North East Branch of the APL. For kids 10-15. 3p. Must preregister. morelibrary.org.

3. Operation Read More Magic Show at the Southwest Branch of the APL. 6p. For kids 5-10ish. 

4. Preschool and Kinder Ready. Main Branch of the GPPL. Interactive story time for kids starting school in the fall, up to kinder. 6:30p.

**On-going activities**

1. 9 am movies at Cinemark Mansfield for $1. This week it's Box Trolls.

2. 11 am movies at Studio Movie Grill for $1. This week's feature is The Peanuts Movie.

3. The Church on Rush Creek has open play in their play area from 10-2, but they do close for lunch from 12-1. But pop over in the morning for air-conditioned, free fun! This is best for the 5 and under set.

4. Head over to Pump It Up on Eden Rd. to let the kiddos bounce out some energy! We went Wednesday and it was fairly empty! It's $8 per kid for 1.5 hours of bouncing. 12:30-2 and 2:30-4.

5. Free lunch at the library! North East, East and South East Branches. 12 noon. Go make some new friends in the area and get your kids a nutritious meal.

6. Throwback Thursdays at BK and Randol Mill pools! Take $1 off admission at both pools. These are great for all ages!

7. Toddler Time at the Southwest Branch of the APL. Stories and sing-a-longs for the under 3 set. Plus stay for lunch afterward! 10:15a.

8. Preschool Story Time at Lake Arlington Library. For the 3 to 5 set. 10:30a.

9. Bilingual Story Time at the Mansfield Public Library. Songs and stories in English and Spanish. 10:30a.

10. Bouncing Babies Storytime. Southwest Branch. 11:15a. For the 18 months and under set.

11. Check out Urban Air in Mansfield. At last check, they were doing a special- $12.99 per child to jump from 10a-1p! That's a great deal :)

12. Register with Kidsbowlfree.com and spend some time indoors perfecting your game! Bumpers not required... ;)

13. Book Babes. This one is for infants-18 months! 12p at the Shotwell Branch of the Grand Prairie Public Library. Sing and play with babes!

1. Story time for kids 3-9 at the Mansfield Public Library. From their Website: Join us for Story Time Adventures for Pipdillys: Escape from Couch Potato Land. Bursting with energy, this fantastical musical comedy with original songs, imagination games, magic, and circus skills shows kids it is "cool" to lead active, healthy lives. 60 min. 

2. Free movie afternoon at the Betty Warmack Branch of the GPPL. Norm of the North! 1p.

3. Free movie afternoon at the Shotwell Branch of the GPPL. Charlotte's Web! 1p.

4. Free parenting class at the main branch of the GPPL: Playing and Literacy Go Hand In Hand. From their Website: Learn about the importance of play in developing your child’s mind to its fullest potential. Play supports social, emotional and physical development while enhancing literacy success! Parent and child are both invited to practice educational play while also taking advantage of this time to ask questions of our programmers.


**Ongoing Wednesday Events**

1. Camp Creativity at Michael's. Head to one of the three area Michael's for craft time at 10a. Crafts are $5/child.

2. Cinemark Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Mansfield. 9a. This week's feature is Box Trolls. $1/ticket. (search the page for the coupon posted last week- you can save $1 on a wacky pack, which is popcorn, fruit snacks and a drink!)

3. $1 movies at Studio Movie Grill. 11a. This week's feature is The Peanuts Movie.

4. Bad Konigshafen pool at Stovall Park has $5 admission after 5p.

5. Woodland West Pool has family night from 8-10p. Admission is $2.50/person.

6. Open Jump at Pump It Up. $8/kid. Wednesday times are 10-11:30, 12:30-2, 2:30-4. Don't forget socks!

7. Play and Learn at the Grand Prairie YMCA. Free. Drop by with your littles (best for the under 5 set) and play with play doh, make crafts, engage with new toys. Enjoy the indoors!