The Hunt is On!

My girls love Easter Eggs Hunts.

Their favorite part is cracking open the egg to find the hidden treasure inside (perhaps this is why Kinder Eggs are so stinkin' popular?!).

We will make it to a few this year- and my oldest will, for the second year in a row, help me and the other awesome moms at Arlington Early Childhood PTA put on an egg hunt for the families staying at and receiving services from Mission Arlington. It is a simple reminder to her to always be thinking of others and not just herself.

Without further ado, here are all the FREE Easter activities I can find in Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and Grand Prairie (check out DFW Child if you are looking for similar activities in Fort Worth or Dallas):

(Don't forget your Easter basket or bucket to hold all your goodies!)

Grand Prairie:

Churchwide Easter Party, The Woods United Methodist Church
Sunday, April 9, 12p-1p; free
1350 Bardin Rd., GP
Egg Hunt will be in the courtyard of the church. Open to the public.

Grand Prairie's Easter Egg-stravaganza
Saturday, April 15, 10a- 12p; Free
AirHogs Stadium, GP
Kids will be divided into different age groups to hunt eggs. There will also be photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts and more!

Grand Prairie Family Church Easter Eggsperience
Saturday, April 15, 2p-5p; Free
1513 S. Belt Line Rd., GP
Come hunt eggs at the church and learn about the Gospel of Jesus in an interactive way. Open to all ages.

Crossroads Christian Church
Saturday, April 15, 3:30p, Free
6450 S. State Highway 360, GP
Outdoor Easter Service and huge egg hunt.

Arlington:

Easter Celebration at St. Stephen UMC
Saturday, April 8, 2p-4p, FREE
1800 W. Randol Mill Rd.
Easter Egg hunt, crafts, playground and Kona Ice Truck

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Easter Events
Saturday, April 8, 3-4p; FREE
1200 S. Collins, Arlington
Petting zoo! And an egg hunt for three different age groups

Easter Egg Hunt by Grace Street Fellowship
Saturday, April 15, 10a, FREE
1516 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington
Free egg hunt for all ages.

Community Easter Egg Hunt and Lunch, First Christian Church
Saturday, April 15, 10-12p, FREE
910 S. Collins St. Arlington
Easter Egg Hunt and lunch.

Trinity United Methodist Church Annual Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 15, 10a
1200 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
Easter Egg Hunt and other activities.

2017 PBC Kidz Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 15, 10a
4400 Pleasantview Dr., Arlington
Food, bounce houses, Bible story time and an egg hunt.

All Saints Lutheran Church Egg-stravaganza
Saturday, April 15, 10a-12p, Free.
4325 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
Egg hunt and other activities

Easter Egg Hunt at The Welcome Table Christian Church
Saturday, April 15, 11a-12:30p, Free
4600 Highwood Dr., Arlington
Candy, prizes, games, activities, egg hunt and more.

Sagamore Baptist Church Community Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 15, 11a-1p, Free
2301 Dottie Lynn Parkway, Fort Worth (on the very edge of Arlington!)
I won't lie- this has been my favorite the past few years because it isn't as packed- do don't everyone come to this one! You can buy your kiddos lunch (hot dogs, sodas, waters, chips- for $1! they have egg hunts, an Easter Bunny, bounce houses and more. I feel like I just told y'all about my secret stash of candy...

Dalworthington Gardens Egg Hunt at Pappy Elkins Park
Saturday, April 15, 1p-3p, Free.
2600 Roosevelt Dr., DWG
Egg hunt, refreshments and more.

Pantego Easter Celebration
Saturday, April 15, 2p-4p, FREE
Bicentennial Park, Pantego
Easter Bunny, egg hunt, mini train rides. Love this one but it has gotten so packed the past few years that my girls haven't gotten any eggs. But it is a great event!

NorthPointe Baptist Church Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 16, 10a, followed by Easter Sunday Service at 11a
2001 Brown Blvd., Arlington
Bring your basket and hunt some eggs!

Mansfield

Easter EGGstravaganza at St. John Lutheran Church
Saturday, April 8, 10a-12p, FREE
Egg hunt, crafts, games and more.

Walnut Ridge Baptist Church Ridge Hunt
Saturday, April 15, 10a-12p, Free
1201 N. State Highway 360, Mansfield
Face painting, diaper derby, balloon artist, egg hunt and more!

A Tale As Old As Time...

My sweet littles and I went to see Beauty and the Beast on Friday and we couldn't resist telling you what we thought!

The movie is simply everything you could have asked for in a live-action film. The backdrop, the characters, the plot. Disney stayed true to the original story, adding only minimally to the original tale to enhance the plot. The actors who brought the story to life were purely amazing to watch, creating a real-life fairy tale for the viewers.

My oldest's favorite was Gaston, and, I have to say, Welsh actor Luke Evans nailed it. Not only did Evans look like the animated Gaston brought to life, he made the character interesting and funny. There is a scene where he is talking to himself in a mirror that had my older two laughing out loud. He may be a bit stalker-y, yes, but overall, Evans does a Gaston that makes you love the villain just a little bit.

We hardly noticed that the beast was a computer-generated creature. He almost seems real. He is creepy at first, just like in the animated fairy tale, but you quickly soften to him as the tale unwinds and his human desire to be loved bubbles to the surface. I worried my girls- especially my 3 year old- would be scared of him, but he really wasn't as scary as we anticipated.

That said, the movie was a bit scary for the little one. The dark woods Maurice ventures into early on gave my youngest the shivers. Luckily she fell asleep on my lap shortly thereafter and missed the scene where the wolves attack Belle and Pierre as she attempts to flee the castle, as that scene was a bit dark and probably scary for younger viewers.

Emma Watson was an elegant Belle. I have adored her since her Harry Potter days (can we say megafan?!), and, although I will always prefer her as Hermione Granger, she was fantastic and beautiful as the book-loving French girl who softens the beast.

Going into the movie, I was aware of the, um, controversy surrounding the film. Namely that Josh Gad, whom we all adore as Olaf from Frozen, plays LeFou, Gaston's goofy sidekick with a bit of a flare. Honestly y'all- don't make it a thing. My girls didn't say a word about LeFou other than Olaf! Olaf! Josh Gad is fantastic actor who creates sidekicks capable of stealing the entire show- and he did not disappoint as LeFou. Whatever your views, do not avoid this movie because of his character.

Can we talk about the setting for a minute? It was breath-taking! Some looked fake, yes, but the beast's castle is magnificent! So dark and ominous as the show opens and glittery and magical by the tale's end. The set designers on this film deserve major accolades for making the set come to life like it did.

Not to be discounted are all the walking, talking inanimate objects. From Lumiere to Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts (and Chip!), these lively little characters entertained and lit up the screen. The music was outstanding- although I absolutely missed Celine in the classic Tale as Old as Time.  Still, Beauty and the Beast has, in my opinion, the best soundtrack of any Disney movie.

Beauty and the Beast had a smashing opening weekend, racking up more than $170 million at the Box Office. A well-deserved success, in my opinion. Grab your kids, get your tickets and your over-priced popcorn and head to the theaters to see it. Don't wait til Redbox or Netflix. If you see no other family movies this year, at least go see this one. You'll thank me later ;)

Day Trippin' with Everything Arlington!

I'm the mom who will go to great lengths to entertain her kids.

There is no playspace too far, no weather too cold, no activity too expensive.

Okay, well, that last one is a bit of a lie. I do draw the line at activities that cost, you know, more than my mortgage.

But I really will try anything in reasonable distance at least once. To say we've been. To see if we like it. To check it off our list of accomplishments. And to entertain my kids. Because seeing them happy and having fun is worth all of the hassle (Cheesy, I know)

So when a Google search turned up a small indoor waterpark in East Texas, I knew we had to go. I planned the trip, put it on the calendar and the girls counted down. I mean, who doesn't love waterparks? In the middle of March, no less? (Plus it came recommended by family in East Texas. And it gave us a chance to visit Miranda Lambert's store in East Texas. Win!)

The waterpark we tried yesterday is called The Waterpark at the Villages, and it is located in Flint, Texas, about a two hour drive east of the Arlington area. It is open year round and closed on Monday and Tuesday during the off season. Hours vary, but are typically 10a or 12p until 9p. Tickets cost $19.95 for an adult and $16.95 for a kid under 48 inches. Kids under 36 inches are free. After 4p you can get a twilight pass, which saves you $3 per ticket. You can also buy an "observer" pass if you plan to just supervise older kids and not get in the water yourself. Those tickets are $10.

When you walk in, you first come across a small eating and shopping area, with a pizza place and a Subway, as well as a shopping area to buy souvenirs and the like. Locker rooms are off to your left, which provide space for changing and showering. After you pass these points, it's go time!

Food available on site.

The waterpark itself is similar to the one at Great Wolf Lodge. The perimeter of the park has tables for setting your stuff down, and all the water areas are focused in the center. They have a kids' climbing stricture, a wave pool, a lazy river and 4 "big kid" slides, as my girls call them.

My girls loved the kids climbing structure. Because there was no standing water here, they were able to climb up and down without floaties. The structure has multiple slides for little ones to go down, as well as lots of bridges, climbing ropes and more. We spent the most time here. (Bonus: I didn't have to participate in this one- I stood at the bottom in a spot they all knew and they checked in often, telling me how awesome the slides were, before heading back up to go down!).

Kids play structure.

My little two were not quite big enough for the "big kid slides," you have to be at least 42 inches, but my oldest loved them! There are two body slides and two that require tubes. She loved the ride that required a two-person tube and went down with my sister. Like Great Wolf, you can see these slides protruding from the waterpark as you are parking. This got her especially excited!

View from the corner where we kept our stuff showing two of the "big kids" slides.(left)

Climbing structure to get up to "big kids" slides. (right)

The lazy river was also a favorite. The water is shallow- only 3 feet deep- so both my older girls could be in there without puddle jumpers. Clear tubes were stationed all around the river in case you wanted them, but my girls mostly just flipped and swam in the water. We circled this probably two dozen times during our visit.

Lazy river.

The wave pool is quite small and only 4 feet at the deepest, so my girls enjoyed this, too. There is also a ledge for sitting at the shallow end of the wave pool- perfect for holding little ones so they can still feel the water on their toes. Bonus: the wave pool was the warmest water in the whole park!

Overall this waterpark was super great for a day-long outing for kiddos. It is small- significantly smaller than Great Wolf. But, bonus!, you don't have to stay anywhere overnight in order to get in. It was quite cold in there, probably my biggest complaint. Yes, I realize it's March, but I expected to not be shivering when I wasn't in the water! This waterpark was perfect to entertain littles, but this would also be a great place for older kids where you can sit back and relax and let them run around and enjoy the water. It did get quite crowded as the day wore on- by 2p the lazy river was so crowded it wasn't very enjoyable, but, as this is Spring Break for much of the area, I imagine that explains the crowds. I would definitely recommend as a day trip for kiddos... It will wear them out and prepare them for summer!

 Happy waterpark-ers!

Camp Round Up Part 2: Arlington-area summer camps for school-aged kiddos!

I'm trying to pace myself, guys.

The camps in the Arlington area for school-aged kiddos are seriously fantastic!

Where do I start? There are robotic camps. And art camps. And princess camps. And outdoor camps. And indoor camps. And just about anything you could possibly want for your child... All within a 20-minute drive of Arlington!

Not that I'm encouraging you to spend all your money on summer camps... But, trust me, this list will tempt you!!\

(Please see my previous post for camps for kiddos ages 0-4. This list includes camps that are available for older kids, as well, including camps through the City of Arlington, the Y, Camp Anothen, Camp Thurman, River Legacy, Spanish Schoolhouse and more. This list is an add-on list, and the camps below are for kids entering kindergarten and up!)

Camps for School-Aged Kiddos

Robo-Camp 2017
For kiddos entering 5th grade and up. Offered at Arlington High School in June and July. $100 per week.
www.bitly.com/robo-camp

UTA Summer Camps 
Y'all... I could list what UTA offers for summer camps. But honestly, it would be faster to make a list of things UTA doesn't offer in terms of summer camps for kids. It's a short list... Nothing. From STEM programming to dollhouse building and musical theater camp, you will absolutely find something for your kiddo here. Prices vary per program. Programs offered all summer long.
http://www.uta.edu/uta/academics/youth.php

Art Smart Art Camp
Art Smart in Pantego offers camps all summer long for kids ages 5-11. During camp, kids will paint, create with clay, learn new drawing techniques and much more! Camps are $200 per week and run from 9a-12p each day.
www.goartsmart.com

Theater Camp with Theatre Arlington
Get your kiddo singing and dancing this summer at Theatre Arlington, Campers will learn all about the art of performing and then put on a performance at the end of camp for parents and friends! Camp is available for kids as young as 5. Pricing starts at $250, days vary camp week. www.theatrearlington.org

Summer Camp with Alley Cats & Putt Putt
Kids are sure to stay busy with Alley Cats camp this summer! Each week has a different theme and runs all day- from 7:30a until 6p! Snacks and a tshirt are provided. Kids will have fun indoors and out in this structured environment. Normally $200 per week, the price is just $135 per week if you sign up between April 18 and May 30.
www.alleycatsbowl.com

Baseball Skills Camp with the Rangers
Players ages 5 and up can develop their skills over the summer at the Texas Rangers Youth Ballpark. Camps run all summer and start at $235.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/fan_forum/youth-ballpark/camps/

Lego Camp with Bricks 4 Kids
Kiddos 5 and up can learn all about building and construction at summer camp with Bricks for Kids in Mansfield. Summer camp information and details coming soon.
http://www.bricks4kidz.com/texas-mansfield-arlington/program-events/camps/

Mini Nature Camp at Oliver Nature Park
Campers entering grades K-6 can learn about nature firsthand through experiments, crafts, nature walks and games. Camps are held in June and start at $50 per camper.
http://www.olivernaturepark.com/sites/default/files/media/summerminicamps.pdf

Camp Invention at Arlington Classics Academy
June 5-9, kiddos entering grades K to 6 can spend their days learning how to use their imagination to create things. One of the days they will use duct tape to create whatever they want. So cool, right? Costs is $225 for the week and the hours are 9a-3:30p.
https://inventnow-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/moreinfo.aspx?event=16991

Nike Golf Camp at Mansfield National Golf Club
Players of all abilities ages 7-14 can work on their swing this summer at golf camp! Camps are offered for a half day (9a-12p) or full day (9a-4p) and start at $250. Camps start in June and run all summer long.
http://www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/nike-junior-golf-camps-mansfield-national/?utm_source=mysummercamps.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=(not+set)

Dallas Cowboys Academy
Football players entering grades 2-8 can practice skills and drills this summer at AT&T Stadium. Camps cost $250 before May 1 and $300 after. Camps are 9a- 3:30p June 21-23 and August 6-8.
https://dallascowboysacademy.com/football/youth-summer.php

Cheerleaders ages 6-16 can practice jumps and dance routines with the Cowboys cheerleaders at the same dates and times as the players above.
https://dallascowboysacademy.com/cheer/youth-summer.php

Rock Out at School of Rock Mansfield
Budding musicians 7-17 can hone their music skills from 9a-3p Monday to Thursday and then perform for guests Friday at 12p! Camps run all summer long at the Mansfield location. 20% off the regular price of $549 if you pay before March 30.
https://mansfield-sor.frontdeskhq.com/courses/82752

TCC College for Kids 2017
Kids entering grades 3-8 can spend 3 weeks learning about everything from fitness to science and technology to arts and crafts. Registration opens April 4. $200 per half day session, which is 4 classes. Course catalog should be out mid-March.
http://www.tccd.edu/academics/cie/lifelong-learning/youth-programs/college-for-kids/

Coding, Drones and Robotics at the Joseph Ray Academy
Kids ages 5-14 can learn about computer programming and drones at this hands-on technology camp. Camp is $125 per week and runs from 8:30a- 3:30p. There is a seperate enrollment fee.
http://www.jrayacademy.org/tuition/

Glamour Camp at Chelsea's Tea Room
Girls ages 5-10 can learn about cooking, crafting and manners at this four-day camp. Camps are offered in July and August, Tuesday- Friday from 11a-2p. Tuition is $180 each week. The girls even get to ride in a limo!
www.chelseas.org

Rock Band Camp at Destiny Voice & Music Studio
For musicians and singers ready to work with a group. Dates and details pending.
http://destinystudio.net/camp/

Video Gaming with Active Learning Camps
Campers ages 8 and up can spend half or full days at the Oakridge School in Arlington learning about computer-related activities such as networking and hosting. Camps start at $315 per week and are offered all summer with a variety of topics related to gaming and computers.
https://www.activelearningcamps.com/detailscampactive1.php?aid=2&anc=home

Don't forget to check out my previous posts... It has details on all these awesome camps!

Camp Thurman- www.campthurman.org

Camp Anothen- www.campanothen.org

Spanish Schoolhouse- www.spanishschoolhouse.com

City of Arlington camps at Dottie Lynn, Elzie Odom and Cliff Nelson- www.naturallyfun.org

YMCA camps- http://amaymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp/

River Legacy camps- www.riverlegacy.org

The Little Gym- http://www.thelittlegym.com/ArlingtonMansfieldTX/parties-camps

ASI Gymnastics- http://asigymnastics.com/camp/

Spirals EdVenture Camp- https://www.spiralsgym.com/daycamps-more/daycamps/edventure-camp/