Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Those Crazy Pyramid Things in North Arlington (Or, Stella: The Time Machine Journey)

If you are like me, you've driven by the pyramids in north Arlington more than a time or two in the past few weeks. If you are like me, you probably mentally made a note to google what the heck they are when you get home, and then you promptly forget. I mean, I don't forget anything. Just sayin'.

Those crazy pyramids, located in Lot F at the old ballpark at Copeland Road and I30, are part of the PY1 experience that is here in Arlington until March 1. The pyramids are actually a venue that hosts a variety of multimedia experiences incorporating lights, sounds and more. Stella, The Time Machine Journey and Through The Echoes are interactive, multi-sensory shows for fans young and old. On select nights, the pyramids also become a nightclub for the 21 and over set. You can find out more information here: www.py1.com 


The pyramid venue, from the visionary behind Cirque du Soleil, is a traveling structure can host as many as 1,000 guests. You are free to arrive before your show and enjoy a drink from the bar. Seating is available inside and out! There is also a food truck and a merch store. You can absolutely make an entire afternoon out of catching a show and performance at the pyramids.



 My family and I were invited to check out Stella, The Time Machine Journey on Sunday afternoon. And guys... The show was an absolute delight from start to finish! (And all three performers, pictured with three of my crew below, are local performers. I love that!)


When you first enter the pyramid, you grab a bean bag and find a seat on the floor. There is a display and live performers in the center of the room, and guests sit all around the performers. (There is seating on the perimeter should you need it) Once the show begins, you are engrossed right from the start. Stella (name chose because it means Star), the time machine, takes you back on a journey to the beginnings of earth. You get to smell, see, hear and feel. The performers enhance the experience, in which Stella, the AI guiding your journey, talks about how the earth came to be as it is now. Don't expect to sit back and relax- you will be asked to get to your feet more than a time or two to dance and experience the wonder.



We were lucky enough to get to meet the show's writer and director, Annie Brocoli, after the show. My girls got to ask her questions (My middle asked her why she named the AI Stella and my oldest asked how she came up with the idea for the show). Ms. Brocoli was every bit as delighted to interact with the kids who attended the show as the kids were delighted to be in attendance. She made the performance extra special for everyone there.

We brought four girls with us on Sunday, ages 4, 5, 6 and 10, and each one of them loved the show. They loved the performers, the dancing, getting sprayed with water (as part of the interactive experience). We highly, highly recommend this show for all ages!



Things to know before you go:

- Parking is $10.

- There isn't much "seating" at the show. The show's run time is only 40 minutes, and you are provided small bean bags on which to sit, but, if you need more comfortable accommodations, you may want to contact the venue ahead of time.

- There are bathrooms onsite. And they are quite nice and clean!

- No food or a drink inside the venue, so plan accordingly. The show is approximately 40 minutes long.

- Lots of indoor/outdoor seating is available to grab a drink or a snack before the show.

- This show is truly great for all ages. Dancing and fidgeting are both highly encouraged. There was a toddler next to me moving and grooving the entire time and she was so much fun to watch! This isn't a movie theater, sitting still and being quiet are NOT encouraged.

*Please note, my family did receive complimentary admission to the show in exchange for photos and a review on social media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*


Thursday, January 2, 2020

The BEST Indoor Play Spaces in Tarrant County (& Beyond!)

When my kiddos were younger, I was constantly in search of safe, fun, engaging indoor play areas for my girls that weren't attached to fast food restaurants.

In fact, it's been my dream for a while to open one right here in Arlington! (Feel free to send me your favorite spots that we need in town!)



It seems the past five years have brought loads and loads of awesome indoor play spots for kids in Tarrant County. From fun ball pits like the ones we grew up with to imaginative play spaces where kids can be vets, doctors, grocers and more, kids "museums" are so abundant now that parents of littles can pick what fits best for their kiddos!

Here is the Everything Arlington Round Up of the best best indoor play spaces in Tarrant County (and a few in Dallas!).

(Please note- the age recommendations on these spots are from our own personal opinions based on our experiences, and NOT the age limitations set forth by the place of business.)

Fort Worth:

The Happy Lark
Located near Hulen Mall, The Happy Lark is a playspace and kids' shop all in one. Shop for ultra modern kids clothes and toys, grab a coffee and let your little one run around! The playspace is a large, open room with lots of wooden toys and space for littles to roam.
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 5 and younger.

Play Studio Fort Worth
This new play area has both indoor and outdoor areas for kids to roam and explore. Parents can enjoy free coffee (and kids free juice boxes!) while kids paint, play, create and explore. We recently hosted a birthday party here and everyone loved it!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 8 and younger.



Celebrations Fort Worth
This is the spot to bring your kiddos who have lots of energy and a need to roam! My kids go gaga for the "race track," a circular track where kiddos can ride Little Tikes Coupes and similar "vehicles" around until their heads spin! There is lots of room to roam, explore and play. Celebrations has an air hockey table, bounce house and more! Plus picnic tables, so pack a snack!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 8 and younger.

Play Street Museum Fort Worth
Play Street Museum is the interactive, clean, modern play space of your dreams! With locations all over DFW, PSM is the perfect place to meet friends (bring your own coffee- outside drinks are encouraged!) for a fun, relaxing play date with young kids. Even better- the FW locations has story time every Tuesday at 11 am included with admission!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 7 and younger.

The Happy Lab
Your childhood called. It is super envious that your kiddos get to experience this amazing ball pit and you didn't! Seriously. This spot just opened last month and is already going to be a spot your kids ask to go back to. Because ball pit.
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 6 and younger.



Peek N Play
Peek N Play, located by Grapevine Mills Mall, is the indoor play area that entertains all three of my kiddos! It has two levels for play, with the upstairs portion hosting LEGO play and books for older children. Downstairs you'll find a ball pit and slide, area for coloring and so much more! There is also a spot for parents to sit and access the WiFi and beverages for purchase.
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 10 and younger.



Greater DFW

The Kids Play Co. (Richardson)
This great spot has tons of "store fronts" that allow kids to imagine and create. My girls love the stationary bike turnstyle in the middle of the play space... And I love that they love it! Parents can sit and socialize while kids safely play. This spot hosts lots of fun activities, as well. Check the Website for more info!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 7 and younger.

The Coop Frisco (Frisco)
The large ball pit and slide combo at The Coop will have your kids playing for hours, I promise! A large seating area for parents makes this place the best of both worlds for parents and kiddos.
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 8 and younger.

Jungle Joe's (Frisco)
Grab a sandwich and a seat at this play area with attached cafe. Kids can climb around and break for food as needed!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 8 and younger.

Camp Dallas (Walnut Hill & 75)
This fun new spot is a toy store and ice cream parlor that encourages kids to play! Test out toys, sign up for a craft, enjoy a free snack and shop for birthday presents all in one place!
The EA crew recommends this spot for kiddos 5 and younger.

Spots we haven't made it to yet but are dying to try!
The Playard, Frisco
Little Land, Fairview
Kids Castle, Plano
Coo Coo's, Plano

We were so sad to learn that Small World Big Imagination in Southlake shut down over the summer!

What spots did we miss?