Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids in the Arlington Area

Wondering what to do with the kids to celebrate 2022's arrival? EA has rounded up five fun activities in the area for you and the kids this New Year's Eve!

We've done it. 

Well, almost, anyway.

We've almost made it through 2021!

It was better than 2020, that's for sure.

But now it is time to look forward to 2022 and all the excitement a new year offers. 

If you're like me, your New Year's Eve celebrations certainly aren't what they were in your 20s... With three kids now, I just don't have the energy to put on a fancy dress and stay out late (but more power to you if that's your thing!). Instead, I look for ways I can celebrate WITH the kids. Most years, we stay home and ring in the new year with sparkling grape juice from the couch.

It's almost 2022!

But this year, I thought it might be fun to do something special with the girls. While we haven't made any finite plans yet, there are certainly a number of awesome options in the Arlington area! If you are looking for kid-friendly fun for New Year's Eve, look no further. EA has rounded up five great options for you.

Five fun ways to ring in 2022 with the kids in Arlington, TX

1. Bowling Party at AMF Lanes- Celebrate the new year with two hours of bowling fun with friends and family. Special packages are available that include two hours of bowling plus a selection of yummy food and even drinks to toast midnight (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available). So fun! 

2. Epic New Year's Eve at Epic Waters- Have a splashin' good time celebrating 2022 at Epic Waters in Grand Prairie. Hula dancing, luau festivities and so much more await you and your family at this indoor water park. This party goes until 1 am and you won't want to miss it!

3. Unlimited Play and Fun at Alley Cats- For $40 per person, you can have unlimited play at Alley Cats in Arlington from 10 pm - 1 am. Endless arcade games? Yes please! There are also specials available for those who would like to reserve a bowling lane.

4. Zoo Year's Eve at the Fort Worth Zoo- Your kids can spend the night at the Fort Worth Zoo on New Year's Eve! They can enjoy dinner plus a night hike and tons of fun while you spend NYE with your significant other or friends out on the town or relaxing at home. The choice is yours!

5. Noon Year's Eve at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History- Skip the late night and cranky kids and celebrate the new year at noon instead of midnight! Learn about different new year's celebrations and then set resolutions with for the new year. This event is included with your museum admission. 

We are ready to cheers to a new year!

How are you spending New Year's Eve this year?

10 Non-Toy Gifts To Give Your Kids This Christmas

Every year, the conversation I have with my husband regarding gifts for the girls and Christmas goes something like this:

Me: I don't know what to get the girls for Christmas.

Him: They don't need anything.

Me: Exactly. They don't need anything. So what do I get them?

Him: I think you're missing the point. They don't need anything... So don't get them anything?

Me: Then what am I going to give them for Christmas?

Him: Um...

Me: Yeah. 

And so it goes, this and every Christmas. I don't know about your kids, but my kids don't play with toys anymore. Don't get me wrong, they did play with toys. Once upon a time we owned every single Paw Patrol toy Target stocked, and I used to trip on Magic Clip princess toys like it was nobody's business. But, as my kids have gotten older, they have played with fewer and fewer toys. Sure, if I offer to play a game of Life or Sorry, they will happily retrieve the box from upstairs and play with me. But, left to their own devices, my kids would prefer to bounce on our trampoline, chat with their friends on Kids Messenger or simply watch TV. My closet full of games and miscellany has been largely untouched for the past few years. 

This year, we are doing experience gifts. Or, gifts that maybe won't be *as* exciting to unwrap but that will be much more fun to enjoy together as a family all year.

So, if you, like me, aren't interested in adding any more toys to the pile cluttering the toy room, here are some amazing experience gifts that will keep the magic going all year. And, bonus, I've included an item you can wrap and place under the tree so your kids have something to unwrap come Christmas morning.

10 experiences to gift your kids for the holidays 2021

1. A membership to a zoo or aquarium. We have to many to choose from in Dallas-Fort Worth! Buy your kids a membership to the Dallas or Fort Worth Zoos, or to one of the aquariums in the area, such as SeaLife or SeaQuest. With a membership you can go throughout the year, and most places offer some pretty awesome perks with your membership.

    Put this under the tree: a t-shirt or brochure from the place you bought a membership

2. A movie-a-month pass. Okay, so this isn't actually a thing that you buy, but you can design a fun graphic on Canva and then detail what your movie-a-month program looks like! Mine goes something like this: Each month, my girls will get to pick a movie we go see in the theater. At the movie, each girl gets her own bag of popcorn, drink and candy. I've committed to a fun afternoon with my kids that doesn't clutter up my playroom. Score!

    Put this under the tree: an empty popcorn tub from a local movie theater with your graphic inside it

3. A family staycation. Do your kids have vacation on their minds? I mean, I do! Basically all the time. If getting away right now isn't feasible, no worries. Why not book a weekend away close to home? A weekend at the Gaylord or Great Wolf Lodge will give you a chance to spend time together as a family without have to leave the Metroplex. Or check out the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. There are so many options for great local hotels that offer kids activities on-site.

    Put this under the tree: a new pair of pajamas to wear on your staycation

4. A spa day. My girls love nothing more than getting mani/pedis at the nail salon. And, as fun as those are, they add up when you have three girls! But they love feeling pampered and blissed out just as much as I do. And, boy moms, don't shy away! My husband enjoys a good pedicure, too, he just skips the polish! Treat them to a mani/pedi and an ice cream- what could be better? Bonus points if you take them for a facial or massage, if they are old enough. Or take them to Sweet 'N Sassy in Southlake and let the awesome stylists there pamper your kiddo.

    Put this under the tree: a new nail polish or other beauty accessory

5. A wet and wild day! Okay, not actually at the old Wet 'N Wild (I will always call it Hurricane Harbor; my husband refuses to call it that!), unless your kids can wait until summer. Plan a day over break where your kids can get wet and wild at Epic Waters or The Cove at the Lakefront or Great Wolf Lodge. Forget the sunscreen but pack all the pool toys and get ready for fun!

    Put this under the tree: a new bathing suit or flip flops

6. A museum or play area membership. You have so many choices with this one. Perot Museum in Dallas. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Peppa Pig World in Grapevine. Legoland in Grapevine. Six Flags. KidZania in Frisco. Crayola in Plano. I could go on! Pick a spot that your child loves and buy a membership. Your membership will pay for itself in just a few visits and you'll always have somewhere to venture to when it is cold or rainy outside. Or just because!

    Put this under the tree: a souvenir from the spot where you are buying the membership

7. Start saving for an experience with Kidsperience. If your child has a truly large-dollar gift in mind, such as a trip to Disney World or a week-long summer camp, you can plant a seed now to make this happen! Download the new Kidsperience app for free and set a goal. Maybe it's for a summer camp that costs $500, or a trip to Florida for $1500. Or something smaller, such as karate lessons or a trampoline for the backyard. You tell the app what your child wants and how much it costs and then you send it out to friends and family. They can download the app and contribute to the gift! No more mountains of meaningless gifts- your friends and family can help you save for something your child really wants. You can start saving now, and then ask people again at Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. Anytime when a loved one might give your child a present, ask for a contribution instead. You'll get your child's dream gift off the ground in no time.

    Put this under the tree: a t-shirt from the spot (or activity) you are saving for. 

8. A Pogo Pass. If you don't want to commit to one membership because you like to vary your outings, don't fret! Purchase a Pogo Pass that will let you do multiple activities with one membership. Your can purchase a Pogo Pass for your child for $39.98 with code Everything (please note: I am an affiliate and will get a kickback if you purchase) and you can do a number of awesome activities! Go to the Fort Worth Zoo, visit Hawaiian Falls in the summer, visit KidMania, venture to SeaQuest and more! Find out more information at www.pogopass.com. 

    Put this under the tree: a print out of the pass along with a memento from one of the locations

9. Give to charity in your child's name. Give your child a gift card to TisBest, a charity website that enables your child to go through the list of charities on the site and select the one they want to give their money to. Your child can decide if they want the money they are donating to benefit animals, veterans, the homeless and so on. Teach them about how good it feels to help others.

    Put this under the tree: a certificate for ice cream to celebrate their selfless giving

10. A unique instructional class, with or without a grown up. Does your kid want to learn to sew? Or paint? Or cook? Cool! Why not give them a certificate for a class that will help them explore the hobby they want to pursue. Places such as JoAnn Fabrics offer classes that help kids learn to sew, and there are several kids cooking classes in the Fort Worth area. Sign them up for a one-time class or for a series of classes. Not only will they learn a new skill, they might make new friends at class, too!

    Put this under the tree: something to go along with the class, such as fabric or a spatula

Spending time with my kids is my present this year!

Happy Holidays! Shows + Performances to Ring in the Season in the Arlington Area

Nothing delights this time of year like a holiday performance. If you are looking to spread some holiday cheer by seeing local performance of one of your favorite holiday shows, look no further! EA has your comprehensive guide to Arlington-area holiday shows.

I can still remember my favorite holiday show I've ever seen live- The Radio City Rockettes at the Rosemont Horizon in the Chicagoland area. I must have been 13 or so the first time we went, and, WOW, those high kicks! As someone who grew up dancing, I love nothing more than watching those talented women dance their hearts out in flashy, sparkly dresses up on stage. I hope to take my own daughters to see the Rockettes some day.

Until then, though, I love seeing all the fun performances of my holiday favorites all around the Arlington area. Forget professional actors- I adore nothing more than seeing a local student (or young child!) tackle the role of Buddy the Elf or Tiny Tim. And to see tiny dancers perform The Nutcracker... It's truly what the holiday season is all about! 

This year we are lucky enough to have multiple performances spanning multiple weeks of some of our favorite holiday shows right here in the Arlington area. Whether you want funny, or serious, or heartfelt, you are sure to find something that will give you the warm fuzzies this December and leave you ready to spread some holiday cheer. No need to drive to Fort Worth or hoof it all the way to Dallas- Arlington and the surrounding area has tons of opportunities for you to see your favorite shows.

So dust off your Sunday best and get ready to get in the holiday spirit!

Holiday performances in the Arlington area

The Nutcracker

Leap of Faith Dance & Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker- 

Friday, December 3 at Arlington Music Hall. Tickets start at $15. 

The United Performing Arts Guild presents The Nutcracker- 

December 3 & 4 at the AISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts. $20 per ticket. 

Art Ballet Academy presents The Nutcracker-

Saturday, December 18 at the Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $20. 

Rhythmic Souls Tap Company presents The Nutcracker Untapped-

Monday, December 20 at Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie. Tickets start at $10. 

Elf

Grand Prairie Arts Council presents Elf the Musical-

Weekends, December 3 & 10 at Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie. Tickets start at $13.

Kennedale Wildcat Theater presents Elf Jr.- 

December 16-19 at the Kennedale Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $15. 

A Christmas Carol

Kennedale Community Theatre in the Park presents A Christmas Carol-

December 11 &12 at Kennedale Town Center. Free. 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Mainstage Classic Theater presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever-

December 3 & 4 at First Methodist Mansfield. Tickets start at $8. 

DFW's Hot List: The Best Holiday Events in Dallas/Fort Worth for 2021

Guys... It's here.

The holiday season 2021!

I love this time of year.

The lights. The hot cocoa. The colder weather. The merriment. 

All. Of. It.

We are fortunate enough to live in an area that does the holidays in a BIG way. There are so many amazing holiday events coming to the metroplex in 2021 I struggled to keep my list to 10. 

So, without further adieu... 

Here is my list of the 10 Best Holiday Events in DFW for the 2021 Season.

Happy Holidays from the EA Crew. 

Also, before you read on... The BEST place for Santa photos is right here in Arlington. Right at the Highlands. Santa Town Arlington is FABULOUS- be sure and check them out this season- you will love the prices and the experience! (And follow them on Facebook here)

Have fun and be merry!

The Best Holiday Events in Dallas and Fort Worth for December 2021

1. Christmas at the Gaylord- Although the Gaylord won't be hosting ICE! this year, they have plenty of other amazing activities for you and your kids to enjoy. Join Buddy the Elf in a mission to save Christmas in an interactive new display. Or check out the light display at Merry & Bright. Enjoy snow tubing and so much more! Code ARLINGTON will save you 50% on some events, restrictions apply. 

2. Magical Elf Journey at Choctaw Stadium- Arlington has a brand new light display and interactive holiday exhibit that follow everyone's favorite (or maybe least favorite as this elf is a chore to move every night for weeks?!) elf this holiday season. Help Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman find the ingredients for Christmas Spirit at this fun show. Christkindlmarket will also be part of this wonderful display, so book your tickets now!

3. Zoo Lights at the Dallas Zoo- This drive-through lights display at the Dallas Zoo will leave you feeling merry and bright for sure. See the zoo lit up at night and discover the magic after hours. Loads of twinkly lights await. Pack your car full of friends and hot cocoa (and maybe a Christmas cookie or two!) and prepare for a wonderful evening. 

4. Prairie Lights at Joe Pool Lake- Prairie Lights is back with all it's holiday merriment this year! Drive through 1000s of twinkly lights as you listen to music on your car radio. Stop in the middle of the drive at Holiday Village for shopping, a walk-through wonderland, photos with Santa and so much more. Prairie Lights is a holiday tradition you won't want to miss. 

Prairie Lights at Joe Pool Lake. 

5. Gift of Light at Texas Motor Speedway- Drive around at Texas Motor Speedway gazing at Christmas lights and generally being merry! Stop off at Santa's Village for photos with Santa, drinks and more merriment. No ice skating this year, and weekdays are less crowded if you don't want to wait in line. The drive thru takes about an hour. 

6. Enchant at Fair Park- The holiday magic that is Enchant Christmas has moved to Fair Park! I'll admit- I'm pretty partial to this event. We've gone every year since they first came to DFW, and every  year I'm blown away by the sheer magic and wonder of the lights, the maze, the ice skating... All of it. I guess we'll just have to drive to Dallas for the magic this time around! 

7. A Christmas Carol in Granbury- We had the privilege of attending The Sleepy Hollow Experience by the Brian Clowdus Group in October for Halloween and absolutely loved it. So we are so excited that they are introducing a holiday experience! Interact with characters and become part of this tale that involves a grouchy old man discovering the true meaning of Christmas. This one should not be skipped! 

8. Snow Day at the Dallas Galleria- Experience more than 20 immersive rooms that are sure to leave you feeling jolly. Your kids will love taking wonderful photos and creating lasting memories. Grab a combo ticket to experience Santaland, too, which includes a meeting with Santa himself. This experience is located at the Galleria. 

9. 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum- Stroll through the Arboretum in delightfully cooler weather to enjoy the magic of the season. The 12 Days of Christmas will spring to life as you stroll the grounds with hot chocolate in your hands (this is optional, obviously!). Visit with Santa, shop and do so much more at this annual holiday tradition. 

10. Christmas at the Hilton Anatole- A kid's winter wonderful awaits you at the Hilton Anatole this season. Kid's can bounce on a giant bounce house, visit with Santa, watch a marionette show and so much more at this fabulous Dallas hotel. Decorate cookies, attend Elf Academy, I can ramble on with all the fun activities that are happening this season. 

Christmas magic. 

Happy Holiday Season, friends! 

What To Do With All Your Extra Halloween Candy

I love candy. 

Probably more than the next guy, to be honest.

But each year after October 31, it's a race to get my girls' excess Halloween candy out of my house before I rot all of my teeth irreparably munching on all of the delicious sugar!

So I let the girls each pick out 25 or so pieces of candy, enough for an after-school treat daily for a few weeks, and we get rid of the rest. 

Don't worry- we don't toss it in the trash! Luckily, there are lots of great places that will take your excess Halloween candy and donate it- some spots will even pay you for your extra candy!

Too much Halloween candy?

Get paid for your excess Halloween candy in the Arlington, TX, area

If your kids, like mine, would rather have a bit of cold hard cash than a bag full of candy (although, as one friend joked, my kids would very likely trade their Halloween candy in for cash and then take the cash to our local corner store and... spend it on more candy!), there are a few spots that will pay you by the pound. 

Fort Worth Children's Dentistry is doing a buyback today, November 1, from 4-6pm. They will buy back up to 5 pounds of candy per child, for a total of $5 per kid. This spot is about a 25 minute drive from Arlington, but, if you have several kiddos, it may be worth an after-school adventure! (Contact them for more info if you can't make it today- today is the only day listed)

HalloweenCandyBuyBack.com has multiple spots listed in the Dallas area that will buy your candy. If you find yourself in Dallas County this week with your kiddos, you may check out one of the resources in the Dallas area. (The spot listed in Colleyville is not participating in a buyback program, I called to confirm)

Donate extra candy in the Arlington area

If you would rather just donate candy than try to find a buyback program, you are amazing! You can always take it to local shelters or food banks.

The Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth will also take your individually-wrapped candy bars and goodies. 

Operation Gratitude lets you register and get matched with a first responder or military person who would love to receive your extra candy! You can also ship to their Los Angeles headquarters if there isn't a match for you locally. 

Move America Forward will also accept your unwanted candy and donate it to military personnel. This program is great for troops! 

Treat for Troops will take your candy and possibly even send your kiddo a trinket in return! This program is sponsored by Soldier's Angels. 

Corey Academy PTA will take it to use as prizes for its annual carnival, which is on Saturday, November 6. Please email president@coreypta.org to arrange drop off and receive a thank you! 

Email your child's teacher or school and see if they can use it for prize bins or to give away for good behavior, etc. It can't hurt to ask!

What do you do with extra Halloween candy? I mean, besides create an emergency stash far, far out of the kids' reach? (My husband thinks I don't know about the stash he keeps in our coffee mug cupboard on the top left... It's like the doesn't know me and my wicked sweet tooth at all!)

A Few of Our Favorite Things...

I recommend a lot of great products, places and brands on this page. And, if I'm being honest with you guys, I don't make money on 99% of the things that I do. 

I don't even have ads on my website... So each click, while amazing, does nothing for me financially!

So, I've rounded up a few of my favorite things. These are all referral links or affiliate links. I genuinely love the products... But if you click and purchase, I *may* get a kickback.

Thanks for supporting our adventures!

Pogo Pass

Do ALL the fun things with the kids- in DFW and Beyond! 

Code: EVERYTHING

www.pogopass.com 

Rothy's

The BEST sustainable shoes. Ever.

Rothy's shoes

Ibotta

My favorite cashback app for earning on my everyday purchases. They offer so many bonuses... I usually save all year long and then use my cash to pay for holiday gifts!

Ibotta

Book of the Month Club

I love to read... And I love getting a new book delivered to my front door each month. If you join, let's start a book club. Coffee and book talk? Yes please!

Book of the Month Club

Just Right Reader

Get your kids to love reading as much as you do! These lessons have helped my little one gain the confidence she needs to tackle longer, more challenging books.

Use code Arlington for 50% the first month of any subscription service

www.justrightreader.com

Everything Arlington's Fall Festival Guide for Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale & GP 2021

Eep!

Not only is this weekend a four-day weekend if your kids attend AISD, but it's the start of all the amazing Fall Festivals in the area!

This is the most comprehensive list I can come up with. This includes all events that I have been sent, told about or found on the interwebs. If I miss any, please send them my way and I will do my best to get them added.

Happy Fall Festival Season y'all!

Fun Fall Festivals in Arlington Area for October 2021

Fall Festival Guide 2021.

Weekend of October 9

River Legacy Fall Festival- Saturday, October 9, 11am- 9pm. Arlington. $8/person, some activities extra.

Animal encounters, live music, climbing wall, food trucks and much more!

Weekend of October 23

Arlington FFA Booster Club Fall Festival- Saturday, October 23. 9am-12pm.

Crafts and more. 

Advent Lutheran Church Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat- Saturday, October 23, 4-6pm. Arlington. Free.

Candy, toys, hot dogs and more. First come, first served. 

Trinity United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat- Saturday, October 23. 5:30-7:30pm. Arlington. Free.

Candy, pizza, bounce houses and more! 

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North Davis Church Fall Festival- Sunday, October 24. 4-6pm. Arlington. Free.

Food trucks, trunk-or-treat, inflatables and much more. 

Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival with Mansfield Church of Christ- Sunday, October 24. 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. 

Candy, games, activities and food trucks. Feel free to wear your costume!

Halloween Tot Party at Dottie Lynn- Wednesday, October 27, 10-11 am. Arlington. $6 per child.

Fun indoor party for little ones. You must pre-register. 

 Weekend of October 30

Trunk or Treat- Friday, October 29, 4-6pm. Arlington. Free.

Drive through trunk or treat with a local senior center. 

Trunk or Treat at Revive Church- Friday, October 29, 6:30-9pm, Arlington. Free.

Bounce houses, games, food for purchase and more. 

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Trunk or Treat with First Presbyterian Church Arlington- Saturday, October 30. 3pm. Free.

Games, prizes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and more. 

Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat with City Chapel- Saturday, October 30. 4-6pm. Arlington. Free.

Petting zoo, bounce houses, candy and more. Some events may cost money. 

Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at UTA- Saturday, October 30, 4-7pm. Arlington. Free.

Free food giveaway open to everyone. You must pre-register. 

TownCenter Trunk or Treat- Saturday, October 30, 5-7pm. Kennedale. Free.

Candy and trunk or treating. 

Fall Family Extravaganza with First Methodist Mansfield- Saturday, October 30. 5-7pm. Free.

Games, hayrides, burgers and more. 

Inspired to Live Church Fall Festival- Saturday, October 30. 5-7:30pm. Arlington. Free.

Games, prizes and much more. 

Pantego Trunk or Treat- Saturday, October 30, 6-8pm. Pantego. Free.

Costumes contests, trunk or treat and more.

St. Barnabas UMC- Saturday, October 30, 6-8pm. Arlington. Free.

Outdoor fun and games. (I can't find a link for this one!)

Trail or Treat- Friday, October 29, 6-8pm. Arlington. Free.

Register in advance and receive a free dinner! Bounces houses, games, candy and more. 

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Connect Church Arlington- Sunday, October 31, 4-6pm. Free.

Games, prizes, candy and much more. 

Fall Festival with Missionary Baptist Church- Sunday, October 31, 4-6:30 pm. Arlington. Free.

Candy and more. 

Trunk or Treat with Community of Hope Methodist Church- Sunday, October 31. 4-8pm. Mansfield. Free.

Trunk or treating plus a showing of Coco. 

Best Indoor Waterparks in DFW

Cooler months are coming (hopefully), which means, before too long, we will have to move all of our Texas-sized fun indoors. No worries, though! DFW has plenty of amazing indoor spots that cater to fun for guests of all ages.

Indoor water parks are one of my most favorite things. Seriously- where were all these great spots when I was a kid?! Growing up in northern Illinois I would have killed for a spot to swim and splash in November! 

All of the places on this list allow to you play around indoors without having to stay the night anywhere. You can simply buy a day pass, throw on your bathing suit and get to splashing!

Indoor surfing at the Cove at the Lakefront in Little Elm! Epic Waters in Grand Prairie also has one of these fun features. 

The COOLEST Indoor Water Play Areas in the Dallas Area 

💦Indoor Water Play Areas in DFW💦

Looking for someplace fun to let the kids swim and play now that most of the water parks have closed for the season? Save this post, which details 7 awesome indoor water play areas in or near Tarrant County for you and your kids!

💧 Epic Waters
📍 Grand Prairie
💵 $34 for over $ 48”, $29 under 48”

💧 The Cove at the Lakefront
📍 Little Elm
💵 $11 kids, $14 adult (under 2 free)

💧 NRH Center
📍 North Richland Hills
💵 $10 day pass

💧 The BRiCK
📍 Burleson
💵 $20 daily family pass (4 people)

💧 Great Wolf Lodge
📍 Grapevine
💵 $35 per person ($28 half day)

💧 Grapevine Rec Center
📍 Grapevine
💵 $12 day pass

💧 Arlington East Rec Center
📍 Arlington
💵 $8 per person

Which spot is your favorite? (My kids love Epic Waters- but we need something more affordable we hit up the NRH Centre. They love the rock climbing wall!)

The BEST Pumpkin Farms in DFW

These are not your average pumpkin farms.

It's fall in North Texas, and the EA Crew takes this time of year very seriously. We love all things spooky and pumpkin-y and basically just all of it.

So this list of Pumpkin Farms isn't just a list of fields full of pumpkins-for-purchase, although I have nothing against those spots! They are perfect for last-minute pictures and pumpkins for carving and just general inexpensive fun. 

But if you want a pumpkin farm that is a destination, a place where you can enjoy all that screams fall: hayrides, apple cider, pumpkins and more, well, this is the list for you!

It's pumpkin farm time!

Best pumpkin farms for fall in Dallas/Fort Worth

🎃 Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm
📍 Midlothian
💰 $12/person

🎃 Mainstay Farm 
📍Cleburne
💰 $24/person

🎃 Hall's Pumpkin Farm 
📍Grapevine
💰$15/adults, $10/kids

🎃 Yesterland Farm 
📍Canton
💰 $22 in advance/ $28 at the gate

🎃 Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch 
📍Flower Mound
💰$5/weekdays, $10 weekends

🎃 Lonestar Family Farm
📍Stephenville
💰 $16.50/person

🎃 Country Critters Farm 
📍 Alvarado
💰 $12/person

🎃 The Patch at Crossover Farm
📍 Rhome
💰 Hayride + Smores- $20/4 people

Where is your favorite pumpkin farm in DFW?

Best Indoor Play Areas for Kids in the Fort Worth Area

When my kids were little, all I wanted was a fun indoor play area that wasn't attached to a fast food place and that require me to constantly open my wallet to buy more tokens or play time. I wanted some place for my little kids to play without being trampled by big kids. I wanted a spot where I could sit and drink coffee and chat with friends while my little roamed and explored.

Best indoor play areas in the Fort Worth area!

Sadly for me, all of these awesome play areas started popping up after my kids were of school age. These are the wonderful spots that offer Wi-Fi and a spot to sip coffee and toys and play areas that are safe for kiddos younger than seven or eight. While we still don't have any of these types of places in Arlington, I certainly hope that there is someone in the area working out what it would take to open a Play Street Museum or similar facility in Arlington. I'm just glad that these areas finally exist in the western half of DFW- because I spent a LOT of time trucking my trio to Dallas when they were little in search of play spaces for littles.

Having too much fun at KidMania in Fort Worth!

These are the very best indoor play areas for younger kids in the Arlington & Fort Worth area! 🎠 Kid Mania Fort Worth 💴 $9 for kids, infants are free 📍 Fort Worth (Alliance area) (This play area is pictured) 🎠 Play Studio 💴 $10 per kid 📍 Fort Worth (Riverside area) 🎠 Play Street Museum Ft. Worth 💴 $12 per child 📍 Fort Worth (Ridglea area) 🎠 Recess Time Indoor Playground 💴 $14.50 per kid, includes socks 📍 Burleson 🎠 Celebration Party and Event Center 💴 $7 per child 📍 Keller 🎠 FamilyTime Mansfield 💴 $14 per kid 📍 Mansfield 🎠 The Family Playhouse Tx 💴 $10 per kid 📍 Fort Worth (Ridgmar Mall)

🎠 Kiddleton 💴 $7.50 weekdays/ $10 weekend 📍 Fort Worth (Hulen Mall) 🎠 Cheeky Monkeys Fort Worth 💴 $12.99/2 hours (weekdays) 📍Fort Worth (Alliance area) 🎠 Luv 2 Play 💴 $14 📍 Grapevine

🎠 Peek N Play 💴 $13 📍 Grapevine

Many of these spots will require kids to play in socks- don't forget yours or you may have to buy some on-site!

Don't forget snacks! Some places have designated eating areas. Our favorite was always Pirate's Booty.

Bring a water bottle and coffee if that's your jam. If your kids are a little older, consider your laptop if you're a work-from-home parent. Log some hours while the kids play!

If you want to know my absolute faves on this list... I love PlayStudio for kids younger than six, and they have a great outdoor space, as well. KidMania would be the top pick for my girls- this spot is great up until about age 12. We haven't been to several newer spots on this list, but Kiddleton looks absolutely amazing!

What is your favorite kids' play area in the Fort Worth area?

EA Roundup: Our Favorite Kids' Activities in the Arlington Area!

Now that we are almost a full month into the school year, it might be time to start thinking about kids' activities. Do you have a soccer player at home? Or maybe a gymnast? Perhaps your child wants to pursue art or music or scouting. We are fortunate to live in area where the list of activities in which you can enroll your child is virtually endless!

While you're here, click over to my article for Zulily, about all the classic board games you should own to play with your kids on weekends or on family nights spent bonding over board games from yesteryear!

No matter what interests your child has, there is truly something for everyone available in the greater Arlington area. While I won't pretend that we have personally tried out every place on this list (although, to be honest, we've tried a great many of these spots!), I will tell you that these spots all come recommended by friends and family.

Best Sports, Clubs and Activities for Kids in the Arlington Area

If you have an aspiring gymnast or dancer...

United Performing Arts Center will encourage your tiny dancer to learn tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and more as a fun way to express themselves. This Park Row spot is a favorite with local parents. 

There are lots of great dance studios in Arlington, Texas, for your tiny dancer!

Stars Gymnastics Arlington is a great spot for your dancer if they want to learn tumbling, as well. Stars will teach your child acro-dance, which will combine dancing and tumbling for your tiny dancer. 

Spirals Gymnastics in Kennedale and Mansfield will bring out the inner Simone Biles in your child. Your kiddo will get to learn bars, beam, vault and floor exercise at both of these area locations. 

Ice at the Parks will help your child get comfortable on ice! Whether your child wants to pursue ice hockey or figure skating, this is a great spot to start! 

If your child wants to pursue the arts...

Theatre Arlington can help your child gain confidence on stage and learn what it takes to become an actor.

KidCreate Mansfield will help your child hone their artistic skills with painting and craft classes.

Destiny Voice + Music Studio has a variety of musicians on hand who provide guitar lessons, piano lessons, voice coaching and more. My middle daughter loves lessons here (I take credit for exactly zero percent of her musical talent. Her guitar skills skipped a generation as they passed from my dad to my daughter). 

Learning the basics of playing the guitar- inspired by her days of listening to Dave Matthews Band with her dad!

If your child wants to pursue athletic endeavors...

MARSwim will have your child in the water year-round. You can start with lessons at UTA (or several other area locations) when your child is four, and then they can progress to swim team when they are ready. Swim meets are optional but oh-so-fun!

I love going to swim meets and cheering on my favorite middle girl. 

i9 Sports offers a variety of athletics for your high-energy kiddo. Whether your child wants to pursue baseball, soccer, football or other sports, i9 likely offers a great team-sport experience for your child.

The Arlington Tennis Center will help your child learn the coordination and skills it takes to be successful on the court. Don't forget to follow Arlington Tennis Association on Facebook to learn about all the fun, free lessons they host for kids at the ATC! 

Viridian Sailing Club will help your child learn to sail right here in Arlington! They don't appear to offer regular weekly lessons, just summer camps... But keep your eye out, just in case! 

How fun would sailing lessons be?

Action Skatepark in Grand Prairie is a great spot for your child to learn to skateboard. My youngest just started lessons here and loves every second- even when she falls (hard) and ends lessons dripping in sweat. She (almost) never complains! 

If your child wants to learn new skills...

Code Ninjas Mansfield offers a number of computer programming classes and courses to help your child learn to code and so much more. 

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offers kids a variety of ways to get involved in the local community. Kids will earn badges and learn skills that will help them throughout their lives. 

Girl Scouts is so much more than just selling cookies... Although we love doing that, too!

4-H introduces kids to the world of livestock. Kids will learn ways to serve their community through this organization. 

La Puerta Spanish Center offers Spanish instruction for kids interesting in learning a new language.

Arlington Chess Club will have your child thinking critically and mastering a new, challenging game in no time! (I admit- I have no idea how to play chess. Maybe I should join the adult club?...)

What activities will you be signing your kids up for this fall?