Summer Movie Guide 2026: Cheap Movies in DFW

Summer is here. Yay. Yay!

Looking to stay out of the heat but still entertain the kids?

Welp... Here you go. Cheap summer movies. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area (with an emphasis on the Arlington/Fort Worth area).

Like my content? Please please please share with your friends!

DFW Cheap Summer Movies 2026

Studio Movie Grill (two locations in Arlington, one in Fort Worth):

11 am daily Monday through Thursday. Tickets are $6 and include popcorn and a drink. Starts May 25. 

Flix Brewhouse (one location in Mansfield):

Camp Flix takes place every Tuesday. Tickets are $5, and you can purchase a kid's meal for $5. Starts June 2.

Cinemark (one location in Mansfield, one location in Grand Prairie, two locations in Fort Worth):

Summer Movie Clubhouse is every Wednesday at 9:30 am. Tickets are $1.75 each, and you can get $1 off on snack packs and popcorn during the showings. Starts June 1. 

AMC (locations participating include Grapevine and Burleson):

Movies are Mondays and Wednesdays in the morning and early afternoon. Tickets are $3 each and special meal deals may be available. Movies start June 22. 

Alamo Drafthouse (location in Las Colinas):

Movies run daily Monday- Friday. Tickets are $7 each plus taxes and fees. Times vary. Movies start June 5. 

Look Cinemas (locations in Arlington and Bedford):

Kids Summer Series movies take place around 12 pm Tuesday through Thursday. Tickets are $2 each. Starts May 26. 

B & B Theatres (locations in Red Oak & North Richland Hills):

Summer Kids Series takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am and 12:30 pm. Movies are $3 for rewards members, $5 for non-members. Starts June 10. 

Other movie specials worth nothing:

Hooky (Southlake) does $5 movies every Tuesday.

Cineopolis (Euless) has a curated movie list called Handpicked with $5 tickets each week. 

Sooooo... What are we seeing this summer? #textme! 

Everything Arlington's Easter Egg Hunt Guide 2026

Get those Easter baskets ready... The Easter Bunny is coming to town!

If your kids are ready to hunt for eggs, pose for bunny photos and enjoy some time in the Texas sunshine, you're in luck. I've made a list of every Egg Hunt I can find for 2026 in the greater Arlington area. Hoppy Easter, friends!

*Pro tip: Bring your own Easter basket to all of these for easier egg collection! And don't forget sunscreen and water... It's warm out there already!*

Friday, March 27

💜 The Mom Hop Egg Hunt at James McKnight Park in Mansfield

💛 9:30 am

💙 Egg hunts, petting zoo, Easter Bunny photos and more.

Saturday, March 28

💜 Easter Egg Hunt & Family Festival at Community of Hope Methodist Church in Mansfield

💛 10 am

💙 Bounce houses, live bunnies, eggs galore and much more

💜 Bunny Bash at the Arlington Highlands

💛 11 am- 2 pm

💙 Bunny photos, face painting, balloons and more

💜 Easter Trunk Hop at Texas Roadhouse Mansfield

💛 11 am- 2 pm

💙 Easter eggs, vendors, face painting, photos with Andy Armadillo, games, prizes and more

💜 Easter in the Park at Glade Parks in Euless

💛 12 pm- 2 pm

💙 Live DJ, face painting, balloons, games, activities and more

💜 Easter Extravaganza at St. John's Mansfield

💛 12 pm- 2 pm

💙 Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, springtime photos ops and more fun

Sunday, March 29

💜 Easter Egg Hunt at New World Kids Arlington

💛 10 am

💙 Easter eggs, breakfast food and a petting zoo

💜 Easter Egg Hunt at FUMC Hurst

💛 12 pm- 2 pm

💙 Bunny photos, trackless train, egg hunt and more

💜 Community Easter Egg Hunt at Texas Health Methodist Mansfield

💛 2 pm - 5 pm

💙 Helicopter egg drop at 3 pm plus activities, petting zoo, the Easter Bunny and more

Friday, April 3

💜 Good Friday Family Night and Egg Hunt at Vandergriff Park in Arlington

💛 5 pm - 8 pm

💙 Bounce houses, egg hunts, food trucks and more

Saturday, April 4

💜 Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at St. Barnabas UMC Arlington

💛 9 am

💙 Join the pancake fundraiser then stick around for the Easter Egg Hunt afterward

💜 Easter FUNDay at Hill City Arlington

💛 9 am- 12 pm

💙 Egg mazes, bounce houses, food trucks and more

💜 Easter Eggstravaganza at Mike Lewis Park in Grand Prairie

💛 10 am

💙 Egg hunts, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, fun and more

💜 Kids Crew Easter Egg Hunt at Chicken N Pickle Grand Prairie

💛 10 am - 12 pm

💙 Free brunch for kids plus bunny photos, crafts, Bingo games for prizes and more

💜 Annual Easter Egg Hunt at St. Andrews UMC in Arlington

💛 10 am

💙 Easter egg hunt, games, bounce houses, hot dogs and more

💜 World of Peace's Annual Easter Extravaganza at Mi Familia Park in Grand Prairie

💛 11 am

💙 Food, bounce houses, games, an egg hunt and more

💜 Lamar Easter Egg Hunt at Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington

💛 11 am- 1 pm

💙 Easter eggs galore plus free food and other activities

💜 Stockyards Easter Egg Hop in Fort Worth

💛 12 - 4 pm

💙 Egg hunts, bunny photos, live music, festive activities and more

💜 Second Annual TBS Easter Celebration at Vandergriff Park in Arlington

💛 12 pm

💙 Crafts, music, egg hunts, food trucks and more

💜 Easter Egg Hunt at UMC of the Covenant in Arlington

💛 12 pm- 2 pm

💙 Bounce houses, egg hunt, free food and more

💜 Spring Community Easter Party at Walnut Creek Assisted Living Care in Mansfield

💛 12 pm - 2 pm

💙 Egg hunt, food truck, bounce house, spring crafts

💜 Easter Extravaganza at Central Baptist Church in Mansfield

💛 1 pm

💙 Free food, face painting, egg hunts and more

💜 Town of Pantego Eggcellent Easter at Bicentennial Park

💛 2 pm

💙 Bunny photos, flower station, mini train, activities and more

💜 Spring Festival at First Presbyterian Arlington

💛 3 pm - 4 pm

💙 Giant bubbles, Easter egg hunt, games, activities and more

Sunday, April 5

💜 Meet the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt at St. Michael Catholic Church in Grand Prairie

💛 10 am

💙 Pictures with the Easter Bunny followed by an egg hunt

Looking for inspiration for your kiddo's Easter Basket? Check out my Amazon storefront with tons of ideas for basket stuffers. Looking for other items? Message me and I'll send you a link! 

Parent Arsenal Must-Have: Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County

You are an important piece of your child's educational experience. Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County wants to help you make sure you are able to understand your child's academic progress.

How well do you know your child's educational experience? Do you know if he or she reads on grade level (which isn't necessarily the same as your child receiving a good grade in reading)? Are you able to navigate the parent portal put forth by your school district to track your child's progress? Do you feel confident that your child is on the track to success?

It's okay if you had a hard time with these questions. When my kids were first starting their Texas Public School journey, I was clueless about, well, most things! It took me ages to acclimate myself to the parent portal, to speak up when my kids weren't understanding something and just to generally understand how I could help them be successful in the classroom. If I'm being honest, I still learn along with my kids every single day... And I don't even have elementary school-aged kids at home anymore!

This is where Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County enters the chat. The website has created free, easy-to-digest tutorial videos to help you, the parent or caregiver of a kiddo in public or charter schools in Tarrant County and beyond, understand how to be an asset to your child as they begin and proceed through their educational journey.

Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County's Website.

What is Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County?

Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County is a free resource created by and for busy parents.

Go Beyond Grades:

• Helps you determine whether or not your child is on grade level
• Encourages parents to contact teachers and helps you figure out which questions to ask to get your child the assistance they need
• Teaches you about what your child is expected to learn in school this year and gain tools to help supplement that learning at home
• Guides you to understand why attendance matters
• Aides you in gaining the insight you need to be your child's biggest asset outside the classroom

Took the condensed course offered by Go Beyond Grades Tarrant County and earned a certificate of completion. 

What kind of resources does Go Beyond Grades have? How can I learn from this organization to advocate for my child?

Go Beyond Grades offers two courses composed of short videos that walk you through different ways to advocate for your child. You can choose between two courses: the full version or the condensed version. Each is designed to help you understand grades, what it means to be on grade level, where to find grades both in the classroom and for standardized tests such as STAAR and more. The course is interesting and helpful... I took the condensed version and learned a ton even after my kids have been in AISD schools for 10 plus years now!

Why should I take a course with Go Beyond Grades?

That's easy! First and foremost, the courses are free. Secondly, this course will help you gain insight into your child's grades and overall academic performance. New parents and veteran parents alike can gain helpful knowledge to help them help their kids get the most they can out of their educational journey through Texas public and charter schools. A successful child often stems from informed parents. 

Learning about ways to support my kids' educational journey at home

How do I take the course from Go Beyond Grades?

Head to the website and create an account (it only takes a few minutes). From there, you can choose the full or condensed version. And don't worry- you don't have to do it all in one sitting. The course is broken into smaller videos and bite-sized chunks so you can go at your own speed. It even has actionable items sprinkled throughout, so you aren't just passively learning... You are creating a game plan to help your child succeed.

Let's support our kiddos as they navigate school as best we can... They are truly our future and everyone wins when children are educated. 

*Disclaimer: I was paid for this content. All thoughts and feelings are my own*

OKANA: An Exciting Indoor Waterpark Adventure Less Than Four Hours From DFW

Located in Oklahoma City, OKANA is an easy getaway for DFW families looking for fun, excitement and a waterpark all under one roof.

The EA Crew is always up for a good time. We love to explore, travel, swim and just generally try new things and see new places. I'm always on the lookout for our next weekend adventure, vacation getaway or must-try new activity in Texas, in the South, in the US and absolutely beyond. 

Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City

So, naturally, Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark is a spot that has been on my list since it opened its doors in Oklahoma City last spring. 

Let me list the reasons why...

• Less than 4 hours from DFW
• Indoor water park and seasonal outdoor water park
• On-site entertainment, including an arcade, daily activities for families and eateries with various activities to enjoy as you dine
• Rooms with bunk beds for kids so they have their own "space," plus rooms that can accommodate large families without breaking the bank (y'all... the overnight rates at Okana are amazing!)
• So much to do at one destination, plus it's just across the highway from downtown OKC and all the fun offerings in Oklahoma

Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City. 

Tell me more about the waterpark. Is it really worth the drive?

Yes! The indoor waterpark kept four of my six travel mates (yep- I traveled with 6 kiddos, ages 7, 10, 12, 13, 16 & 16) happy for literally 8 hours. There is a wave pool, a flow rider surf simulator, a kids splash area, a little kid area (think 2 and younger), a lazy river and multiple slides, some of which require tubes. Plus, the indoor waterpark has cabanas for an extra fee, three restaurants within the waterpark and a bar and hot tub for those 21 and over. My crazy crew (of all girls, by the way!) played hard. 

We recently visited, after it was already cold and the outdoor waterpark closed for the season. But the outdoor waterpark looks awesome, too, and we hope to travel back next summer to check it out!

Hitting the water slides at Okana Resort. 

But what else can we do while we are there? My kids will only want to swim for so long.

My girls loved the on-site arcade. They are in their claw machine era... Don't ask me how much we spent on those! Plus, next to the resort, at an area called the Boardwalk, is a restaurant called Curveball, where guests of all ages can hone their baseball skills while they nosh on great sports fare (think hot dogs and mac and cheese!). My softball player loved this (not sure what I'm talking about? Think TopGolf, but for baseball!). Not into baseball? No worries. Head next door to Bullseye, where you can try your hand at darts or axe throwing or other games of skill while you eat and drink. How's that for have your fun and eat it too?

Be sure to check the resort entertainment calendar each day of your trip, too. The resort offers different programming for kids each day so they can try something a little different. During our stay, the girls entered a limbo contest, made fall lanterns with tissue paper, plastic jars and tea lights and competed in races inside the waterpark and snagged some sunglasses as a prize. So fun!

There is also a candy shop in the resort for kids (and adults!) who need a little treat at the end of a wonderful (but exhausting!) day. 

Curveball in Oklahoma City

What about the adults in the group? Is there anything that might appeal to them?

Besides the hot tub and bar in the waterpark I mentioned above you mean? How about the onsite spa, where guests can indulge in a myriad of services to help them relax and unwind no matter the time of year? There is also a great Gastropub onsite called Jack Rabbit where you can eat and drink with great views of downtown Oklahoma City outside the window. I also enjoyed the small workout room to get a few workouts in while we stayed, and I enjoyed logging a few miles along the Canadian River, which you can access via walking paths directly behind the resort. 

Greetings from Okana!

Okana is truly a destination unto itself, and we were able to find all the food and entertainment we needed for a two-day stay at this awesome resort. But, if you're looking to explore while in OKC, there are a number of fun things to do that are just a short car ride from the resort. Check out Scissortail Park, the Oklahoma Science Museum and Bricktown, to name a few. 

Thank you, Okana, for hosting the EA crew for a two-day stay. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to come back soon. 

 

Arlington Charities: Supporting Our Neighbors In Need

This local Arlington non-profit serves those with food insecurity with nutritious food items for themselves and their families.

When a friend approached me and asked me if I knew much about Arlington Charities, I had to be honest: I didn't. Genuinely, I thought maybe it was a name for the collection of nonprofits that serve the Arlington community. I didn't know it was its own organization, located off Cooper Street, that serves up to 700 neighbors per week.

Who is Arlington Charities?

Founded in 1978, Arlington Charities is one of the oldest organizations in the area that addresses food insecurity. It serves all Arlington zip codes as well as Kennedale and several zip codes in Grand Prairie, and neighbors can make an appointment to stop in one time per month to pick up groceries such as meat, fruit, vegetables, dairy and more. Groceries received by neighbors should last about a week for a family of four.

Arlington Charities

How does food distribution work with Arlington Charities?

Food can be picked up daily Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm at the headquarters on Secretary Drive in Arlington. Neighbors can make an appointment for pick up, and they order ahead on Arlington Charities' website to make sure they are receiving items they can actually use. 

Home delivery is available for seniors and those who lack transportation.

Arlington Charities hosts mobile distribution events three times per month that are open to all. Arlington Charities wants these events to have the fewest barriers for neighbors in need as possible. 

In the summertime when school is out, Arlington Charities hosts Books & Bites funded by Atmos Energy. This program supplies kids with meals and books when school isn't in session. I love this! 

Filling up a neighbor's car at a daily distribution pick up. 

Where does Arlington Charities obtain the food they hand out to neighbors?

Most of the food that Arlington Charities distributes is purchased at an extreme discount from Tarrant Area Food Bank. Some comes from local grocery stores, but most comes from TAFB. Food can also be received through generous donations from local residents and organizations who want to support the mission of tackling food insecurity in the Arlington area.

Fresh fruit that Arlington Charities distributes to neighbors in need. 

How can I support Arlington Charities?

This is my favorite part- it is so easy to help Arlington Charities and tackle food insecurity in our community!

- You can make a monetary donation. This money will be placed into the group's general fund and used for operational expenses.

- You can volunteer! If you are 16 and older, you can volunteer to help "shop" and load vehicles with food during one of their daily food pickups.

- You can host a donation drive. This is always popular, especially around the holiday season, however, the help that Arlington Charities needs may not be what we think. While it is great to host a canned food drive, Arlington Charities can purchase most canned goods from TAFB for cheaper than you or I can buy them from our local supermarkets. A better idea would be to host a donation drive for the items they need the most (and receive the least of): canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.), toilet paper and hygiene products such as sanitary supplies and deodorant. Donating these items will go a long way with Arlington Charities and are the most-requested items they don't have a steady supply of. 

I loved learning about Arlington Charities

As we head toward the holidays, it is important to keep amazing organizations like this in mind when you are looking to get involved in your community. Arlington Charities truly does amazing work to combat food insecurity in our community. Thank you, Arlington Charities, for supporting our neighbors in need! 

Friday Night Fries: McDonald's Gives Back to Arlington High Schools

I got to spend time with the Grissett Family at the recent Arlington-Martin Football Game, learning about how this family supports the community through their McDonald's franchises. 

Pull up to a high school football game in a Texas town in the fall and you're in for an experience. The energy, the lights, the crowds. Whether you're cheering for the home team or the visitors, you can't help but be caught up in the excitement that comes with football in Texas. They've even made movies and tv shows about high school football in Texas. It's a vibe.

It is also an entire production with more behind-the-scenes players than many of us realize. From the security who keeps everyone safe to the groundskeepers who maintain the football field, there are so many moving pieces that work together to give players and fans an over-the-top game day experience. And for that, schools need the community support that is so vital to a team's success.

Grimace & the Martin High School Cheerleaders

Enter amazing community partnerships such as The Grissetts, an Arlington family who own five McDonald's franchises in the Arlington area (plus two in Irving and one in Hillsboro), who give back to the community that patronizes their businesses. This local family with deep Arlington roots (the Grissett kids are Martin High School graduates) is a vital part of the community, giving back to local AISD schools in numerous ways.

On a Thursday in November, I got to join them for one of the final football games of the 2025 high school season- the Arlington-Martin game, played at the new Glaspie Field. They welcomed me into their skybox seats, shared with me their long history in the Arlington community and even introduced me to Reverend Michael Glaspie, the former AISD Board of Trustees Member for whom the new stadium at Martin High School is named. Needless to say, I was honored to be a part of the evening.

The Grissetts on the football field presenting checks to the principals of Arlington High School and Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.

How the Grissetts and McDonald's support the Arlington community

Spending time with the Grissetts on Thursday, I got to learn about all the ways they support Arlington schools through their McDonald's franchises:

• Spirit Nights. Schools and other non-profits can book spirit nights at any of their locations in Arlington and a percentage of funds raised that night go directly back to the school or other non-profit organization.
• Donations. At this particular football game, the Grissetts donated $1,000 each to Arlington High School and Martin High School to support these schools as they educate and prepare local students for the future. I got to be there for the check presentation, and it was awesome!
• Archways to Opportunity. This program isn't available to everyone, but it is available to exemplary employees at their franchise locations. This opportunity allows select employees to enroll in school and have their tuition fully funded by McDonald's. I got to meet several recipients of the Archways to Opportunity grants who graduated with degrees paid in full by this grant. They earned their degrees while working for McDonald's. What an awesome accomplishment.

How you can support the Grissetts and McDonald's

If you, like me, like to support the businesses that support our community, the best way to help out is to patronize these businesses! Enable the Grissetts to keep supporting the schools and helping fully fund educational grants for qualified employees by supporting their business. Grab a soda on the way home from work. Treat yourself to some French Fries or grab the kids a Happy Meal and let them play in the play area at these local McDonald's. Here are the locations owned by the Grissetts:

• Cooper & Pioneer: 800 W. Pioneer Parkway
• Cooper & I-20: 4300 S. Cooper St.
• Sublett & 287: 4841 W. Sublett Rd.
• Cooper & Green Oaks: 5404 S. Cooper St.
• Green Oaks & I-20: 5700 Forest Bend Drive
• Plus two locations in Irving and one in Hillsboro

Members of the Grissett Family with Reverend Michael Glaspie, former AISD Board of Trustees Member.

Thank you, Grissett Family, for supporting local schools and the Arlington community. It is people like you that make Arlington such a wonderful place to live and raise a family!

*Please note: I was compensated for my time working with McDonald's. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have Kids, Will Travel: New Braunfels & Gruene, Texas

New Braunfels: Your Must-Visit Vacation Destination Less Than Four Hours from Arlington

Waterparks, iconic Texas spots, delicious food, unique shopping- New Braunfels & Gruene, Texas, have everything you need for a quick getaway close to DFW.

When I mentioned to my girls we were going to take a weekend getaway to New Braunfels, all I had to say was "water coaster" and "Schlitterbahn" and they were sold. My middle spent some serious time researching Schlitterbahn New Braunfels online, watching YouTube videos and making a list of all the rides we had to hit. When our trip finally arrived, she was ready!

So excited to be at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels!

Honestly, if I had known how much fun New Braunfels was, we would have gone years ago! From quaint Gruene with its great shopping to historic New Braunfels with its German charm (did I tell you I speak German? Well, I don't speak it well, but I have a bachelor's degree in the language and a soft spot for the country, as my ancestors are from Germany, but I digress!), we loved New Braunfels from the moment we arrived. 

Where to stay in New Braunfels

There is no shortage of great, affordable hotels in New Braunfels, including major chains such as Hampton, Hilton, Marriott and Holiday Inn. However, we were fortunate enough to stay onsite at Schlitterbahn, thanks to New Braunfels Convention & Visitor's Bureau, who invited us down on a paid media trip. 

All smiles from our "porch" at the Treehaus Luxury Suites at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

We stayed in the Treehaus Luxury Suites that are located in the newer park at Schlitterbahn, and the accommodations were top notch! Our room had two queen beds plus a set of bunk beds as well as a full kitchen area. There was a great porch area with a picnic table so we could hang out and eat outside if we wanted to. The best part? We just walked down a few sets of stairs to get to the waterpark! It made taking breaks when someone had too much sun easy. Extra bonus? The evening activities and the two extra hours guests get at the waterpark before it opens to the public!

Things to do in New Braunfels

It goes without saying at Schlitterbahn is one of the biggest draws in this area, and with good reason! The park is awesome. Honestly, probably the best waterpark we have ever been to. From the tube chutes to the water coasters and the swim up bars to the lazy rivers, Schlitterbahn is full of endless entertainment choices for the whole family. The park is so big that you take a shuttle between the original park and the newer one. Alcohol is available for those who are old enough, and there are lots of food options onsite so you don't have to leave to get a great bite to eat. And honestly- you won't want to! We spent seven hours there on Saturday and didn't get to do nearly everything we wanted! 

All smiles at Schlitterbahn!

Outside of Schlitterbahn, we enjoyed walking around downtown New Braunfels and browsing in the shops. We bought a few trinkets at the Downtown Antique Mall and the girls bought a few cavities' worth of sweets at the local candy store. 

Shopping at the Downtown Antique Mall in New Braunfels

Gruene is an area of New Braunfels you absolutely can't miss. The area surrounding the iconic Gruene Hall (where many a country legend, including both George Strait and Willie Nelson has performed) is fun for strolling, shopping and enjoying your afternoon. I bought some cute clothes at the Gruene Goat and my oldest bought a cute t-shirt at the general store. We enjoyed trying on cowboy boots and hats and just generally being together as a family. There may have been a few ice cream treats involved, too!

Places to eat in New Braunfels

For fun and entertainment while you eat, check out Downtown Social. Bowling, arcade games, shuffleboard and more await guests while they eat and drink the day (or night) away. We were there in the evening and got to listen to a DJ spinning tunes before 9 pm, which is when this spot is open to 21 and over only. If it's a nice night, you can also eat outside. 

All smiles at Downtown Social, New Braunfels

For a German spot that is truly authentic, check out Krause's Cafe. You'll sit at picnic tables reminiscent of famous German beer halls (Hofbrauhaus, anyone?) and enjoy all kinds of great bites and drinks. I loved my lox breakfast- I ate literally every bite! There is often entertainment outside as well as great spots for kids to roam and a few great areas for photos.

Posing for pictures at Krause's Cafe New Braunfels

For a spot as unique as Texas, head to the Gristmill in Gruene. The open-air area outside is filled with picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a beverage (alcohol optional) on a nice afternoon. Sit inside for a full menu of great food. We got to listen to live music and sat under the misters to stay cool. There is also a great play area for kids who need to climb and play a bit before or after a meal. 

Enjoying live music & sunshine at The Gristmill in Gruene

Ready to book a trip to New Braunfels? This is your sign.

Honestly, the drive to New Braunfels was so easy (except getting through Austin. I literally can't imagine a time when driving down 35 through Austin will ever not be a nightmare). It took us less than four hours to arrive at the Schlitterbahn resort. On the way to or from New Braunfels, you can stop at Buc cee's for, well, for everything that one buys at Buc cee's (which is a little of everything if you're me!) or the bougie Tanger Outlets in San Marcos. You could easily stop through Austin or Waco and head on to San Antonio, depending on your needs. But New Braunfels is truly a destination unto itself, and it has not seen the last of the EA crew. I don't know what took us so long to get there in the first place, but now we can't wait to go back!

Thanks, New Braunfels, for inviting the EA Crew to spend a weekend in your fun city- it's truly a Texas gem! 

Smiling for pictures in Gruene, Texas

*Please note, this was a paid vacation for the EA crew in exchange for content on my social media channels. All thoughts and opinions are my own." 

DFW Summer Movies Cheat Sheet 2025

Cheap summer movies in a dark, cool theater are an easy way to keep kids entertained while school is out. Check out these great movie deals in the greater Fort Worth 

DFW Summer Movie Guide 2025

Cheap Summer Movies in DFW 2025

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse- 

Movies start June 2. Tickets are $1.75 each (plus tax) and kids' snack combos will be $1 off during summer movie showtimes. Mansfield, Grand Prairie & Fort Worth show these movies Wednesdays at 9:30 am- check the website for additional locations and showtimes.

AMC Summer Movie Camp-

Summer movies start June 23 and run through August 13. Tickets are $3 each (plus a convenience fee if purchasing online). At the AMC Parks location, movies are shown on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 am and 2 pm. See the website for the full line-up of movies. 

Look Cinemas Kids Summer Series-

Kick back at Look Cinemas with $2 movies all summer long! Movies start June 2 and are shown Monday through Thursday at 12 pm. See the website for movie selections. 

Studio Movie Grill Children's Summer Series-

Movies at Studio Movie Grill are shown Monday through Thursday at 10 am at most locations. Movies change weekly, and the series starts May 26 and runs through August 14. Tickets are $6 each and include popcorn and a drink.

EVO Entertainment KidFlix-

Enjoy $1 movies all summer long at EVO in Southlake. Movies start May 30 and run through August. Pro tip? Go on Wednesdays when games are 1/2 price and you've got a full day of air-conditioned fun under one roof!

Movie Tavern Kids Dream Summer Film Series-

Starting June 8 you can see a different movie every week for just $3. There will be food specials during the Kids Dream Series, and you can also purchase a movie passport for the series which enables you to see all 12 summer movies for $12! Score! 

Flix Junior Movies-

Family-friendly throwback movies starting June 3 for $5 (plus fees if purchasing online) at Flix Brewhouse in Mansfield. These movies come with activity sheets and adjusted volume levels. On Tuesdays, kids can enjoy $5 kid's meals where they can choose from several menu options with a drink included. 

Summer Ready with British Swim School of Arlington & South Grand Prairie

Not to be a Negative Nancy over here, but did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in kids ages 5-14 in the US according to the CDC? And more kids ages 1-4 die by drowning than from any other cause?

Swimming is an important life skill. British Swim School is here to help.

Swim safety is important. Learning to swim is an invaluable life skill.

Enter British Swim School of Arlington and South Grand Prairie, which just opened its third location in the area at the LA Fitness on Little Road in Arlington (they also have locations at Candlewood Suites in Grand Prairie as well as 24-Hour Fitness in Grand Prairie). British Swim School offers lessons for babies, kids and adults with low student-to-teacher ratios and generous sibling discounts. Classes are 30 minutes long and can be taken once, twice or three times per week. Private lessons are available. 

Learn to swim with British Swim School in Arlington, TX.

British Swim School is locally owned by a family I've known for years through a Mom's Group I was a member of when my babies were babies. Woman-owned, family-owned, locally-owned, British Swim School is dedicated to helping teach people of all ages to feel confident in the water. Greg and Melissa, the owners, have four kids of their own and are deeply committed to British Swim School's mission and the community it is a part of. 

So why choose British Swim School?

• No long-term commitment. You can cancel anytime with a 30-day notice.
• Join anytime. Enrollment is on-going. 
• Risk-free guarantee. Try two classes, and, if you aren't satisfied, you will get a full refund.

Figure out which program is right for you and your child at British Swim School.

Enroll today and let them know that Everything Arlington sent you. When you enroll at the Little Road location, you'll get an additional four lessons for FREE!

Swimming is an important life skill that you're never too old to master. Get ready for summer fun at all the great pools and waterparks all over DFW with British Swim School.

*Please note: I was compensated by British Swim School for this content. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Affordable Summer Getaway Less Than Two Hours from Arlington: Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma

Did I just discover the metroplex's best kept secret for summer fun that is both close and affordable? Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma is all that and more!

Picture this:

A lake setting on the border of Texas and Oklahoma. A resort with various sizes of rooms available to accommodate travel parties of all sizes. Two outdoor pools with a slide plus a small kiddie pool plus an indoor pool with racing lanes and a hot tub. Two on-site dining options: a lakeside grill and a restaurant, plus a snack stand at the pool area. An outdoor playground. An 18-hole golf course with an onsite bar and grill. Pickleball courts. A tower bar (as cool as it sounds!) for 21 and over. Programming for kids and adults all summer long.

Hanging out poolside at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma. 

Are you hooked yet? 

THIS is the fun that awaits guests at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas. They hosted my family for two nights over Easter weekend, and, despite the rain and chill in the air, we had an absolute blast. We could almost imagine this spot bustling with vacationers in the summertime, kids running wild while parents relax in the poolside loungers, soaking up the Texas sun.

Located on Lake Texoma, Tanglewood Resort is the perfect spot to take your boat (the boat launch is less than 10 minutes from the resort) and head out on the water for the day (you can also rent a boat in the area or skip boating altogether- it is a fun spot no matter what!). Once you have had enough of lake life for the day you can head down to the pool area at the resort and relax, maybe grabbing a sandwich and fries from the lakeside grill to nosh on. With or without kids, this place is the perfect DFW escape. For the 21 and over crowd, definitely consider having a drink at the Tower Bar as the sun is setting- the view of the lake from eight stories up is absolutely stunning!

View of Tanglewood Resort from the Tower Bar.

If you have a golfer in your group, they can head over to the Tanglewood Golf Course and play a round of golf and grab a bite at the 19th Hole (and maybe a drink!). Those who want to brush up on their skills before hitting the green can also perfect their stroke at the Golf Simulator. Be sure to check out the rules of the course before you tee off. 

Checking out the Tanglewood Golf Course.

Kids and kids-at-heart will love playing at the indoor and outdoor pools at this property. My girls loved the slide and the waterfall features as well as the lap lanes at the indoor pool. I enjoyed lounging in the hot tub with my oldest while we timed my younger two as they raced down the lap lanes. In warmer weather, the snack bar between the indoor and outdoor pools will offer up refreshments to satiate hunger brought on by all the splashing around! Once they tire of swimming, kids can play tetherball or play on the playground. There is also a beach- Island View Park- about 10 minutes from the resort by car. Talk about options!

Hanging out at the indoor pool at Tanglewood Resort while the kids play. 

I can't say enough great things about the accommodations, to boot. We stayed in a villa with one king bed and oh my gosh! In-room hot tub, fireplace, washer and dryer, all dishes and silverware, a great balcony. We added on an adjacent suite with two queen beds and had loads of space for the whole family with multiple (huge!) bathrooms, multiple TVs and more. This would be perfect for a summer weekend. 

The awesome kitchen area at our villa at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma. 

We enjoyed our time at Tanglewood Resort so much and know that you will too! Book today to secure your summer spot before all the rooms are full (just plugging in random June dates we were seeing the king villas for less than $300 a night. That's a steal!)

Summer is just five weeks away... Not that we are counting or anything! Who wants to meet us at Tanglewood for a fun weekend away?

*Please note: I was given a free stay in exchange for promotion on my social channels and a blog post. All thoughts and ideas are my own.*

Big Things are Happening at the Arlington Highlands!

A long-standing shopping and entertainment mecca in the Arlington area, the Arlington Highlands is undergoing changes to make the space even more welcoming. 

Kendra Scott. Pottery Barn Outlet. These are just a few of the exciting retailers who have decided to open up shop at the Arlington Highlands within the past year. Color Me Mine, a fun arts and crafts spot for all ages, is set to open this spring. These retailers join the stores, restaurants and entertainment destinations you've come to know and love at the Highlands, including Old Navy, Gloria's and Studio Movie Grill to name a few. 

The Arlington Highlands gets a glow up!

On April 1, 2025, The Highlands debuted a $30 million renovation (phase I) with a new greenspace located in the strip of shops that leads from I-20 to Studio Movie Grill... And the space is an absolutely welcome addition to this fabulous shopping area. The greenspace includes space to walk and play as well as seated areas to relax with friends and family (covered, of course, to keep the sun or rain off your back!). My sweet gymnast loved cartwheeling all the way down the greenspace on the turf. There are pretty water features dabbled throughout, as well.

Gorgeous new water feature at the Arlington Highlands. 

Now patrons can grab a coffee from Starbucks or a to-go meal from spots such as Chicken Salad Chick or Freebird's and dine outside. Parents and friends can bring a few toys and enjoy some sunshine and chatter while the kids play in the wide-open area. Once the sun sets, the space lights up with 3,500 white lights that give the space a soft glow and make it perfect for hanging out with friends after hours. A powered, canopied stage completes the upgraded area and will be home to exciting concerts in the future! 

Brand new covered seating area at the Arlington Highlands.

Even better, the Highlands will be hosting a series of FREE events open to all starting this spring. The first event to kick off the series is a MOMumental event on May 10. The event celebrates moms just in time for Mother's Day and includes activities such as making flower arrangements, checking out pampering stations, listening to live music and more. These events will continue monthly throughout the year as a way to celebrate the new space and the community that surrounds it. 

Phase II of this project is expected to be finished by the end of 2025 and will feature additional park amenities perfect for families as well as new signage and facility upgrades.

The new signage welcoming guests to the Arlington Highlands.

We love love love the Arlington Highlands and are SO excited for all the new updates to this pretty space. Join us May 10 for the MOM-umental event... Hope to see everyone there!

*Content is sponsored by the Arlington Highlands. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Spring Break (& Beyond!) Fun is Here at Alley Cats Hurst, Arlington & Burleson

 Affordable, family-friendly fun at three convenient locations

*This content is paid for by Alley Cats. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Alley Cat's slogan is "Indoor. Outdoor. Fun!" and this couldn't possibly be more accurate. From rides to bowling and laser tag to arcade games, Alley Cats has everything you need for family fun under one roof, and at great prices, to boot!

Enjoying the arcade games at Alley Cats Hurst.

We recently visited the Hurst location and hung out and played together as a family for hours. At Alley Cats Hurst, you can:

- Check out the rides outdoors. Our favorite? The Rattler Rollercoaster!

- Drive go karts. Who doesn't have a need for speed?

- Challenge the family to mini golf. Spoiler alert: I will always lose even when I'm genuinely trying not to!

- Hit up the batting cages. My oldest's favorite Alley Cats activity!

- Go bowling. I bowled. I lost. And I promise I gave the game my all!

- Play the arcade games. My girls love the piano game, and I just don't get it!

- Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. I love the black bean burger!

- Play laser tag. Always fun!

Suited up for laser tag at Alley Cats Hurst.

On Sundays, Alley Cats Hurst even does brunch so you can dine and play for the ultimate family fun day. 

Have I mentioned how affordable Alley Cats is? Before you head out to one of their three awesome locations, be sure and check the "special promotions" tab on their website- it will let you know the latest deals at that location. Right now, in Hurst, for $60, you can get unlimited rides, batting cages, bowling and mini golf PLUS a $20 arcade card. That is hours and hours of fun for one low price. (Promotion not available during Spring Break)

Enjoying some fun in the sun at Alley Cats Hurst.

Looking for a thrills a little closer to home? Alley Cats Arlington has everything you need for a family fun day in town. We always enjoy family time here mini golfing, playing arcade games and more.

Looking to check out their newest space? You'll want to hit up the Burleson location! It's less than a year old and equipped with all the fun activities you've come to know and expect from Alley Cats. Bowl. Go Kart. Ride. Play. Tag. The list goes on!

What do you love most about Alley Cats?

Get Ready for a Great Deal: YellowTags Warehouse Arlington

If you're reading this blog post, you're probably a bit like me. You're busy. You wear a lot of hats, at home and at work. You are a money master who is always on the look for a great deal, whether you're shopping for coffee, clothing or household items. I know I'm willing to search and source stores all over DFW to find the best way to furnish my home and provide for my family while also still being mindful that my bank account is not quite as bottomless as I would like to it to be.

YellowTags Warehouse in Arlington, TX

Enter YellowTags Warehouse, a furniture and appliance store in Arlington at 360 and Arkansas. If you're on the market for a new fridge, new couch, new vanity, new rug, anything to furnish your house or apartment, you need to shop YellowTags Warehouse first. Not only are the prices on furniture and appliances the best you'll find (up to 80% cheaper than you'll find elsewhere!), but the staff is also friendly and helpful to boot. "Big Brands, Bigger Discounts"- that's YellowTags! They can even deliver right to your home or office when you're ready for your items to arrive. Talk about awesome.

Even better, YellowTags also has some of the items you're searching for to put under the tree this season. Someone you love traveling? Perfect! YellowTags has suitcases perfect for the traveler in your life. Shopping for someone who is resolving to be more active in 2025? Great! YellowTags has cardio machines and workout equipment to help anyone looking to get more active to meet their fitness goals. And... Wait for it. They have financing options available! Gift now and pay over time. What's better than that?

The item my kids are most begging for from YellowTags at the moment- this plush oversized chair.

Saturday, December 14, 2024, YellowTags is hosting a holiday event at 11:30 am for you to come and see what they are all about- and I encourage you to join me there! Together, we will learn tips and tricks for decorating our space this holiday season, enjoy some yummy bites, get exclusive discounts on items for our homes and more. We have been waiting all season for this event... And it's FREE! Nothing beats an educational and fun event (with food!) that doesn't cost me a dime.

Find the event here: YellowTags Warehouse Holiday Decor Workshop

If you're headed to this event, be sure to come ready to eat and shop! And if you see me (and a few of my girls) please come and say hi. We would love to meet you!

See you at YellowTags!

YellowTags Warehouse

3201 E. Arkansas Lane, #111

Arlington, TX 76010

*Please note that this is a paid endorsement. All thoughts and opinions are my own*