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?

Greater Arlington Area FREE Indoor Playgrounds

When the weather is hot and you want to get the kids out of the house, check out these fun & free indoor playgrounds in the greater Arlington area. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church: Open daily 9 am- 7 pm. Rent out the adjacent room for birthday parties on the weekend! Great play area for the 12 and younger set about 30 minutes from Arlington. Grab coffee at the adjacent coffee bar, Cuppa Espresso Bar. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church

The Playscape at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills: Designed for kids in 5th grade and younger, The Hills Playscape is open Saturday & Sunday from 3-5 pm for playtime as well as Monday- Thursday from 5-6:30 pm. 

Wesley's Indoor Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake: Perfect for kids ages 11 and younger, Wesley's Playground is open Sunday- Friday starting at 8 am (closing times vary, check website for details). There is even a great spot for tots! While you're there grab a beverage at Wesley's Cafe. 

Wesley's Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas.

The REC of Grapevine Indoor Playarea: You do not need to be a member of the rec center to enjoy this awesome indoor playground! Perfect for elementary-aged kids, this playscape is open when the REC is open. See the website for hours. 

Free play area at the REC in Grapevine

Living Spaces Play Area: Fort Worth & Grand Prairie: Both Arlington-area locations of this awesome furniture store have free indoor playareas where you can drop off the kids! I repeat: You can drop off the kids! Don't forget socks. Kids can play for two hours while caregivers shop. The play area is open during store hours, see website for further details. Bonus: The Fort Worth location has inexpensive glasses of wine to sip while you hang kid-free! 

Bubbleland at Gateway Church Grand Prairie: Bubbleland is open for play on Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm and then on Saturday from 3:30- 5:30 pm and on Sunday from 8:30 am- 2:30 pm. Younger kids will enjoy this play area and caregivers can stay cool in the air-conditioning!

Open Play at Rush Creek Church, Green Oaks & Mira Lagos Campuses: Ideal for kids ages 3-10, Rush Creek Church Green Oaks will open its doors for indoor play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9- 12 pm & 1- 3 pm through August 8. Mira Lagos will be open during the day Monday through Friday. 

IKEA Smaland Grand Prairie: Kids must be potty-trained and no taller than 4'4" to play for free for an hour at the IKEA playground while parents and caregivers shop or eat at the cafe. This is a fun, safe spot for littles- just don't forget socks! Keep them in your purse for summer IKEA visits for sure. See the website for open times. 

Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield: This fun spot for little kids allows them to climb and move. The play area is open during the summer for playtime, although the website currently says it's closed for maintenance. Keep checking back though- this is another fun spot for your list!  

Of course there are loads of awesome Chick Fil As, McDonald's, Burger Kings and more with fun and free play areas. Feel free to drop your favorites in the comments!

Summer Movie Cheat Sheet 2024

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 area. 

Cheap Summer Movies in DFW 2024

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse- 

Movies start June 10. Tickets are $1.75 each (plus tax) and kids' snack combos will be $1 off during summer movie showtimes. Mansfield & Grand Prairie show these movies Wednesdays at 10 am- check the website for additional locations and showtimes.

AMC Summer Movie Camp-

Summer movies start June 24 and run through August. Tickets are $3 each. At the AMC Parks location, movies are shown on Mondays 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 10 and are shown most days during the week 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 11 am at both Arlington locations. Movies change weekly, and the series starts May 27. 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 June 7 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 9 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 $18! Score! 

Flix Junior Movies-

Family-friendly throwback movies for $5 each at Flix Brewhouse in Mansfield. These movies come with activity sheets and adjusted volume levels. On Tuesdays during summer, kids can enjoy $5 kids meals where they can choose from several menu options with a drink included. Add a cookie for $1. 

Spring Break Guide 2023: Adventure On, DFW!

There's no doubt about it- Dallas/Fort Worth is the place to be. Especially during Spring Break! From indoor waterparks to adventure playlands and more, DFW has something for everyone this March. 

I'm rolling out my annual Spring Break Guide today, so I've gone back through my old posts about places to go and things to do. Y'all- I'm constantly amazed at all the awesome offerings for families and kids of all ages all over the Metroplex. But this year... Guys. There are SO many new businesses (or awesome new offerings at some tried and true favorite businesses!) that have cropped up to keep your kids active and engaged this Spring Break (and beyond!). So, if travel isn't in the plan or budget this year, don't worry. Check out all these fantastic new spots in the greater DFW area and your kids won't have a chance to say "I'm bored!" 

New spots in DFW to check out for Spring Break 2023

Dallas Area

The Fowling Warehouse (Plano)- Nope, that's not a typo, that's a new thing you can check out in Plano! Fowling is a combination of two American favorites- football and bowling! So grab a bite (and maybe a beverage, if that's your thing!) and get fowling. Perfect for groups and all ages, this game will get you active and having fun. I can't wait to check it out! 

Two Bit Circus (Dallas- Northpark Mall area)- I featured this spot on my social channels over the holidays and we loved it so much! Two Bit Circus is brought to you by the son of the founder of Chuck E Cheese- so you know this family knows fun! Indulge in so many VR games or go a bit old school with the arcade games. There are light bites as well as drinks available. Trust me- this spot is a blast for kids of all ages!

Enjoying family time at the new Two Bit Circus in Dallas.

Game Show Battles (Dallas- Galleria area)- Grab your besties and duke it out, game show style! Choose between two different showdowns and then challenge your opponents to some crazy-fun competitions. Perfect if you have a big family and want to claim bragging rights or for going head-to-head with another family. Everyone will have a blast! 

Fort Worth Area

Sandbox VR (Fort Worth- Arts District)- Have a gamer at home? Actually, the answer is irrelevant... Sandbox VR is a seriously fun gaming and VR experience for the whole family or set of friends or whomever! We went a few months ago and haven't stopped talking about it. You put on VR headsets and embark on a journey based on which scene you select. We were pirates! Gaming really isn't even my jam and I would go back and do this many more times! Perfect for spring break fun. 

Family time at Sandbox VR in Fort Worth.

Bolder Adventure Park (Grand Prairie)- Adventure on, friends! This brand new spot at Epic Central in Grand Prairie is for the adventure seekers and the adventurous at heart. Rope courses, zip lines, ice skating, bumper cars, archery, adventure nets... You name it, this indoor facility has it. Your kids will be able to climb and play all day- when I take mine I plan to see them for little else than water breaks! 

Go Ape (Arlington)- I'm so excited that Arlington officially has its own outdoor adventure course! Located at River Legacy, this course is for thrill seekers. I visited the Plano location last year and conquered my fear of being high off the ground being help up by a single rope. It was actually a blast! There are minimum age requirements, though, so check that before you go. 

Favorite haunts with new attractions you won't want to miss

In addition to all of these exciting new attractions that have opened in the past year in DFW, let's not forget all the awesome spots that have made DFW the place to be for years now! Although you have probably visited several of these spots before, they each have recently opened new attractions that may make them feel fresh and fun again for you and your kids this Spring Break!

Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington)- Aquaman launches March 11! This ride is supposed to be one-of-a-kind, launching riders backward and forward and ending with a massive splashdown. While I could maybe give this one a miss (fine, I'll ride it once. Once! Simply to say I've ridden it), my kids would lose their minds for something this fun-sounding. 

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Grand Prairie)- Our favorite indoor waterpark has a brand new slide to get excited about- Locura! With a 40-foot drop and a 360 degree horizontal loop, this ride sounds terrifying- I mean awesome! Seriously, we love Epic because there is so much for the kids and see and do. Perfect for the whole family, Epic is a great way to get excited about pool time this summer. 

Trader's Village (Grand Prairie)- If you are looking for affordable fun for the whole family, this is it! Trader's Village is open during the week for Spring Break and the rides area features a brand new coaster for kids to get excited about, the Prairie Screamer! The low height requirement means it will be fun for (almost) everyone in your party, and an all-day wristband for unlimited rides starts at $15. 

I could type another 2,000 words on all the fun things to do in area with kids. If you have little little ones, don't forget Play Street Museum in Mansfield or Project Play in Hurst. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is great for younger kids and the Perot Museum is wonderful for all ages. Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole opens March 3 if you are willing to brave the cooler temps for outdoor water fun or you can check out Cove at the Lakefront in Little Elm for a less-expensive indoor waterpark option.  There is iFly and Alley Cats and Main Event and Urban Air and seriously guys I could ramble and ramble. If you're looking for fun for your kids in DFW this Spring Break and can't find it on this list, send me a message or shoot me an email. I'd love to help you navigate all the awesome offerings in the area. And if you own or offer one of the awesome offerings in this area, message me about coming and featuring your spot, too! 

DFW Spring Break 2022: Your Spring Break Bucket List

We are less than two weeks away from Spring Break 2022! Yippee!

Where are you headed?

We are headed back to my roots to spend sometime in the Midwest, although I know my kids would rather be hitting a sunny Florida Beach. We are almost halfway done with our 50-state challenge (we are trying to visit all 50 states before my oldest heads off to college!), and this Spring Break, we intend to check two (maybe three, if I'm ambitious enough!) off of our list.

But if travel isn't on your agenda this Spring Break, don't worry! We live in such an awesome area that has so many incredible offerings for kids of all ages, you can keep the kids busy all Spring Break. Whether you have a video game enthusiast, an adventure-seeker, a homebody, an artist or a sports-lover at home, the EA Spring Break list has something that will blow you away.

So get planning, get excited and get ready for Spring Break 2022! (and read to the very end for a challenge with big prizes!)

The EA Crew is ready for Spring Break 2022!

Spring Break 2022: Let's Do Dallas/Fort Worth!

For the thrill-seeker:

GoApe Plano: Zip lines, a ropes course, Tarzan swings and more! Ages 10 and older. 

Six Flags Over Texas: Heart-stopping fun right here in Arlington. Rollercoasters and more.

PrairieLand: Let your kids get their kicks for a low price close to home! Wristbands are $13.99 and include the Vortex, Flea Fall, Wipeout and lots of other crazy rides. 

iFly: Indoor skydiving. Need I say more? 

For the animal lover:

Children's Aquarium at Fair Park: Two words: Doctor. Fish. Seriously, if your kids are like mine, they will love sticking their hands in the tank while the "doctor fish" peck at them! Feed the stingrays, see sharks and so much more. 

SeaLife: This Grapevine Mills spot is home to Texas' only 360-degree ocean tunnel. See sharks, sting rays and more up close! 

SeaQuest: Hang out with sloths, birds, sea creatures and more at this awesome aquarium located inside Ridgmar Mall in Fort Worth. 

Dinosaur Safari at the Dallas Zoo: Hop on a shuttle-guided Dino Safari with your "research assistant" at this fun, prehistoric party. Then stay and play at the zoo's children's area. Oh what fun! 

Dallas World Aquarium: You'll feel as if you've stepped into the rainforest when you set foot in the Dallas World Aquarium. Make your way through a number of exciting exhibits, including Mundo Maya, Ornico, Borneo and more. 

Fossil Rim Drive-Thru Safari: Located in Glen Rose, Texas, about an hour from Arlington, Fossil Rim is a fun experience for guests of all ages. Drive through the wide-spaces where animals roam- and feed the animals from your car! Stop halfway through for snacks and to visit the kid's area. 

For the video-game lover:

National Video Game Museum: Get ready for the ultimate throwback with a visit to this Frisco museum. Show your kids the computers and video game systems you grew up with and then have fun in the retro arcade at the end. 

Main Event: Get your game on! Spend the day playing video games, bowling, eating good food, doing the ropes course and more. 

Alley Cats: Play mini golf, go bowling, play video games and laser tag and more. This local spot is lots of fun. Or head up to the Hurst location because it has outdoor rides, too!

Dreamscape Immersive Dallas: Embark on a virtual adventure at Northpark Mall. Ages 10 and over. 

For the indoor playground lover:

PlayStudio Fort Worth: This Montessori-based play space in Fort Worth offers tons of fun for the younger set. Kids ages 8 and younger will enjoy playing both inside and outside, exploring, creating and more. 

Peppa Pig World: Immerse yourself in the world of this adorable British cartoon pig and her fun family. Lots of creative play is available at this Grapevine Mills space, which is great for kids ages 7 and younger. 

Legoland: Your little engineer will love this indoor play area that has Legos galore. There are rides and building areas and an indoor play space. In warmer weather, there is also an outdoor splash pad! Fun for kids of all ages. 

KidZania: Let your kids imagine what the world would be like if they ran it! Kids can create a news show, learning about dentistry, try their hand at fire-fighting and lots more. Kids ages 8 and older can be dropped off and play while you shop at Stonebriar Centre. This spot is fun for kids ages 4 and up. 

KidMania: If your kids have energy for days (mine do!), this is the spot for all of you! You can sit on the second level in the parents room and work, read or simply scroll on your phone while your kids climb and play for hours. 

For the museum lover:

Perot Museum: This Dallas Museum has a fun kid's area on the lower level that will enable your kids to learn and explore. Spring Break Week offers lots of unique programs that deal with STEM activities so your kids can learn while they play. 

International Bowling Museum: Learn about the fascinating history of bowling at this Arlington museum. Your kids will love playing all the interactive games as well as bowling with mini balls and pins before exiting to the gift shop. 

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: I don't even know if I could possibly count the number of hours I spent at this museum when my kids were little, watching them stuff their grocery carts in the mini grocery store. The children's museum is geared toward kids in second grade and younger but there are lots of other awesome exhibits older kids will find exciting, too. 

Ripley's Believe It Or Not: Get ready to get weird! Check out all the celebrities in the wax museum, try your hand at the mirror maze and learn cool and yes, weird, facts inside the Ripley's Museum. 

Reunion Tower: Spend Spring Break at the top of this observation tower! There is tons of fun programming for the week, including story time, local sports teams' mascots and more. All of that is included with your admission ticket!

For the water-lover:

Epic Waters: Rain or shine, you and the kids can have a splashing good time! Try out the crazy water slides, relax in the lazy river, try your hand at the Flow Rider and more. 

The Cove at the Lakefront: This indoor waterpark in Little Elm is fun for all ages. With fun slides, a rope challenge, lazy river and more, everyone will have fun here. Plus, there is a seating area with TVs for you- and you can bring your own food in. Score!

Other fun spots to consider... Crayola (Plano), Play Street Museum (multiple locations), Cheeky Monkeys (multiple locations), the Fort Worth Zoo, Kiddleton (Fort Worth), Medieval Times (Dallas), Pump It Up (multiple locations), Urban Air (multiple locations), Sky Zone (Irving) and Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine). 

Happy (almost) Spring Break, friends! 

Here's a fun challenge for anyone who read this far... Save this Bingo card to your phone. Cross out activities you do. It doesn't matter how many activities you do- whether you do one or all- just cross them out as you go. During Spring Break Week, share this card and tag my EA page (on FB or IG) with the number of cross outs on your card. One lucky winner will receive two tickets to GoApe Plano for some high-flying fun! 

The Journey : In the Beginning- An Immersive Christian Experience

Southlake has a new immersive experience!

From the producer: The Journey Dome has launched a Christian experience in Southlake, which will entertain, educate, and enlighten people of faith and people seeking clarity and guidance in life. Through state-of-the-art technology, The Journey allows the mind, body, and soul to journey through the stories and words of the Bible. The 50-foot diameter dome offers an immersive experience surrounded by high-resolution video and high-fidelity sound. With a run time of approximately 40 minutes, the presentations are family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages. Currently, there are two shows available for patrons -- "The Journey: In the Beginning” (covers the Creation, the Book of Jonah, and a Christian Reflection Prayer) and "Immanuel: The Nativity” (featuring immersion within ancient and contemporary oil paintings of the Annunciation, the Star of Bethlehem, and the Nativity). Additional shows will be added in the coming months.

The Journey Experience

Inside The Journey in Southlake, Texas.

Written by Guest Blogger Kara Roberson

Arriving at The Journey

We were not sure what to expect at The Journey Experience in Southlake. There is a small amount of parking spaces outside the dome and a parking garage right next to it. We arrived at the Journey 15 minutes early like the email said to do. They do close the door promptly at the show start time.

The Best Seats

There are four rows of bleachers, two rows of little round ottoman style stools and a row of pillows with arms to lay down on the floor. The best seat is laying down so that you can see the show more easily and don’t have to look up.

Watching The Journey.

The Journey Show

The video has a narrator talking through creation, Jonah, and has a meditation prayer at the end. There are many breathtaking images in the show. Some of the images get larger coming toward you, and because of the dome shape of the theater, it looks like things are coming right at you making it an immersive experience. The Bible is filled with stories that happened thousands of years ago, it is sometimes hard for us to imagine ourselves in their shoes, but this show does an excellent job of putting you in the action and making you feel like you are there. My nine-year-old and I loved it, but my seven-year-old was nervous at one point when it looked like we were going to fall off a cliff. Obviously, she really felt like she was actually there!

Some of the imagery you see during The Journey.

The Journey Prayer and Meditation

There were relaxing images and music as the narrator started the prayer time. He asked you to close your eyes and relax. He asks you to pray to God. I thought there might be someone there at the end to discuss a decision with you if you desired, but at the end, the doorman was the only one there. I enjoyed the show, and I was very glad that my kids experienced it, because it brought stories from the Bible to life for them.

Here are a few more reviews from Googler users. Let us know if you attended The Journey, and what you thought of the show!

The Journey Dome in Southlake.