DFW Summer Bucket List 2024

School is out- Yay! Time to find things to do with the kids this summer. Without going broke. Or crazy. Or possibly both at the same time...

Fun things to do with the kids in Dallas/Fort Worth for Summer 2024

If free is the name of the game...

Go stroll & splash at Airfield Falls in Fort Worth. Or pack a picnic and play at Dream Park in Fort Worth or PlayGrand in Grand Prairie. Both of these parks will blow your mind! Or wait until the sun sets at head to Joya Park in Farmer's Branch. The glow-in-the-dark playground is spectacular! Got a little one who loves planes? You'll love Founder's Plaza at DFW Airport where you can watch airplanes take off and land. 

Okay, this one isn’t free, but stick with me… Go hang out at Wild Acres Brewing. Grab a beer (if that’s your thing) or a pop (soda for the non-Midwesterners) and let the kids run wild. There’s a shaded playground, jump pad, fun bikes and lots of space to roam. And let’s be honest, you’ll be thirsty at some point this summer, right? 

Don't forget to sign up for a Kids Bowl Free pass! Kids can bowl two free games of bowling every day all summer long (some restrictions apply). 

My kids are ready for the pool...

You're in luck with sooo many options in the area! The City of Arlington has some fabulous pools with water features that feel like a mini waterpark and cost less than $10 per person to get in. Both Bad Konigshafen (we call it BK Pool!) at Stovall Park and Randol Mill Aquatic Center at Randol Mill Park will keep your kids happy for hours. Have kiddos younger than 5? Check out Howard Moore Play Pool, a spot where we spent countless hours when my kids were toddlers. And don't forget about the free splash pads! Arlington has three, Mansfield has a great one at Clayton Chandler Park and Kennedale's Sonora Park is a great spot, too! 

Looking for more? Well, here we go... Hawaiian Falls in Mansfield is a fabulous option. And their "best deal" package gets you admission plus food and drink for $42.99 per person. Plus parking is free. Score! NRH2O in North Richland Hills is also a great outdoor option and lets you bring in your own cooler. Want to go big? You can't go wrong with Arlington's own Hurricane Harbor. Prepare to spend the day! 

But wait... There's more! Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is a great option if you don't want to mess with sunscreen (although don't forget it altogether because of the outdoor splash pool!), as is The Cove at the Lakefront. Yes, Little Elm is a bit of a drive. But The Cove is around $20 per person and allows you to bring in your own food! Talk about cost effective. You can also check out WhoaZone on Lake Grapevine, a floating waterpark in the lake. It's a ton of fun! Just don't forget your water shoes- trust me here. Looking for something a little more upscale? Try Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, where you can have a drink at the swim-up bar while the kids hang out in the water (just be sure someone has an eye on them at all times). Other options we love: day passes to Great Wolf Lodge, NRH Centre Pool, Pirate's Cove in Burleson & The Brick in Burleson. Burger's Lake is a hidden gem in Fort Worth that you need to visit if you haven't already. Perfect for all ages. 

And don't forget Fireside Surf at GrandScape in The Colony! Kids can learn to surf right here in North Texas. 

Help! We're sunburned and need to hang indoors for a few days...

Oh let me count the ways I can find entertainment for you...

Kids like to bounce and climb? Check out Urban Air in Mansfield or Arlington. Ground Control in Irving/Las Colinas has some super-cool features. Ninja Warrior Kids in North Richland Hills is equally awesome with some high-flying features. EVO Entertainment in Southlake has a cool ropes course and then you can see a movie afterward (or beforehand!). Hapik Climbing and Obstacle Warrior Kids are next door to one another in Garland- a bit of a drive from Arlington but worth it in my opinion! Main Event in Grand Prairie also allows you to be adventurous. And don't forget Bolder Adventure Park! You can't go wrong there.

My kid prefers video games...

I gotchu. Check out EVA in Flower Mound, where you step into the game. Or Immersive Gamebox at GrandScape in The Colony. You and your fam can play in your own private room. So fun! And harder than it looks... Sandbox VR in Fort Worth is a great immersive experience your kids won't soon forget. Zero Latency VR at the Irving Mall is a nearby option that offers up a ton of fun. We also can't wait for Activate Games to open in Southlake- something to keep on your radar! Two Bit Circus in Dallas at the Shops at Park Lake blends VR with traditional carnival games and tons of fun. 

Like old-school arcades? Cool! Check out these awesome choices in Arlington: Black Dog, Cidercade & Freeplay. 

My kid is a bit sporty. Anything active you can think of?

Where do I start? There are tons of awesome minigolf options that have popped up recently. PopStroke at GrandScape is owned by Tiger Woods and outdoors. Prefer to be inside? Check out Puttery at the GrandScape or Puttshack in Addison. Both allow you adult beverages (or sodas, etc.) while you try to make a hole in one. Sixes Social Cricket is another fun way to get your sport on at GrandScape. Cricket is similar to baseball... but harder in some ways and easier in others. Try it for yourself! Don't forget about the batting cages at D Bat in Mansfield and Alley Cats in Arlington. (Alley Cats has two mini golf rounds, also). Fowling Warehouse in Plano is super cool, too- it’s football and bowling combined! Definitely recommend. Like pickleball? Check out Chicken N Pickle in Grapevine or Grand Prairie and try your hand at this hot new sport. 

My kids are little. Like, younger than 8. What do you recommend for them?

Oh so many things! Things I would have died for when my own babies were actually babies. Play Street Museum is amazing. There is a location in Mansfield and several more all over DFW. Try Kids Empire in Hurst- so cool! Alliance in north Fort Worth at KidMania- and also the free play area at Living Spaces. Yep, free (and yep, the furniture store!)! Grand Prairie, too. Drop your kiddos (don't forget socks!), grab a free coffee and look at furniture. No shame in the game. KidZania in Frisco at Stonebriar Centre is pretty incredible- I definitely recommend for kids ages 4-10. So worth the drive, I promise you. Project Play in Hurst is another great indoor option, as is KVC Play in Duncanville. Kiddleton at Hulen is fun for toddlers. And there's a new spot in Southlake called Brightside Play that's very cool, as well. Cheeky Monkeys has several DFW locations you won't want to miss. The Forest Park Mini Train is sure to be a hit on cooler days, too. I'm sure I'm missing a few but this should set you off on the right foot!

Anything else you haven't listed above that I should add to my bucket list?

Always. Seriously. Andretti Go Karts, for one. The Grand Prairie location should be open this summer but you can always hit up the location at the GrandScape! Six Flags is always fun, especially for older kids. GoApe at River Legacy is a fun way to have fun in the sun, just be sure you drink plenty of water as you swing through the trees! iFly is a great way to be adventurous without actually jumping out of a plane, and DynoRock in Arlington offers rock-climbing for all ages. Go ride the Ferris wheel at Scheel's in the GrandScape for $1 a person. Pretty fun! Meow Wolf is a unique must-visit at Grapevine Mills. There aren’t a lot of words to describe it beyond wow! 

Got a crafty kid? You need Hawaii Fluid Art! Make pour-over creations or a fun hat. You can’t go wrong! Likewise Catalyst Creative in downtown Arlington will help you get your creative juices flowing. Brown Baking X 3 in Arlington offers up loads of baking classes to get your kids to enjoy creativity in the kitchen. Crayola Experience in Plano is a cool way to engage with one of your favorite brands from childhood. There is enough to keep kids happy all day! 

Don't forget tried-and-true activities such as the Fort Worth Zoo, the Dallas Zoo, the Perot Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. You can't go wrong with Legoland, SeaLife or Peppa Pig World of Play at Grapevine Mills Mall, either. SeaQuest has some neat animal encounters. The Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are both great spots for strolling and picnicking. River Legacy in Arlington will put you up close with reptiles and animals. Dallas World Aquarium is another great spot for your little animal lover. And Fossil Rim! Let the animals stroll up the car and delight the kids. Dinosaur World is a fun stop when you are in Glen Rose, too. 

Want a beach? Hit up Little Elm or Granbury- both of these spots are only about an hour from Arlington and have fabulous public beaches. 

Want to do it all? No problem! Buy a Pogo Pass- code Everything will save you 50% on the price. Or try out a GetOutPass- again use code Everything to save big. 

DFW is a pretty great place to raise kids, don't you think?...

Alley Cats Entertainment: Your Source For Fun in Arlington

Kids bouncing off the walls? Been there! Alley Cats Entertainment knows the feeling. That's why they offer nonstop fun for kids of all ages! With locations in Arlington and Hurst, Alley Cats will keep your kids happy and active for hours. 

*This is a sponsored post, paid for by Alley Cats. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

My kids love arcades and fun centers. They love saving their quarters for a few weeks and then letting loose at an arcade with the hopes of winning big. My youngest is actually a pretty skilled arcade hustler, regularly hauling home stuffed animals from claw machines around town. It brings me back to my own youth and my own little brother, who was literally the king of claw machines in and around my home town. At one point he amassed hundreds of stuffed animals, skillfully acquired from local claw machines, truly without much effort. It was rare he would play and didn't win and a reason we spent a lot of time at arcades and fun centers around Chicagoland in the 90s. 

But truly, is there anything more fun than an arcade and fun center brimming with games and possibilities? It's such a great way to spend a rainy day or a blisteringly hot afternoon or any day when your kids need out of the house. It's a great place to meet up with friends or maybe even make new ones. And it's great for all ages! Everyone loves an arcade and fun center- from 5-year-olds to 15-year-olds, parents and even grandparents, everyone gets a kick out of an arcade.

Playing a fun arcade game at Alley Cats Arlington.

And, if you're local to the Arlington area, there is nothing like Alley Cats Entertainment. First off, it's the stuff local legend is made of! My husband, who grew up in Arlington, remembers playing at Alley Cats at about the age my kids are now. And I've been taking our girls there for more than a decade, dating back to when my youngest was just starting out in kindergarten, taking the free bowling lessons they offered after school one year. 

Alley Cats is the spot for local entertainment

We love Alley Cats because there is simply so much to do under one roof, and Alley Cats has a great location with lots of parking. Seriously! 

Check out all the things you can do at Alley Cats:

- play mini golf (9 or 18 holes)

- hit balls at the batting cages

- challenge friends to laser tag

- go bowling

- play billiards

- check out the new VR laser tag

- play all kinds of arcade games

- climb on the rock wall

- grab a bite to eat from the food area (or a drink at the bar)

So much to do under one roof! 

The new Limitless VR tag game at Alley Cats Arlington.

Alley Cats supports the community

I know you have choices when it comes to arcade entertainment around town. The mall has an arcade. The Highlands has an arcade- heck, they have two! Grand Prairie has an arcade... I could go on. The point is, I know you have choices.

But here's why Alley Cats is the best: Alley Cats supports the local community. Hosting an event for you school? Email them. They'll work with you! Having a fundraiser? I just hosted a silent auction for the Arlington Council of PTAs and they gave us play passes to include. And I know they've done this multiple times this year alone. They are hosting an educator night later this month so you can come check out their offerings. The point is- they support the kids in this community. That can't always be said of larger, more corporate locations.

Alley Cats also participates in the Kids Bowl Free program in the summer. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free and your kiddos can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long. Rent shoes from Alley Cats or snag some here and head to Alley Cats as often as you can. Bowl two games, let your kiddo run wild with a $5 game card and then head home for lunchtime and nap and you've had hours of fun for literally $5! 

Alley Cats is affordable fun for everyone

If you've followed my shenanigans for a while, you know that I am, and always have been, a mom in search of a good deal. Heck- it was the whole reason EA was started! I'm the mom who clips coupons, shops the clearance rack, asks for freebies and will go anywhere I can find a deal. 

Y'all- Alley Cats is a great deal! Seriously. You can spend $35 for an all-day play pass and your kids can go hog wild. Unlimited mini golf, rock climbing, laser tag AND bowling (including shoe rental)? That's a steal of a deal. And have you seen the Spring Break specials? Half price on those passes before 12 pm every day. $17.50 for ALL of that ALL day? Definitely add Alley Cats to your Spring Break bucket list. 

Alley Cats Entertainment offers up great deals for Spring Break and beyond. 

Alley Cats isn't even just for kids. My teen loves to go here on Friday nights with a group of friends while I sit at the high top tables scrolling and hopping they'll be ready to leave soon (spoiler alert: they will never be ready to leave soon, they will be checking out the cute boys until Alley Cats turns out the lights!). Beyond even teens though, Alley Cats is a fun adult date night! I love heading there with my husband to bowl (someday, hopefully, maybe, I will beat him) or play a few arcade games (I love skeeball and find the games where you drop in the coin and it pushes a platform of coins onto a lower platform of coins in hopes of a big win fun to watch). 

The point is: Alley Cats is fun. For everyone. For the community. For kids. For adults. For birthday parties. For groups. For rainy days. For summer days. For any day! Support this awesome business because businesses such as Alley Cats make Arlington awesome. 

Winning a prize from the giant claw machine at Alley Cats Arlington.

Everything Arlington was Featured on Redfin!

Check out the Redfin article we were recently featured in:

Y'all ready to discover some fun facts about Dallas, TX? Whether you're a long-time resident, considering buying a new house, or renting an apartment in the Big D's bustling housing market, Dallas is full of surprises and fascinating history. From the invention of the frozen margarita machine to the birthplace of the world-famous Cowboys cheerleaders, Dallas is a city that never stops innovating and entertaining. So, sit back, grab a Dr Pepper, and get ready to learn more about living in Dallas, a unique and exciting city.

Welcome to Texas, Y'all!

Read the full article here: 13 Fun Facts About Dallas, TX | Redfin

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! 

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!)

Summer Movies in DFW 2021

Where to catch free or cheap movies for kids in the Metroplex in Summer 2021.

I'm getting my backyard ready to host people this summer. The countdown is on!

I just did a whole article for Zulily about how to host a fun movie night in your own backyard. You don't need much- just a projector, a white sheet, an extension cord and a movie, really! Easy peasy. Read about how to host a fun backyard movie night here. 

But there is also something fun about stretching out on someone else's lawn- or in a nice, air-conditioned movie theater, or even a pool!- to watch a movie! We love all the free events you can find for kids and families all over DFW all summer long. DFW has so much to offer families- no wonder people are flocking to the area! 

I like to have all the info I need about all the things in one place. And I love lists. Like, LOVE love lists. My life is a series of lists.

So, I made another list!

Here are all the spots to catch free movies this summer in DFW!

Free or Cheap Summer Movies 2021 in Dallas/Fort Worth

Arlington Area

The Lot Mansfield, Nite Flix Movie Nights- The Lot in downtown Mansfield has tons of great free movie offerings this summer. From Raya to Wonder Woman 1984, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Loyd Park Movie on the Beach- Every Saturday at sundown, head to Loyd Park to catch a movie on the beach. There is an entry fee per vehicle but the movie is free to watch! 

Movies on the Lawn at Epic Central- Catch a movie on the lawn at Epic Central with the City of Grand Prairie! Movies are free and food and drink will be for sale. 

Cinemark Summer Movie Club- Cinemark Summer Movie Club is back! Catch $1 movies at the locations in Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth and more. 

Tarrant County

Keller Family Movie Nights- Every Thursday in June, Keller Parks & Recreation will host a free movie night at Keller Town Hall. Bring dinner and the family and enjoy a movie under the stars!

Cartoons & Crafts- Okay, so these aren't technically movies. But they are cartoons, in the air conditioning, on Tuesday mornings when you may not know what else to do with the kids! Tickets are $6 for kids, and that includes popcorn, water and a craft! 

Regal Summer Movie Express- Catch $1 flicks on Tuesdays and Wednesday at Regal Cinemas. 

Dallas County

Movies in the Park at Klyde Warren Park- Drop by this fun park on Woodall Rogers Freeway to catch a few movies this summer! 

Dive-In Movies in Carrollton- Catch Trolls: World Tour in July with Carrollton Aquatics. 

Collin County

Legacy Hall- The Lunch-n-Play series brings you a new movie every Monday- and it's free! Snag a $15 lunch box meal for the kids and plan a fun day in Plano with the fam. 

Denton County

Drive-In Movies with Coppell- For $15, you can catch a Drive-In Movie with Coppell! Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase. 

Dive-in Movies with Flower Mound- Catch a movie from the pool with Flower Mound! Kids 10 and older are welcome to attend without an adult. There is a cost associated with these movies. 

Baby Day 2021 Goes Virtual!

DALLAS, January 13, 2021 -- Baby Day, the first and only statewide celebration of babies and toddlers presented by First3Years and powered by PNC, today announces that registration has opened for the week-long celebration, which will bring together resources, activities and 60 childhood development organizations across Texas to participate in this year’s virtual event.

The week-long celebration will take place Sunday, Feb. 7, to Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, providing parents and caregivers of young children with more than 100 fun-and-play activities virtually from any location and device. Live and on-demand events will feature infant yoga, music classes, dance classes, curated art activities, mindfulness and breathing exercises, community conversations and more.

“As a collaborative community event, we are grateful to see so many organizations and civic leaders play a part in the annual Baby Day celebration,” said Sadie Funk, CEO of First3Years. “Thanks to our supporters, including PNC Foundation, we are able to connect parents and caregivers to early childhood learning experiences that promote family bonding, create emotional connections and shape early brain development. They are truly helping Texas families make an impact in a child’s lifelong success.”

Partners for this year’s Baby Day event include many of the leading childhood development organizations in cities across Texas, including Yoga N Da Hood (Dallas), UT Dallas Center for Children and Families (Dallas), Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas), Cook Children's Center for Children's Health (Fort Worth), UNT Health Science Center Healthy Start (Fort Worth), Botanical Research Institute of Texas (Fort Worth), Children's Museum Houston (Houston), Mi Casa Es Tu Casa (Austin), San Antonio Public Library (San Antonio) and Early Childhood Home Visiting (San Marcos). Mayoral leaders in Texas cities participating in Baby Day include Betsy Price, Mayor of Fort Worth, and Brandon Capetillo, Mayor of Baytown. 

Baby Day 2021 is powered by PNC through PNC Grow Up Great®, a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. Additional funding support was received from Aetna, Cook Children’s - Center for Children’s Health, GetParentingTips (DFPS), HEB, The Miles Foundation, The Dallas Foundation, Walmart and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

“We believe it is critically important to support and equip our communities with resources, like Baby Day, which are focused on infant and toddler brain development, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brendan McGuire, PNC regional president for North Texas. “We must address the significant challenges faced by caregivers and early childhood education professionals in our communities and support their work to create successful education outcomes for all young children.”

Baby Day partners will lead activities virtually throughout the week, and parents and caregivers can register online and participate for free. In addition, participants that register by Jan. 22, will receive a free Baby Day educational package with development tools to help children participate in the event from home.

Partner organizations include (in alphabetical order by city):

State/Nationwide	American Heart Association	First3Years
	Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College	GetParentingTips / Texas Prevention and Early Intervention - DFPS
	PNC Grow Up Great®	Songs for Seeds
Arlington	Arlington Public Library
Austin	Any Baby Can	Austin Child Guidance Center
	Mi Casa Es Tu Casa	Parent Engagement for Active Child Enrichment
Baytown	Harris County Department of Education – Early Head Start	Mayor Brandon Capetillo
Dallas	Bachman Lake	Dallas Museum of Art
	Dallas Public Library	Metrocare Services
	Momentous Institute	Park Cities School of Music
	Uplift Education	United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
	UT Dallas Center for Children and Families	UT Dallas Infant Neurodevelopment & Language Research Lab - Baby Brain Lab
	The Warren Center	Yoga N Da Hood
Fort Worth	Aetna	Botanical Research Institute of Texas
	Fort Worth Public Library	Help Me Grow
	KERA	Mayor Betsy Price
	Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas	My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
	Play Studio by Green Space	Texas Christian University Music Preparatory Division (TCU Music Prep)
	The Center for Children's Health (Cook Children's)	UNT Health Science – Healthy Start
	UNT Health Science – Pediatric Mobile Unit
Houston	Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston	Causeplay Alliance Project
	Children’s Museum Houston	Easter Seals of Greater Houston
	Harris County Public Library – Curiosity Cruiser	Harris County Public Library – Fairbanks Branch Library
	Houston Health Department – Immunization Bureau	Houston Symphony
	Judge Lina Hidalgo	Mental Health America of Greater Houston
	Mindful Being	Prelude Music Foundation
	Rice University Baker Institute	SEARCH Homeless Services
	University of Houston –  Healthy Start
New Braunfels	SJRC TX
San Antonio	San Antonio Public Library	The Children's Shelter
San Marcos	City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation and Total Wellness	Community Action, Inc. Early Childhood Home Visiting
	San Marcos Public Library	Start Smart Hays & Caldwell

About PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

About Baby Day and First3Years

Baby Day is the only statewide celebration of the first three years of life, a day established to celebrate the excitement and opportunity of our youngest Texans. Behind the Baby Day vision stands First3Years, the statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, advocate, and collaborate to advance the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and their families. Baby Day 2021 will take place online from February 7-13, 2021. Register online at https://babyday.us.