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!

Have Kids, Will Travel: Quick Weekend Getaway to Lake Murray, Oklahoma

Looking for a quick, easy weekend getaway? Check out Ardmore, Oklahoma, where you can experience Turner Falls & Lake Murray and embark on a fun weekend adventure!

Ardmore, Oklahoma, is less than two hours by car from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It is home to Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's largest and busiest state park, as well as Turner Falls, a popular outdoor area that offers up lots of water-based activities and excitement. 

I recently wrote an article about this sweet spot for TexsCampgrounds, and my good friend Kara took her kids here for a weekend escape with her family of four. She offered up a few tips on how to escape to Lake Murray for the weekend and make the most of your time at Lake Murray! 

Ready for fun at Lake Murray. 

Things to do at Lake Murray in Oklahoma:

Lake Murray is considered the cleanest lake in Oklahoma. The area is big for tourists because it offers a plethora of things to do with guests of all ages. Whether you are wanting a weekend retreat with your SO or a family getaway with kids, you'll find something to do that will be fun for everyone. When you plan a getaway across the Red River, the hardest part will be choosing which of the fun activities you want to check out! From horseback riding to scuba diving, Lake Murray offers a close-to-home but oh-so-fun vacation for all guests.

Good to know: There are parts of Lake Murray where you may be required to wear a life jacket. You can bring your own or borrow once you arrive. Cost is $10 per car to enter Lake Murray State Park.

- Snorkel and scuba dive: Scuba diving in Oklahoma- who knew?! Lake Murray is, according to divers, a great spot to explore underwater. Guests who wish to explore the lake from the surface will enjoy snorkeling to see all of the fish that live in this body of water. Marietta Landing at Lake Murray is the spot to start your underwater adventure.

Ready to snorkel at Lake Murray.

- Watersports: For those who want to explore the water by vessel, you can rent boats and more at Lake Murray. My girls love to ride around on jet skis, exploring the water at high speed. If kayaks and canoes are more your thing, those available to rent, too. Lake Murray Watersports also offers a play area in the water that enables you to stay close to dry land while playing on trampolines and other stationary structures (this area is $10 per hour per person). Feel free to pack your own food- you can purchase sno cones and snacks on-site but no meal-time food. 

Watersports at Lake Murray. 

- Fishing: Hoping to catch your dinner? Lake Murray is a great spot to fish for large and small-mouthed bass as well as catfish. You can fish on your own or seek out a guide or service that will help you learn the tricks of the trade. 

Turner Falls, Oklahoma

This popular area, home of Oklahoma's largest waterfall, gets busy during the warmer months, so be sure to be prepared before your trip! With a spring-fed creek with waterfalls, areas for hiking and playing and a large castle to climb up, Turner Falls, the oldest park in Oklahoma, is great for a day of fun. The park has been a recreational area since 1868 and offers waterfalls as well as two swimming holes that provide hours of fun!

Good to know: Admission, on the weekends, is $20 per adult and $16 per kid (children younger than 5 are always free). It is slightly cheaper on the weekdays. The summer season runs from May 1- September 30. It can get crowded, and daily admission tickets may sell out, so consider buying in advance online if you are able. 

The waterfall at Turner Falls.

Tips from Kara for a great day:

- Hike up the castle. It's run down but neat to see from the top! The castle is easy to access and was built in the 1930s by the Dean of Education from the University of Oklahoma.

- Turner Falls is set on three levels. All three levels offer food, fun and parking. Level two has a waterfall and level one has a large swimming area with a diving board a lifeguard. All three levels have smaller waterfalls. Anyone younger than 12 is required to wear a life jacket, which is not provided so bring your own. Also worth bringing- your own tubes to play in. You can purchase some at Turner Falls, but there are none available for rent. 

- Parking can be tricky! Kara's advice: Bring your own food and pay to park. If you park in free parking, you can take a horse-drawn carriage for $6 per person or walk. The walk isn't long, just hot. Feel free to bring your own food to avoid the lines to get food. Kara did this and recommends it! 

Best Indoor Play Areas for Kids in the Fort Worth Area

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

Best indoor play areas in the Fort Worth area!

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

Having too much fun at KidMania in Fort Worth!

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

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

🎠 Peek N Play 💴 $13 📍 Grapevine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have an aspiring gymnast or dancer...

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

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

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

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

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

If your child wants to pursue the arts...

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

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

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

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

If your child wants to pursue athletic endeavors...

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

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

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

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

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

How fun would sailing lessons be?

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

If your child wants to learn new skills...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

Spring Break 2021: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in DFW!

It's been a year. 

Spring Break 2021 is less than a week away, and my kids are ready for FUN!

While this Spring Break might not look like Spring Breaks in years past, there is still lots of fun to be found all over the Metroplex for adventure seekers! Whether you want to stay in Tarrant County or venture to Dallas and Collin Counties, I've got a list of activities for you that will keep your kids happy and entertained (and out from under foot!). 

If you are traveling for Spring Break, head over to Zulily to check out my article on packing tips! 

Spring Break 2021 in DFW- Must Visit Spots

Play Street Museum (multiple locations: try Fort Worth, Keller or Irving for close options!):

This spot is great indoor fun for littles. Let them learn, explore and play in a safe environment. Be sure to check the website for operational hours at each location. EA recommends this spot for ages 6 and younger.

Sweet & Sassy Southlake: 

Your girly girls (and tomboys!) will thank you for making a trip to this sweet spot. Girls can get manicures, pedicures, haircuts and more at this hot makeover spot. Check out their camp offerings. My girls can't get enough of this place! EA recommends this spot for ages 12 and younger. (Bonus: it's across the street from Central Market and Yogurtland!)

Epic Waters: 

Get your swim on at this indoor waterpark. Littles can play in the splash area and older kids can try out the awesome (and slightly terrifying!) slides that will leave them breathless. Enjoy the lazy river and try out the indoor surf challenge. EA recommends this spot for all ages, but book online before you go to guarantee your spot!

Main Event Grand Prairie: 

Your one-shop stop for fun, this place has something for everyone. Grab lunch or dinner, go bowling, play arcade games, play on the sky course, try out the virtual reality gear. Main Event will entertain your kids for ages. Although this spot is fun for all ages, some activities have height restrictions. EA recommends if for all ages but especially for ages 6 and up.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!: 

If you've never been to Ripley's, be prepared to be weirded out. Tons of unusual artifacts and interesting exhibits will enchant (and possibly nauseate) guests. I loved this place as a kid! As an adult, well, the jury is still out. EA recommends this spot for ages 7 and older. 

Crayola Experience Plano

Kids will love this colorful place to play and create. Mold melted wax into fun shapes, make a crayon with your name on it, create colorful works of art and so much more. EA recommends this spot for ages 10 and younger. 

Peppa Pig World of Play Grapevine 

Y'all, this is truly the spot I wish had opened so many years before it did. I love Peppa Pig. I love everything about Peppa Pig. And the World of Play at Grapevine Mills is absolutely charming and so fun for little kids. It's a safe, bright area for young ones to explore and learn. I can't say enough good things about this spot, even if you don't have Peppa fans at home (although try to not fall in love with Peppa after you visit here- I dare you!). EA recommends this spot for ages 6 and younger.

Dallas Zoo & Fort Worth Zoo: 

I often see people post online and ask which zoo they should visit or buy a membership to, Dallas or Fort Worth. I think both zoos offer so much to visitors and you can't go wrong either way. Cost is similar between the zoos and the drive time is about the same, as well. Here are pros and cons of both, from the EA mama:

Dallas: 

Pros: childrens' play area features a water play zone my kids can spend hours at, large open area in the middle of the zoo allows kids to run and play, plenty of space for a picnic.

Cons: on busy days, parking can be a nightmare.

Fort Worth:

Pros: lots of parking spaces/easy parking, indoor climbing structure for kids (although this is currently closed for construction, keep watching the website for details), fun swamp bridge for kids to run across.

Cons: Safari Splash is a fun splash park located in the zoo but it costs extra, even for members. Currently no real area for kids to roam and play.

EA's thoughts: Dallas if you want to kick back while the kids play, Fort Worth if you really want to engage with the animals. Make sure to buy tickets in advance online! 

Scheels The Colony:

Guys. It is killing me that we haven't visited this sporting goods store yet because I like to be first for everything- so someone go and tell me how it is! Ride the indoor Ferris Wheel for $1 per person, play a few arcade games, grab some coffee or candy, check out the aquarium and more! The Ferris Wheel alone would make it worth the drive for the EA crew!

Other ah-mazing spots to check out (there are just SO many here in DFW!): KidMania Fort Worth, KidZania Frisco, SeaLife Grapevine, SeaQuest Fort Worth, Legoland Grapevine, The Happy Lark Fort Worth, Celebrations Fort Worth, All Star Ninjas Mansfield, PlayStudio Fort Worth. 

Free Spring Break Fun (The BEST Parks in the Metroplex)

Looking for somewhere to take the kids to keep them entertained during Spring Break but want to go easy on your wallet? Try these fun spots to burn off some steam without breaking the bank!

PlayGrand Adventures Grand Prairie: 

This all-abilities playground will keep your little happy and occupied for hours! It just reopened March 1, so get head outside and enjoy this park!

Dream Park Fort Worth: 

This park is located right along the Trinity in Fort Worth and is sure to entertain kids of all ages. Plus, it has a fence around it so kids can't escape! This spot has so many fun features kids will beg to stay as long as you'll let them!

Bicentennial Park Southlake: 

This park has a zipline, large climbing structure and plenty of seating for parents. When the weather warms up, there is a splash pad in the center of the park that allows kids to cool off while playing. This spot is so fun your kids will want to stay for hours. 

What did I miss? Happy Spring Break, guys!