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.

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.*

Drury Hotels: Your Secret to Budget-Friendly Family Travel

Sometimes, I discover something at this middle-aged stage of life and wonder how I've made it this far without uncovering this magical find sooner.

And such is the case with Drury Hotels.

Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, TX

I'm a mom of three daughters who was raised as one of four kids by a flight attendant mother who encouraged us to travel far and often. Summers and school breaks were usually spent discovering faraway places such as Hawaii or Europe. This may or may not explain my inability to sit still as a grown adult...

As an airline employee, my mom and her dependents (my dad and three siblings and me) all got incredible flight benefits, making travel far more affordable for our big family. It wasn't until I grew up and moved away from home that I understood how invaluable these benefits were. Now, with three kids and serious wanderlust myself, I have the constant desire to travel but not always the same perks that enabled inexpensive travel that her job allowed us.

And then I discovered Drury Hotels. And guys... Why didn't I know about these spots sooner?! Why have you all kept this secret from me?!

Smiling in the lobby of the Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, Texas

A new family- and budget-friendly hotel opens in Arlington, Texas

The new Drury Plaza Hotel opened earlier this year in Arlington, right in the heart of the entertainment district. We were invited for a weekend staycation right here on our home turf to explore everything that Drury Hotels offer. And to say I was blown away I don't think even begins to cover it...

The hotel sits on Road to Six Flags, right across from Lincoln Square. It provides ample free parking for hotel guests and is an easy spot to rideshare to and from when enjoying concerts, games and events at nearby AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field. 

The hotel also has different rooms available to suit your needs. We tried out both the two queen deluxe as well as the king deluxe and found both spacious and accommodating. Although the king deluxe is the more expensive choice, it did come with a jacuzzi tub the girls loved as well as a door my husband and I could close as we slept so the girls wouldn't bother us. And let me tell you- actually, let me just show you!- the gorgeous views of the Arlington Entertainment District from our seventh-story window...

View from the 7th Floor of the Drury Plaza Hotel

So many awesome amenities, why didn't I discover Drury Hotels sooner?

Gorgeous hotel views aside, let me tell you all the reasons we will be seeking out a Drury Hotel the next time we hit the road (which will hopefully be later this year!),

• Daily 5:30 Kickback. Guys- this is truly a game changer, especially if you have a big family. Every day from 5:30-7 pm, you can stop into the breakfast and restaurant area for free food. And we aren't talking pretzels and snacks like some hotels offer. We are talking free dinner for everyone in your travel party! Friday night we had hot dogs, tacos, nachos and more. Plus three alcoholic beverages for anyone 21 and over. For my family of five, the value of this is easily $75 plus per night.
• Free breakfast daily. Our breakfast spread each morning was extensive and delicious! We enjoyed waffles, oatmeal, cereal, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, the list goes on. There was ample room for everyone at the hotel to find a seat. And the super friendly staff even wandered around each morning refilling coffee for guests. Talk about customer service! 
• On-site restaurant for late-night dining plus $5 desserts each night from 5:30-7:30 (don't skip the cookie with ice cream- so yummy!). Sometimes you just need room service. Or a bite to eat after you've been dancing and singing for hours at a concert at one of the nearby venues. For this, there is Kitchen + Bar, a spot where you can grab dinner until late into the night or order room service. Or, of course, meet friends for a drink until the late hours. Fabulous!
• Fantastic pool & fitness center. The fitness center at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington is big and inviting and enabled me to get some miles on the treadmill Sunday. The pool is covered so it doesn't get as hot in the Texas summers but still allows you to sit by the pool either in the sun or out of the sun depending on your needs. It also features a separate jacuzzi. The girls had so much fun in the pool Friday night and even made friends with some of the out-of-town guests at the hotel.

Coffee, sunshine & pool time at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, Texas.

When you're on the road with the family, think Drury for your travel needs.

Drury now operates in 150 hotels in 26 states, including the new location here in Arlington. Honestly, I can't wait to start visiting Drurys around the country. And when I've got family or friends in town, I know where I will recommend they stay. 

Our experience at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington couldn't have been better. Everything from the rooms to the amenities to the service was absolutely top-notch, and the rates are affordable to boot (and did I mention the amenities that accompany those rates?!). 

When your plans call for family travel, look Drury Hotels up and thank me later! (In Texas alone you can find Drurys in College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, McAllen and Amarillo)

Enjoying 5:30 Kickback at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, TX.


*Please note, we were given a free stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel in exchange for social promotion on my blog and social channels. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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

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.

What To Do With All Your Extra Halloween Candy

I love candy. 

Probably more than the next guy, to be honest.

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

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

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

Too much Halloween candy?

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

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

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

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

Donate extra candy in the Arlington area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eep!

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

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

Happy Fall Festival Season y'all!

Fun Fall Festivals in Arlington Area for October 2021

Fall Festival Guide 2021.

Weekend of October 9

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

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

Weekend of October 23

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

Crafts and more. 

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

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

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

Candy, pizza, bounce houses and more! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Weekend of October 30

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

Drive through trunk or treat with a local senior center. 

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

Bounce houses, games, food for purchase and more. 

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

Games, prizes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and more. 

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

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

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

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

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

Candy and trunk or treating. 

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

Games, hayrides, burgers and more. 

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

Games, prizes and much more. 

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

Costumes contests, trunk or treat and more.

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

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

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

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

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

Games, prizes, candy and much more. 

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

Candy and more. 

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

Trunk or treating plus a showing of Coco. 

Kids & National/State Parks: Best Trips in Texas and Beyond, Y'all!

A few years ago, a friend told me about the National Parks Pass for kids. Any fourth grader in the US can apply for and receive a free National Parks Pass, good for an entire year. Even better, this pass is good for the fourth grader and their family! This year, because of Covid, fifth graders can get one, too! We have ours, and, although we haven't used it yet this year, we used one two years ago when my oldest was in fourth grade. It got us into the Grand Canyon free, saving us $50. Score! 

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona with kids is so fun and educational!

If you don't have your National Parks Pass yet, go here. 

Don't miss out on your FREE National Parks Pass if you have a fourth or fifth grader during the 2021-2022 school year.

I just did an article for Zulily with my Bucket List of National Parks I want to visit with the girls in the next few years- check that out here!

If you are looking to get out and about with your kids this year, consider snagging your free pass (if you have a fourth or fifth grader at home) and hitting the road! Here are some great National Parks you can visit that are within reasonable driving distance of Dallas/Fort Worth.

Visiting the National Parks in Texas

If you want to use your National Parks Pass for a Texas adventure, you have two options:

Big Bend National Park in Alpine, Texas 

Big Bend National Park is located in Alpine, Texas, about seven and a half hours from Arlington by car. Big Bend is in the southwest corner of the state, just across the border from Mexico. This park is the only destination you need for vacation as there is so much to do there! Not sure where to start? Here is what visitors to Big Bend recommend over and over again:

- Learn about the area's history at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit

- Soak in the hot springs at the Rio Grande Village area

- Hike the Santa Elena Canyon

- Canoe along the Rio Grande

- Enjoy the nighttime sky at this designated National Dark Sky Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat, Texas

Guadalupe Mountain National Park is located in Salt Flat, Texas, just east of El Paso and not far from the Texas/Mexico or Texas/New Mexico border. This state park is about seven hours from Arlington by car. Located near Carlsbad Caverns State Park, this spot is for nature lovers. Here are some of the favorite activities as reported by visitors:

- Behold El Captain, an icon made from limestone and the most visible point in Texas at just more than 8,000 feet

- Hike Devil's Hall Trail from Pine Springs

- Explore the Frijole Ranch History Museum

- Visit the Salt Basin Dunes

The Best National Parks Nearby Texas

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)

Located about seven hours from Arlington, this national park, just over the border in New Mexico offers plenty for visitors to do. Spend time in the Big Room, a large limestone chamber that is the 5th largest in North America and the 28th largest in the world. Cool!

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 

Only four and a half hours from Arlington, Hot Springs National Park is a fun spot for guests of all ages. Visit ancient thermal springs, explore the hiking trails and partake the historic Bath Houses right in the heart of Hot Springs.

Posing in front of Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

The Best Texas State Parks

Texas is home to a whopping 80 state parks. Amazing! That means there is a lot of beautiful land in this great state to explore and enjoy. 

Although there is not an annual discount or free pass to Texas State Parks like there is to the National Parks, you can find more information on yearly passes here. 

A stunning view of Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas. 

Five Texas Parks to Explore with Kids

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon, located about five and a half hours from Arlington near Amarillo, is home to the second largest canyon in the country. During the summer, you can enjoy an outdoor musical at the park. Year-round you can hike, camp, explore and more. 

Caddo Lake State Park

This East Texas park is less than three hours from Arlington on the Texas/Louisiana border. Water lovers will enjoy fishing (no license required!) in the lakes... But keep your eyes out for alligators!

Caprock Canyons State Park

Oh give me a home, where the... bison roam! This Amarillo-area state park, located about four and a half hours from Arlington, offers plenty for nature lovers. Enjoy stunning bluffs, roaming bison and miles and miles of winding trails. 

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Have you ever been sand surfing? If not, you need to check out the Monahans Sandhills! Located about five hours from Arlington (just west of Midland/Odessa), Monahans Sandhills is for adventure-lovers. Rent sand disks and try your hand at surfing down the sand hills. Just don't forget your water- it gets super hot at this park!

Colorado Bend State Park

There is so much to do at this Bend, Texas, state park, it's hard to know where to start! Colorado Bend State Park is located less than 200 miles from Arlington (a little over three hours by car) near Lampasas, Texas. Home to Gorman Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas, this park is perfect for a weekend getaway from DFW. 

Exploring with kids is always an adventure!

- 

Have Kids, Will Travel: Corpus Christi, Texas

We finally made it down to the bay!

I had been wanting to take the girls down to Corpus Christi and Port Aransas for a some time now. So when the Omni Corpus Christi offered me two free nights at their hotel, I knew it was time to make the drive!

Corpus Christi, Texas

- Corpus Christi is about six and a half hours by car from Arlington. Your drive will take you down 35 through Waco and Austin. If you take the toll road from Austin all the way to Corpus, it will save you time but cost you quite a bit in tolls. You can also pick up 37 in San Antonio and take it straight to the Texas Coast!

- The population of Corpus Christi is about 325,000 people. 

- Corpus itself is sheltered from the Gulf of Mexico by Mustang and Padre Islands. You can drive from Corpus to Port Aransas in about 45 minutes and from Corpus to South Padre Island in about 2 hours.

- The name Corpus Christi means body of Christ.

- Corpus Christi is home to the first Whatburger. Although the original burger stand is no longer around, there is a two-story Whataburger building on Shoreline Drive that opened in 1999 as a tribute to the original. 

- The 2001 movie Pearl Harbor starring Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett was filmed in Corpus Christi. 

Hanging at the beach!

Where to Stay with Kids in Corpus Christi

We loved staying at the Omni Corpus Christi. They did give us two free nights and then we paid for an additional two nights at the property. Upon arrival, the hotel gave the girls backpacks filled with crayons and activities, which they loved working on before bedtime. The hotel features a great indoor/outdoor pool with a small splash pool outside and a hot tub inside. The hotel has a convenience store with a coffee shop in the lobby and well as a workout area and sauna on the second floor. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar. The staff is friendly and the location makes it easy for you to walk along the water in the evening and watch the boats pull into the marina. It's a short walk from the two-story Whataburger on Shoreline Drive as well as the Selena statue in Corpus. We highly recommend this fun hotel!

We loved staying at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi! 

What to Do with Kids in Corpus Christi

We spent three full days in Corpus and thought it was perfect! If you love time at the beach, you may want an extra day or two to spend time at Port Aransas or Mustang Island Beaches. We spent one full day at Port A and loved it! 

- Head to the beach! We went to Port Aransas. You can drive up to the beach and park there! A parking permit for Port A is $12 and is good for the calendar year. You can buy it at lots of spots but we grabbed ours from a local Stripes gas station. Don't forget beach toys, an umbrella or canopy, towels and sunscreen! There are also loads of jellyfish in the water right now... My girls caught seven in about an hour. Yes- caught. They are brave! (The majority of the ones they caught were large and clear- and those actually don't sting humans! Here is more information if you are worried about jellyfish. Just steer clear of the ones that are clear with bright orange throughout their bodies. Their stings can hurt!) If you don't want to make the drive to Port A, you can always head over to North Beach in Corpus, which is located right on the bay. The sand isn't as soft as in Port A, but there are cute places to eat and shop and lots of fun to be had!

- Visit the Texas State Aquarium. (We were given free tickets to the Aquarium in exchange for promotion on my blog) Guys- this aquarium was super fabulous! We spent four hours there but easily could have spent more. There are three levels to this aquarium. You can pet sting rays, interact with turtles, pet nurse sharks and view dolphins in an underwater viewing area. There are live shows centered around turtles, dolphins and sting rays (my girls loved feeding the sting rays!). The dolphin show was so entertaining and definitely a must-see. There is a 4D theater sponsored by Whataburger that plays two different shows on the half hour. There's a cafe, a coffee shop and gift shop. There's also a huge splash pad outside- so don't forget the kids' suits! The aquarium is situated right on the bay, less than 10 minutes by car from the Omni. Parking is $5. Don't skip this spot when you go to Corpus!

Cheesing for the camera at the Texas State Aquarium! 

- Tour the USS Lexington. I honestly wasn't expecting to love this "Museum on the Bay" even half as much as I did! The USS Lexington served in Pearl Harbor during World War II and was home to about 3,000 servicemen. The Japanese thought they sunk this ship at least four different times- and then it would pop back up on radar! That's how it got its nickname the "Blue Ghost." This ship was used as the setting for 2001's Pearl Harbor movie (love that movie). You can head to the top of the carrier and come up close and personal with lots of air crafts. We spent about three hours at the ship. There is a cantina on site. There is lots of walking up and down steep stairways. Overall I think this is a must-see in Corpus. Even my kids loved it! 

Smiling after our tour of the USS Lexington "Museum on the Bay" in Corpus Christi!

Places to Eat with Kids in Corpus Christi

If you have a Whataburger fan in your life, you should grab a burger from the two-story "Whataburger on the bay," just to say that you have!

Smiling outside the two-story Whataburger on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas!

Otherwise, we recommend the following spots:

Brewster St. Ice House- The downtown location is huge and super kid-friendly! There is indoor and outdoor seating, with bars inside and outside. The outside has a stage for live music as well as a large playground for kids. Drinks are reasonably priced and the menu isn't huge but definitely features something for everyone! Highly, highly recommend heading here with kids.

Railroad Seafood Station & Brewing Company- This local brewery had slightly fancier (and pricier!) fare, but man was it good! The Brussels sprouts appetizer was yum! There is indoor and outdoor seating as well as a decent kids menu. The place is open and clean and has a decorative motorcycle on the patio that my girls loved sitting on while waiting for our food.

Blackbeard's on the Beach- We loved the crab cakes here- soo good! This place is no frills and reasonably priced with a fun pirate theme. The girls loved reading the ghost stories on the restaurant's website while we waited for our food.

Bien Merite Cafe- This French bakery has delicious breakfasts and Insta-worthy drinks! My youngest loved her pancakes and my Matcha Latte was perfect. After you finish eating, stroll over to the next block and shop at Made in Corpus Christi, a great spot for locally-made souvenirs from your trip. 

Moby Dick's (at Port Aransas)- After a long day in the sun, we loved having dinner at this ocean-themed restaurant at Port Aransas. There's an attached gift shop with lots of trinkets and treasures so the kids can shop while you wait for a table plus lots of on-theme decor for kids to enjoy. The kids menu has lots of tasty picks for kids, too. When you're finished eating, wander next door to Winton's Candy Shop and indulge in some sugar-y treats. Lots of throwback candy plus delicious fudge. Just bring cash- this spot doesn't take cards. Then stroll two more blocks down and snap a pic in front of the Port Aransas mural for a fun souvenir from your trip!

Shopping for souvenirs at Moby Dick's in Port Aransas, Texas. 

We really enjoyed our trip to the coast! We hit Buc cee's in Temple on our way back for some treats and had fun soaking up south Texas. What are your favorite things to do in Corpus Christi? 

5 Fun Places to Camp Near DFW!

Looking for a fun weekend getaway in Texas? These 5 spots within a few hours' drive of DFW will let you relax and unwind!

My husband loves to camp. I... love to glamp! A few years ago, we spent a few nights in a yurt in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and it was actually a lot of fun. While I could have done without trekking back and forth to the communal bathroom, I did love the gorgeous yurt right on a small lake. I really have zero interest in popping up a tent and truly roughing it... But I suppose I could be convinced!

I put together an entire article on what to pack for camping for Zulily, so, I suppose to I should now, well, go camping! I've cabin camped several times at Possum Kingdom Lake with my Girl Scouts and love the lake there! I am more a hotel mama, though, so I asked around and did some research to come up with five awesome spots to camp that aren't too far for a quick weekend getaway.

Fishing at Possum Kingdom Lake

Weekend Camping Getaways

Mineral Wells State Park: 

This spot is only about an hour straight west of Arlington, making it ideal for a quick weekend trip. Here you can rock climb, geocache, fish, swim (there are no lifeguards), bike, hike and more. You can stay at a screened shelter or rent a campsite and bring your own tent. 

Daingerfield State Park:

Located near Texarkana, a little less than three hours from Arlington, this state park has an 80-acre lake you can explore by boat- bring your own or rent one there. Go geocaching or fishing, and enjoy karaoke at the main pavilion on some weekend nights. There are historic cabins for rent and plenty of East Texas fun to be had!

Colorado Bend State Park:

This gorgeous park keeps showing up in my Instagram feed by Texas influencers, and for good reason! You can go on cave tours, check out Gorman Falls, cool off in the Colorado River, and bike or hike as much as you like. This spot is a little more than three hours southwest of Arlington.

Inks Lake State Park:

Inks Lake State Park is about three hours from Arlington, not far from Killeen, Texas. It offers a swimming hole called Devil's Waterhole and has a small canyon for hiking. There are nearly 200 campsites available and some cabins, as well. This spot offers some playgrounds for kids as well as volleyball, paddle boats and more.

Krause Springs: 

Krause Springs, in Spicewood, Texas, is another gorgeous spot near Austin that keeps showing up on my Instagram feed. This 115-acre area is privately owned and boasts 32 springs. There are swimming holes (both natural and manmade) and a butterfly garden. There ae RV spots and camping spots. This is truly a spot where you can unwind and connect with nature. 

Where are your favorite spots to camp in Texas?

Further proof that I have camped!