tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25875628829943244262024-03-08T13:09:09.241-06:00DFW Metroplex MommyWhat to do with children in DFW. I share information on where to go, where WE go, our experiences there and so forth. Story times, free play areas, free kids events, indoor and outdoor activities, etc. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-53087844521496684342014-05-12T01:07:00.000-05:002015-01-20T11:22:01.109-06:00Summer FUN! (UPDATED)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQzpYHmgHu8bjMMOVNwMTE43EXRaESOkk_1nv210N0fOLb2n3HPJt6nOAz_oJt36_5dl8iKXWOa3tVnO_lNq2m82MweYNMReHTBaEi8bx1w98fSqS9ZRBfguAu04lWnIQ2cZT6cf3GtZ/s1600/babob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorQzpYHmgHu8bjMMOVNwMTE43EXRaESOkk_1nv210N0fOLb2n3HPJt6nOAz_oJt36_5dl8iKXWOa3tVnO_lNq2m82MweYNMReHTBaEi8bx1w98fSqS9ZRBfguAu04lWnIQ2cZT6cf3GtZ/s1600/babob.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are so many FREE fun things to do in DFW this summer! The free splash parks are opening up, outdoor concerts, fireworks, petting farms, cheap summer movies... you will not be bored this summer!</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I realize that I have been neglecting my blog lately. I have been so very busy! In fact, I really don't even have time to write this, but I feel I owe it to my blog followers to post a few things that they can do this summer that they may not know about. So here it is, all slapped together and hurried.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Since I will be on hiatus for a while, I will tell you some of the ways I find these great places and events to go to. Not all are recurring, and that is usually what I have on my blog. So, (and I realize some of these are repeats), check the calendars at these sites, like them on Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletters of the following sites. I highly suggest checking out the calendars. When I am tired of the places on my blog, I go to these sites, and find out what is going on the next day. No one site has everything, but I have seriously unlocked a wealth of information for you. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">I will also continue to add information to this blog post as I find it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*****UPDATE*****</span></u></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Preschool Playtime at the Grapevine CAC is no more. They have relocated for a short time during construction of a new facility, and I do not know if it will return after. BUT! I did find out about another toddler/preschool playtime for ages 2-5 at the <a href="http://familyeguide.com/2013/toddler-and-pre-school-open-play-in-coppell/">Coppell Rec Center</a> for $1 on Tuesdays from 9-10a.m. So, maybe check that place out.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********************************</div>
<a href="http://www.intheloopkids.com/community/intheloopkids_calendar" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">InTheLoopKids</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> -- I am proud to say that I am a contributor. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dfwchild.com/showcalendar.asp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">DFWChild</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://familyeguide.com/2014/events-and-activities-2014-may-9-15/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Family E-Guide</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.aroundtownkidsplano.com/FreeThingsToDoDFW.htm"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Around Town Kids</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> - Says Frisco, McKinney, Allen, but lists events all over the metroplex as well. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.fortworthonthecheap.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Fort Worth on the Cheap</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">AND - </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">if you haven't already, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dfwmetroplexmommy" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LIKE</b> my Facebook Page.</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I am always posting free and family friendly, low cost events and places to visit.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS!</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.zvents.com/plano-tx/events/free+live+music" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Plano,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.dentonmainstreet.org/home/post.php?s=2013-04-18-twilight-tunes-begins-may-2nd" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Denton</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.klydewarrenpark.org/Things-To-Do/Activity/music.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Dallas</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://familyeguide.com/ai1ec_event/summer-concerts-in-flower-mound/?instance_id=77918" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Flower Mound</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://coppelltx.gov/special-events-activities/town-center-plaza-events.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Coppell</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.cityofirving.org/news/current/0413musiconmainstreet.asp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Irving,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/mckinney/headlines/20140507-mckinney-parks-will-host-four-free-outdoor-concerts.ece" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">McKinney, </a><a href="http://www.soundsoflewisville.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Lewisville</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.nrhtx.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=1942&month=5&year=2014&day=12&calType=0" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">North Richland Hills</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">,</span><a href="http://www.watterscreek.com/events" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> Allen,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://familyeguide.com/ai1ec_event/jazz-at-the-fountain-highland-village/?instance_id=78162" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Highland Village</a>, <a href="http://www.sundancesquare.com/events/free-sunday-music-series" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Fort Worth</a><b style="font-size: small;">1 </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://rockintheriverfw.com/#lineup-anchor" style="font-size: x-large;">Fort Worth</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>2</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, <a href="http://www.fwsymphony.org/concerts/citg_main.asp" style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Fort Worth</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">3</span>, </span><a href="http://www.fortworthsouth.org/community/events/friday-on-green/" style="font-size: x-large;">Fort Worth</a><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">4,</span></b><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://familyeguide.com/ai1ec_event/jammin-in-the-park-in-the-colony/?instance_id=77666" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">The Colony</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://levittpavilionarlington.org/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arlington</a>, <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.mansfieldct.gov/filestorage/1904/1918/1976/summer_concerts.pdf">Mansfield</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">... And the list goes on. I have provided links that will take you to the sites, there is one near you! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Fort Worth<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>-Kids under 10 are free</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hurst, Bedford, Euless, Watauga, Roanoke, Keller, and Southlake click </span><a href="http://www.artscouncilnortheast.org/masterworks_concert_series.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">HERE</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>FREE SPLASH PARKS!</u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So I am giving you the link to an article by DFWChild that lists 21 FREE splash parks in the area. Sundance Square Plaza was not included because this article is from last year, so I included it. Like I always say... Check websites and social media for closings. ALWAYS.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.dfwchild.com/features/863/Free-Splash-Pads--Play-Fountains-in-Dallas-Fort-Worth">Click here for 21 Free Spray Parks</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sundancesquare.com/info/construction/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">Sundance Square Plaza</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> - Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth! We go to Fort Worth often, so my next blog post will probably include a picture of Jacob splashing his little heart out!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">**UPDATE** More Splash Parks Found</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.belogarden.com/features/">Belo Garden Downtown Dallas</a> - just found out about this one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">More splash parks around Dallas </span><a href="http://dallas.about.com/od/recreation/tp/DallasSprayParks2010.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">HERE</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eulesstx.gov/pacs/pools.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Splash Island Euless</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - scroll down to see info</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.haltomcitytx.com/haltom-city-parks-recreation-spraygrounds">Haltom City Spraygrounds</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.roanoketexas.com/index.aspx?NID=185">Roanoke- Cannon Parkway Park</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">More things to do this summer:</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.lake-grapevine.com/2012/06/friday-night-fireworks/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Grapevine Fireworks on the lake every Friday night </a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://dallaslibrary.evanced.info/eventcalendar.asp?ag=Family%2C+Elementary+School+Age%2C+Pre-School%2C+Infant+%26+Toddler&et=&dt=mo&df=calendar&cn=0&private=0&ln=ALL" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">This calendar of events from the Dallas Public Library that has a ton of fun things to do for kids of all ages!</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://familyeguide.com/ai1ec_event/kids-fishing-at-bass-pro/?instance_id=67145" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Kid Fishing at Bass Pro</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://castlehillsvillageshops.com/events">Castle Hills monthly event</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cityofirving.org/parks-and-recreation/fritz.asp">Fritz Park FREE Petting Farm</a></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- June & July only, closed Mondays </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">**Great Place! Blog post soon to come!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/">Urban Air Trampoline Park</a> - Indoor trampoline park in Southlake</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.burgerslake.com/">Burger's Lake </a>- Not free, but cheaper than a lot of water parks. Cool Place!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surfandswim.org/parkinfo.php" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Surf N Swim</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - another inexpensive water park on the other side of the metroplex from Burger's Lake</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Twist.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">$2 Kids Movies at Studio Movie Grill</a><br />
- <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and even more cheap summer movies <a href="http://www.fortworthonthecheap.com/2014/06/08/cheap-summer-movies-all-over-dfw/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook">HERE</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://hpb.com/060/">Half-Price Books Storytime!</a> - Of course I would sneak a storytime in here!! Half Price Books in Arlington does storytimes on Sundays! <a href="http://hpb.com/060/">Lincoln Square</a> and <a href="http://hpb.com/018/">Four Corners.</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Watch the planes take off at </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">DFW</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"> Airport from the </span><a href="https://dfwairport.com/founders/index.php" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">Founder's Plaza</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"> observation area. Map </span><a href="https://dfwairport.com/cs/groups/public/documents/webasset/p1_009643.pdf" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">HERE</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fort Worth Food Truck Parks - <a href="http://www.clearforkfoodpark.com/">Clearfork</a> & <a href="http://fwfoodpark.com/">Fort Worth Food Park</a> live local bands and food!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The new children's play area, <a href="https://www.kimbellart.org/learn/kid-family-programs/summer-fun-in-studio-a">"Studio A"</a>, at the Kimbell Art Museum. FREE. Also they have a <a href="https://www.kimbellart.org/learn/kids-family-programs/kimbell-kids-drop-in-studio">drop-in program</a> on Saturdays and a <a href="http://www.fortworthonthecheap.com/2014/06/01/free-story-time-at-kimbell/">monthly story time</a> on Tuesdays.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://dfwchild.com/email/images/swb_june2_2014.html">Willow Bend Free Summer Fun Thursday Nights</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dfwchild.com/features/1185/Summer-Movie-Guide-Dallas-Fort-Worth" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Free Outdoor Movies, Cheap Screenings and MORE!</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Discounted Days at the <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/seasonal-festivals-events/summer-at-the-arboretum">Dallas Arboretum</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://dfwmetroplexmommy.blogspot.com/p/story-times-at-local-libraries.html">Check your local library!!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many libraries have summer programs and events such as Lego clubs, movies, game days, "science camps", art classes, crafts and more! Links to all libraries in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton and Collin Counties can be found <a href="http://dfwmetroplexmommy.blogspot.com/p/story-times-at-local-libraries.html">HERE</a> - just click on the name of the library.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>----------------------------------------------------</b></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Please use the calendars and visit my facebook page, as there is no one site that has everything. I just want my readers to have access to the amazing and fun things to do that are right under their noses!!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you have anything to add-- please do so in the comments! We love to share our knowledge! I will also be updating this post periodically. I am always finding new things, but right now don't have the time to make new pages or posts.</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-53736308421056262242014-02-07T22:03:00.001-06:002014-06-09T00:36:11.347-05:00Lots of Fun at The Galleria Play Area!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/visitor-guest-services/playplace/">Galleria Dallas</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/visitor-guest-services/playplace/">Children's Play Area</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">*You can find family friendly events as well at the Galleria --</b><b style="background-color: #ea9999;"> <a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/events/category/event/">click here</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We made it to yet anot</span>her stop on our wish list, the <a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/visitor-guest-services/playplace/">Galleria Dallas play area</a>. The play area lives on the 3rd floor near the bathrooms, and as a plus, there are also little bathrooms with little potties for little fannies. These little potties were perfect for my little rug rat! The bathrooms are very busy and I didn't want to be a weirdo taking pictures of a toilet so I didn't get one. There is also a changing station right outside the little mini bathrooms. Enough about that and on with the play area...</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GB8Rchk_tgA6kdhgWaQvSEHCyAiZxRliFKel0ZjocT84oZr_Sm4PsvLxPcW0r5xkYk5Tk-SqR190MbgbuMJDW_D2E2EgKJ3F5PtZZ3FjkmY1jkL3iowOp-WBQ0efpLxxZxWkn1MyC-8/s1600/galleria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GB8Rchk_tgA6kdhgWaQvSEHCyAiZxRliFKel0ZjocT84oZr_Sm4PsvLxPcW0r5xkYk5Tk-SqR190MbgbuMJDW_D2E2EgKJ3F5PtZZ3FjkmY1jkL3iowOp-WBQ0efpLxxZxWkn1MyC-8/s1600/galleria.jpg" height="640" width="174" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Think of a Cancun inspired theme, with plenty of tunnels and bridges and things to climb on. The trees and snakes, frogs and parrots, it was very tropical looking, with the Mayan pyramids to make it seem like you are in Cancun. To me at least. Jacob especially like climbing on the pyramid, and of course going through the "nunnels". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacob's absolute favorite attraction was none other than the JEEP. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.240741262747948.1073741841.229590990529642&type=3">Collin Creek Mall</a>, there was a soft play Jeep, although this one is not stuck in the mud. My little dinosaur played all over the place here, but the Jeep was 'where it's at' as far as he was concerned. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With everything there is to climb on, in, or through here, Jacob didn't lose interest and try to walk around the mall. In fact, when I tried to take him for a stroll so that I could check it out, he ran back into the play area. So that is where we stayed until it was time to go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We arrived before noon, and Jacob had eaten his lunch on the way there. I did that on purpose. I have noticed that, for the most part, play areas are not as busy at lunchtime, (go figure). I feed him before we go or on the way if we are taking transit, and arrive a little before noon. <a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/visitor-guest-services/playplace/"> The Galleria play area</a> is by far the busiest play area I have been to, but when lunch time hit, it was a ghost town. I am not saying that this is the only time to go, or that it will always be slow at that time, but it is your best bet. That goes for pretty much any play area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0sHcWWWyOgmJUZbeJhxANXzuHzCfhbqfb8tFNuF91TC64suDlEJMCT-9g53TOkb8bJKLV9FXbKX5M0U6gisybX4jgQ-0tz3fQ09vMFcRzlSAq4e4mYvim7x0BFJa24-hawdjVL81N7vM/s1600/nunnels+at+galleria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0sHcWWWyOgmJUZbeJhxANXzuHzCfhbqfb8tFNuF91TC64suDlEJMCT-9g53TOkb8bJKLV9FXbKX5M0U6gisybX4jgQ-0tz3fQ09vMFcRzlSAq4e4mYvim7x0BFJa24-hawdjVL81N7vM/s1600/nunnels+at+galleria.jpg" height="106" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will also say that it looks clean, like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.240741262747948.1073741841.229590990529642&type=3">Collin Creek Mall</a>. The one at Ridgmar Mall looks like it has seen better days, but it still remains one of my favorite to visit. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would like to see the play area at <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=valley+view+center+dallas&fb=1&gl=us&hq=valley+view+mall&cid=15635063598079495338&ei=Mqv1UrOKNoWO2gX024DoDA&sqi=2&ved=0CK0BEPwS">Valley View Center</a>, I have heard that mall is slow like <a href="http://dfwmetroplexmommy.blogspot.com/2013/09/yes-another-mall-play-area-and-more-to.html">Ridgmar Mall </a>so the play area doesn't get crazy. We will see. For now, I have several other places on our wish list that I would like to knock out first. Perhaps we can finally hit up the <a href="http://www.thewowbus.com/">WOW Bus</a>, or the <a href="https://www.fortworthzoo.org/">zoo</a>, or even the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/children-s-medical-center-train-exhibit">Train display at Children's Medical Center</a>. We will see...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-77461695234099204032014-02-01T08:48:00.003-06:002015-01-20T11:25:40.316-06:00Fort Worth Botanic Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://fwbg.org/">Fort Worth Botanic Gardens </a> FREE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> ** General Admission</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvcaztV9Pul6EpuzlxJU84QJnTiKAAFyuRa9ASq72k3dXQnj1Z9is9XaiyU9dFOFGCP_v9FcQCwolcN9EzGdFu4OeNEEfm4ytCMmft10hcTOJQYuV0vTvfiJ2354enlweFrjORcDgDSY/s1600/botanic+gardens+single.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvcaztV9Pul6EpuzlxJU84QJnTiKAAFyuRa9ASq72k3dXQnj1Z9is9XaiyU9dFOFGCP_v9FcQCwolcN9EzGdFu4OeNEEfm4ytCMmft10hcTOJQYuV0vTvfiJ2354enlweFrjORcDgDSY/s1600/botanic+gardens+single.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes I know, we went to the <a href="http://fwbg.org/">Botanic Gardens</a> in the dead of winter. It's free, (we did not visit the <a href="http://fwbg.org/gardens/japanese/">Japanese Gardens</a> or <a href="http://fwbg.org/gardens/conservatory/">Conservatory</a>), and why not? The weather decided that it wanted to cooperate with us on a beautiful Saturday, and I wanted to be outside with Jacob. There were lots of other families there as well, having picnics, playing frisbee, taking pictures, and walking the trails. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRJNo04nplDeTc9n8DDpcTU-mrM2Ci2onDrJ9umlBCA3rvsddQ7erisXT9vXdiecHUCE1v0pUPM2ISYG8FyhY9ilhXmhNUD58O9hdnJkwk4pTbZF99KpKgUxNgx3UjMKQu8x0P-XewS02/s1600/botanic+gardens+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRJNo04nplDeTc9n8DDpcTU-mrM2Ci2onDrJ9umlBCA3rvsddQ7erisXT9vXdiecHUCE1v0pUPM2ISYG8FyhY9ilhXmhNUD58O9hdnJkwk4pTbZF99KpKgUxNgx3UjMKQu8x0P-XewS02/s1600/botanic+gardens+2.jpg" height="320" width="168" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was like going to a giant park where Jacob could just walk and explore everything. He got himself a stick to hold and we just walked around. We walked in big open fields, along paths, under trellises, (that Jacob thought were tunnels, so he kept walking under them saying, "nunnel, nunnel"), along the nature boardwalk, (sorry no pics of it) and stopped to take in the water features located near the rose garden.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_hDvaE-hiFgPDTy_2SubGSsH3AzaXZMIbPWj4MoAAd8CJnANsPMuD_K7b7HYfihT2lb84MZWkSFbrTab01LnZzPt2Tp4ufhlbeu4GvSA0RbSs8R8CUFteFSky_PJnrRFtTgnqo-WYLUm/s1600/botanic+gardens+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_hDvaE-hiFgPDTy_2SubGSsH3AzaXZMIbPWj4MoAAd8CJnANsPMuD_K7b7HYfihT2lb84MZWkSFbrTab01LnZzPt2Tp4ufhlbeu4GvSA0RbSs8R8CUFteFSky_PJnrRFtTgnqo-WYLUm/s1600/botanic+gardens+3.jpg" height="200" width="88" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't have a whole lot to write about for this outing, it was just a nice peaceful day for my son and I to enjoy each other's company. We took transit of course. It was packed since it was opening weekend of the <a href="http://www.fwssr.com/">Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo</a>, and I felt fortunate to have snagged myself a back corner seat. I am not a big fan of random strangers' crotches in my face. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did not get to hit up the <a href="http://www.thewowbus.com/">WOW Bus</a> like I wanted to. I mean, how did I think I was going to accomplish that? The Botanic Gardens is an entire day in itself. I <i>will</i> make it there, though. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*I would like to note that I run into people some times that are just planning to ride the train and don't really know what to do once they get to downtown. (We are talking about FW right now). Here are some things to do:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>From ITC STation Take <a href="http://www.mollythetrolley.com/">Molly the Trolley</a> to <a href="http://www.sundancesquare.com/events/">Sundance Square Plaza</a> </b>-- the Trolley stop is actually on Jones St. Get off the train and walk straight to the street, (pass the busses), and you will see the flag for the Trolley Stop.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*The driver will tell you when you are there, and will point out other major stops</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://fortworthtexas.gov/library/info/default.aspx?id=4236">Fort Worth Public Library</a> </b>just a few blocks from Sundance Square</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*You may even catch a story time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/Index.aspx">Fort Worth Stockyards</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*A separate trolley goes from ITC Station straight to the Stockyards on Saturday, Or take the 1 bus to N. Main and get off at Ellis and Exchange</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*<a href="http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/Business.aspx?bId=25&type=1">Cattle Drive</a> every day at 11:30am and 4:00pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*There is live music at Stockyards Station, and on Sundays, the <a href="http://www.cowtownopry.org/">Cowtown Opry</a> Performs at 2:00pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">**<a href="http://www.cowtowncattlepenmaze.com/">Cattlepen Maze</a> $5 per person</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">**<a href="http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/Business.aspx?bId=114&type=1">Petting Zoo</a> $2 per person </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">**Pony rides (Both petting zoo and pony rides should not be expected on days with yucky weather)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strike>**<a href="http://www.stockyardsstation.com/attractions/rodeo-zone">Rodeo Zone</a> $6 per person</strike></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">**Other Events -- Check <a href="http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/Index.aspx">site</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://fwbg.org/">Fort Worth Botanic Gardens</a> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bus #7 or #57 from ITC Station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*Free for General Admission, Conservatory is $2 per person, Japanese Gardens are $5 per person</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://brit.org/events/more-children-families">Fort Worth Botanical Research Institute</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bus #7 or #57 from ITC Station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*First Saturdays with Storytime and more, also check calendar for other events</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.fwmuseum.org/">Fort Worth Museum of Science and History</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bus #2 or #57 from ITC Station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*NOT free, but worth every penny, check website for details, as prices differ depending on what you want to do there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.fortwortharchitecture.com/water.htm">Fort Worth Water Gardens</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*The Trolley will take you right to it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.fortworthzoo.org/">Fort Worth Zoo</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.the-t.com/SafariShuttleFortWorthZoo.aspx">Shuttle from ITC on Saturdays</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">or take the #7 Bus from ITC Station at least 1/2 mile walking involved</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*Half price on Wednesdays</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.logcabinvillage.org/index.html">Log Cabin Village</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#7 Bus from ITC Station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">* FREE for 3 & under</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">$4.50 4-17 and 60+</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">$5 for 18+</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">$4 per person for groups over 10</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.dfwandbeyond.com/tours/cent-saver/destinations/fire-station-1"><b>Fire Station #1</b></a></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Near Sundance Square</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.229611530527588.1073741828.229590990529642&type=3">Ridgmar Mall</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#2 Bus from ITC Station. Takes you directly to the mall.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*Play area, coin operated kiddie rides, fountains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thewowbus.com/">The WOW Bus</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">#4 or #6 Bus from ITC Station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*Words on Wheels -- if you are a book lover</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-37471586051805273732014-01-07T00:16:00.002-06:002014-06-02T01:38:59.615-05:00Fort Worth Stockyards!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Finally!!</b> The Stockyards Cattle Drive and the Petting Zoo were on my wish list of family things to do, and we <b>finally</b> did it! I have been to the Stockyards numerous times, but this was the first time I went for family fun. We had a fantastic day and I have some more terrible pictures to share.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNOijLAmHFW_uLSwOpebB9iXfqOgUF2PpjnKZsM68Sw0CnUFmm6TD5q3I9GeeWo7foJKDsiah6z0-RsBjpYn5pADahTidlBUP2d4-Dg_pUc-pbfMPtyNag5Up4CeZKpW7pxrq3xhPQx8/s1600/fw+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNOijLAmHFW_uLSwOpebB9iXfqOgUF2PpjnKZsM68Sw0CnUFmm6TD5q3I9GeeWo7foJKDsiah6z0-RsBjpYn5pADahTidlBUP2d4-Dg_pUc-pbfMPtyNag5Up4CeZKpW7pxrq3xhPQx8/s1600/fw+library.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We took the train, because that in itself is part of the fun. You can take the Stockyards Trolley on Saturday only, so we did that on the way back as we missed it when we got to downtown. We farted around at the Sundance Square Plaza since there is plenty of room for Jacob to release some wiggles before we head to Northside. Not much to do there though, no events or anything, and we got bored quickly. The Central Branch of the Fort Worth Library is just a few blocks away so we hoofed it. What a great children's area they have! Blaine and Jacob played together for a while, until I started to read to Jacob and Blaine went off to explore more of the library. As an advocate for early literacy, I was delighted to see that they have early literacy kits and backpacks~</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LqNadBtfam3_kTDVXevxwNaVZm5vAofBIzl-ilKc-PaBAe262LhSWNA7wBx_enYT8veK4qCbv_QXhpTFIRRtIds5B3wgSX5lhGh62hlaQxSefjttyiwlf6Jn-7ijTCnSxXCOVPjMad94/s1600/reading+kits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LqNadBtfam3_kTDVXevxwNaVZm5vAofBIzl-ilKc-PaBAe262LhSWNA7wBx_enYT8veK4qCbv_QXhpTFIRRtIds5B3wgSX5lhGh62hlaQxSefjttyiwlf6Jn-7ijTCnSxXCOVPjMad94/s1600/reading+kits.jpg" height="96" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">little story books with little puppets and little books and little instruments~ and if I wasn't about to travel across town on a bus/trolley, I would have checked one out. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-k8-LnmAuSrGjSQyIutppg2sjILbtnTp4RAo9XUxRzJttu8WbdkPCl_CQHpnEeilbi5FrSZuUIb8SAwwLJfcXqJe32vgyHtxLA5Zj36jYeSVQhfC7V-bBdn4y8d5Dpyp_At2k58x5lhO/s1600/busssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-k8-LnmAuSrGjSQyIutppg2sjILbtnTp4RAo9XUxRzJttu8WbdkPCl_CQHpnEeilbi5FrSZuUIb8SAwwLJfcXqJe32vgyHtxLA5Zj36jYeSVQhfC7V-bBdn4y8d5Dpyp_At2k58x5lhO/s1600/busssss.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was chow time, so we grabbed a spot and ate our little lunch. Walking back to the spot where we could catch the trolley, I saw the bus that takes you to the Stockyards and we hopped on it instead. I was full and ready to sit and relax. I guess the kids weren't so full as they snacked almost the whole way. My little piggies!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNOijLAmHFW_uLSwOpebB9iXfqOgUF2PpjnKZsM68Sw0CnUFmm6TD5q3I9GeeWo7foJKDsiah6z0-RsBjpYn5pADahTidlBUP2d4-Dg_pUc-pbfMPtyNag5Up4CeZKpW7pxrq3xhPQx8/s1600/fw+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAyVjs2wo4BiTXke-F1R3Eu1r06tSw2uPJ6Tbzcc6hO2hiW82X2rW6XaAStJY8vw_BAJ8i8X8jA-_GnwYFfV-i1SMm04eZhGP6OthMU9OqdYeki2pDyfEgSfXfQfhbt0KotBWy0NpA9bv/s1600/stockyards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAyVjs2wo4BiTXke-F1R3Eu1r06tSw2uPJ6Tbzcc6hO2hiW82X2rW6XaAStJY8vw_BAJ8i8X8jA-_GnwYFfV-i1SMm04eZhGP6OthMU9OqdYeki2pDyfEgSfXfQfhbt0KotBWy0NpA9bv/s1600/stockyards.jpg" height="400" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once we got to the Stockyards I put Jacob in the sling and we made our way towards the petting zoo. We were almost at our destination when we heard music. There is an area at the stockyards that is covered, and it runs along the railroad tracks. This is Stockyards Station. A band was playing, and of course Jacob was squirming around like crazy because he wanted to get down and dance... so we made a little detour. He stood right in front and stared for a while, saying 'mum' (drum) and 'gee-tah' (guitar) pointing and laughing. Then it was time to dance to some Willie Nelson. He stomped and wiggled and waved his arms and laughed After a while he wanted to walk around so we roamed for a while until I decided it was safe to leave and head to the petting zoo.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The sign I saw as we walked up said that the petting zoo was $2 per person. I was instantly perturbed about this, as the website itself and several other sources say that it costs $1 per person. I mean, I know it is only a dollar, but still, update your website. Come on. <b>**It has since been changed**</b> Anyhow I paid it of course, as we were not going to miss out on this wish list item. </span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYg4sQ7CnSi2PgMha2ShsD-EDGfcZPHxt8jqeCIjM8uIUqi3bYpgrgukSIplw_sopXMU0wgCRQStv34CRWGao_BPrVYzEBerS9dQLyucuWRGiWokB2hi_TyYv9d-bFYgsiE1QmIgYtEvU/s1600/petting+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYg4sQ7CnSi2PgMha2ShsD-EDGfcZPHxt8jqeCIjM8uIUqi3bYpgrgukSIplw_sopXMU0wgCRQStv34CRWGao_BPrVYzEBerS9dQLyucuWRGiWokB2hi_TyYv9d-bFYgsiE1QmIgYtEvU/s1600/petting+zoo.jpg" height="489" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I certainly think it was still well worth the $2 a person. Blaine made instant friends with all the animals, they loved him, (they always do). Jacob on the other hand, spent about 15 minutes running up to them, screaming and running away. When he finally chilled out, he was able to pet the animals and quit freaking them out. Blaine got sneezed on by the camel and I just about ralphed. Yuck! I think I could gag just remembering it.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Snack time came and it was time to go. A squirt of hand sanitizer and we were off. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao00X4s4ZjPhPag0ZKx7vYRf4w8ob-O4Mrqeiyx6T0sb74oJKa7rPGuzDmbvrdzptuY6-BMeumGIPiGEuaDeTbqPmbXCud1nzrSxKyHFv809zc5XBc4MMqR5O0AosbqdlqHGYLW6N9i2g/s1600/cattle+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao00X4s4ZjPhPag0ZKx7vYRf4w8ob-O4Mrqeiyx6T0sb74oJKa7rPGuzDmbvrdzptuY6-BMeumGIPiGEuaDeTbqPmbXCud1nzrSxKyHFv809zc5XBc4MMqR5O0AosbqdlqHGYLW6N9i2g/s1600/cattle+drive.jpg" height="155" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4:00 finally rolled around and the street was cleared for the cattle drive. On any given day there is quite a crowd for this event. These amazing beasts led by cowboys on horseback are quite a sight for the crowd of tourists snapping photos and locals alike. It doesn't last very long, but it is still worth seeing. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, the cattle drive was over, Jacob was cranky and Blaine looked like he could pass out standing up. We hit the trolley, the train, and then back to my wonderful home where I put Jacob down to sleep and sat on my butt for as long as possible. The day was an absolute success and I was exhausted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Next: <a href="http://fwbg.org/">The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens</a> and <a href="http://www.thewowbus.com/">The WOW Bus</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fkJL0yc3aY4%2FUsuLeViurWI%2FAAAAAAAAAMk%2FT0tkxlvQBWk%2Fs1600%2Ffw%2Blibrary.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNOijLAmHFW_uLSwOpebB9iXfqOgUF2PpjnKZsM68Sw0CnUFmm6TD5q3I9GeeWo7foJKDsiah6z0-RsBjpYn5pADahTidlBUP2d4-Dg_pUc-pbfMPtyNag5Up4CeZKpW7pxrq3xhPQx8/s1600/fw+library.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-27126508780437044742013-11-24T13:07:00.001-06:002014-05-12T02:11:36.004-05:00The DMA, The McKinney Avenue Trolley, and Klyde Warren Park Storytime :)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, I know my last post was a little CORNY but I love story time sooooo..... Anyhow, as I am in the process of organizing and adding information to my blog, I have neglected posting about our Journey. I will share our delights with the <a href="http://dallasmuseumofart.org/CenterforCreativeConnections/EventsPrograms/index.htm">DMA</a>, <a href="http://www.klydewarrenpark.org/Things-To-Do/index.html">Story Time @ Klyde Warren Park</a>, and the The <a href="http://www.mata.org/">M-Line Trolley</a>... <i>and</i> I finally got the pictures (the ones that came out) together!! Yay me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My sister and niece were able to accompany Jacob and I to Klyde Warren Park and the DMA a few weeks ago. I hope I remember enough to tell you about it, I have slept since then! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We met at the train station, lunches packed and babies in tow. I remember that it was overcast, which was great because Jacob had recently pulverized my sunglasses. We board the train and got settled. Jacob had a fit in my lap while I frantically searched for a banana. I thought to myself, "Of <i>course</i> I can't find this <b>giant</b> banana among sandwiches and apple slices. If I were searching for something else, the banana would be in the WAY!" So <i>eventually</i> I found the elusive banana and he ate it and chilled out. After a while the kids got restless and bounced around and yelled at the window and annoyed every single other passenger on the train and it was great. Not really, maybe just a few.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN4um28H17J0skuVdeU1vpDcbzyrdNsv4eqdkfDG1VsvFMU-XQPLmWnTaZR-yd7a-3l_4ZDnY0wJxvIt5DnEh3rymq5LfOmwfgPwzo7PqHqnx_QHjlfEUOTK0dq01wAKPFCKZqurCXJwA/s1600/TROLLEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN4um28H17J0skuVdeU1vpDcbzyrdNsv4eqdkfDG1VsvFMU-XQPLmWnTaZR-yd7a-3l_4ZDnY0wJxvIt5DnEh3rymq5LfOmwfgPwzo7PqHqnx_QHjlfEUOTK0dq01wAKPFCKZqurCXJwA/s400/TROLLEY.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Trolley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We wanted to take the McKinney Avenue Trolley, so once we got to downtown we took light rail to <a href="http://www.dart.org/riding/stations/cityplaceuptownstation.asp">Cityplace</a>. I really didn't know what to expect, as my other Trolley experience is with <a href="http://www.mollythetrolley.com/">Molly the Trolley</a> in Fort Worth which is really more like a shuttle that is made to look like a trolley on the inside. Still fun though. I heard a little bell in the distance, and looked up to see a real old-fashioned trolley making its way toward us, on real trolley tracks coming into the turnaround. Whaaaat? Awesomes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Inside is even better. Everything from the benches to the driver's uniforms makes you feel like you stepped about 100 years back in time. It is air conditioned and heated so it is a comfortable ride regardless of time of year. During our trip the windows were open and it was all grey and overcast outside, smelling like it would rain soon. I love that! I highly recommend that you make this a part of any trip to the <a href="http://www.thedallasartsdistrict.org/event-listing">Arts District in Dallas</a>, or anywhere along McKinney Avenue. The McKinney Avenue Trolley is free to ride, but a voluntary donation into the fare box is greatly appreciated. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our stop is across the street from the DMA and Klyde Warren, <strike>which is really hard to get wrong because the end of the line where the trolley turns around to come back is at the next signal light.</strike> <This has apperantly changed. Regardless, you can't miss the big park so get off at the next stop. After crossing over to Klyde Warren Park, I was so glad we decided to make this our location for the outing today. We skipped over the children's park, there was a private school visiting and there were a lot of bigger kids playing there, so no thanks. I was on a mission to get to the Imagination Playground anyway. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Big blue foam blocks and noodles for building, kids and their parents constructing little houses and mazes and obstacle courses, Jacob and Haley running around and having a blast on the lawn, surrounded by tall buildings and the visible highway, what a fantastic time! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My day could have ended there, with all the fun we had, but we had only just begun. Story time was next, the main draw for my decision to visit. I love the idea of story time in a park, but maybe I am partial because I love story time anywhere. Story time is held right next to Imagination Playground, so you can't miss it. Soon enough it was 11:00, and we were ready!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqwpw4Ka_z19TH5BOq6nit4Qal2kv5_0dzIYwdxX6kvVibkyGcZfuzHCbIkfB9XgzRuJ4tHGJTzLxMme76mBH9iYNK-tjIc7cFcHdIlNSnngAqIDCOUMhr3lBwHE_5jPNCEk9aDsk1C0X/s1600/kLYDE+wARREN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqwpw4Ka_z19TH5BOq6nit4Qal2kv5_0dzIYwdxX6kvVibkyGcZfuzHCbIkfB9XgzRuJ4tHGJTzLxMme76mBH9iYNK-tjIc7cFcHdIlNSnngAqIDCOUMhr3lBwHE_5jPNCEk9aDsk1C0X/s400/kLYDE+wARREN.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stories, parachutes, scarves, jingle bells, songs and bubbles, I felt like a kid again. The little munchkins were really engaged and having a ball. Being close to Halloween, (has it been that long since we went?), the songs and stories were themed accordingly. It lasted an hour but felt like 30 minutes, I swear. The story time is wrapped up with bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. A bubble machine supplied a never ending rain of bubbles upon the children, and then bubble dishes with wands for making big and little bubbles were set out and it was a bubble-acolypse! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then, it was over. We were hungry like hippos so we grabbed a spot and stuffed our faces . The day had been a success so far, and we still had one more stop. Of course there were a number of places to chose from, but the DMA's children's area is on my wish list. Everybody full? Yes. Diapers changed? Yes. Everything packed up (now a much lighter load!)? Yes. Off to the DMA.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We did not get to spend as much time here as I would have liked. We <i>did </i>however get to visit the children's area. First we went into a little room called <a href="http://dallasmuseumofart.org/CenterforCreativeConnections/EventsPrograms/index.htm">Arturo's Nest</a>. You can touch everything here in this room, and there is no shortage of toys to play with and activities to do. Puppets and puzzles and lots of sensory objects and toys around the room. It would be ideal for ages maybe between 2-5, but we had plenty of fun in there. Then we decided to head around the corner to an area that I think was for older kids, but there wasn't anything that was a danger to Jacob and Haley so they played on. Everything in here was designed to stimulate the senses as well. Beads & curtains in doorways, magnet shapes, 'make your own story' boards, I could go on forever. I realized after a while that it was time to start heading back, time flies when you are having so much fun! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3Hld9x4lOy1PzjAAjqgiaCk8Zf0jGrghYp3nW0D_KbGiwoAws9zSVAeD2OzlP5_lmk1aUiJb8RN4VMNAK2qwjn-Knw9mZJHYmFVE7073WTMJzqhXMwF0h5xQroSATfmKSl4ImzWbnEyC/s1600/DMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3Hld9x4lOy1PzjAAjqgiaCk8Zf0jGrghYp3nW0D_KbGiwoAws9zSVAeD2OzlP5_lmk1aUiJb8RN4VMNAK2qwjn-Knw9mZJHYmFVE7073WTMJzqhXMwF0h5xQroSATfmKSl4ImzWbnEyC/s640/DMA.jpg" height="108" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hit the trolley just in time, and got to relax and sit. Our rug rats were completely exhausted, and Jacob almost immediately passed out. Haley followed shortly after. They slept on our shoulders and in our laps through the trolley ride, (oh so nice and peaceful ha ha) and woke only briefly while we switched to the light rail. Back at the train before we knew it, we were able to sit back and hold our still snoozing babes while we waited for departure. I was really tired and glad I didn't have to drive back from Dallas. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the time we arrived at our stop, both babies were awake and in good spirits. My sister and I were very pleased with how the day had turned out. We were very tired, but it was well worth it. Today was considered a 'splurge' day because I spent $10 total. Definitely worth it. Since Jacob is so young, there is so much we can do now before money has to get involved. And even then, it has to be more than worth it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will wait until another day to get my Stockyards story out to you, as I want to go back and review the $1 petting zoo. Expect it early December. So many things to do, so little time! Happy outings mamas!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-44784627454665933012013-10-26T02:35:00.002-05:002014-01-08T22:36:42.131-06:00Northpark Center and Collin Creek Mall-- all in ONE day!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiPafqNCXCdnfycwvexTjrMVjN9fp-qseUCkvlyQwnlHRbWpjcMg2RjVna3F0TB6GV4h39fF8_KIGMBUeLfwYcyNucQAxX1BAi9WKGP_b3DCkhX6DY8vhcGX2Nf0Uad9JGbk7JPtNh92P/s1600/dallas+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiPafqNCXCdnfycwvexTjrMVjN9fp-qseUCkvlyQwnlHRbWpjcMg2RjVna3F0TB6GV4h39fF8_KIGMBUeLfwYcyNucQAxX1BAi9WKGP_b3DCkhX6DY8vhcGX2Nf0Uad9JGbk7JPtNh92P/s320/dallas+day.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>NorthPark Center </b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>and Collin Creek Mall</b></u> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">Story Time, Ducks and Turtles, and a Soft-Play Area</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">FREE</b> (My only cost was the $10 train ticket, less than I would have spent in gas)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Of course I had to hit up 2 places when I took my excursion to Plano. I do not live close to the area, so I take transit and knock out a couple of the places on my 'Jacob and Mommy Playtime Wishlist'. I decided one lovely day that I was going to hit up a storytime somewhere new. I love storytimes and we 'chase' them all over the metroplex. You always have something to do if you have a library near you, and in the metroplex, you do. At least one. I love how each and every story time is so unique, and I use many of the techniques that I have learned going to these storytimes at home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacob and I rode the TRE out to Dallas and then took the light rail and a quick shuttle over to NorthPark Center. The Storytime would be held in North Court and was at 10:30, we arrived at 10:15. That gave me a chance to change Jacob, which I needed some time because there were not any close bathrooms, or at least what I consider close. When I came back down the LOOOONNNGGGG hallway from the bathroom, I was greeted by children's music, little colorful mats spread out on the floor, and mommies and lil munchkins arriving. There was a table to get your 'jingle bell' rattles, and scarves which were to be used in a song. We grabbed ours and picked out a nice spot, I was so excited and Jacob was dancing his little heart out to the music that played.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dallaslibrary2.org/branch/bookmarks.php" target="_blank">Story time</a> was magical. It is right out in the middle of North Court. Rhymes and stories, scarves as kites and songs to shake those bells to... it was fantastic. Happy children squealing and singing and stomping, passers-by stopping to look at the adorable children and also the mommies singing and reading with their precious babies, 20 awesome minutes of this. I loved the song selection, and if it was a new song, it was really easy to learn so that after the first verse, you are just singing right along. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0BKFrIUmV1fd2YB-iRwoWmQ8DgKfBBXbmajB8lnuqnJxclA5TTRnsZ6OAMR1wPKd0a4FZ2zL_9ubHLT99kd9Z2mkhvzCzebBGICOoEx4cshKw-f1_l9bkvUe5KGwTe7G3mCLihDtOqb5/s1600/northpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0BKFrIUmV1fd2YB-iRwoWmQ8DgKfBBXbmajB8lnuqnJxclA5TTRnsZ6OAMR1wPKd0a4FZ2zL_9ubHLT99kd9Z2mkhvzCzebBGICOoEx4cshKw-f1_l9bkvUe5KGwTe7G3mCLihDtOqb5/s400/northpark.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This Storytime is actually part of the <a href="http://dallaslibrary2.org/branch/bookmarks.php" target="_blank">Bookmarks</a> storytime, and <a href="http://dallaslibrary2.org/branch/bookmarks.php" target="_blank">Bookmarks</a> is a branch of the <a href="http://dallaslibrary2.org/" target="_blank">Dallas Public Library</a> that is located inside NorthPark Mall. If you happen to miss the morning storytime in the middle of North Court, you can attend the next one at 12:30 IN the library. The library is small, but really interesting. Jacob and I spent some time here after we had snacks in the courtyard. We had yet another storytime, I read 3 books to him while he played with puzzles (you get them from the front desk). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At this point I am ready to see some turtles and ducks. I walk for what seems like forever, past fountains and art sculptures that I don't understand and shops I will never shop at, until finally I reach the "pond" area. It is inside, with shallow water and some pyramid looking fountains, water cascading down the sides and shrubbery around, kinda nice, I liked it. A little bridge to walk over and a little rock island for a heat lamp, food, and hanging out right there were 3 little ducks and a turtle. Well Jacob was happy. "Du-Duck, Du-Duck", he screamed. We spent at least 20 minutes there. Du-duck, du-duck. 20 minutes. Ha ha ha I can still hear him!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is past lunchtime and nearing Jacob's nap time, so we skedaddled and made our way to the shuttle. Jacob and I chow down on some bananas and he got his milkies on the shuttle as we make our way to the light rail. Onward from the light rail we hit up a bus from Downtown Plano to Collin Creek Mall where Jacob began his 45 minute nap. I gotta say that writing this, transit sounds like a lot with the trains and light rails and shuttles and buses, but it really isn't. I find it much more calm and relaxing than driving anyhow. And it's easy once you get the hang of it.. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM_4KhugO-0SRZWlCm7fckXcF1fwpLUz2xih2zKRkTgxHcS75BK3FFH1AdPsXiTtaMStk_FqjOywmWRb-4TypFYAAuwgM59yzkNlV79_JyH-fbo0djmKbjf7AI24tgQ97_P3c3kVFjLuW/s1600/plano+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM_4KhugO-0SRZWlCm7fckXcF1fwpLUz2xih2zKRkTgxHcS75BK3FFH1AdPsXiTtaMStk_FqjOywmWRb-4TypFYAAuwgM59yzkNlV79_JyH-fbo0djmKbjf7AI24tgQ97_P3c3kVFjLuW/s400/plano+park.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We arrive at Downtown Plano Station, to find that there is a park right there next to the station!! A park with a pond, no less!! Well, Jacob was still sleeping in my arms, so maybe we can play on our way back. Jacob slept on the bus ride also, and woke up right before we arrived at the mall. Perfect timing!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked into the mall, and Jacob had to check out Lunar Golf. The lady inside was really nice and let Jacob just walk around for a while. I finally peel him away from the neon colors and we head towards the play area. WOW. That is what I have to say about his awesome play area. A jeep stuck in the mud and a waterfall are the two places that the kids really hung out at. Outside this wonderful play area are some coin operated kiddie rides and around the corner is one of those bounce attractions that Jacob is way too young for. I highly recommend making a visit to this play area if you can. One of the best so far.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcmi_7bAjtxz0W_UShSkbI8rnEqZhYzn6762CSue2EDkW4rOwZfCDXC2JPDHUzfSI4i3Q0lAw_WfkwWOcT1ra7khKODC4qDrwglklTyN80JO445FxAANS_LKEJbsPEARggkHCeaCKqdLZ/s1600/collin+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcmi_7bAjtxz0W_UShSkbI8rnEqZhYzn6762CSue2EDkW4rOwZfCDXC2JPDHUzfSI4i3Q0lAw_WfkwWOcT1ra7khKODC4qDrwglklTyN80JO445FxAANS_LKEJbsPEARggkHCeaCKqdLZ/s640/collin+creek.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After all this fun, I am ready to go, as is Jacob. We make the bus right as we walk out the door, and head back to Downtown Plano for about 15 minutes of park fun before it is time to go. Transit arrives, it is time for us to finally sit. Then, my dear son passed out immediately. I just stared at my exhausted baby for most of the way back. Just watched his little chest go up and down, his sweet breath each time making its way up to tickle my nose. He slept in my arms on the train as well. OUT. Completely out. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyes2GHkIQV_0hmtl0vEdaYw8MnJd-PLf9ieFNKFwuJ5EnOXbzXmYDgc3dyf57xILtSYEF0ptYiYcjM-mY_Iz6QD9kjC-wbZylOouHGPqblEMzy0gIK-m35wbbjm3Ov_goMhepdB09Xrc/s1600/out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyes2GHkIQV_0hmtl0vEdaYw8MnJd-PLf9ieFNKFwuJ5EnOXbzXmYDgc3dyf57xILtSYEF0ptYiYcjM-mY_Iz6QD9kjC-wbZylOouHGPqblEMzy0gIK-m35wbbjm3Ov_goMhepdB09Xrc/s320/out.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little booger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-85059448624834488592013-10-07T23:05:00.002-05:002014-01-08T22:30:03.736-06:00Even more fun events around DFW!!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dfwmetroplexmommy?ref=hl" style="background-color: #ead1dc;" target="_blank">DFW Metroplex Mommy</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dfwmetroplexmommy?ref=hl" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;" target="_blank"> </a></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">is on Facebook!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_k7qzHqhLCIARh8mEXVqj4G0A4sydnbejWxGBPTSSV79O8iGbU3kbfW0WG4vbvwzr6sUhtHX1qY6vTa7id3U8uw5JpLJySN59Hv2VwebJJtkN-n7bco4lngqd8PUegvu_tbpe4iXwyNB/s400/we+need+a+montage.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dfwmetroplexmommy?ref=hl" target="_blank">'LIKE'</a> us and stay up-to-date on things to do - mostly <b>FREE </b>cuz that is how I like it! See for yourself <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dfwmetroplexmommy?ref=hl" target="_blank">HERE</a>!!!</span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-48763811697271325182013-10-07T22:38:00.005-05:002013-10-27T21:22:07.967-05:00PARADISE POND -- APTLY NAMED<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/ministries/children/paradise-pond/" target="_blank"><b>Paradise Pond</b></a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">301 E. Texas Street</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span mce_style="color: #0000ee;" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span mce_style="color: #0000ee;" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grapevine </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><b style="background-color: #ea9999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">$1 per person</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Thursdays and Fridays<b> 9am-11am</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Dw5V2zQzBZ9Sw75IBjSBF8w_88_TRAi6x4967S4od-edRaK7f73KnvqH36LaUE85zkpvnVF-iYQzPbuTXg4TgsS5H_mISiKznF7j9rHNWx1fOYqSyijvWcm4T5sKFr5E2lcg3965D7y/s1600/paradise+pond+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0Dw5V2zQzBZ9Sw75IBjSBF8w_88_TRAi6x4967S4od-edRaK7f73KnvqH36LaUE85zkpvnVF-iYQzPbuTXg4TgsS5H_mISiKznF7j9rHNWx1fOYqSyijvWcm4T5sKFr5E2lcg3965D7y/s640/paradise+pond+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/ministries/children/paradise-pond/" target="_blank">Paradise Pond</a> is a child's wonderland. A parent's too. The second you step foot inside, you feel this childlike glee, you know that you are about to have a ball! There are rules and a waiver you must sign, then you get your <a href="http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/ministries/children/paradise-pond/" target="_blank">Paradise Pond</a> key chain and off you go to explore the magical world that First Baptist Church of Grapevine has created.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am amazed at how organized this place is. There are little "stations" each one with a different theme. You can go shopping at the little kid 'market' complete with toy fruits and veggies, a child's play kitchen, little shopping carts to gather your 'groceries', and a little table set up for a tea party if you like. Around the corner you can play with toy cars and all things 'vrooom', my son likes to sit in here for about an hour. You may enter the Paradise Pond area, which is an enclosed look-alike pond that has little soft play mats for lily pads and toy dinosaurs scattered throughout. The main 'attractions' in this wonderland are a bounce house, a wood workshop, little baby roller coasters, a large tube structure to play in, little bikes that are connected and move in a circle kind of like a merry go round, and an area for dress up. Yup. The kids can dress up like a princess or Elmo or Superman or a ballerina and go "shopping" or play with toy cars, just not in the bounce house or play structure. They want to keep the costumes in good shape. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For $1, you cannot beat this place. There is far more to this place than I can even mention. I loved it, my son loved it, his cousin loved it, all the kids there were having a BLAST, I mean, everyone needs to go here at least once. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You do need to know the following:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*<a href="http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/ministries/children/paradise-pond/" target="_blank">Paradise Pond</a> is just past the First Baptist Church building on the left if taking Texas St. from Main St. There will be signs pointing you to the right direction.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*Show up at 9. <a href="http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/ministries/children/paradise-pond/" target="_blank">Paradise Pond</a> is very popular, and once they reach capacity, a sign is placed outside that reads that their pond is overflowing. Keep on driving and try to come back another day.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*I can't remember if they allow shoes or not, but a good rule to remember is that you always want to bring socks to any play area, as MOST of them have rules about socks only.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">*You can rent it out for birthdays, just know that you need to schedule it at least 6 months in advance. Popular place, and once you visit, you will know why.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jacob and his cousin Haley could not make it to all the play areas. There is just so much to do. I am certain that I will be visiting Paradise Pond again in the very near future!! 2 hours will seem like nothing when you leave here, as there is so much to keep you and your little ones busy. Jacob passes out before we can even leave the parking lot, so it's a great nap-maker!!!</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-56923462161534169952013-10-07T21:33:00.001-05:002014-01-08T22:32:20.556-06:00Bounce Time at Colleyville Public Library<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQaEawYE4sDQ6AbcO9w6Q2Xv-n9cgMhcr9p8d_IXBx-0C2uU0QcIev-4aeRJn6GNl-oOffur52vpZJS_ogG2OkDvj81iNY9Tjs321sUDkmXi5A0kNV0neVYFdsNyy1UQzuK4QnzkMPwTo/s1600/colleyville+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQaEawYE4sDQ6AbcO9w6Q2Xv-n9cgMhcr9p8d_IXBx-0C2uU0QcIev-4aeRJn6GNl-oOffur52vpZJS_ogG2OkDvj81iNY9Tjs321sUDkmXi5A0kNV0neVYFdsNyy1UQzuK4QnzkMPwTo/s320/colleyville+2.jpg" height="320" width="136" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9Ax9ig1e3QOUJMKEK0PQ1NkxC8qWhD3mU0ZacjI7-hZKJG2PwFpn9r934r5gjzVeFLlX8REbI5ryliEGRoa6j2qaNtlJC_mx6MlTmY8SI9axtzRJ2ABBV3YOp8RlLQa8TvrpIclKPfxw/s1600/colleyville+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9Ax9ig1e3QOUJMKEK0PQ1NkxC8qWhD3mU0ZacjI7-hZKJG2PwFpn9r934r5gjzVeFLlX8REbI5ryliEGRoa6j2qaNtlJC_mx6MlTmY8SI9axtzRJ2ABBV3YOp8RlLQa8TvrpIclKPfxw/s320/colleyville+1.jpg" height="320" width="136" /></a><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bounce Time Friday</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">10am-11am </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="background-color: #ea9999;">FREE</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; line-height: 16px;"><b>for the 'under 3' crowd, perfect for crawlers!!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Colleyville Public Li</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">brary</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">110 Main St Colleyville</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every Friday morning, <span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">(always check the website calendar for closings)</span> you can take your lil chillins to Colleyville Public Library to release some wiggles. It is fantastic!! They have a nice sized room room set up with a bunch of soft play toys and mats to climb and tumble around on. You will find little toys to play with, balls to bounce, tunnels to crawl through, and plenty of area to roam. I love that the mothers are very attentive here and everyone is so friendly! Background music with children's songs and nursery rhymes so my son danced near the CD player for 15 minutes! And how cute to see the little ones get excited about a nursery rhyme they know come on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When playtime is nearing it's end, the 'time to clean up' song is played and everyone helps put away the toys. It is only open for an hour, but afterward you can head right next door to the children's library area, where there are toys for the little kiddos to play with and books to read to them. You can read to them while they play, or check out some books to read to them later. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love public libraries and what they have to offer, I always say you have something to do and somewhere to go if you have one near you. Get out of the house and snuggle up in a big over sized chair at the library and read a story or two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-48272317970525131702013-10-07T21:00:00.001-05:002014-01-08T03:51:59.079-06:00The Tubes at Irving Bible Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobyzuki5x4VmASV-wNrIL0nJS8JVUA27yxa0-7VHtTAY_lisqxIC96W_tYOcPU8XTv55quvmhyphenhyphene7AgOBnFe4gNfJTUWhYkyicfdaVr5cx89zOP76GjrteBfk1bjpEeosJCuINbO7uI_8k/s1600/tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobyzuki5x4VmASV-wNrIL0nJS8JVUA27yxa0-7VHtTAY_lisqxIC96W_tYOcPU8XTv55quvmhyphenhyphene7AgOBnFe4gNfJTUWhYkyicfdaVr5cx89zOP76GjrteBfk1bjpEeosJCuINbO7uI_8k/s400/tubes.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.irvingbible.org/about/our-building/room-locations/public-spaces/the-tubes/" target="_blank"><b>The Tubes</b></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; line-height: 24.5px;">2435 Kinwest PKWY</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;">(North Irving - off Beltline and 635)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">OPEN</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.5px;"> EVERY DAY </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.5px;">from 9am-9pm. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.5px;">*Closed from 8am-10:30am for cleaning on last Wednesday of the month. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">FREE</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.5px;">I stopped here on a whim because I was in the area, and I had seen The Tubes mentioned in a number of other blog posts and forums. We didn't have a ton of time, but we did get to experience the fun that is the Tubes, and I see why it is a favorite!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">The tube structure itself is for ages 3+ I would guess, looks like a ton of fun. Of course, I have a 13 month old and my sister has an 11 month old, so we really appreciated the toddler area, fish tank, and tiny tot area inside the enclosed tube structure.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">We took the kids to the <a href="http://www.irvingbible.org/events/ibc-facilities/public-spaces/the-bugs/" target="_blank">bug themed</a> play area, which is mostly enclosed and great for crawlers, cruisers and walkers. Jacob wanted to explore further, so we strolled into The Tubes.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">I am rather claustrophobic, so we didn't spend too long in there. It seems really compact, which I am sure kids don't care about, but I don't have a preschooler, I have a toddler that I need to stay next to in a play area like that. Straight to the back, there is a little structure for the tinier tots, which the little ones enjoyed. They climbed and crawled through a tunnel enjoyed their loud echoes inside the glass enclosed area. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">It was almost time to go when we ventured out, and noticed that there was an aquarium and a wall next to it with funny shaped and distorted mirrors. I will say the aquarium was a big hit. They pointed and babbled at the fish, until we had to peel them away and make a dash for the car.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.5px;">The staff here is very friendly and yes, you can have birthday parties here!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-16659868798735734272013-10-02T04:33:00.001-05:002014-05-12T01:26:04.830-05:00Grapevine Community Activity Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaxl1vpxFe1IYw34aFWOagPhVMHSbzpzWk0wcBIPSofK-nOPZBINhaL3xu_Ofxd70Aarxdk-1PM4j_wAVgY2tlR34El05nQHJj-PJHoSeEzd3xNoWLgjDhYSw5aBw4FsGxskOsPeMpZY5/s1600/cac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaxl1vpxFe1IYw34aFWOagPhVMHSbzpzWk0wcBIPSofK-nOPZBINhaL3xu_Ofxd70Aarxdk-1PM4j_wAVgY2tlR34El05nQHJj-PJHoSeEzd3xNoWLgjDhYSw5aBw4FsGxskOsPeMpZY5/s200/cac.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><a href="http://familyeguide.com/2013/grapevine-cac-preschool-playtime-2/" target="_blank">Grapevine Community Activity Center</a></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Discontinued until further notice</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strike><b>FRIDAYS ONLY</b> 10am-12pm</strike></span><br />
<strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">$1 per child over 12 months, </span></span></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strike><span style="font-size: large;">Parents </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">FREE</span></strike></span><br />
<strike><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</strike><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strike>I absolutely love this place. Jacob loves to walk, and here I don't have to constantly pick him up or redirect him. It is a gym that has a bouncy house, tumbling mats, giant soft blocks to build obstacle courses with, kiddie cars and bikes to ride, bouncy balls, hula hoops, a kiddie kitchen and workbench, and Whack-A-Mole on the wall. Unlike some of the other play areas, the CAC can accommodate many children at once. There is plenty of space for the munchkins to run, bounce, tumble and be rowdy. </strike></span></div>
<strike><br /></strike>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-49336802212946518282013-09-23T17:00:00.002-05:002013-10-09T22:05:04.224-05:00Story Time @ Bedford Public Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVOJKP7YsjZxvYg4NWIpThdm8pZRuYQDLhUryzIQV3ylSqXjriJgQ4MGDpiBvLDnmcuLohUrCOoS5p_awYVoXwveK5QHvRjtDKZldLYSTBIhLBX-fV77ZRNz0NqIKvcNWIf6T05awkjK8/s1600/Bedford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVOJKP7YsjZxvYg4NWIpThdm8pZRuYQDLhUryzIQV3ylSqXjriJgQ4MGDpiBvLDnmcuLohUrCOoS5p_awYVoXwveK5QHvRjtDKZldLYSTBIhLBX-fV77ZRNz0NqIKvcNWIf6T05awkjK8/s640/Bedford.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I really enjoy the Bedford Public Library, it is great for the whole family. (I always encourage people to check their local libraries for events and story times, free classes and seminars, and even twilight concerts on the front lawn like in Hurst!) So the story time at Bedford Library is amazing. Space is extremely limited, and you MUST register. There is a waiting list, so if you don't show, your spot is given to someone waiting. There are songs, stories, puppets, parachute play with a song, the lighting is really neat and the teacher is great. All of the songs and stories are read by everyone aloud to their child together, and there are songs that include drums, maracas and tambourines. If you wish to attend Bedford Public Library Babygarden, check on line for registration times, and make sure you register for the correct time. There are separate story times for pre-walkers, walkers and toddlers. I am trying to visit as many story times as I can, and I am working on a blog post with information from the local libraries with story times. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-3481469280553295942013-09-19T03:27:00.000-05:002013-12-15T16:17:05.141-06:00Yes Another Mall Play Area! And more to come.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7TA4jTnpVH4gFCGdJdjyv1j8poBnGmhwfWGzGeAYBEgnASy_WBeKhL5XwMpFvY3716aNeKhwdDpZ35SAxsYoHuZcU9LbSXo461am0nQ-F6wUTLuJMsslepbCfKr6nmzDE3fG-Yn9FlG3/s1600/Ridgmar+Mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7TA4jTnpVH4gFCGdJdjyv1j8poBnGmhwfWGzGeAYBEgnASy_WBeKhL5XwMpFvY3716aNeKhwdDpZ35SAxsYoHuZcU9LbSXo461am0nQ-F6wUTLuJMsslepbCfKr6nmzDE3fG-Yn9FlG3/s640/Ridgmar+Mall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Ridgmar Mall</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Soft Play Area </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">1888 Green Oaks Rd </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">Fort Worth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Open during business hours</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>FREE!!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let me start by saying that I took public transit to get here, and the bus dropped me off in the parking lot near Macy's. That stop also happens to be a transit center for other buses as well, so this could be your only trip or a stop along your journey.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I originally went here for just the play center. It was everything I hoped it would be. It really has an interesting layout, firetrucks, mushrooms, trains, a boat and a waterfall. The best time to visit is before school lets out, during the week. The play area rules say nobody over 42", but many parents ignore this and the little people it was made for get run over. Just FYI.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is also a little train nearby that goes around the mall. It costs $3 a person, and parents can ride as well. It makes choo-choo noises and sounds like a very quiet version of a real train.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A carousel sits right at the entrance of Macy's, and for $2, you (your child) can take a ride. I have yet to ride it, as our last attempt at a smaller version of a carousel was met with cries and screams for mommy. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In front of Sears there are some coin operated rides, just like the kind I used to pretend to ride when I was a miniature version of myself. They only take quarters, and there is a change machine right next to the rides for your convenience.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In the food court, right next to the adult sized tables, are children's tables. Just the right size for little legs. My 1 year old loved that he was not confined and we actually had a better dining experience than usual when eating out.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There are 2 fountains inside the Mall. One is larger with a bridge that crosses over it, and 4 turtle statues "spitting" water into it. Little people love to cross this bridge over and over, as well as climb the little the turtles. The other fountain is more a traditional smaller fountain, to be found by Dillard's. It is actually a nice place to take a breather away from all the action in the center of the mall.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is also an attraction next to the soft play area that has giant trampolines, and the kids are strapped to a hoist and lifted as they jump, so that they can soar way up high and remain safe. It costs $7 for 3 minutes, which I thought was kind of steep until I actually saw the contraption in action. I felt like a kid just watching!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you are shopping for your little one here, there is a Children's Place, Justice, Titan Toys, and a Build-A-Bear. There are also 2 conveniently placed "Sweet-tooth Shops" right next to the play area. One is all cupcakes, and the other is ice cream. If that was not enough, there is also a Candy World in this mall. I had to literally drag my son out of it, even though he knows nothing of candy yet, the vibrant colors and sweet smell grabbed my son and tried to suck him in.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As far as I am concerned, this is the best mall in Tarrant County that I have found, as far as being child friendly. I can make several hours out of a visit here, often spending $5 or less. This mall definitely comes with the DFW Metroplex Mommy stamp of approval!!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-20089043314738319562013-09-19T02:37:00.000-05:002013-12-15T16:16:41.844-06:00One of my favorites!!!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><a href="http://www.thehills.org/index.cfm/PageID/2042/index.html" target="_blank">The Hills Church of Christ</a></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Soft Play Area and Play Structure </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #93c47d;">FREE!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaZm7ssIHvQmJlLAIIecd_F5dnGHxIr1mRgiNDUoXcz0d8bLQj5ykuZpIuu3-9GIOVTOOM-ASOS9kVvmaoRPBEWI5QMtjr-3qswQA5fzEtBy1Fq1tzSmJ3sqr9baMsWxk8qN-33fuyqDk/s1600/Hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaZm7ssIHvQmJlLAIIecd_F5dnGHxIr1mRgiNDUoXcz0d8bLQj5ykuZpIuu3-9GIOVTOOM-ASOS9kVvmaoRPBEWI5QMtjr-3qswQA5fzEtBy1Fq1tzSmJ3sqr9baMsWxk8qN-33fuyqDk/s640/Hills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Hours:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sun</b>-2pm-4:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Mon</b>- 2pm-5pm </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">6300 N. Loop 820</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tues</b>-12pm-5pm </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">North Richland Hills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wed</b>-2pm-7pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thurs</b>-2pm-5pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Fri</b>-2pm-8pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sat</b>-9am-5pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>**<u>ALWAYS CHECK </u></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.thehills.org/index.cfm/PageID/2042/index.html" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u> FOR CLOSINGS!</u>**</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This play area is fantastic for your little ones to release their wiggles! This is an ideal play area no matter how old your little squirts are! There is a tube play structure (think McDonald's but cleaner and taller) for the older children, although the little ones can go through as well so long as they can handle it. The soft play area is roomy with plenty of space between the features. Some places seem rather cramped, not here Mama! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is a mini slide, a rocket ship and a shuttle to run/crawl in and out of, soft play moon rocks(?) and the area is surrounded by a comfortable seating area to watch the little ones. Since this church has an area for the big and little kids, there aren't any issues with your little one getting run over by the bigger kids. Mothers are also very attentive here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The star slide is the main attraction for the ankle biters, and they all congregate around it speaking heir baby babbles to each other, conspiring to take over the world and such.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">I went with my son through the tube structure, and all I could think was, "Where was this kind of stuff when I was a kid?" I was getting pulled out of the Hamburglar by the Fire Department because I got stuck in his head! Nope, nothing like this around. Anyhow, it was really a workout for me! There were a number of obstacles to wiggle through, and the twisting levels seemed to never end. The slide didn't seem too fast, mind you I am an adult with a 24lb child in my lap, so I did not reach full speed or anything.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is a little outdoor park that is available to play on as well. We might play outside if the weather cooperates, and then move the party inside or vice versa. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Like it says earlier in this post, always check the website for closings. The link is at the top of the page, just click the name of the church. Then visit if open. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-41322463459067295692013-09-19T01:26:00.000-05:002013-10-27T21:28:38.816-05:00Going to North East Mall? Park at Nordstrom...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Simon Kidgits Clubhouse</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> @ FREE!!</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Northeast Mall </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRfZazjTxaZPJlyQ8dVrN3oqkUjdAR5-HefFmllotH5M6NDSg4dOjYVbxh3P7hmK06FUCHylwfHkkfcHCKMK9ps-t1GprSqkyNm6QeCoV012iOWi3nRFs7L4TKcBIT20CKwI3uN5IKn-Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRfZazjTxaZPJlyQ8dVrN3oqkUjdAR5-HefFmllotH5M6NDSg4dOjYVbxh3P7hmK06FUCHylwfHkkfcHCKMK9ps-t1GprSqkyNm6QeCoV012iOWi3nRFs7L4TKcBIT20CKwI3uN5IKn-Q/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Open All Day </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> (Mall Hours) </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Nordstrom Hallway </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">1101 Melbourne rd.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Hurst, Tx</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recommend that if you visit this mall with children, park in the Nordstrom parking lot for the following reasons:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- The parking garage. The sweltering Texas sun makes your vehicle an oven, and with a small child in tow it can be downright miserable. For the both of you. Park in the shade and avoid the "meltdown".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-Visit Nordstrom <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">children's</span> shoe department for a free balloon. They are usually out in sight, but if there aren't any the sales associate is usually more than happy to get one for you. They are helium balloons, with a cute little weight at the bottom so the child will not lose the balloon, (at least not to the sky). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-The clubhouse is in the Nordstrom Hallway, so you can visit before you shop and/or after, and it's already 'on the way' rather than 'out of the way'. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-If you are a nursing mother that would like some privacy, or a mom with a "bathroom" crisis that is better handled as privately as possible, Nordstrom has a Mother's Room. It is roomy and comfortable and there are nice places to sit rather than a toilet. In fact, the toilet stalls are separate from the nursing/lounge area.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-There is an interactive screen pad on the floor in front of Nordstrom. Actually if you are walking in from Nordstrom, it is technically behind the directory signage. Children can walk across it and watch the images, as it makes it appear as though they are kicking leaves, or leaving a trail of sparkles.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Simon Kidgits Club is a little membership club that the kids can be a part of for $5 a year. You do NOT have to be a member to enjoy the play area. You get to spin the wheel at the Customer Service kiosk for prizes every time you visit the mall (bring your membership card) and when you sign up you get a bag of goodies, a t-shirt, and coupons that are to be used at stores or for food at places in and around the mall. There are events that are held regularly for the Kidgits Club members, and they are a blast!!!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is more for the kiddos here, like a little carousel in the same hallway as well as one in front of JCPenney. There is also a very nice and relaxing fountain, and kids love fountains for some reason. If you eat in the food court, the high chairs are by Subway ;) And Villa Pizza usually has a special for a .99 kids meal when you order a meal. You're Welcome. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love it every time I go :) </span> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-78727753725349980002013-09-18T23:52:00.002-05:002013-12-15T16:15:49.265-06:00One of the many DFW churches that has an open playtime...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.gracepointcoppell.org/the-ark" target="_blank">The ARK</a>, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>@ </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Grace Point Church</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">590 S. Denton Tap Rd.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coppell, Tx</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Hours: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>Monday from 9:00am to 5:00pm </b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Tuesday from </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">2:00pm</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> to 5:00pm </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Wednesday from </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>2:00pm</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> to 5:00pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Thursday from </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">2:00pm</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> to 5:00pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Friday from 9:00am to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>12:00pm noon</i></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></i></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> FREE!!!</span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">******************ALWAYS CHECK </span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.gracepointcoppell.org/the-ark" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> </span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR CLOSINGS******************</span></i></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWlumV0Sb7b1AiG5e_YFsc_sQGoVPNLOM3pnqXx284pOU5xEWPJlKZXec_OUMbE6vuP3oLL2bv0ogGPTuGdDYCbQOuBjOTlwE3yeRdyjZzp8ZAc1EAoRhdi058a_n6XdrlHAoNdPUwkO0/s1600/ark+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWlumV0Sb7b1AiG5e_YFsc_sQGoVPNLOM3pnqXx284pOU5xEWPJlKZXec_OUMbE6vuP3oLL2bv0ogGPTuGdDYCbQOuBjOTlwE3yeRdyjZzp8ZAc1EAoRhdi058a_n6XdrlHAoNdPUwkO0/s320/ark+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will start by saying that I went here on a whim. I was looking for things to do on a hot Texas Monday morning with my son, and BAM! I found this gem!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I found this place to be AWESOME!! The play area and play structure here for the "larger little ones" is HUGE with plenty of room for the kiddos to release their wiggles. All I could hear the entire time were the delighted squeals coming from children that were happy to be anywhere but stuck in the house on a 105 degree day.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We went to the little tots area, as my son is only 1. There is a mini play structure with slides and plenty to climb in/on/around. Lots of soft play toys, pads in case of falls, and the walls are covered with colorful games and other sensory objects to entertain the knee-high explorer</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jacob loved the little enclosed area in the play structure that had GIANT bouncy balls in it. Imagine: walking around in a world where the bouncy balls are bigger than you!! Rather Entertaining.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is an eating area with tables and chairs which is great to take a break in. I really like that they made it comfortable and fun. Also note that the larger play structure is big enough for a parent to crawl in in the event of a distressed child.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ARK is located in the back of the church, so before you park at the front and walk all the way around, (like I did), drive to the back and park where you see the outdoor playground. You're Welcome. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Also socks (no shoes allowed) are REQUIRED so bring an extra pair. They do have socks for loan, but I prefer to bring my own. Plus, I am that mom that will accidentally run off with those socks!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I will also note that you can have children's birthday parties here, but they fill up fast, so register early.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">I highly recommend that you take visit this church play area. I give it 5 stars. So does my son who slept for 3 hours straight after we left:)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2587562882994324426.post-69380442226652160772013-09-18T23:01:00.000-05:002013-09-18T23:01:41.146-05:00Get to the splash parks while you still can!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgvaBNa5o83Uh0UJKfhd4WOYbdQPGHI3fTlNutbX3GXHA0mCqFAWD3a6x0q8tSEdGf9yVPHeA6j9rj-RiJdkP5M_sRPP4JMSj8fC4ZnbN8RXioGaoavM6BelZHwpwru9EhKftmDMaARoW/s1600/Parr-Park-Sprayground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgvaBNa5o83Uh0UJKfhd4WOYbdQPGHI3fTlNutbX3GXHA0mCqFAWD3a6x0q8tSEdGf9yVPHeA6j9rj-RiJdkP5M_sRPP4JMSj8fC4ZnbN8RXioGaoavM6BelZHwpwru9EhKftmDMaARoW/s320/Parr-Park-Sprayground.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Parr Park Spray Ground</span></u></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hours: 8 am to 8 pm daily</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cost: Free</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.grapevinetxonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Parr-Park-Sprayground.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3354d6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Address: 3100 Parr Lane, Grapevine, Texas</span></strong></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Closes Sept. 30th</span></strong></div>
<a name='more'></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The lazy days of summer have come to an end, as far as any school age child is concerned. That doesn't mean that you can't soak up what is left of the warm weather while it lingers on for a few more weeks.</span></strong><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Most Spray/Splash Pads/Parks are closed after Labor Day. Grapevine, fortunately, has kept their 2 Spray Grounds open until September 30th. Your children can go release their wiggles in the park, and come back to cool off under the sprays and sprinkles of the Parr Park and Dove Park Splash Pad. The pavilions are available to rent and have electric outlets (2), picnic tables, and there are 3 right next to the park and spray ground, and 1 more giant pavilion closer to the large open field. Water shoes are encouraged, although not mandatory. </b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I held my son's very first birthday party here and it was amazing!! I wanted to have it at a water park, because his birthday is in August, but then I realized that every single person that came to the party would have to pay to get in. That turns people away immediately. I also didn't want my guests to feel financially drained at the end of the day. A family of 4 would have had to pay around $30 just to ATTEND the party, not counting the cost to drive there, the present, wrapping paper/bag, and of course the concession stand with it's $3 bottles of water. So at the end of the day, each family would have spent an estimated $75 easily just to attend a 1 year old's party.</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here, I rented a pavilion for the same amount as it would have cost me at the water park. BUT, nobody had to pay to get in. We had a nice little pavilion to ourselves, we used the electric outlets to power 2 fans, (which was genius as there was no breeze that day), and the children ran amok at the park and splashed around to cool off whenever they felt like it.</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I highly recommend this park for any gatherings or just a day out with the kids. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323707244633966448noreply@blogger.com0Parr Park, 3010 Parr Lane Regional Park, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA32.9066026 -97.11520430000001632.8932716 -97.135374300000009 32.9199336 -97.095034300000023