Plane Watching at Founders’ Plaza
March 4, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
Both of our children love watching airplanes. Well actually Rachel doesn’t understand much about them but she does point to them in the sky and grunts as they fly overhead. But we all had a good time visiting Founders’ Plaza at DFW International Airport. It is a great observation area for watching the planes take off and land but what’s really cool is that you can also hear live radio transmissions between the control tower and the planes.
Nicholas especially loved watching the planes through the onsight binoculars. I love this picture of him standing on his tip toes.
Of course, it doesn’t take much for him to have fun. He and Rachel seemed to have a blast playing under this information station!
There was a lot of information on display to help you get to know more about this huge airport. It was opened in 1974. At the time it was built, it was the largest and most expensive airport in the world. It is larger than the island of Manhattan and cost $700 million. It is the only airport in the world with three FAA control towers. It was also the first commercial airport to host a space shuttle landing which occurred in 1989 with the NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis.
There are cute statues of three children pretending to fly like airplanes.
Nicholas had to tickle the foot of one of them!
It was a bit chilly so we didn’t stay as long as we would have liked. There are picnic tables out there so I look forward to going back when it’s a little warmer and staying for a while. It is so close and so easy to find that we plan to go back often. Check out this map for specifics on how to find it.
Cortdera Park in Flower Mound
February 25, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
We love spending time each week at a local playground. This week we checked out Cortdera Park in Flower Mound. It’s a newly remodeled park on Cortdera Dr. which is off Morriss Rd, near the post office. It has a nice playground, a pond, and a big open field. The playground had some cool things we haven’t seen before at other parks. Nicholas loved these climbing disks.
And I don’t quite know if these are for walking on or swinging on but Nicholas enjoyed walking back and forth on them.
And the slides at this park were really cool! Wheeeee!
It’s fun to try new things! Get outside and go to a park you’ve never been to before and see what fun awaits.
Lego Mania!
February 24, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
The Lewisville library has a special event for little builders. It’s called Lego Mania! We recently stopped by to check it out. We were a little late so everyone was already absorbed in their creations but Nicholas quickly found the table with the cool Star Wars Lego pieces and went to work building.
It was neat watching the boys at the table. None of the boys seem to know each other and they were each building their own ships yet for the most part they would help each other find particular pieces that each other needed. It was a great experience in teamwork.
Lego Mania! is held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:00. There are tons of Legos as well as Duplo blocks from younger children. And best of all – it’s FREE! The Lewisville Library is located at 1197 West Main in Lewisville and their phone number is 972-219-3570.
Science Fun
February 17, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
We spent the day at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. What a fun way to learn about science with your friends! But you can’t learn on an empty stomach, right? We headed to Fort Worth a little early so we could have breakfast at Ol’ South Pancake House which my friend Holly over at the June Cleaver Nirvana blog recommended a while back.
Nicholas ordered from the kid’s menu…french toast with scrambled eggs and sausage. Good choice. Hmm, would you like a little french toast with that powdered sugar and syrup?
Rachel enjoyed bits and pieces of my breakfast while flirting with everyone around her. She’s quite a little social butterfly.
Finally, we were off to the museum. They have been closed for what seems like forever while doing a total $80 million redesign of the museum. Let me tell you, the wait was worth it!
We found some great activities for kids at the museum. We found a station on generating electricity. The staff person let Nicholas hook up some wires to what looks like a fishing reel and let him spin away. Look at Nicholas’ face as he realizes that he is manually generating the electricty to turn on the little light bulb that the staff person is holding.
Next we went to a station on aerodynamics. There was a table with lots of crafty-type supplies such as scissors, tape, pipe cleaners, paper cups, coffee filters, etc. The children made their own creations and then floated them in an air tube to see how well their design floated up in the air.
Nicholas loved this station and he made several different designs. Here’s one of them in action.
We also found a station with Snap Circuits (we must get some of these!). There are lots of different pieces that snap together in various formations to create electrical circuits. Nicholas played with some on his own but we also used some of the manuals at the table to create specific circuits like this one that powers a light bulb.
This was a challenging station with many activities involving art and light. Here Nicholas is drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch but he can’t look at his work directly but instead through the mirror in front of the drawing pad. Quite challenging!
This was a fun activity. There is a giant box of extra fine sand and some turntables. The children pile up some sand on their turntable and then use various tools to create designs in the sand as it is spinning around. I wanted to play with this one but there were too many children in line for me to feel ok hogging it all to myself.
Another cool electricity activity. Nicholas kept getting drawn back to this one. He loves anything that glows in the dark and this one was exceptionally neat!
Not to leave out the little one, we headed over to the little children play area. Rachel had fun toddling all around. She spent most of her time toddling between the pretend grocery store and hospital.
We had such a great time at the museum today. I see many trips here during the summer when we are looking for air conditioned places to play.
Family Fun Visiting North Texas sponsored by PUR
February 15, 2010 by Texasholly
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
The PUR Water on Wheels Tour is traveling around the metroplex this week. It is a truck jam-packed with fun and educational activities for the entire family about all things WATER.
Look what is on the outside!
WHAT’S INSIDE?
o Water Bar: You will have a chance to sit down and refresh yourself as “PURistas” serve up PUR filtered water and hand out decks of cards that showcase water stats.
o Giveaways: A free PUR replacement filter* will be given to every visitor who returns with a receipt for a PUR system purchase made at each retailer stop.
o Rock Climbing Wall: In January of 2010, PUR partnered with SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT: Kilimanjaro. Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch and others, climbed to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, to raise awareness and funds for clean drinking water initiatives. During the tour, you will be able to “Join the Climb” by tackling PUR’s exterior rock climbing wall.
o Water Museum: Pictures from the celebrity SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT: Kilimanjaro climb will be on display, along with gear worn by climbers. You can also learn more about water quality in the U.S. through videos and educational exhibits.
Here is where you can catch up with the Water on Wheels Tour. The truck will be in the parking lot of each location from 10:30 to 4:30 -
Feb. 19 – Friday: Lowes @ 4134 Ridgemont Drive, Abilene
Feb. 20 – Saturday: Lowes – 4444 N Galloway Avenue, Mesquite
Feb. 21 – Sunday: Lowes – 5720 South Broadway, Tyler
Feb. 24 – Wednesday: AAFES – Exchange Main Store, 1765 B Military Parkway, NAS JRB Fort Worth
Feb. 26 – Friday: Lowes – 11920 Inwood Rd, Dallas
Feb. 27 – Saturday: Lowes – 4305 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth
Feb. 28 – Sunday: Lowes – 2949 N George Bush Freeway, Garland
Don’t forget about the $400 Lowes Give Away! Click here for those details…it is easy!
See you there!
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
February 11, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
We spent the day at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. What a fun way to learn about science with your friends! But you can’t learn on an empty stomach, right? We headed to Fort Worth a little early so we could have breakfast at Ol’ South Pancake House which my friend Holly over at June Cleaver Nirvana recommended a while back.
Nicholas ordered from the kid’s menu…french toast with scrambled eggs and sausage. Good choice. Hmm, would you like a little french toast with that powdered sugar and syrup?
Rachel enjoyed bits and pieces of my breakfast while flirting with everyone around her. She’s quite a little social butterfly.
Finally, we were off to the museum. They have been closed for what seems like forever while doing a total $80 million redesign of the museum. Let me tell you, the wait was worth it!
We found some great activities for kids at the museum. We found a station on generating electricity. The staff person let Nicholas hook up some wires to what looks like a fishing reel and let him spin away. Look at Nicholas’ face as he realizes that he is manually generating the electricty to turn on the little light bulb that the staff person is holding.
Next we went to a station on aerodynamics. There was a table with lots of crafty-type supplies such as scissors, tape, pipe cleaners, paper cups, coffee filters, etc. The children made their own creations and then floated them in an air tube to see how well their design floated up in the air.
Nicholas loved this station and he made several different designs.
We also found a station with Snap Circuits (we must get some of these!). There are lots of different pieces that snap together in various formations to create electrical circuits. Nicholas played with some on his own but we also used some of the manuals at the table to create specific circuits like this one that powers a light bulb.
This was a challenging station with many activities involving art and light. Here Nicholas is drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch but he can’t look at his work directly but instead through the mirror in front of the drawing pad. Quite challenging!
This was a fun activity. There is a giant box of extra fine sand and some turntables. The children pile up some sand on their turntable and then use various tools to create designs in the sand as it is spinning around. I wanted to play with this one but there were too many children in line for me to feel ok hogging it all to myself.
Another cool electricity activity. Nicholas kept getting drawn back to this one. He loves anything that glows in the dark and this one was exceptionally neat!
Not to leave out the little one, we headed over to the little children play area. Rachel had fun toddling all around. She spent most of her time toddling between the pretend grocery store and hospital.
We had such a great time at the museum today. I see many trips here during the summer when we are looking for air conditioned places to play.
Art Museums in DFW with Kids
January 27, 2010 by Texasholly
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has some distinguished art museums. They are often discounted as a place for children, but here are some reasons why you SHOULD be taking your kids with you. These museums have gone out of their way to be family friendly and offer fun and education to “artists” of all ages.
The Dallas Museum of Art has three different Family Audio Tours. Arturo, the Museum’s Mascot leads the tour geared for 5-11 year old children. The tours are available at the Visitor Services desk and are free.
DMA hosts Late Nights, (We)ekends at the Museum and Family Films. For the younger children, The Dallas Museum of Art offers Arturo & Me. 3–5 year olds and a favorite grown-up will work together to look at works of art, read a related story in the galleries, and do an art-making activity in the museum studio. For the even younger kids they offer Toddler Art. 2 and 3 year olds and a favorite grown-up will participate in art-related activities and play in Arturo’s Nest, the Museum’s kid-friendly space.
The Meadows Museum hosts Family Days which include gallery games, hands-on activities, and performances highlighting the temporary exhibitions at the Meadows Museum. There is also a series of Drop-In Art experiences on select Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. More information about both these Meadows Museum events can be found on their website.
The Kimbell Art Museum has new family gallery guides focusing on masterpieces in the Kimbell’s permanent collection. Picture cards for each artwork provide fun facts and discussion questions that encourage children and adults to explore new ideas together. This free Kimbell family resource at the Information Desk to enrich your next Museum visit.
The Kimbell also hosts summer camps, school break camps and workshops for kids along with Family Festivals that include hands-on activities and film programs, along with storytelling and other performances.
The Amon Carter Museum has a series of guided tours for all levels of participants. Advance reservations are required for a specialized tour. The other thing that this museum provides is quite a few online learning resources. These might come in handy for school projects or at home adventures.
Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art
The Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art offers Wonderful Wednesdays which is a free gallery program for families is designed as an informal introduction to the collection and special exhibitions. It is offered once a month and consists of a focused tour and is accompanied by a gallery project designed by the Modern’s education staff. Admission is free for participants of the program.
Due to popular demand, the Modern is starting a new series this spring for teens age 12 to 16 age of 12 about Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol:The Last Decade, is designed and led by the collaborative efforts of the Modern education staff. The program includes tours, group discussions, and gallery projects and concludes with a studio project.
The Modern will again host summer camps in 2010 for young artists – ages 5 through 13. These camps emphasize learning through direct observation of art and thoughtful art activities inspired by the current exhibition. This introduces students to some of the complex and challenging concepts and practices behind modern and contemporary art. Activities will include everything from art making in the traditional sense to interdisciplinary exploration.
More information on all these programs can be found on each museum’s website.
Have I missed anything fun? Please add it to the comments below and I will update the article.
Lunar Mini Golf
January 26, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, activities, feature
We had a blast today at a friend’s birthday party. It was held at Lunar Mini Golf inside Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville. In case you don’t know what in the world that is, think of Putt-Putt golf, indoors, lit only with black lights, and lots of neon paint and golf balls in the room. It was fun although quite challenging, I dare say impossible, to get a good picture capturing the mood without destroying it by using a flash (although I’m sure Stuart could prove me wrong!)
Here’s my lame attempt. Slow shutter speed to let in more light which wasn’t fast enough to capture the moving 5 year old in the middle of the picture
. 
What? You can’t see him? He must have turned invisible. No, there he is. Look closely at the blacklight illuminating his white shoes and his glow in the dark bracelet. We had a great time and I’m sure we’ll go back!
Take Me On A Tour: Sixth Floor Museum
January 17, 2010 by Happy Campers
Filed under To Do in DFW, feature
When Great Grandma was making her plans to visit us last week, Grammie thought she’d like to see the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas.
Honestly, I have never considered a trip because Reese is in Kindergarten and I was afraid he wouldn’t understand the relevancy of such a museum. But it was either the Sixth Floor Museum or the King Tut exhibit, and I was glad Grammie & Great Grandma chose the Sixth Floor museum because it was cheaper!
Adult admission cost $13.50 , Seniors cost $12.50, Children (6-18) cost $12.50, & children under 5 are free. With this coupon I was able to save $2 per admission (I printed one copy for everybody) so the cost was very reasonable!
They do not allow photography or videotaping in the museum, so this mural at the entrance was our only photo opportunity!
I had expected to pay extra for the audio tour offered, because I wanted Great Grandma & Grammie to get the full effect of the tour. Imagine my surprise when I found out the audio tour is included in the admission cost! That makes it an even better value, because other places (such as the Dallas Zoo) charge extra for the audio tour option.
This was taken inside the women’s restroom, because technically, I wasn’t supposed to be taking pictures. But we hadn’t entered the museum yet, & I wanted to get a shot of how thrilled Reese was with my photo request…
What other fun homeschool adventures is Heather up to? Come find out at Reese’s View Of The World.Bowling 101
January 12, 2010 by BlessedinTexas
Filed under To Do in DFW, activities, feature
Nicholas went to a friend’s birthday party at Main Event in Lewisville and he tried bowling for the first time. He got some pointers from Daddy. The lanes had the bumpers up to keep the kid’s balls from going straight into the gutter. I don’t think anyone kept score. It was just a lot of fun!
After bowling, the kids enjoyed Spider-man cupcakes and some video games.
