Lunar Mini Golf

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

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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!

Bowling 101

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.

Dallas Area Festivals by Month

It’s 2010  and another fun-filled year is upon us, packed with events, festivals and more.  If you’re looking for some fun and excitement in the Dallas Fort Worth area, we have put together a list of some (of the many) festivals and shows that the Dallas Fort Worth area has to offer. What will your family do in 2010?

JANUARY

Southwestern Exposition and Stock Show & Rodeo: This popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for the nation’s oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world’s original indoor rodeo. For affordability and good family fun the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo can’t be beat. www.fwssr.com

FEBRUARY

Black History Month: Although it’s not a festival in the usual sense, you would be hard-pressed to find a better description for this monthlong collection of activities, events and exhibits honoring ethnic history and culture.  One example is the The Texas Black Film Festival, which will host three full days of entertaining and insightful films, workshops, and events. Programmed for family entertainment and inspired by the African-American experience, this festival will provide film makers an opportunity to reach audiences with films seldom recognized through major theatrical release.  www.texasblackfilmfestival.com

Cowtown Marathon: The Cowtown is a non-profit organization promoting community health and wellness to North Texans of all fitness levels by providing enjoyable, accredited races for young and old, skilled athlete and novice. Events include a marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K and 5K races. The Cowtown was started in 1979 and continues to thrive and grow each year; in 2010 they will be celebrating their 32nd year of running. www.cowtownmarathon.org

MARCH

North Texas Irish Festival: Largest Celtic festival in the Southwest features bagpipes aplenty, with traditional, contemporary and pop music; traditional dancing; cultural booths; wandering musicians; Scottish clan village; and Urchin Street Faire. Fair Park, Dallas. 214-821-4173. www.ntif.org

APRIL

CJ+K Hickory Street Mud Bug Boil & Gumbo Cook-Off: Daylong crawfish boil, street party and all-you-can-eat charity fund-raiser, which also includes fried fish and deep-fried turkey, gumbo competition and sampling, and live entertainment. 1211 W. Hickory St., Denton. 940-565-0770. www.mudbugboil.org

Prairie Dog Chili Cook-Off and World Championship of Pickled Quail Egg Eating: “Granddaddy” of North Texas chili cook-offs after nearly three decades, this two-day event includes more than 100 chili teams, pinto bean cooking contest, quail egg eating and tortilla tossing contests, “Lemon Roll” and anvil toss. Alas, no prairie dogs. Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie. 972-647-2331. www.tradersvillage.com

MAY

Asian Festival: Largest Asian heritage celebration in North Texas, this event features local dance and music groups performing traditional routines, martial arts, sumo demonstrations, kids activities and, of course, Asian food. Annette Strauss Artist Square, Flora at Leonard, Dallas. 972-241-8250. www.gdaacc.com

Cinco de Mayo Festival: Parade, live bands and dancers, soccer tournament, children’s crafts and food. Civic Center Park, 321 E. McKinney, Denton. 940-349-8509. www.dentoncinco.org

Texas Stadium Festival: A quarter-century tradition, event celebrates Hispanic culture and Cinco de Mayo with live entertainment, exhibits, games, carnival rides and food. State Highway 114 at Loop 12, Irving. 972-785-0400

National Polka Festival: Three-day event, around for nearly 40 years, celebrates Czech and Slovak heritage with parade, polka bands and dancing, traditional costumes, arts and crafts booths and ethnic food. Memorial Day weekend. In Ennis. 972-878-4748 or 1-888-366-4748. www.nationalpolkafestival.com

JUNE

Denton Juneteenth Celebration: Three-decade-old tradition marking the emancipation of Texas slaves, the festival includes live entertainment, food vendors, basketball “shoot-out,” barbecue cook-off and children’s games. Fred Moore Park, Bradshaw and East Prairie. 940-349-7275 or 940-349-8275. www.dentonparks.com

Fort Worth Juneteenth Freedom Celebration: Another long-standing event, with several days of activities, including a parade, music festival, pageant, dance competition, art and history exhibits, religious observances and 3-on-3 basketball tournament. In and around the Tarrant County Convention Center. 817-335-1866

JULY

Old-Fashioned Fourth: Old City Park in Dallas takes visitors back to a turn-of-the-century Independence Day with a parade, the swearing-in of new U.S. citizens, live entertainment, a pie-eating contest and stick horse rodeo. 1717 Gano St. 214-421-5141. www.oldcitypark.org/fourth.htm

Gran Fiesta de Fort Worth: Three evenings of Latino culture, including folkloric dance; mariachi, merengue and salsa bands; outdoor arts and crafts mercado; children’s activities; and food reflecting Hispanic and Latin cultural influences on Texas and the Southwest. 214-855-1881 or 817-488-2336. www.meifestivals.com

AUGUST

North Texas State Fair: OK, this is a fair, not a festival. But it has been around for three-quarters of a century, which, in the shadow of the State Fair of Texas, should count for something. Includes championship rodeo, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, barbecue cook-offs, fiddling contest and petting zoos. North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton. 940-387-2632. www.northtexasstatefair.com

SEPTEMBER

The Corndog Festival: Timed to the opening of the State Fair of Texas, this annual benefit features corn dogs in costumes and oddball dioramas. Includes live music and all-you-can-eat corn dogs and tater tots. Ozona Grill & Bar, 4615 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-749-3901. www.corndogfestival.com

Greek Food Festival: One of Dallas’ oldest food fests (nearly five decades), featuring all-you-can-eat buffets with Greek favorites such as gyros, dolmas and spanakopita; a marketplace; cooking demos; and entertainment. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Road at Alpha. 972-991-1166. www.greekfestivalofdallas.com

National Championship Indian Pow Wow: Salute to American Indian heritage attracts dance participants from dozens of tribes, artisans and crafts people. Event includes tepee contest, Indian food booths and exhibits. Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie. 972-647-2331. www.tradersvillage.com

Addison Oktoberfest: Munich-style harvest festival features four days of German foods – including sausage, sauerkraut, strudel and giant pretzels – plus authentic beer, wine tastings, live music and dancing, carnival and children’s activities. Addison Circle Drive. 1-800-233-4766. www.addisontexas.net

OCTOBER

Country Day on the Hill: Cedar Hill event harks back to an era when farm families came to town after the harvest to trade goods in the town square. Sixty-six years old and counting, the festival includes settlers reunion, traditional food, arts and crafts, horseshoe tournament, street dance, music, chili cook-off and pie auction. 972-293-4740

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival: Three-day commemoration of Texas’ cowboy culture opens with arrival of wagon train and includes ranch rodeo, ranch cutting horse and chuck wagon competitions, cowboy poetry recitations, music, trading post and food. Fort Worth Stockyards, Main Street at Exchange Avenue. 817-444-5502 or 1-888-269-8696. www.theredsteagallcowboygathering.com

Lebanese Food Festival: Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church festival features three days of homemade Middle Eastern food such as tabbouleh, hummus and baklava, plus performances including Lebanese folk dancers and belly dancers, and children’s activities. 719 University Place, Lewisville. 972-436-7617. www.ourladylebanon.com

DECEMBER

Candlelight at Old City Park: Holiday celebration includes a parade, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, arts and crafts, children’s crafts and storytelling. 1717 Gano St., Dallas. 214-421-5141. www.oldcitypark.org

KwanzaaFest: Features live entertainment, including musical performances and African dancers, children and family activities, vendors and food. Fair Park, Dallas. 214-653-6671. www.johnwileyprice.com/pages/kwanzaa.html

If we happened to leave out a festival that you know our other readers would love to know about, please leave the information in the comments below!

Trains at North Park

The trains at NorthPark Center in Dallas is a fun thing to do with your kids over the holiday break. The trains are set up in a store front in the mall. All the proceeds go to benefit the Ronald McDonald house.

When you walk through the train display, there are trains on both sides on multiple levels. There is space for strollers and you will find yourself lifting your kids so they can see things up high. There are also displays lower on their level.

The details are pretty great. There are little scenes everywhere you look. My boys were especially interested in anything construction-related.

The train display doesn’t take long. We probably spent about 30 minutes. The food court at NorthPark is expansive and kid-friendly.

NorthPark Center has an unusual attraction for kids. In several locations they have these large planters filled with beautiful flowers. The tile bricks are very slick and children climb up to the top, hang on, then slide down. The planters attract tons of kids and all seem to have a fun time.

More information about the trains at NorthPark can be found here.  The exhibit will be at NorthPark  November 21, 2009 through January 3, 2010.

Now, THIS is Halloween…

Circus performers. Costume contests.  Consignment sales. Woo-hoo!

I was poking around the web earlier, looking for something great to do with my son on Halloween — a fun little treat that would tuck nicely in between nap time and a trip to Grandma’s — and, voila … the 2^nd Annual North Texas Kids Family Expo.

Held at the Plano Centre from 10 am-4 pm, this event not only sounds awesome (I’m a sucker—ahem—I mean my son, Cooper, is a sucker for bounce houses, face painting and “peace of mind” trick-or-treating), but it’s also benefiting a great local charity: CITY House, an emergency crisis shelter for teens.

The NTK Expo is totally budget-friendly (FREE! woo-hoo!). There’s a line-up of parenting seminars (I’ve got to check out the one about kids and healthy eating) with child care provided (double woo-hoo!).  And, I can wear my Super Mom cape loud and proud (c’mon, we’ve all got one).

Now, all we have to do is decide what Coop’s going to be … Super Son, perhaps (that’s a costume that fits like a glove).

Grapevine, Texas… It’s the Little Things.

It’s easy to get excited about Grapevine, Texas. Of course for those of us from the great city of Flower Mound, the best part is that it is right next door.

There are some big things to get excited about…there’s the Gaylord Texan and the Great Wolf Lodge, each of which can and have necessitated entire posts to themselves. Not to mention, my wife and I were married at Delaney Vineyards, that fact alone makes the entire city a national treasure. Or at least, infamous.

My wife loves the boutique scene on Main Street in Grapevine, tons of quaint little shops and restaurants to enjoy on a leisurely shopping day. Of which we have SO many. Please attempt to wade through my sarcasm.

My daughter, on the other hand, was invited to a birthday party this year at Let’s Pretend. She got to dress like a princess, eat cupcakes and drink tea, and I’m fairly certain she now thinks this city is better than wherever Mickey Mouse was born. Or Hanna Montana. Whatever.

But for my son and I, the appeal of Grapevine lies in the details…and there are many. To drive too quickly by, or even through Grapevine, you would miss most of the history and accents of this quaint place. The streets are loaded with stories of what and who created it, and plaques and statues dot the landscape awaiting anyone with the time for a treasure hunt.

So, as my 2 year old son would say, if he could, start your adventure with a stop at Kountry Donuts. In fact, start EVERY adventure with a stop at Kountry Donuts. Got a dentist appointment? Make sure you leave time for one of the two drive thrus. Got a morning to fill? Fill it with a Bavarian Creme, and go inside. This deep-fried Mecca may not look like much from the outside, but inside, they are making dreams come to life.

And then, start walking. Share your donuts with the gentleman on the bench.

Think about the folks who found this area,

And those who made it what it is today.

I promise you, you will find something in this place that speaks to you.

Jay Lessons is a novice ‘burb daddy, a husband-in-training, and a sarcastic elitist. You can find more of his reflective rants at HalftimeLessons.com.

Corny Dogs and Pig Races: The State Fair is back in Town

Let’s be honest.  If there’s one thing that we Texans love most about our state, it’s autumn.  The kids are back in school and nighttime temperatures dip into the 70’s.  We begin to forgive and forget the oppressive heat our great state has just dragged us through.  It’s like what they say about childbirth.  Once that beautiful baby is in your arms, you forget all the pain.  October in Texas, is the beautiful baby.

With limitless sunny days and humidity a forgotten foe, our spirits lift as we once again, step outside to explore the world beyond air conditioning.  Sure, we still throw on shorts and tees, but we dare to toss a cardigan or a sweatshirt in our truck.  Texans are usually hospitable folks, but when the temperatures get cooler, they’re downright genial. My husband thinks I’m crazy, but I swear that drivers are friendlier on the fall roads.  I see less “speed-up-to-cut-in-front-of-you-moves” followed by pantomime cursing and more “go-on-ahead-of-me-nods” with acknowleding wave-backs.  Aint life great?

Armed with the knowledge that you’re less likely to be a victim of road rage in the fall, I’ve got a suggestion for you.  Load up the troops and head on down to the Great State Fair of Texas!

Now I personally know some of you who think the place is filthy, the people are trashy, and the food is unhealthy.  You’re right on all three counts!  It’s a fair, for goodness sake!  There aren’t supposed to be white table cloths, everyone looks like trash by the end of the day covered with a thin layer of Texas dust, and no one ever promised that a helping of fried butter (you read correctly) or fried coca-cola (yummy, I swear) was going to be good for you.  But I beg you to think less of how much antibacterial hand wash you’ll need, and more about the great memories you could create with your family.

I grew up in Indiana, and every year my mom and dad and I went to the State Fair.  Sure, it’s not as big as the Texas State Fair, but there’s just as much fun to be had.  We always went to the different barns to check the prize-winning animals.  The world’s largest hog was a big draw, the sheep smelled horrible, and the different horses were beautiful.  My dad and I rode a few of the rides, while my mom watched from the sidelines.  The tractor pull was always fun to see, as well as the exhibits in the different halls sprinkled throughout the fairgrounds.  Junk food was devoured.  Lemon shake-ups, elephant ears, and sweet roasted corn on the cob were favorites, but we never once left the fairgrounds without an Italian sausage sandwich or two.   These are great childhood memories for me, and I’m sure if you take your kids down to Fairpark in October, you can create some fun yearly traditions and fond memories as well.

Head to the fair in the late afternoon or evening if possible.  The crowds are lighter, and much of the good entertainment gets started when the sun goes down.  No matter the age of your kids, don’t miss the Pig Races.  Even college aged big kids find it hard to be cool when the dressed up oinkers hit the track.  Same goes for the stunt dog show and herding demonstration, those dogs know how to work a crowd.  From here, make your way over to the rides.  I’ve learned from experience that an empty stomach makes for a more pleasant ride.  Be sure to hit the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, which is so big it can be seen miles away; it’s a beautiful ride at night.  Everyone enjoys the Starlight Parade which begins at 7:15 nightly and is kicked off with the ever impressive U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.    Colorful floats wind through the fair with costumed characters and moving lights.

Next, I’d go for some good food, and I’ll throw in a tip for free.  Never buy two of anything!  There is so much food to sample at the fair; the idea is to taste a variety, not to get filled up on one thing.  It’s almost sacrilegious to leave the State Fair of Texas, without eating a Fletcher’s Corny Dog, so be sure to hit this famous booth.  This year’s winning fried entries promise to be yummy, so I’ll be trying both the Fried Butter and the Fried Peaches and Cream.

My hubby will want to check out the Classic Corral’s selection of vintage autos.  Each night a different local group displays their beauties, and owners chat with car enthusiasts.  Boys of all ages, including some husbands, will want to stop by East Park Plaza to hop in a simulator and play the video racing game Forza.  This highly anticipated game won’t be released until November, but Texas fairgoers can take their turn in October.

There’s so much to see and do, and a whole month to accomplish it. Take time in October to enjoy the cooler days, spend time with your family, and relish the slower pace of a fair.  Build some memories with your kids and remember another reason why you love this state.  Be sure to tell Big Tex I said, “Howdy!”

Kelli Kayaks – Grapevine adventures for your family

Listen up Dallas! There is more to discover in our bustling city than malls and football games. Trust me, I too race to the twice yearly sale at Nordstrom’s and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching the sales lady at Neiman’s open the David Yurman case so I can slip something on from their newest collection. Likewise, there’s something comforting about standing in line at Tom Thumb on Sunday, surrounded by fans in Romo jerseys, anxious to get home, start cooking and cheering on Da’ Boys.

But on a Saturday morning, before the malls open and there’s no chance that the screen at the new Cowboy’s Stadium is lit up, get out there and try something different! Yesterday, my hubby and I did just that; we went kayaking around Grapevine Lake.

I first kayaked several years ago with a ladies trip. In the ocean, off the coast of La Jolla, California, we kayaked in and out of sea caves. It was thrilling, and I was hooked. Since then, my husband and I have taken lessons, and hit the water several different times. We really enjoy the peace and solitude, now that we’re not so worried about tipping over.

This weekend, we rented two different kayaks from Heart of Texas Kayaks in Grapevine. It’s a new place that’s only been open since July, but they’ve got a variety of boats for sale or for rent. On Friday, I picked out a 14’ closed hull for my husband, and an 11’ open air for myself. If you’ve got kids with you, you can rent a tandem kayak and plop them in the front so you can keep an eye on them!  The rentals come with paddles and life vests.  I loaded the kayaks onto the roof of our SUV (that is another story in and of itself, but there are no scratches on the car) and drove home.

Saturday morning, with the car already loaded, we packed our lunch and headed out to Trophy Club. Someone had tipped us off to a little known boat launch on Marshall Creek. Other than a couple of fishermen, and a ton of tricolored herons, the place was quiet. We easily slipped our kayaks into the creek, and headed against the current toward the lake. The fish were jumping and they were huge! I should call my fisherman dad and find out what they were, Pikes maybe? White egrets nestled on dead branches, and if we were quiet enough with our paddles, they didn’t fly off when we floated by. Cruising down the waterway, it’s hard to imagine that you’re within walking distance of well over one million people. Marshall Creek is lined with trees, so there was plenty of shade as we paddled, and the rustle of the wind in the leaves was soothing. The creek widens out and gets a little noisier as you near the lake. On the right bank there’s an off road area, so there were plenty of dirt bikes and ATV’s tearing up the trail. Around the next bend, the noise of the motors is gone and the lake comes into full view. It was a spectacular day with a breeze strong enough to cool us off, but not gusty enough to fight our navigation. We paddled across the lake to look at some beautiful homes then sat back and drifted while we had lunch. After an hour, we decided to head back to the launch. This time, we were floating with the current, so the two and a half mile journey was a little easier.

Back on dry land, we assessed the damage; two sunburned knees (his), two sunburned lips (mine) and one mysterious arm bruise (his). We loaded up the kayaks, much easier with someone who is over 6 feet tall, and drove back into town. It was nice to get out and get some fresh air and best of all, we made it home in time for the Cowboys game.

North Texas State Fair & Rodeo…Worth A Short Trip!

Every year, Reese & I make a visit to the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo in Denton.  There are a few reasons we return every year.  One, it’s in Denton.  Denton is smaller and closer to my house than driving all the way to Dallas.  Two, the North Texas State Fair is much smaller & more manageable…I have always wanted to try the “real” Texas State Fair, but it’s just so BIG and intimidating to me.

We have gone for the past three years & will return again next week for our annual fill of carnival rides, corny dogs, & singing the National Anthem!

Some great hints:

• Go on a weeknight.  They open at 6pm (see the website link to verify time) and there is parking right across the street for $5 cash.  We arrive about 6:00 every time, park the car, and take a walk across the street, directly to the entry booth.  Easy peasy!

• Buy an all-you-can-ride midway wristband.  Tickets are $20 for 24 tickets, or $1 per ticket (CASH only).  Each ride costs at least 3 tickets (gah!) and the ferriss wheel cost 5 tickets!  That means taking my boy on just the ferris wheel set us back $10.  Ouch…double ouch!  Every year, I buy a $20 sheet of tickets and they are gone in no time.  This year, we are spending the extra bucks for wristbands ($30 each) for unlimited rides.  The way I see it, we can ride and ride and ride, and the more we ride the better value our wristbands become!  Heck, three spins on the Ferris Wheel with my boy & they’ve paid for themselves!

• Bring CASH.  Some of the food vendors accept credit cards, but the carnival midway is strictly cash, and if I recall correctly, the admission ticket booth also only accepts cash.  You can also purchase your admisssion tickets online for a discount.

• There are LOTS of free things to see & do!  The petting zoo in the kids’ area is free ($1 for a feed cup), and there are lots of activities in the Kiddie Area that don’t cost anything.  They have live music, and of course the rodeo.  If you get there close to opening, you can also see the livestock show inside the barns.  There is also a great exhibit hall with vendors, more food, and the Creative Arts contest.  Reese entered a piece of art this year, & I entered a paper-coil bowl I created as well!

We have always gone on a weeknight, so I don’t know if a weekend evening would have more college kids or not.  But every time we’ve gone, it has been a low-key crowd with friendly people and great fun!

So, below, is the post I wrote after our fun at the fair last year.  Hope to see you there…we’ll be going on Tuesday night!

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Reese & I had our annual date to the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo:

Heather writes at Reese’s View Of The World.

For Those Left Behind at School Time

In all the hustle of getting two boys prepared for going to school, I have not forgotten the voice of my three year old.  OK, to be honest, his voice is loud and not easily forgotten. He has voiced his dread.  He is dreading his brothers going back to school.  He is dreading being the ONLY one stuck home with mom.  As the third child he has no concept of doing anything alone.  I am excited because I have some day trips planned over the next few months which will convince him that he is the LUCKY one.

There are so many fun things to do in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and here are a few of my favorites to visit with toddlers and preschoolers:

1.  Dallas Arboretum – This will probably be one of our first outings because throughout the month of August admission is just $1 during the Arboretum’s Dollar Day promotion.  The Dallas Arboretum continues to host an amazing exhibit of 14 Storybook Playhouses through the month of December.

There is plenty of shade throughout the gardens and little ones might want to wear their swim trunks because the frog fountain is too enticing to pass by.

2.  Forrest Park Miniature Railroad – This short train ride has been a favorite of my boys for years.  It is located just outside the Fort Worth Zoo parking entrance and winds for 45 minutes through Forrest Park and across the Trinity River.  It makes one stop for popcorn and time to stretch little legs.  The ride length is perfect for toddlers.

3.  Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park – The hands-on learning experiences at the Children’s Museum at MNS is so fun for the kids they don’t even notice the learning part.  There are dinosaurs, bubbles, a water table, dress-up, a “working” farm, ant tunnels, hot air balloons, and so much more.  It really is easy to spend the entire day.

4.  River Legacy Science Center and Park in Arlington – This is one of those places I am so glad that we found.  It is an incredible, FREE place to take kids.  It has a museum that has all sort of information about rivers and the animals that call rivers home.  The trails that around the center are short, well-kept and kid-friendly.  There is a HUGE park next door to the RLSC.

5.  Texas Native Forest Boardwalk at The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens – I know that this doesn’t SOUND kid-friendly, but it is.  The boardwalk is a raised trail through the Texas forest.  Along the trail are learning stations that range in subject from bird calls to whether trees poop.  See, I told you it was kid-friendly.  It has amazing stroller-ability and is completely shaded.  If you cross the little road and follow the path to a stone gazebo, you will come to a fountain that is as close to kid heaven as we have found in the metroplex…

Do you think I will convince him that it isn’t so bad to be the one left behind?

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