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.

Black Friday in the ‘burb

I have lived in the ‘burb for 7 black Fridays. Each and every one has been celebrated in the same way. My oldest son and I go SHOPPING!

It all started because he wakes up early. I figured that since he was awake at ungodly hours, we should shop at ungodly hours.

It has become a family tradition. Ryan is now 8. He looks forward to it all year. He will tell others how every year he and his mom “get up in the middle of the night to go to the stores”. We shop then go out to breakfast. Most black Fridays we are back home before 9 am.

For us it is not about the actual purchases, it is about the event. I will pick up a door buster bargain if it is convenient, but if the line at the register is long we skip on to the next store.

This year we are doing all our early shopping in the ‘burb. I could have never guessed 5 years ago that we would have that many shops available in this area. What fun!

So, I have made this map. If you see us, please wave…

…and if you are hungry around 7:30 there are usually empty tables near us for breakfast.

The map is from our last year’s adventure. It is where you will likely find us this year as well. You may note that Wal-Mart is not on our list. We usually do the Wal-Mart overnight online specials instead of the zoo that Wal-Mart becomes on black Friday…remember, this is ALL ABOUT THE FUN.

Back to Boston; A Beautiful day in the City

Fun in the Tub with Bathtub Paint

Kids love to painting.  Moms don’t love to clean up the mess.  What if you could combine painting with cleaning the bathtub?

This is bathtub paint.  You can make it thick and use it as finger paint, or you can dilute it and use it with paintbrushes.  This “paint” is washable, does not stain and will help you clean your tub.

…..

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Dish Detergent
• 1/2 Cup of Cornstarch
• 1/2 Cup of boiling water
• Food Coloring (liquid kind is best)

I used antibacterial, scented hand soap.  Know whatever soap you use, your kids will coat themselves with it – so be sure to pick something that won’t cause a reaction.

Directions:

Mix the cornstarch into the hot water until it is dissolved and the consistency is pasty.  Add the soap and mix until there are no chunks.  Add food coloring.  Store in an airtight container.

The paint may separate slightly when stored, stir before use.  Test the paint on a patch of your tub to ensure that your food coloring does not stain – and have fun!

This post was written by Rachel, mommy to three under three.  Bathtub time is fun time for the kids and quiet time for me!  Want more activities like this?  Check out my blog Quirky Momma!

Baby, it’s hot outside

When I imagined being a stay-at-home mom, I had visions of arts and crafts days, outings to places like the zoo, aquarium and park and educational classes galore.

My social life would explode with a whirl of activities with other mommies, and I would end each day feeling like I was providing my child with a full and engaging life.

Flash forward to my current reality as a new stay-at-home mom in the metroplex. What I’ve learned, and quickly, is that all those fun activities I imagined are great, but only if you are the mother of a toddler. My four-month old couldn’t care less if she sees a giraffe at the zoo. In fact, she really doesn’t care where we go or what we do, as long as she can do so with her newly discovered fists crammed in her mouth.

And don’t get me started about how bleaping hot it is here. Having an infant in the summer in Texas is like being under house arrest. Any activity outdoors is immediately dismissed due to the fact that while it is not exactly enjoyable to find yourself sweating buckets, having a sweaty and therefore cranky infant is even less enjoyable. This summer, the most engaging activity I look forward to is an outing to the mall where I can spend several hours just strolling around in air-conditioning. How far I’ve fallen.

Lucky for me, baby Kate is super entertained and impressed by the small stuff. A new teething ring, a brightly colored sock, her feet.  And while MY life is slightly less exciting than I imagined, I’ve been amazed to find that I have actually become super impressed by the small stuff too, like Kate’s fascination with a new teething ring, a brightly colored sock and her feet.

But on those days that I do decide to brave the elements, if only to save my sanity by getting out of the house, here are a few things to do with an infant. Mothers of toddlers, beware. Most of these activities require a companion that can’t crawl and/or get into things.

Mall Strolling: Okay, I’ve already said it, but spending several hours at the mall is therapeutic, even when you are on a budget and only get to look, not touch. Besides being air-conditioned, the mall often has great locations to change diapers, nurse or grab a snack. Personally, I gravitate towards any mall that has a Nordstroms in it, thanks to their fantastic women’s lounges. And Kate alternately gets to nap, feed and look at pretty things, which she always enjoys.

Coffee Houses: Maybe your infant is different, but Kate loves to people watch. At times when mommy is no longer interesting and my bag of tricks has run dry, taking Kate out someplace to just sit and observe often makes her day. I personally like to take her someplace that I can get wi-fi and squeeze in a little work while she goggles at all the different kinds of people. Panera, Starbucks or your local coffee shop is nearly always an eye-candy fest for baby.

Classes: There are a ton of classes in the metroplex, both baby-focused activities like Kindermusik or Little Gym, or mommy-focused classes like baby wearing or signing. I have to admit I haven’t taken advantage of these just yet, mainly because when I looked into the cost of Kindermusik I decided I could buy a CD and a tambourine and sing to Kate for a total of $19.95 instead of spending the fairly exorbitant amount of money to do it in public instead of in my house. Did I mention I have been called cheap by certain people? However, that said, I know several people who take their babies to classes and love it. Also, a lot of the parent-focused classes are free which really gets me excited! Pottery Barn Kids even has events and decorating classes each month that are all free, just get on their email list to be notified.

The Gym: If your gym has a daycare, take advantage of it! As a stay-at-home parent, I enjoy the fact that Kate is exposed to other children/babies/caretakers when she goes to the gym. I feel like I’m doing something good for her and for me. And trust me, I don’t always feel like working out. Just yesterday I took a good book to the gym and spent 45 minutes on a bike, pedaling as slow as humanly possible and enjoying some “me” time while Kate played with (okay, stared at) the other children. I have another girlfriend who uses the gym daycare to get a nice long shower some days instead of her typical 3.5 minute shower she has to take at home.

Liz Edelbrock is a writer and blogger who enjoys sharing her misadventures as a wife and mother with anyone who can learn from her mistakes! Follow her antics daily on The Edel Spot.

Old Town Waterpark – Lewisville

Since we don’t have a pool at our house, the boys and I have been on Pool Tour DFW Summer ‘09. We have swam several times a week at the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities. In fact, it has been a great tour and isn’t helping my campaign on the homefront for a pool of our own.

The boys love Old Town Aquatic Park in Lewisville. I love that it is easy to make sure that three boys running in different directions are safe.

Rhett who is three loves the little park-like spiral waterslide and the splash area. Reid and Ryan who are older really like the larger pool area with a very lazy river. It is so lazy I am not sure that it can be called a river.

There are quite a few covered picnic areas and seating for observing adults. The price of admission is low – even for non-Lewisville residents and we easily spent 2 to 3 hours on each visit if snacks/lunch were remembered.

Old Town Aquatic Park is located at 535 W. College in Lewisville. More information about hours and admission charges can be found on the City of Lewisville website.

Gaylord Texan – Summerfest

I recently went over to the Gaylord Texan for dinner with my husband.  It has been awhile since we have been there and they have been busy during my absence!  The place is bigger and better than ever.  One of the things the Gaylord Texan is doing this summer is a bunch of activities for families which they have named, Summerfest.

Throughout the amazing interior of the Gaylord Texan hotel are family-friendly displays and live character interaction.  Many of the displays are trains.

Some of the trains fit into the lush Gaylord Texan hotel landscape and some were brought in for the Summerfest festivities.

My favorite was the very random guitar train…

There were also very tall people…

and very tall trees.

Even if you don’t make it to Summerfest, it is really fun to just walk around the hotel.

The riverwalk that winds through the heart of the hotel is beautiful.

There are little scenes and quiet corners with special things to see.

Everywhere you look there is something fun and a little out of the ordinary.

Summerfest is running every weekend all summer through September 9.  Thursday evenings are kids eat free nights at the Gaylord Texan restaurants.  You can find out more information about Summerfest and the Gaylord Texan on their website.

Dallas Zoo

Last Friday we had good intentions.  A friend and I agreed to meet at the Science Museum with our collective 5 boys for a morning of fun.

I was 1/2 the way to Dallas when my husband called and said, “Where is this museum?”

“Fair Park.”

“You CAN’T GO THERE TODAY!  It is the Cotton Bowl!”

About that time my friend called to report her husband had just called her with the same information and she was already in a traffic jam on I-30.

We had 5 anxious boys, 1 grandma and 2 very uninformed mommies!

We made a snap decision to go to the Dallas Zoo instead.  The weather was great and we already had sandwiches packed…

The boys were excited to get out of the car and run around.  The zoo was a perfect place for expending child energy.

There is an area where you can buy either worms or birdseed sticks to feed the birds for $1.  All our boys chose the birdseed sticks.  The birds were still on their “winter schedule” so eating wasn’t a high priority, but we had some fun encounters.  Several of the birds kept trying to climb into my purse or up my mom’s coat sleeves.  They were not shy and the kids loved it.

Next time I will encourage buying the worms.  Some of the birds only eat worms and they seem to be a less popular purchase among the zoo visitors.  You don’t actually touch the worms, the birds will eat them out of a small cup that is provided.

The zoo has a huge play area.  It has equipment for kids of all ages.  This spider web was my 5 y/o’s favorite:

There is also slides and tunnels and large eggs to climb into…just a bunch of fun stuff.  Surrounding the play area are several smaller learning centers and the Nature Exchange Center.

All the boys thought this was great.  You can bring in up to 5 items (you collected at home) and trade them for other nature treasures.  There is a point system assigned so it is like a nature store.  There are many things to see and touch even if you (like us) don’t have anything to trade.

This Nature Exchange Center is one of the main reasons we will be returning to the zoo this year–and next time we will be prepared with treasures to trade.

The underground learning area is really unique.  It is dark (and quiet) and has all sorts of animals that live underground.

There is also a tunnel to crawl through to fully experience underground living.

There are also lots of animals at the zoo…

Overall it was a great experience.  We were glad we had missed the craziness at Fair Park and gone to the Dallas Zoo.  It took us about 45 minutes (without traffic) to get there from Flower Mound.  We spent 4 hours, but could have easily spent another hour or two if everyone had the energy!

If you have written about your experience at the Dallas Zoo, please mention the link in the comments.

When Holly isn’t planning trips in the middle of major events, she can be found at June Cleaver Nirvana where being a mommy and blogging is not in the middle of traffic.

How to find family activities in Denton County

Last November when Burb Mom was just a few weeks old, one of my friends (who at that time was one of 4 Burb Mom readers) sent me a frantic email saying, “Have you seen this?” with an e-newsletter attachment.

It was one of the first Family eGuide newsletters that outlined TONS of stuff to do in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville and surrounding areas.

Holy crap!

We did a lot of research before we started Burb Mom and then...just a few weeks into it I find that someone else has started a very organized, informative calendar for THE VERY AREA THAT Burb Mom covered.

Of course I subscribed instantly.

At that point Family eGuide didn’t have a website and at that point Burb Mom didn’t have a newsletter so I figured that this town is big enough for both.

As Burb Mom grew and as Family eGuide grew things changed.

Burb Mom got a whole lot more chatty and less calendar-driven.

Family eGuide started a website and amassed a huge amount of information and developed what I believe is  the most comprehensive area family event calendars.

Ever.

Anywhere.

So we HAD to meet Valerie Preston the brains and sweat behind Family eGuide.

We met for coffee at the Cinnabon/Schlotzsky’s in Flower Mound – a coffee which lasted 2 1/2 hours.  It was so fun to meet her.  We couldn’t stop talking, planning and trying to figure out how we could work together.

She is a very organized mom of two who scours over 150 sources on the internet, newspapers, etc. to put together a resource for families which is unmatched:

• Weekly newsletter full of family activities in Southern Denton County.
• Online calendar FULL of events - really, you won’t believe it until you see it.
• Website that includes everything local to Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville and beyond that families would want to know.
• Special seasonal lists like summer camps, sports leagues, etc.
• Kids Eat Free list.

My favorite part of the Family eGuide website is the calendar – it is magical!

The amazing thing is that it is all there FOR FREE for parents in Southern Denton County.

When you stop by Family eGuide, be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter too.

Actors Conservatory Theatre

We were introduced to the Actors Conservatory Theatre in Lewisville a few months ago, when my 5 & 7 year old were invited to see The ACT’s latest performance, Winnie the Pooh. 

They both loved the production and my first thought was, “How have I never heard of this program??”  The ACT is so unique to our area and I feel like you deserve a glimpse into their special organization just like I have gotten.

ACT’s Mission Statement:

“The ACT is dedicated to bringing classic literature to young minds through plays and musicals while prom0ting interest in and fostering appreciation of the performing arts in children. Its aim and purpose is to provide the opportunity for all residents of the community interested in any phase of theatre to participate, and to provide a strong format so that every child, without regard to race, creed, color, wealth, handicap, or national origin, can express the creativity within.”

The ACT puts on fabulous performances for children by children 6 times a year.  When I learned about The ACT, my initial thought was that one or two of my kids would be great in a program like this.  They already have the dramatic thing down.  My second thought was, “But what if they don’t get cast”…I would then have a whole new dramatic on my hands.  I then learned that The ACT will cast every child that auditions!

Many children get their start in theatre with The ACT and all leave with wonderful memories.

Drama played an important role in my life growing up. I was involved in the theatre/drama program through Jr. High & High School.  Theatre contributed to my success in so many ways: building  character, a knack for the dramatic, public speaking skills and confidence in so many areas of my life.

Our communities provide so many opportunities for the “sports kid” but not every kid fits into that mold.  I am so thrilled to have another option for my children.  And even if they don’t choose to participate, I am excited to introduce them to live theatre by going to see these performances.

Next Performance:
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
King and I
Auditions May 23rd, 2009
Opens July 10 – 19th, 2009

Our 10th Annual Children’s Summer Musical, straight from the library of Rodgers and Hammerstein. A classic tale of a teacher, Anna Leonowens and her time spent in the palace of the King of Siam.

Tickets on sale at the box office 1/2 hour before the show:
Adults – $10
Students and Seniors – $8
Kids under 10 – $7
Groups of 15 – $7 each

1720 S. Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, TX 75067
Phone: 972-353-2720

It can be tricky to get to The ACT – check out this map for details:

View Larger Map

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