Things To Do

I playbook VIST DFWC H I LD. COM FOR DAILY EVEN T S

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

KIDZ BOP LIVE August 24

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

➽ FAMILY FUN EVENTS FOR THOSE LAZY, LATE SUMMER DAYS

NYICFF KID FLICKS August 4–5

THE MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

Short for New York International Children’s Film Festival, the NYICFF screens its selection of short films—live-action, animation and documentary—inside the Modern’s auditorium for kids as young as 3. And the second day, all the Viva Kid Flicks films (Spanishlanguage short films with English subtitles) are geared toward kids 8 and older. FREE 817/738-9215; themodern.org

DINOSORCERY MAGIC SHOW August 5

THE DINOSAUR COMPANY, ALLEN

Professional magician Alan Paoletti adds some pizazz to paleontology during this all-ages show hosted by the same company that manufacturers the animatronic dinosaurs for exhibits, seen locally and around the world. Your ticket also includes admission into the Creature Corral, to visit with stationary dinosaurs up-close before or after the show. $13 adults; $10 children; under 4 free. 469/273-1388; thedinosaurcompany.shop

FREE FIRST SATURDAYS August 6

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER, DALLAS

Retreat from the midday heat with a visit during the Nasher’s Saturday family programming, offering free admission all day and activities from 11am–2pm. This month local creatives Ofelia FazGarza and Suzuko Davis lead the child-focused art making in the galleries; Nasher educators head up art chats and sketching sessions in the galleries; and Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade offers much-needed, complimentary refreshments. FREE 214/242-5100; nashersculpturecenter.org

MOVIES IN THE PARK August 13

KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALLAS

“Spend your precious hours doing what will bring out the real you, the brilliant, passionate you”—so says Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx in Soul, and we couldn’t agree more with that advice. Bring the family out to the park to enjoy a Saturday night of playtime on the lawn and a screening of the Disney animated film about a middle school music teacher who re-

➽ DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE: COSTUME PALOOZA

considers his need to be the best. FREE 214/716-4500; klydewarrenpark.org

PANTHERS, PUMAS & PANCAKES August 20

IN-SYNC EXOTICS WILDLIFE RESCUE & EDUCATIONAL CENTER, WYLIE

Chow down on all-you-caneat pancakes during this annual breakfast benefiting not only the panthers and pumas but all the sanctuary’s resident big cats living out their lives in peace and comfort. While you’re digesting, take a self-guided tour around the double-fenced enclosures for a wide-eyed view as the cats receive their own sweet treats. Suggested donation: $25 adults; $15 children; under 4 free. 972/442-6888; insyncexotics.org

BILL PICKETT INVITATIONAL RODEO August 20

COWTOWN COLISEUM, FORT WORTH

This rodeo series honoring Black cowboys and cowgirls is named for Bill Pickett (1870–1932), who gained notoriety as the inventor of rodeo steer wrestling, or bulldogging, in Wild West shows. (Learn more at billpickettrodeo.com.) Get your tickets to see this Western adventure rodeo with historical re-enactments. Tickets from $25 for adults and from $15 for children. 888/2698696; cowtowncoliseum.com

THE LAST LUAU August 20

LITTLE ELM PARK

Wear your Hawaiian-inspired getup to this end-of-summer party much like a real luau with hula and fire dancers but also with more traditional family fest entertainment like bounce houses and face painting. And in true Disney fashion, there’ll be a Moana and snarls up-close, and at the end, you’ll find a fossil dig and more dinosaurs made for play and photo ops. Free with regular admission: $12 adults; $9 children; free for Heard members. 972/562-5566; heardmuseum.org

character meet and greet before an after-dark movie screening of Moana. lakefrontlittleelm.com

KIDZ BOP LIVE August 24

THE PAVILION AT TOYOTA MUSIC FACTORY, IRVING

Let your littles dance and sing along to today’s biggest pop songs at this live concert starring Kidz Bop Kids Egan, Layla, Dominic and Camille. Bring Dad along, too, so he can join the Daddy Dance Off, giving dads the chance to show off their best dance moves to a mashup of Y2K hits. Lawn tickets are $25. Seats from $29.50. VIP packages include a meet and greet. 214/978-4888; kidzbop.com/tour

FAMILY DAY AT SPARK! August 27

SPARK! DALLAS

This one-of-a-kind arts center slash underground playground—located in the sub-basement of the historic South Side on Lamar building (the former Sears building) and inspired by the City Museum in St. Louis—reopens its doors for select days this summer, so don’t miss your chance to come and explore on this Saturday. Open to children 7 and older. $10 admission per person. 214/4217727; sparkdallas.org

DINOSAURS LIVE Opens September 3 HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY

A 46-foot-long animatronic T. rex and 10 other, harder-topronounce dinosaurs, created by Billings Productions here in Allen, return to the Heard for their 6-month residency. Stroll down the hiking trail to experience their movements

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE: COSTUME PALOOZA September 10

TEXAS TRUST CU THEATRE, GRAND PRAIRIE

Team Spidey saves the day in this all-new show with acrobatics, 3D special effects and lots of singing and dancing to new and original songs. It’s a must-see for young fans of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, making their live show debut. Tickets from $15. VIP packages include pre-party activities and character meet and greets. 972/854-5076; disneyjuniortour.com

OTSUKIMI MOON VIEWING FESTIVAL September 10

FRISCO SQUARE

When was the last time you really gazed up at the moon? Wait no longer by joining this Japanese cultural festival in celebration of the Harvest Moon. The evening features kid-friendly cultural activities and performances like haiku readings, sumo wrestling and martial arts demonstrations, ikebana floral arrangements and lots of refreshing boba tea. FREE 469/573-6880; jasdfw.org

➽ OVO

W.A.T.E.R. FESTIVAL September 10

RIVER LEGACY NATURE CENTER, ARLINGTON

Why conserve the most abundant resource on earth? Let your littles learn about water’s importance to our daily lives by visiting this annual W.A.T.E.R. (that’s Water Awareness Through Education and Recreation) day. Join guided hikes along the creek that runs through the park and more volunteer-led activities, such as fishing, crafts and interactions with live aquatic animals. FREE 817/860-6752, riverlegacy.org

DALLAS COWBOYS RALLY DAYS September 10 and 17

AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON

The days before the Cowboys take on the Buccaneers and Bengals in the team’s first 2022 regular season games, fans are welcome onto the field for Rally Days. You’ll join games, play on inflatables, meet Cowboys alumni and cheerleaders for autographs, and get a behindthe-scenes tour of the stadium. Rally Days continue through Dec. 10. $25 for self-guided tour; $45 for VIP. 817/892-5000; attstadium. com/rallydays

ADDISON OKTOBERFEST September 15–18

ADDISON CIRCLE PARK

Think Oktoberfests are only for adults who drink? Nein! Feel comfortable bringing your whole family to this German cultural festival that’s designed for all ages and complete with dachshund races and kid-friendly competitions in the Kinderzelt (children’s tent). $10 singleday admission on Friday and Saturday; under 10 free. Free for all ages on Thursday and Sunday. 972/450-2800; addisonoktoberfest.com

GRAPEFEST September 15–18 DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

Texas wine is the star of the show at this annual festival, but plenty of family fun awaits the under 21 crowd: carnival rides, midway games, kid zone activities, even the GrapeStomp is open and free to kids. As you’re walking along Historic Main Street, take the trip up to the 150-foot-tall observation level of the Tower at Grapevine Main Station. $10 adults, $5 children; under 6 free. Free for everyone on Thursday. 817/410-3185; grapefest.com

PARK(ING) DAY September 16

NEAR SOUTHSIDE, FORT WORTH

“So they paved paradise, put up a parking lot,” as the folk song goes. We think Joni Mitchell would be happy to hear of this event: On the third Friday in September, cities around the world (including Fort Worth) take part in this effort to transform parking spaces into “people spaces.” Come see these tiny, temporary parks along Magnolia Avenue and South

Main Street, each created by local businesses or design firms. FREE 817/923-1649; nearsouthsidefw.org

CIRQUE DU BALLET September 16–18

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE, DALLAS September 30–October 2 BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

Texas Ballet Theater opens its 2022–23 season with the dance mashup we didn’t know we wanted. The kids will get a kick out of the graceful or not-sograceful clowns in this world premiere with choreography inspired by all the fun that’s usually found only under the big top. Tickets from $20. 877/8289200; texasballettheater.org

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM: A FALL FAIRY TALE September 17–October 31

DALLAS ARBORETUM

Cinderella’s carriage, a magic carpet ride selfie experience and pumpkin houses inspired by The Sword in the Stone and other fairy tales form the centerpiece of this 17th annual fall festival. Come explore the 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash on display, and expect extra kid-friendly entertainment on Mondays and Tuesdays. There’s a reason this is a North Texas tradition. $20 adults; $12 children; under 2 free; $3 for Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org

➽ WINNIE THE POOH

HOW DO YOU SPELL LOVE?

TWO YEARS BEFORE A.A. MILNE first created Winnie-the-Pooh, the English author published a collection of poems you may never have heard of. And coincidentally, this summer offers you the chance to experience both on stage.

WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG August 5–21

HIP POCKET THEATRE, FORT WORTH

This lesser-known book of poetry following Christopher Robin (I think of it as a “Pooh precursor”) gets a much-deserved revisit in this stage adaptation with music, puppetry and dancing. See it during weekend performances at Hip Pocket’s rural amphitheater. Tickets from $20 for adults and from $10 for children. Reservations available for dinner or dessert from the HipCafe before the show. 817/246-9775; hippocket.org

WINNIE THE POOH September 16–18 IRVING ARTS CENTER

A.A. Milne’s original stories get the Broadway treatment in this musical adaptation now on tour throughout the United States. Revisit Christopher Robin and the whole crew from Hundred Acre Woods on stage as life-size puppets. Tickets from $24.50. The VIP experience includes exclusive merch and photos with characters after the show. 972/252-2787; irvingartscenter.com dragonflies, one fabulous ladybug and more gravity-defying insects all chasing after a mysterious egg. Tickets from $54 for adults and from $44 for children. 877/924-7783; cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

DANCING WITH THE FWSO STARS September 17

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra opens its Family Series season with this special concert that explores dance styles from around the world. You and the kids will learn about different cultures through ballet, modern, traditional and folk dancing and the different styles of music for each. Tickets are $23. Subscriptions available for all three Family Series concerts. 817/665-6500; fwsymphony.org

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY September 17

GRANDSCAPE, THE COLONY September 22 LEVITT PAVILION, ARLINGTON

Each year, generous locals raise millions of dollars for worthy nonprofits through online donations. To help get your own kids excited about philanthropy, join the fun inperson at either of these local festivals. The Grandscape event features a nonprofit fair from 5–7pm, followed by a live concert, and the Arlington Gives! Concert includes food trucks before the 8pm live show. FREE 214/7504222; northtexasgivingday.org

CRITTER CLUB September 17–November 5 FAIRVIEW TOWN CENTER

Meet a new exotic animal each Saturday morning at the shopping center’s park area. The lineup includes a groundhog, kangaroo, spider monkey and porcupine. Be sure to show up on time so you’ll get a chance to interact with each animal, in some cases feed them and even get a face painting specifically of that week’s featured animal. FREE 972/363-2209; fairviewtowncenter.com

OVO September 22–25 DICKIES ARENA, FORT WORTH

For your kids who are obsessed with bugs at the moment, there’s no missing Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo (Portuguese for “egg”) starring a cast of 50 performance artists, including Olympic gymnasts and world-record holders. They defy gravity as acrobatic crickets, flexible

IMMERSIVE KING TUT Opens September 23

LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACE, DALLAS

Before you ask: No, there are no tangible artifacts in this new multimedia exhibition commemorating 100 years since the excavation of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. But thanks to stateof-the-art video mapping and animation, you’ll indeed be fully immersed in the story of his life, passage into the afterlife, and of course the solid gold funerary mask. Tickets from $29.99 for adults and from $19.99 for children; under 6 free. immersive-kingtut.com/dallas

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL September 23–25

OAK POINT PARK, PLANO

Weather permitting—so keep your fingers crossed—30 hot air balloon pilots will crank up the burners for balloon glows, launches and tethered rides (open to kids as young as 6). Note that the balloons are only out during the early mornings and evenings, so no worries about being out in the midday heat. $10 adults; $5 children; free for kids 36 inches and under. 972/8677566; planoballoonfest.org

KIWANIS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL September 24–25

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE Butterfly experts will be on hand to answer questions at

➽ IMMERSIVE KING TUT

the Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis’ 18th annual butterfly tent of monarch and painted lady butterflies. Hold out a provided slice of watermelon for some extra butterfly kisses. They’ll all be released on Sunday evening to repopulate locally. $7 adults; $5; under 3 free. $5 butterfly kits include two caterpillars and food. 817/703-5266; netckiwanis.org

JUNIE B.’S ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SCHOOL September 24–October 30

DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER

Your kids will have already started the school year by the time this fall season opener hits the stage, so for mid-semester pick-me-up, come see this funny musical— featuring Junie B. shelling out advice and sharing lessons she’s learned about patience, personal growth and all things school. Recommended for 5 and older. See site for pricing. Call the box office for tickets to the sensory-friendly show on Oct. 8. 214/7400051; dct.org

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS September 30—October 23 FAIR PARK, DALLAS

This year, Big Texas adds some Louisiana flair to its reimagined Kroger Starlight Parade, a nightly parade created by Kern Studios, known for New Orleans’ famous Mardi Gras parade floats. (You’ve got to see the larger-than-Texas longhorn float.) Plus, don’t miss Oontz Kids DJ dance parties and the return of weekend rodeos inside Fair Park Coliseum. Daily admission from $15 for adults and $10 for children; under 3 free. Adults pay child’s prices after 5pm. 214/565-9931; bigtex.com

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

Explore, Discover, Experience

Field trips connect students to Blackland Prairie farm culture and history from about 1890 through the 1920s. Offered in spring and fall during our regular season, these curriculum-connected tours meet Texas state education standards and the diverse needs of all students and visitors—public, private, college-age, adults, and seniors.

Reservations for group tours/fieldtrips must be made at least three weeks in advance, and subject to availability.

To reserve a date, you must have a minimum of 30 people in your group.

1900 West 15th Street Plano, Texas &5075 972-881-0140 heritagefarmstead.org PUBLIC TOURS

Museum is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10am–2pm.

Sweeping or blowing yard waste into storm drains can result in a fine of up to $2,000.

STORMWATER IS OUR WATER

Keep leaves, grass clippings, trash, and other pollutants out of the stormwater drains and our water supply.

Report anyone putting any type of pollutant down the drains by contacting 3-1-1.

wheredoesitgo.com

Contact City of Dallas Stormwater Management at 214-948-4022 or Stormwater@DallasCityHall.com to learn more or to request a presentation or your organization, school or business.

Child Care & Preschool Directory

Feeling overwhelmed by all the local child care and preschool options? It’s tough to find the right people to care for your child when you’re not around. Here’s a handy guide to make that important decision easier.

Ann & Nate Levine Academy Weinreb Family Early Childhood

18011 Hillcrest Rd. Dallas, TX 75252 levineacademy.org Hours: M–Th, 8am–6pm; F, 8am–5pm Ages: 3mos–PK Capacity: N/A Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes We are an inclusive Jewish day school. Children learn according to cognitive, physical, linguistic and social/emotional growth stages. See ad on page 43.

Challenger School

Multiple locations challengerschool.com Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 3yrs–1st grade Capacity: Varies Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Come in for a tour—see the excitement, focus, fun, and achievement for yourself! Our results are unmatched at any price. See ad on page 59.

Dallas ISD Pre-K

Multiple locations prekdallas.org Hours: PK3 half-or full-day; PK4 full-day Ages: 3–4yrs Capacity: PK3 18; PK4 22 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Children who attend Pre-K get the academic skills to boost their lifetime learning potential. Enroll in Dallas ISD Pre-K today! See ad on page 8.

The Day School at HP Pres

3821 University Blvd. Dallas, TX 75205 thedayschool.org Hours: 8am–2pm Ages: 1–5yrs Capacity: 290 Before-School Program: No After-School Program: Yes The Day School partners with families to educate the whole child within a nurturing Christian environment. See ad on page 44.

Grapevine Faith Christian School

730 E. Worth St. Grapevine, TX 76051 grapevinefaith.com Hours: 8am–3pm Ages: 4yrs+ Capacity: 10/class Before-School Program: No After-School Program: Yes Faith’s mission is to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders. We offer a unique and individualized educational experience. See ad on page 42.

Holy Covenant Early Childhood Development Program

1901 E. Peter’s Colony Rd. Carrollton, TX 75007 hcumc.org/preschool Hours: M–Th, 9am–2pm Ages: 18mos–6yrs Capacity: 149 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: No Play based, low teacherchild ratio, daily outdoor play and learning, parent support organization, private kindergarten, music program. We build community! See ad on page 17.

Holy Trinity Catholic School

3750 William D Tate Ave. Grapevine, TX 76051 holytcs.org Hours: M–F, 8am–3pm Ages: PK4–8th grade Capacity: 450 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Holy Trinity Catholic School offers a classical education that prepares our students for success in and out of the classroom. See ad on page 44.

The Hockaday School

11600 Welch Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 hockaday.org Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 4–18yrs Capacity: 1,111 Before-School Program: No After-School Program: Yes Hockaday develops resilient, confident women who are educated and inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact. See ad on page 43.

Jovie

Multiple locations jovie.com Hours: 24 hours Ages: Infants–15yrs Capacity: Varies Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Smart, capable, full of joy. Outstanding caregivers who love what they do. Premium nanny and sitter service. We are Jovie! See ad on page 58.

The Lamplighter School

11611 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 thelamplighterschool.org Hours: 8:15am–3:15pm Ages: PK3–4th grade Capacity: 460 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Lamplighter delivers serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood. See ad on page 42.

Lena Pope Early Learning Center

Multiple locations lenapope.org/intellectual-wellbeing/early-learning-centers/ Hours: 6:30am–6pm Ages: 6wks–5yrs Capacity: Varies Before-School Program: No After-School Program: No Centers use research-tested curriculum for early academics and emotional-behavioral skills. Accept families with (CCMS) grant funding and offer slidingscale tuition. See ad on page 38.

Little Tyke Learning Centers

Multiple locations littletykechildcare.com Hours: 6am–6pm Ages: 6wks–12yrs Capacity: 1,398 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Parent-trusted for over 50 years! Our schools offer educational programs designed for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years.

Lumin Education

Multiple locations lumineducation.org Hours: 7am–5:45pm Ages: 18mos–3rd grade Capacity: 235 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Lumin Education has a 44-year history delivering the highest quality Montessori education in Dallas. See ad on page 45.

The Nest Schools

18303 Davenport Rd. Dallas, TX 75252 thenestschool.com Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 6mos–5yrs Capacity: 200 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes We build strong minds, healthy bodies, and happy kids through our core values of kindness, wellness, fun and innovation.

Pediatrics Plus

6025 Sports Village Rd. Frisco, TX 75033 pediatricsplus.com Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 6wks–6yrs Capacity: 120 Before-School Program: No After-School Program: No Our developmental preschool specializes in empowering children with special needs through classrooms with low student-to-teacher ratios and therapy services. See ad on page 32.

Our Redeemer Lutheran School

7611 Park Lane Dallas, TX 75225 ordallas.org Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 1yr–6th grade Capacity: 220 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Our Redeemer’s Early Childhood Education Center offers ageappropriate curriculum in a loving, Christian environment. See ad on page 45.

River Legacy Nature School

703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. Arlington, TX 76006 riverlegacy.org/nature-school Hours: 9am–12pm; 9am–3pm Ages: 3–5yrs Capacity: Varies Before-School Program: No After-School Program: No Through live animals, handson investigations and trips into the woods, Nature School encourages a child’s inborn sense of wonder. See ad on page 13.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

2016 Willis Lane Keller, TX 76248 seton.school Hours: 8am–3:15pm Ages: 3–13yrs Capacity: 700 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes We partner with parents in the education of their children through vigorous classical academics in a Christ-centered environment. See ad on page 43.

St. Rita Catholic School

12525 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75244 strita.net Hours: 7:30am–4pm Ages: 4yrs–8th grade Capacity: 60 Before-School Program: No After-School Program: Yes Full day PreK-4 program. Four sections. One teacher and one teacher’s aide per section. Come visit us this fall! See ad on page 11.

Small Miracles Academy

Multiple locations, DFW area smallmiraclesacademy.org Hours: 6am–6:30pm Ages (Primary Care): Birth–12yrs Capacity: 160 per center Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Small Miracles Academy where every child is a small miracle! See ad on page 20.

Southwest Christian School

Multiple locations southwestchristian.org Hours: 8am–2:45pm Ages: 3–5yrs Capacity: 100 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes We are committed to creating a faith-based educational program with sound foundational skills. Tour today! See ad on page 41.

Trinity Lutheran Children’s Center

3621 Tulsa Way Fort Worth, TX 76107 tlcfw.org Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 6wks–5yrs Capacity: 130 Before-School Program: No After-School Program: No Providing Christian loving care as well as emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth for each child entrusted to us.

Xplor Preschool

Multiple locations xplorpreschool.com Hours: Varies Ages: 6wks–PK Capacity: Varies Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Xplor Preschool prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills. See ad on page 11.

YMCA’s Ella McFadden Early Childhood Center

512 Lamar St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 ymcafw.org/programs/pre-school Hours: 7am–6pm Ages: 18mos–5yrs Capacity: 130 Before-School Program: Yes After-School Program: Yes Ella McFadden Early Childhood Learning Center provides yearround, full-day learning and is a Texas Rising Star Four-Star accredited program.

For more child care options, visit our Best Places directory at dfwchild.com/directory.