At UT Southwestern, we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible care for our patients, especially newborns and their families.
Our beautifully designed William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report It offers new moms spacious labor and delivery suites, chef-prepared meals, and the full spectrum of patient-centered services.
UT Southwestern has one of the largest Ob/Gyn departments in the nation, and we are devoted to helping women manage their health at each stage of life.
No matter how complex or common the condition, you can count on UT Southwestern to deliver the expert, compassionate care that has consistently made us No. 1 in North Texas.
Thomas Hyslop, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Shivani Patel, M.D. Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
29 Summer Camp & Special Needs Finding the right fit for every kid
32 Calendar / Go For It
Top family events in April & May
Cover kid: Benjamin, 7, of Dallas Photography: Nick Prendergast Hair/makeup: Gary Parson / Kim Dawson Agency
What’s New? 20 Novel places to check out this summer
The Summer Puzzle
How families piece together childcare & make it work
By the Numbers / Brain Drain
The summer slide & how to prevent it 14 Sound Advice / How to Kick Nail Biting
Expert tips for getting kids to stop the habit
MOMS 17 Mom Next Door / Amanda Blake
The museum director on raising cultured kids
20 Briefs / The Bigger Picture
Amanda Blake’s top tips & favorite things
41 Things to Do
Our favorite art festivals, shows & places to go this April 45 Family Fun / To New Heights
A Swiss Family Robinson-inspired destination for climbing, crawling & exploring
COLUMNS
6 Hello / The Struggle is Real
Summertime & the livin’ sure isn’t easy words Amanda Collins Bernier 46 Dad Amongst Dudes / Phoning It In
When dad’s too dependent on his little electronic box words Josh Farnsworth
➽ ABOVE // Find face painting and plenty of kids’ craft activities at Arts in Bloom April 11–13 in Historic Downtown McKinney.
%
of Primrose Pre-K Students Demonstrated Kindergarten Readiness
Contact us to schedule a tour.
Rigley Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Prestonwood 15237 Montfort Dr., Dallas, TX 75248
Primrose School of Frisco West
333 W. Lebanon Rd., Frisco, TX 75036
Primrose School of Klyde Warren Park
1909 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. #100, Dallas, TX 75201
Primrose School of Dallas at Kessler Park
330 S. R L Thornton Fwy. Service Rd., Dallas, TX
Primrose School of Park Cities
4011 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75209
Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow 5801 Coit Rd., Plano, TX 75093
primroseschools.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
ABOVE // Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen.
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THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
THOUGHT I HAD IT ALL FIGURED OUT. When school let out last summer, I had mapped out a plan that would fill my kids’ days with fun and learning. Mondays we’d go to the library, Fridays to a museum, and the days in between we’d catch bugs outside, make homemade freeze pops and play with their pre-made baskets of screen-free activities. The lineup was perfect—until it fell apart just a couple weeks in.
There was one big thing I forgot to factor into my summer plans: my job. While working from home thankfully provides me the freedom to throw in a load of laundry or not miss a day when my kids are home sick, working from home with my kids is a whole other story. (Fielding their incessant snack requests is a part-time job in itself.) And so my sons spent more time than I’d like to admit parked in front of the TV or glued to the Nintendo Switch. Cue the mom guilt.
While summertime may be a carefree break for kids, it often feels like anything but for caregivers. A 2023 study found that nearly half of parents feel stressed about finding summer activities for their school-age children. Add the costs of said activities, plus a demanding career, and the livin’ sure isn’t easy.
So just how do parents make it work? With a lot of strategizing, planning and compromising, our report on page 9 finds. Flip there to see how other DFW moms figure out summer childcare—by stitching plans together, week-by-week—and maybe you’ll find a few ideas for yourself. This issue, our Summer Survival Guide, has others ideas too to help you solve the season—cool new places to take the kids, what to know about learning loss, summer health and more.
Yes, the hardest (and hottest) season of parenting is right around the corner. But first, spring. Colorful blooms, outdoor festivals, and of course, adorable egg hunts—our Playbook Calendar, on page 41, has the details on the calm before the chaos.
How families piece together childcare & make it work
WORDS ERIN HAYES BURT
et me show you my spreadsheet.” That’s how the email from Kelli Nori, a Global Tech account manager and mom of two from McKinney began. Last summer, Nori’s oldest child had just aged out of the preschool program where she used to spend the days during the summer while her parents were at work. After finishing kindergarten, her parents needed to find somewhere different for her to go during the day. That’s how the spreadsheet began.
First in priority among the details is driving distance—minutes, not miles. “It had to be 15 minutes or less,” explains Nori. “You may not realize it, but 12 minutes is significantly better than 15.” Spoken like a DFW veteran. There are three tabs: one for full-day, week-long programs, one for part-day, week-long programs, and one for single-day, drop-in programs.
Programs are arranged in columns by date, from the end of school to the end of the summer. Each column has detailed information about the program: the hours, the dates, days of the week, cost, whether lunch is provided or not and any special items they need to bring, like a swimsuit and towel, sports equipment, art supplies, etc. Who can drop off and pick up among friends, family, and neighbors. Lastly, any plusses about the program, like field trips or special activities.
Using this matrix, Nori and her husband were able to piece together summer childcare for their oldest last year, week by week, half-day by
McKinney/Prosper:
half-day. “I think I kind of got caught up in [wanting] it to be this cool experience for her and let her try a bunch of different things, and it was actually insane. It was the worst decision I could have ever made. We did a different camp every single week.” Nori said the low point of the summer was when she forgot to pick her daughter up from a particular camp at 1pm and arrived 20 minutes late. “I’m not going to do it again this year. I’m going to find one place and she’s going to go the entire summer.”
REORDERING YOUR PRIORITIES
The summer gap brings an entirely new struggle to considerations for childcare. At school, kids have a whole day filled with friends and learning. In the summer, the days and hours stretch out in one unstructured mass. Parents worry about the summer skills slide, making sure their child spends at least some time reading and getting exercise. And what about friends? You want them to socialize so they don’t forget how to be around people. And of course, not too much screen time, but it’s not totally avoidable.
With many employers taking work-fromhome options back off the table, the search for summer childcare is more competitive than ever. In rural areas it’s even harder; for every one child who gets a spot in a summer program, two more would have been enrolled if a program were available, according to a 2020 report by the Afterschool Alliance. Searching for care seems to start earlier each year, with many summer camps enrolling in January.
FILLING THE SUMMER
The moms I spoke to have a wide variety of jobs, from sales to tech to healthcare to media. Most of them had somewhat flexible schedules, allowing them to leave and pick up or drop off their kids at odd times (looking at you, affordable day camp option that ends at 2pm), or even allowing them to work remotely some of the time. But they still all landed on different solutions for their families.
Nori is trying out summer-long camp option with their gym this year for her oldest, and her younger daughter will attend a program through her preschool. “[It’s] not going to necessarily be cheap,” she says.
Alexis Patterson, former DFWChild managing editor and mom of three (with two under the age of one) from Grapevine, works entirely
CHECK HERE
Still on your hunt for summer child care? Here are some ideas for where to look.
dfwchild.com/camps
Schools
YMCA
Recreation centers
Gyms
Churches
Parks departments
Nanny (consider a nanny share with friends or neighbors)
Libraries
Nonprofits like Boys & Girls Clubs
Teen centers
Dance studios
Music studios
Local theaters
Zoos
Museums
Cultural centers
Historical societies
Kids’ party places
from home as a strategic content manager but needs hands-on help year-round to make it work. They have a full-time nanny for the babies that they are keeping through the summer. “They’re at an age where they won’t go to people who they don’t know. So if we didn’t already have her established, summers would be nightmare,” she says. She plans to keep her tween entertained with playdates when he’s not at his dad’s house. Because Patterson and her ex-husband share custody, she’s hesitant to set up too many other activities during her son’s time at her house. “That adds another layer of complexity because when he is here, I don’t want to ship him off to day camp all day.”
Amanda Warner is a mom of two who lives in Murphy. She spends a lot of her day in her car as a medical device rep for a pharmaceutical company. This is the first year both of her kids have been in school, and Warner spent many hours researching options and calling around for summer program availability. Then she got an email about a program at her local recreation center. “We just lucked out,” she says. “We got that email in the middle of it, and we were like, “done!” The kids will do a combination of the summer-long recreation center program and a one-day camp break each.
The summer gap brings an entirely new struggle to considerations for childcare, when the days and hours stretch out in one unstructured mass.
SUMMER CO-PARENTING
5 tips for managing summer with your ex. Start the conversation early. You may have different ideas about how your summers will go. Open up a dialogue now about your summer plans, even if they aren’t concrete yet, so the other household has an idea of what to expect. This is especially true if you have plans that will upset the typical arrangement.
Remember your child’s needs and preferences. We don’t always get what we want, but remember that for younger children, structure and routine is important for them to feel secure. Older children generally cooperate more when they get to have a say in matters that involve them. Remember to include your child in decision making, in addition to all the other parties, when you can.
Be flexible. Summer is a big change for everyone, so compromise when you can, and remember that your kids are learning conflict resolution skills by watching you problem-solve.
Overcommunicate. Use technology to help smooth communication and scheduling. Share calendars, start a summer text thread with all the needed parties, or find other solutions that allow for passive communication about things like drop-offs, pick-ups and events.
Include something just for the child when you can. A majority of your summer plans likely revolve around cost or you and your coparent’s work schedules, and understandably so. Try to include at least one thing your child will look forward to if you can during the summer. It doesn’t need to be extravagant.
Kelly Ray, a physical therapist and mom of two in Wylie, relied on full-time sitters she didn’t necessarily know well in the past, and sometimes wasn’t happy with the care. The sitter leads she does have for this year are still figuring out their own summer schedules. She’s also looking into a program at her kids’ school, to their chagrin. “It’s still a work in progress,” she says.
Of course, all of these options end up being best-case scenarios, as most parents can attest. One summer, I had a sitter lined up who raised her price to twice the agreed-on amount a week before summer started and also wanted use of my car. I had a college student who planned to live with us and help out with the kids 6 hours a day leave without notice the second week and never return. And I took a terrible paying job at a church once simply because my work hours aligned with their summer program days.
ASK YOUR MOM FRIEND
I remember being left alone with my brother all day in the summer when we were 10 and
6. My dad traveled five days a week, and my mom worked 30 minutes away. We couldn’t answer the phone, door, or go outside. That’s probably illegal now, but what are families supposed to do? Dual-income households have made up the majority of families since the early 1980s, but public policy still functions as if we all have aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas nearby to keep an eye on us, and kids can play in the street until dark.
If this is your first summer finding childcare, find a mom with older kids and she will be happy to share her tips, tricks— and maybe even her spreadsheet. Your local experienced mom will know all the programs in your area and will be able to tell you how she made it through all 10 to 12 summers before her kids could stay on their own. And she might even know a reliable teen babysitter or two. “I think the best advice I’d have is don’t do too much,” advises Nori. “Don’t overcomplicate it. Find something that checks the majority of your boxes and get as much of that as possible.”
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BRAIN DRAIN
The summer slide & how to prevent it
COMPILED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Summer learning loss happens when students’ learning flattens over summer break, and they might even forget some of what they’ve mastered over the school year.
But is this really something to worry about? Recent studies have found this learning loss may not be as pronounced as once thought, but still what students do over the summer can affect how they perform in the next school year. With test scores showing many Texas students struggling with literacy and math, what should parents know about the summer slide and is there anything to prevent it? Take a look at the numbers.
2
The years behind their peers sixth graders could be if they lose reading skills every summer in elementary school
ON AVERAGE, STUDENTS PERFORM 1 MONTH BEHIND WHERE THEY WERE WHEN THE SCHOOL YEAR CLOSED
3 6
27%
The average amount of progress in math students risk losing over the summer
The average number of weeks teachers spend re-teaching lessons at the start of the school year
20%
The average amount of progress in reading students risk losing over the summer
5 WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING
Read. Just 30 minutes per day—on their own or with their caregiver— helps children actually gain reading skills instead of losing them.
Write. Encourage kids to find a pen pal, write a comic book or a play.
Plan. Have children help with summer vacation prep—calculate driving time and gas milage, create a budget or read a map.
Apply. Use math in everyday situations like cooking, grocery shopping or game playing.
Experience. Take a trip to the zoo, a free museum or the library as a learning experience.
2 TO 3
The hours of learning per week recommended to prevent summer learning loss
70%
Of students experience a decline in math skills over the summer across elementary grades
SOUND ADVICE
Your parenting questions and dilemmas, solved
EDITED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
HOW TO KICK NAIL BITING
THE EXPERT
Dr. Kaylee Davis-Bordovsky Pediatric Psychiatrist at Children’s Health and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; childrens.com
Q: Why is my 4-year-old suddenly biting his nails and how can I make him stop?
A: We have all been there—that familiar sound and sight of someone (or ourselves) biting their nails. Though it may cause distress or irritation when we see children nail biting, a child may not notice they are doing it or even find it soothing. Research shows that between 35-50% of 3- to17-year-olds bite their nails.
Nail biting is the most common type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), far exceeding other behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking or lip chewing. As much as we want to stop nail biting by nagging or punishing a child, it is best to instead identify the “why” and address the underlying cause.
A child may bite their nails for one or more of these reasons:
They have untrimmed nails that are bothering them. Just like having an itch you need to scratch, having untrimmed or uneven nails may be irksome to a child. This is the easiest to solve because all you need to do is keep their nails trimmed! It may even be a source of pleasure as the child gets older and they learn to manicure their nails themselves. Parents bite their nails. This case is an example of learned behavior, so it is important for parents to check their own habits. Research shows that about a third of children who bite their nails have a family member who bites theirs as well. Up to 25% of adults bite their nails, making it prevalent
across ages. Try having a friendly competition among family members to see who can go the longest without biting their nails or get prizes if they can go a certain amount of time without nail biting.
A “habit” out of boredom or a way to self-stimulate. Many children (and adults) do not even realize they are biting their nails until someone points it out. They may do it when in school, riding in the car or watching TV. This can be tricky to treat because it requires that the child be aware of when they are biting so that they can stop. So help them become aware of the habit, such as identifying the times or locations they are most likely to bite. Once they recognize that they are biting or wanting to, they can replace it with another behavior. This is a great opportunity to introduce textured stress balls, fidget spinners or other activities to keep their hands busy. Response to anxiety-provoking or stressful situations. Nail biting isn’t always synonymous with anxiety, but it certainly can happen when tensions rise. A child may bite their nails when entering a crowded room or before giving a class presentation. This form of nail biting is often selfsoothing. Bringing awareness to the behavior and replacing it with a different acceptable self-soothing behavior is the best treatment.
No matter what “type” of nail biter your child is, you can utilize any (or all) of the techniques outlined above to curb the habit. Though generally considered harmless behavior, severe cases of nail biting can be associated with:
• Destruction of the nail bed
• Recurrent bleeding/pain from repetitive biting
• Emergence of infections in the fingers
• Severe anxiety that accompanies nail biting
• Associated hair pulling or skin picking If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your pediatrician to discuss treatment options, which may include the involvement of a mental health specialist.
Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HEALTH; ISTOCK
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real moms.
RÉSUMÉ
TITLE
Director of Education, Library and Visitor
Experience at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
LIVES IN Keller
HAILS FROM Wichita, Kansas
AGE
44
ALMA MATER
Bachelor’s in art history & studio art from Oklahoma State, Master’s in art history & graduate certification in art museum education from University of North Texas
SPOUSE
Eddie, married 21 years
CHILD
Daughter Edie, age 8
“Focus not on the final product, but the process,” Blake says of artmaking with children and fostering their creativity.
AMANDA BLAKE
More than a tutor.
Academic interventions with a holistic approach for Grades PK–12.
Services tailored to your child’s needs:
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, SLDs in reading, math, and written expression, among others.
THE COLORS, THE CREATIVITY, the sensory experiences—there is so much for children to soak in at an art museum. But also, the priceless works, the quiet galleries, the potential for meltdowns. It all might be a little anxiety-inducing for parents.
But Amanda Blake has a message for moms and dads: “Please come,” she says of spaces like the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, where her team works to create a welcoming environment and experiences for even the littlest visitors. “You are most welcome at any art museum and there is so much for people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Of course, browsing galleries is a favorite pastime with her own daughter, Edie, but Blake works to ensure there is something for all kinds of families—even those without any knowledge of fine arts. She tells us how to make the most of a museum visit with kids, plus how she juggles career and mom life.
DFWCHILD: YOU’VE ALWAYS WORKED IN MUSEUMS. WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ARTS?
AB: I’ve always loved art history. I’ve learned so much about the world, about different religions, about history through art. It’s such a powerful tool for people to learn about themselves and the world. Growing up, I knew I loved art, but I never knew these jobs existed in art museums. Then I was in an art class in high school held at the Wichita Art Museum and I met their director of education and realized that this is a job—working around these acclaimed artworks and having the privilege to connect people to them. I immediately knew I wanted to pursue that.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A PARENT WHO’S INTIMIDATED TO BRING THEIR CHILD INTO AN ART MUSEUM?
Art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background and prior knowledge. Museums have so many tools in place to help a first-time visitor—hands-on activities and interactives in the galleries, labels that can be easily understood, fun tote bags and family guides that take you through a museum with fun and openended questions, and also information about the artwork and ways to interpret that for children. At the Carter we have family programs even for babies. It’s about making a connection. There’s no right way to experience art.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO ENGAGE KIDS DURING A VISIT?
Focus on the stories of art. Focus on something like animals or colors and go into a gallery and have them do a scavenger hunt. ‘How many animals can we count in these two galleries,’ or, ‘Where are all the blue things we can find in these artworks?’ Or look at artwork and think about what happened right before the scene, what happened right after the scene? Look at an abstract artwork and talk about how the colors make them feel. Invite them to share their interpretations.
HOW DO YOU JUGGLE YOUR CAREER AND HOME LIFE?
It’s tricky. For instance, my daughter has a field trip on a day that we have a board meeting that I can’t miss, and she was so disappointed that I wasn’t one of the parents to throw their name in the hat to chaperone. But then she
has this big second grade dinosaur musical on the night of our annual member dinner, and I’m skipping that to go to her show. I try to think about, in five or 10 years, who will I have wanted to be there for? It’s always going to be my family. But it’s a balancing act for sure. I always try to be present when I’m at work with my team, but also at home when I’m with my family; so just separating that time.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY AS A MOM?
The winding down bedtime. My daughter is passionate and energetic in all that she does so when she’s winding down, I get to learn about all the ups and downs of her day and how she handled things and how she problem-solved or we talk through things together. And another time that I never would have thought I’d cherish is our car rides. That’s when she opens up. We really have great conversations in the car.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MOM HACKS THAT MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER?
My husband is the cook in our family and he’s taught our daughter a lot of things over the years, to the point where she can pretty much make dinner for us. Can a hack be teaching your kids to do chores? Encouraging her to cook or teaching her to do the things I don’t like to around the house feels like the best hack (laughs).
HOW DOES CHILDCARE WORK OVER THE SUMMER IN YOUR HOUSE?
Edie does a summer program, some summer camps, and she’ll spend some time in Kansas with family. We have to sort of cobble it together; find different things she’s interested in and try to make it work. I think parents put a lot of pressure on themselves in the summer. But there are a lot of free or low-cost things to do like museums and libraries, where there’s AC too!
WHAT’S THE BEST PARENTING ADVICE YOU EVER GOT?
My parents were and are such good parents, it’s always in my head: What would my mom do? I’m always going to her for advice. And when Edie was baby, I remember hearing all those clichés, but one of my colleagues just had a baby and I found myself repeating them to her—they grow up so fast. Be present and cherish it.
IN THE LOOP
“Get on email lists from your local museums and libraries,” Blake suggests to parents. “You’ll get an email with what’s coming up and registration for the next month’s workshops. There are so many things offered that are completely free that you just have to know about and sign up for. You might not remember to go and check each and every website but getting those alerts right to your email is a great way to know what’s going on or to remember to sign up for something.”
the bigger picture
Amanda Blake’s top tips & favorite things
TEA TIME
“I love to go antique shopping and my daughter is so into dressing up and having tea. A lot of antique shops serve a high tea, so that’s sort of become our thing,” Blake says. Visits to the Secret Garden Restaurant at the Montgomery Street Antique Mall and Coco’s Tea Room at the Grapevine Antique Market make for special mom-and-me time for the pair. “Like artwork, I love that at antique markets every object has a story. It fuels your curiosity to think about what that life represented and what this object has seen.”
Montgomery Street Antique Mall // 2601 Montgomery St., Fort Worth; 817/735-9685, montgomerystreetantiquemall.com Grapevine Antique Market // 1641 W. Northwest Hwy., Grapevine; 817/329-2124, grapevineantiquemarket.com
PUPPY LOVE
The family’s 18-year-old Westie, named George Constanza, is Blake’s first baby. Every year, she handcrafts matching Halloween costumes for her daughter and pup, and the foursome love hanging out at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s
Dog Days. George, a therapy dog, even has his own Insta, @westiegeorge.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden // 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/463-4160, fwbg.org
CULTURED KIDS
Blake offers these tips for a successful museum visit with children: “If your child enjoys drawing, feel free to bring a sketchbook and pencil; most art museums allow sketching with pencil in the galleries. At the Carter, we offer gallery stools that visitors can pick up and take with them to spend as much time as needed in any gallery.”
Bring a small toy or fidget for busy hands. “To prepare for your visit, let children know that we can’t touch the artwork and explain why—we want the art to last for many years, and if visitors touch the art, oil and dirt will damage the art over time.”
Pace yourself. “Lower expectations to see everything on view in a museum, but rather, explore works of art in bite-sized moments,” says Blake. General admission is free at the Carter, Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, so you can always come back.
Plan ahead. “If your child is curious about a certain topic—like animals, space, or even a favorite color—see if the museum has any artworks related to it.”
PUBLIC ART
Dallas-Fort Worth’s vibrant arts scene isn’t just within walls. Families can take in public art across the Metroplex including sculptures, paintings, installations and murals. Blake’s favorites are John Bramblitt’s murals, which can be seen in Bishop Arts, Garland and Fate “His work is not only visually stunning, but his journey as a blind artist is just incredible and so inspiring. I love seeing his murals because it’s like I’m getting to live in one of his beautiful technicolor paintings.” // bramblitt.com
INTERVIEW AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
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What’s
New?
Novel places to check out & things to do this summer
Slick City Action Park
THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of things to do with kids in Dallas-Fort Worth, and by now, you likely have some familiar standbys for a day of family fun. But sometimes you want to switch it up, step outside the box and try something new—and fortunately, you’ve got plenty of options. Here, we take a look at some new and notable family-friendly attractions in DFW—from the unique places to play to temporary exhibits you’ll want to catch while you can, to local mainstays that have been recently revamped. Put these on your summer to-do list, and keep the cries of, “Mom, I’m bored!” at bay.
Unique Play Places
1
Not quite an indoor playground and not quite a trampoline park, Slick City Action Park, which recently opened two DFW locations, slides into a league of its own. Billed as the world’s first indoor slide and air court park, the playground features a variety of massive, dry, indoor slides—some that literally launch you into the air and (thankfully) onto a soft landing space. Thrill seekers will want to try the Arlington location’s Royal Flush, a towering, swirling bowl slide, while littles in need of something more laid back can enjoy an area just for kids 45 inches and shorter. Both locations will offer week-long summer camps for kids 6–13. // Denton & Arlington; slickcity.com
WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
2
Opened last summer by a local family in honor of their 2-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, Down to Play is a fully accessible play area featuring a 3,500-square-foot play structure, a toddler and baby area, and a sensory room for any kiddos who may need to take a break. Caregivers will feel just as welcome here too—the space has plenty of seating, TVs playing all the sports and a snack bar with freshly brewed LDU Coffee. // Dallas; downtoplay.com
3
If you’re looking to plan a summer playdate but don’t necessarily want a gaggle of kids running through your house, check out The PlayPocket, a just-opened kid-friendly event space for private playdates, parties, etc. The all-ages space also plays host to a monthly sensory playdate and special events throughout the year that range from parenting and CPR classes to painting parties. // Fort Worth; theplaypocketfw.com
4
Colors of the Alphabet opened late last year as an indoor play space designed for all children, but specifically for kids with autism and sensory needs in mind. Here, crawlers up to age 12 can engage in sensory-friendly activities tailored to their needs. Owned by an autism mom and former teacher, the space will offer day camps over the summer and hands-on sensory experiences, as well as free play. // North Richland Hills; colorsofthealphabet.com
Artsy Endeavors
5
Try your hand at the newest crafting craze, rug tufting, at Fuzz Lab, which just opened two local venues. Believe it or not, creating a fluffy handmade rug is actually quite beginner-friendly (though fair warning, depending on the design it can be up to a threehour process). These art studios offer several other family-friendly projects, like a Drip Bear (pouring paint over a white bear-shaped canvas to create a one-of-kind drippy masterpiece) and whipped cream clay art (a delicate, water-based clay that looks like—you guessed it—creamy whipped icing). All of these DIY projects are open to all ages (kids under 12 must pair with an adult for tufting), with materials and guidance provided. Sessions fill up quickly so it’s recommended that you book in advance online, though walk-ins are welcome when space allows. // Dallas & Fort Worth; fuzzlab.co
Cool Experiences
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Skiing in Texas? In the summer? Yes, Shredder features two indoor ski ramps made of a specially designed water-mistable turf surface meant to mimic the sensation of skiing or snowboarding on snow. Classes are offered for kids ages 1–10, and private lessons are available for all ages (children and adults). Occasionally, Shredder holds an open gym where parents can come practice riding the slopes with their children. Look online for those dates and times, and also for information on summer camps (with sledding too). // Richardson; shredderski.com
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TuTugether, is another new art studio in on the paint pouring and rug tufting trends, but here you can also get in on another unique art medium—spin art. You’ll apply your chosen paint colors to a spinning canvas to create a unique abstract piece of stunning swirls and patterns. There’s no age minimum for spin art, but those aged 15 and up can take it up a notch with spin and shot art, where you’ll use a BB gun to shoot paint-filled balloons onto a spinning canvas. Talk about a blast! // Carrollton; tutugethertexas.com
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Known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, Turkish mosaic lamps are part of a tradition that dates back for millennia. More than just decorative, these beautiful lamps carry cultural and spiritual meaning. And yes, you can learn this ancient art using tiles and beads. Pedalisa Art offers handson workshops at locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth where, with step-by-step
guidance, you’ll create your own handcrafted mosaic lamp. No experience is required, though due to handling glass, participants should be at least 7. Workshops, which rotate through Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Arlington, Frisco and Richardson, are held on weekends. // Multiple locations; pedalisaart.com
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Try your hand at fluid art, a painting technique that involves pouring liquid acrylic paint onto a canvas and manipulating it into designs, at one of several Hawaii Fluid Art studios that have recently cropped up at six locations throughout DFW. The activity is so simple that even 3-year-olds can do it, but the technique can be refined for different results— truly making it something for all ages. All of the classes are taught step by step, so no experience is required, but you’ll want to save your dressy clothes for another time— the experience can get a little messy! Walk-ins and appointments are available at most locations. // Multiple locations; hawaiifluidart.com
Sure, summer is a great time to catch a flick on the big screen—but what about a massive screen? The $22 million Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History takes it to whole other level with its 8K resolution, 12,000 LED nodules and 75-foot screen. Most of the content shown in the Omni Theater focuses on documentaries that create unique learning experiences—films like Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope, The Stars at Night, and Cities of the Future Go online for the schedule and to purchase tickets, which are separate from museum admission. And keep in mind that while the theater is open to all, it’s recommended that children not sit in the first three rows. // Fort Worth; fwmuseum.org
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Theater will never be the same. This April, the North Texas Performing Arts invites you step inside the story with the launch of Immersive Theatre—a new theatrical experience where the audience becomes participants. Using dynamic sets, interactive characters and environmental storytelling, these shows erase the boundary between spectator and performance. The immersive theater schedule begins with Black Hollow: The Final Verdict April 17-20 and continues this summer with Ever After: A Grimm Fairy Tale, August 14-17. // Plano; ntpa.org/immersive
Recent Renovations
The revamped Moody Family Children’s Museum at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, slated to reopen in late May at nearly double its original size, is completely reimagined with interactive exhibits and experiences designed with kids 7 and under in mind. Littles can build and design in the space's “makery,” experience the multi-sensory Imaginarium and scramble up a one-of-a-kind climbing structure designed by world renowned visual artist Toshiko MacAdam. The space also boasts an expanded toddler area and a larger outdoor area featuring a programmable waterfall and natural play elements. // Dallas; perotmuseum.org
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The Museum of Illusions Dallas reopened this spring with a major expansion and an array of new mind-bending exhibits and experiences. Let your kiddos live out they're superhero dreams, appearing as if their scaling the walls in a new gravity-defying illusion. Or, head to the Symmetry Room for a mesmerizing play on reflections. Other mind-boggling experiences include a walk-in kaleidoscope, body-swap exhibit, life-size dodecahedron, and a clone room that will have you seeing double…or quadruple. // Dallas; moidallas.com
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A new virtual frontier where you can “dive” beneath the ocean, walk among dinosaurs or play a game of virtual golf is among the upgrades in Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine’s recent $40 million transformation, the property’s largest-ever project. New attractions also include a mini bowling alley, an animated laser tag experience, and a nighttime spectacular that transforms the resort’s grand lobby into a fully immersive story time space with lighting effects, video, sound—and even a flurry of snow—each night before bedtime. And if
all the fun—and all those waterslides—works up an appetite, there’s plenty of new food options to check out and even a grown-upsonly Outpost for craft beers and cocktails. // Grapevine; greatwolf.com/grapevine
Fresh Exhibits
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Digging for earthworms, catching beetles in a jar—some kids just love bugs, and for them, a new exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum will fascinate and delight. Bugs LIVE invites you to wander along the museum’s scenic nature trails where you’ll encounter larger-than-life animatronic bugs such as grasshoppers, beetles, bumblebees and even a scorpion. The exhibit ends June 29 with a Bug-a-thon. And if insects aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of outdoors to explore during the Heard’s expanded summer hours in June and July. // McKinney; heardmuseum.org
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And speaking of bugs, you’ll find them at the Perot this summer too, with the opening of their Bug Lab exhibit on June 28. Here, you can actually step different environments that showcase the various insects’ abilities—like the speed of dragonflies and the reflexes of mantises—and marvel at ultra-detailed, large-scale sculptures of your favorite bug species. And while you’re there, you’ll also want to check out The Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone, an incredible collection of crystals and colored stone in the topaz family, including a massive 9,630-carat marquise-cut gem from Brazil, the largest known “Lone Star Cut” in Texas topaz, and 332-carat Imperial Flame topaz, recognized as the largest and finest stone of its caliber in the world. Your little rock collectors are guaranteed to be awed. // Dallas; perotmuseum.org
Parks & Adventures
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If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the Fort Worth Zoo, you’re in for some fearsome new sights. The Predators of Asia and Africa exhibit debuted in June 2023, providing visitors with an opportunity to see some of regions’ most incredible beasts up close. The habitat is a feast for the eyes, where big cats like African lions, Sumatran tigers and cheetahs roam, brightly hued exotic birds speckle the landscape and cascading waterfalls roar. The zoo also recently revamped its 7,000-sqaure-foot Mountains & Desert building in the Texas Wild! habitat, home to native Texas reptiles and amphibians and the Texas Nature Traders program, where kids can bring fossils, rocks or plants to exchange for points that can be traded for something else in the collection. // Fort Worth; fortworthzoo.org
Frisco’s hottest new hangout, Kaleidoscope Park, made its debut last fall and since has hosted a steady stream of performances, recreational activities and family events. Head there on a Saturday (or Saturyay, as they call it) for free kid-friendly activities like story time, arts and crafts, petting zoos, airbrush art, lawn games, outdoor shows, and more—plus the adjacent weekly Frisco Rotary Farmers Market. But really, any time is a good time to check out this nearly 6-acre green space, which boasts stunning public art, a children’s play area, dog park, shaded promenades and plazas, walkways and more. // Frisco; kaleidoscopepark.org
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If you’ve wanted to check out the new Peppa Pig Theme Park don’t let the summer heat stop you—the pint-size fun includes the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, a bean bag bedecked indoor cinema and a shady showtime arena. Of course, the real draw here at the theme park designed specifically for preschoolers are the rides—a mini pirate ship, an aerial carousel and a mini roller coaster among them. // North Richland Hills; peppapigthemepark.com/dallas-ft-worth
CHARTER SCHOOL GUIDE
Learning is not one-size-fits-all and so education shouldn’t be either.
Charter schools bring different missions and models into public education. Plus, they are free to attend and have the same accountability as Independent School Districts. Browse these great options in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Sensory Explorations: Food
Saturday, April 12 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Sensory Explorations is a free event for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Explore depictions of food through sensory tools, swap recipes, make a (paper) pizza, and enjoy an interactive performance.
RSVP NOW
Stay in the loop on Access events and resources at the Carter. Sign up for our newsletter at cartermuseum.org/SignUp
special needs.
SUMMER CAMP & SPECIAL NEEDS
Finding the right fit for every kid
WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
arite of passage during childhood, summer camps often leave behind core memories of sing-alongs, fun traditions and adventures in nature—a magical combination of experiences. But as parents of children with special needs, how do we choose a camp that truly suits our children, somewhere they’ll feel welcomed and included while being safe and sound?
That may seem like a daunting task, but finding the right fit is worth the effort. Other than being just plain fun, camps provide a unique opportunity to practice social skills, make new friends and problem solve, as well as build confidence and independence. They allow our chil-
dren to break away from the structure of school and home, then make choices about what they want to do, possibly while connecting with others with similar life circumstances. It’s a chance to focus on their abilities, not their disabilities.
So let’s take a look at how to make the right choice for your child.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR CAMPS
When it comes to finding a summer camp for your child, first think about your goals and priorities. Are you interested in indulging a particular interest of your child? Connecting them to others who share their condition? Getting in some good quality outdoor time?
Decide if you’re looking for an inclusive mainstream camp or one designed specifically for your child’s special needs. Whichever route you choose, your child’s care team could be a great resource when it comes to making the right pick. “Options range from specialty and diagnosis-specific camps to camps through the YMCA or other local organizations. Parents frequently learn about these camps from our social workers,” says Dr. Patricia Hicks, developmental behavior pediatrician at Children’s Health in Dallas and Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who encourages parents to secure summer camp plans early in the year to ensure a spot.
Online, there are some great sites to start with. NaTasha Woodard, a licensed clinical social worker with Children’s Health’s Complex Care Medical Services, suggests looking at navigatelifetexas.org or texasautismsociety.org when seeking camps and activities for kids with special needs during the summer. DFWChild also has a special needs camp directory at dfwchild.com/camps And check in with where you might already be receiving services. “Some ABA, Applied Behavioral Analysis, centers have day camps for children with autism,” Woodard adds.
If your child is established at a local hospital, check with them too. They often post recommended camps on their websites or can provide you with a well-researched listing.
Camp for All (campforall.org) has a “Find Your Camp” feature that’s helpful, as does the American Camp Association. In addition to the YMCA, tried-and-true camps such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire often provide specialized training for their staffers on working with kiddos of all abilities. Mainstream camps offer the bonus of being appropriate for siblings too.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Remember that the specific camp experience you want for your child might not be right down the road. But if you’re willing to broaden your search, you’ll find camps that specialize in creating unforgettable summer experiences for all kinds of kids.
One of those is Camp John Marc, which partners with DFW-area providers and children’s hospitals including Children’s Health, Scottish Rite for Children, and Cook Children’s, to offer specialized facilities to host camps for kids with chronic illness and physical challenges. It’s about 85 miles southwest of Dallas, in Bosque County, and serves children with burns, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cardiac disease, blood disorders and cancer—and those are just the camps that start in June.
special needs /
Before you go all-in with an overnight camp that may stretch a week or more, know that many camps offer a daylong adventure program or a family weekend retreat to get a sense of what the camp’s all about. Camp El Tesoro (part of the Camp Fire family), an overnight camp outside of Fort Worth, has an inclusion program for children with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities. They host open houses throughout the year to offer previews for families. “They can come out to camp, see the property and connect with our camp director and the staff. They could also meet with food service to talk about dietary needs,” says Jen Smith, vice president of outdoor connection at Camp El Tesoro. “We do a hayride through the property. You can also go into a cabin and see what that looks like. We open some of our activities like arts and crafts and archery, so they can try out some of the activities that we offer. If they want a private tour, that’s also available.”
KNOW YOUR NEEDS
Don’t be afraid to reach out to staffers for an open, honest conversation about your child’s unique situation and how those needs will be supported and communicated. Camp El Tesoro hires an inclusion coordinator every summer who connects with families who need extra assistance before camp. “They get more specific on each individual kid because everybody’s unique, and we want to be able to help each individual to the best of our
DFW
Callier Center Camps: Offerings include Camp Interact, for children entering second through sixth grades with social skill difficulties; Summer Language Camp for kids with language disorders; Summer Listening Camp, for children with hearing differences; and Camp Mary Poppins, a musical camp for children with hearing loss and their siblings. // Dallas; calliercenter.utdallas.edu
HEROES (Helping Everyone Reach
Outstanding Educational Success): Day programs run for six weeks during the summer for individuals of all abilities, ages 3 and up.
// Richardson; heroesdfw.org
North Texas Performing Arts Theater & Film Camps: Specialty camps are available for students with disabilities (NTPA Starcatchers) and Deaf studtents (NTPA Deaf Theatre). // Multiple locations; ntpa.org
YMCA Angel Camp: Summer program for children ages 8–18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. // Rockwall; ymcadallas.org
NORTH TEXAS
Camp Summit: Residential camp for individuals with disabilities. // Paradise; campsummittx.org
ability,” Smith says, adding the staff trains on working with children with special needs. Also ask about staff. How are they screened and trained? What is the staff to camper ratio? How are things such as personal care, discipline, dietary needs or medical treatments and emergencies handled? How are the campers grouped? And what happens when things don’t go as planned and a child just doesn’t seem happy? Also consider asking for references, particularly parents of children with the same abilities as your child.
Smith says that the growth she sees in a camper at the end of their stay is similar across the board. “Kids, no matter their abilities, may have a parent or guardian who does a lot for them, and at camp they have that independence of, Okay, I need to get myself up and take a shower or pack what I need for the day,” she says, noting that campers get to choose their own activities and can advocate for themselves if they want to make a switch. Camp, of course, comes with meeting new friends and reacquainting with old camp friends year after year. “Some have been here for multiple summers, and others may be on their first summer, and they’re all trying to figure out how to navigate camp. So you have that camaraderie and friendship. And it’s pretty neat to see each summer, as campers come back and get to see their camp friends— the smiles, the hugs, the running and across the bridge and the excitement.”
SEEK (Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers): Non-denominational Christian camp for ages 9 and up. // Bridgeport; seekcamp.org
Camp John Marc: Specialized camp facilities designed in partnership with Dallas-Fort Worth area pediatric hospitals. // Meridian; campjohnmarc.org
Charis Hills Camp: Christian summer camp for children with learning differences and social difficulties such as ADD, ADHD, and Asperger’s disorder. // Sunset; charishills.org
GREATER TEXAS
Camp CAMP (Children’s Association for Maximum Potential): Integrated camping for children with disabilities and their siblings.
// Center Point; campcamp.org
Camp for All: Year-round camps offered for children with illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. // Burton; campforall.org
Camp That Love Built: Week-long camp for children 6 and older with spina bifida.
// Burton; sbhgc.org
Camp Cell-a-Bration: Week-long camp for kids aged 6–14 with sickle cell disease. // Burton; sicklecelltx.org
MDA Summer Camp: Week-long summer camps for children living with neuromuscular disease. // Meridian and Burton; mda.org
TESTING & RESOURCES
Thorough neuroeducational assessments to identify your child’s learning differences or disabilities, and ADHD.
Highlands aptitude and Gallup CliftonStrengths testing to support college and career readiness.
University of North Texas Speech and Hearing Center is proud to support our community. We provide a platform for students to learn while offering comprehensive services to our neighbors, including a pediatricfocused speech and hearing department.
We partner with most insurance providers, ensuring accessibility to hearing and speech healthcare for all. Our licensed audiologists and speech therapists serve patients across the life span with a research-based approach and cutting-edge technology.
GO FOR IT!
Top family fun events in April & May
ADAPTIVE EGG HUNTS
April 12
SLAYTER CREEK PARK, ANNA
For kids with visual impairment who may have trouble spotting Easter eggs, listen up. The City of Anna is prepping for a special egg hunt using beeping Easter eggs. Register online to join this or more egg hunts exclusively for kids with special needs. They’re all at the city’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza, with bubbles, a petting zoo, selfies with the Easter Bunny, and more egg hunts planned for the whole community. FREE 469/885-9428; annatexas.gov
ESPECIALLY NEEDED’S
EGG HUNTS
April 12
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD, FRISCO
April 13
MOORE MIDDLE SCHOOL, CELINA
It’s double the fun this year, when the McKinney-based nonprofit Especially Needed expands to two local egg hunts: one on the baseball diamond at Harold Bacchus Community Park, and the next day on the school’s football field.
Register online for your preferred location/date, come ready with your baskets, and be sure to allot extra time to browse out the resource fair. FREE 214/499-3439; especiallyneeded.org
SENSORY EXPLORATIONS: FOOD
April 12
AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, FORT WORTH
Who’s hungry? Here you’ll find all sorts of foods—that is, in the artworks around the galleries during this free art day made for kids of all ages on the autism spectrum. Have a neurodivergent adult in your family? Come back again soon on April 17 for Meet Up at the Museum, featuring more foodthemed fun, including a recipe exchange. FREE 817/738-1933; cartermuseum.org/access
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
April 24–27
WILLOW BEND CENTER OF THE ARTS, PLANO
The Deaf Theatre program at North Texas Performing Arts
makes it possible for local kids and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing to get in on the action themselves. You can see many of these aspiring actors on stage— dancing, acting and singing too— during the program’s latest live production (a classic fairy tale). Be their guest and grab your tickets, available from $12 in advance; or $25 for front-row seats. Then perhaps reach out about joining the next show on stage. 972/4222575; ntpa.org/deaf
BEST BUDDIES
FRIENDSHIP WALK
April 26
ROUGHRIDERS FIELD, FRISCO
It’s not how far you walk but who you’re walking with. So join in with your loved ones at this annual gathering for locals (kids and adults too) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The party inside the ballpark is FREE to participate, though any amount
you raise online goes toward the Best Buddies program in Texas. Raise at least $50 to earn an event T-shirt, or deck yourself out in the organization’s official purple to represent. 214/242-9908; bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org
➽ HP BUDDY BOWL
May 3
HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL
HIGHLANDER STADIUM, DALLAS
This annual community football game (a tradition started by former students in 2017) gives the Friday Night Lights experience to locals with special needs—no matter their age or district. They’ll walk the red carpet and buddy up with high schoolers for on-field play. Plus, they’ll enjoy face painting and balloons, and even the crowd gets free ice cream too. The game is limited to the first 50 athletes who apply, so keep an eye open for registration starting in April. FREE hpbuddybowl.com
JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH
May 3
DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER
This peach is not only big but also a boat, a hot air balloon, and a means of escape for orphan James and his insect friends. It’s all in Roald Dahl’s wild story, which you can experience on stage April 19–May 24, including a sensory-friendly show on Saturday, May 3. Tickets for that production are a steal: only $5 for any seat in the house. And that includes extra playtime in the lobby starting an hour before the 1:30pm curtain. 214/740-0051; dct.org/sensory
DOWN SYNDROME GUILD’S FAMILY PICNIC
May 18
FAMILY FUN
Find more events at dfwchild.com/calendar and tap the option for “Special Needs Friendly.”
THE SOUTHERN CROSS RANCH, DALLAS Chow down on a lunch buffet of barbecue or hot dogs for the kids, then enjoy a full afternoon at this wooded attraction (on the same property as Trinity Forest Adventure Park). The loads of recreational activities range from field games and a bubble garden to fun on the water (swimming, fishing and pedal boats). This is free for those with Down syndrome, their immediate family members and for all kids under 4. Only extended family members 4 and older pay $28 each. 214/267-1374; downsyndromedallas.org
WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
ABOVE // So what if it’s not football season? The annual HP Buddy Bowl in Highland Park is the place for athletes of all ages and abilities to suit up and make their on-field debut.
BEST SUMMER EVER
Childhood summer memories and camp go hand-in-hand.
Explore these fun camp options that will make this a summer to remember.
Find additional camps at dfwchild.com/camps
Two locations in Plano — ChallengerSchool.com
Since 1963, Challenger School has helped children excel by employing proven, effective methods in a fun and structured environment that inspires them to achieve. The Challenger difference is evident from the moment you set foot on campus. Students bubble with enthusiasm as they make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts. In order to facilitate setting crucial learning patterns, Challenger accepts students as young as 3 years. Challenger School has two campuses in Plano.
6700 Communications Pkwy., Plano, TX 75024 • 469-573-0077 10145 Independence Pkwy., Plano, TX 75025 • 469-642-2000 ChallengerSchool.com
Give your child a summer of adventure at River Legacy’s Summer Camps! Designed for ages 3–12, our camps immerse kids in hands-on nature exploration, wildlife encounters and exciting outdoor activities. From visiting the pond full of life to learning how to track animals, each day sparks curiosity and fosters a love for the environment. Led by experienced educators, campers will build friendships while discovering the wonders of nature. Spots are limited, so register today for an unforgettable summer of fun and learning at River Legacy!
703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. Arlington, TX 76006 817-860-6752 riverlegacy.org
Escape to adventure at Camp Tahuaya, a premier outdoor destination in Belton, Texas!
Whether you prefer cozy cabins, spacious family suites, RV sites or classic tent camping, we have the perfect spot for you.
Explore our scenic trails, catch a fish in our spring-fed lake or paddle through the water on a canoe or kayak.
For thrill-seekers, tackle our rock climbing challenges or dive into exciting STEM activities.
Just looking for a day of fun? Grab a Day or Adventure Pass and immerse yourself in the great outdoors—no overnight stay required!
From unforgettable family getaways to corporate retreats and reunions, Camp Tahuaya blends nature, adventure and relaxation for an experience you won’t forget!
2603 Tahuaya Dr. Belton, TX 76513
817-231-8551
reservations@CampTahuaya.org CampTahuaya.org
Cooper Summer Camps 2025
June 2–August 8
Choose from Summer Fit & Fun Camp, Tennis and Swim—or build your summer with a combination!
Fit & Fun Camp: Ages 5–12
Our action-packed Fit & Fun day camps introduce various sports, physically-active games and overall wellness through daily fitness and nutrition lessons. Each week offers a different schedule of games and sports. Add-ons include Splash Camp and Extended Care hours.
Tennis Camp: Ages 5–16
Tennis Camps focus on developing stroke and serving techniques while teaching campers to use the strokes in play appropriately—beginner and intermediate-friendly!
Swim programs:
• Swim academy (ages 3–5) - beginning in June
• Swim lessons (ages 6 months and up)
• Swim team (ages 6–17) - year-round, for intermediate to advanced youth swimmers
Register today at cooperyouth.com
12100 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230
972.560.6310 • youth@cooperfitnesscenter.com
Ready, set, MAKE! Summer Art Camps have something for every creative kid. Spend a week at the DMA exploring the galleries, making new friends, working in the studio and creating amazing art in weeklong camps for children ages 4–12.
Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N. Harwood Street Dallas, TX 75201 214-922-1200 familyprograms@dma.org dma.org
Join us for summer camp at one of our eight locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area! Our camp is an exciting adventure where rising 1st–5th graders discover new interests, make friends, and learn new skills. Campers dive into hands-on activities, from science and nature exploration to creative arts, sports, and games. With a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor fun, every day is packed with excitement! Special guests and on-campus events add an extra layer of adventure. Each day, your child will come home eager to share all the amazing moments they’ve had at camp!
Do you have a rising kindergartener? Enrich your child’s journey from preschool to kindergarten with our Kindergarten Enrichment program, where a balanced curriculum and exciting activities prepare them for a successful kindergarten journey. With a half day of Kindergarten Enrichment and a half day of Day Camp, campers enjoy hands-on experiences and foster new skills, all while having a blast!
Visit xplorpreschool.com/summer-camp for more information!
Locations in: Carrollton, Corinth, Crowley, Fort Worth, Haslet, Mansfield and McKinney 877-959-3743
xplorpreschool.com/summer-camp
Skylark brings the magic of summer camp to your neighborhood! Our trained counselors guide K–7th graders through the perfect blend of structured activities and creative play—from sports to crafts, reading programs to outdoor adventures.
Choose any number of weeks between May 26–August 8 at our five DFW locations. Our flexible schedule works with your summer plans, simplifying life for busy families.
Early birds pay $225, but you can pay even less. Use code DFWCHILD and get camp for just $199/week (reg. $325). Limited spots available at this special rate!
North Dallas, Allen, Plano, Richardson & Mansfield 214-531-3203 • campskylark.com
Give your child a week of adventure, discovery and inspiration at Camp SOAR, hosted by the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center! Designed for 3rd to 7th graders, this immersive camp blends STEM activities, aviation history, and real-world career exploration. Campers will connect with veterans, explore artifacts and develop character and leadership skills. Enroll today!
Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center
5657 Mariner Dr., Dallas, TX 75208
833-359-6232
flynaec.org/education/camp-soar
Dance through summer at Texas Ballet Theater Schools! TBTS offers day camps for ages 3–14 at our Dallas, Fort Worth and Richardson locations. For full program dates and other information, visit texasballettheater.org/summer-programs
• Ballet Basics introduces young dancers, ages 3–6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp includes crafts, story time and choreography correlating to the theme of the week.
• The Young Dancer Intensive helps students ages 7–9 improve their dance technique with daily classes in multiple styles.
• The Junior Intensive broadens the perspective of students ages 7–14 with a variety of classes, including ballet, modern, jazz and musical theater.
Locations in Dallas, Fort Worth and Richardson 817-763-0207 • texasballettheater.org/summer-programs
The DIS Summer Enrichment Camp is a six-week program offering all campers ages 3–17 the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities—from Cooking and Chess to Sports and Pottery—in a safe and caring environment. Campers may enroll in a full-day or half-day program for any combination of activities they choose. Lunch is provided at no additional cost to all full-day campers. Extended day options available on both campuses.
Good Shepherd Episcopal School Summer Program provides students ages 6 months–8th grade the opportunity to build independence and confidence, while taking risks and trying unique and fun activities in a safe and nurturing environment! With diverse camp offerings in traditional day camp, STEM, art, sports, music, and dance, there is something for everyone to find their passion. The program runs May 27–August 1.
The Eric Bell Soccer Academy at TCU is perfect for both boys and girls soccer players.
Day Camp (ages 7–13) and Half Day Camp (ages 4–6) will be offered on two dates: June 2–5 and June 23–26.
Sessions will focus on skill development and fun for the young soccer player.
Campers will learn a host of different soccer skills and techniques through various exercises and games that are specifically designed for the ages of the players in each camp.
Campers are encouraged to learn and develop at their own pace under the expert staff including past and present TCU soccer players.
The emphasis is always on having fun, learning and playing in a safe environment.
Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium 3600 W. Berry St. Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-395-9239 ericbellsocceracademy.com
Dive into a sun-splashed summer at J Dallas Camps! Our vibrant programs spark joy for every camper—from sports to arts and adventures! NEW: One-week sessions and our thrilling Pool Experience with exhilarating water slides! Ages 2–Grade 9 will blossom, build treasured friendships and create magical memories. Your extraordinary summer adventure awaits!
Aaron Family Jewish Community Center 7900 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75230 214-239-7130 • jcamp@jccdallas.org jdallascamps.org
At Kidventure Summer Camp’s six locations adventure and growth await every child from 3–16 years. Campers dive into thrilling activities, build lifelong friendships, and develop confidence through sports, arts, and teamwork. With unforgettable experiences and a nurturing environment, Kidventure creates a summer filled with fun, learning, and personal growth. For 31 years, Kidventure has been Texas’ choice for the ultimate summer camp experience.
Camps located in Dallas, Highland Village, Little Elm, Plano and Rocksprings 214-303-9789 • dallas@kidventure.com kidventure.com/dallas-summer-camps
Theatre and film camps allow youth to explore literature in a fun and creative way. Led by a team of professional directors, students ages 5–18 will transform into their favorite characters and learn essential life skills as they bring popular stories to life.
Specialty camps are available for Deaf students and students with disabilities. 40% off for new students!
Locations in Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas and Southlake 972-422-2575 • ntpa.org/camps
Summer, The Shelton Way offers academic and enrichment programs, the Scholars program, Speech Clinic course and sports camps for students in Early Childhood through twelfth grades. Programs feature Shelton School’s unique multisensory and discovery learning methods of instruction. It is open to Shelton and non-Shelton students. Summer classes are June 9–27, 2025.
Shelton School & Evaluation Center 17301 Preston Road Dallas TX 75252
shelton.org/the-school/summer-school
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playbook
Pour your creativity into the kids’ craft activities, like sand art, at MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival
April 10–13.
SPRING MIX
➽ OUR TOP FAVORITE ARTS FESTIVALS, SHOWS & THINGS TO DO THIS APRIL
DALLAS BLOOMS: OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY
Through April 13
DALLAS ARBORETUM
Come see the gorgeous tulips and smell the wildly fragrant hyacinths (those are the purple ones) while they’re at their peak. For those with little kids, the best time to come is Mondays and Tuesdays for extra fun (stories, STEM and fitness activities) in the Children’s Adventure Garden. $22 for adults;
$13 for children; under 2 free. 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org
CRACKING ART
April 1–September 30
FORT WORTH
BOTANIC GARDEN
See those bright figures dotted across the landscape? Those are not Easter eggs. The lime green rabbits, bright red elephants and more vibrantly colored animals in a new exhibition by the renowned Italian collective. Come take a
closer look and stop inside the garden’s Rainforest Conservatory to see the butterflies, too, through April 30. Combo admission: $22 adults; $12 children; under 6 free. 817/4634160; fwbg.org
VENARDOS CIRCUS
April 3–13
LITTLE ELM PARK
April 17–27
RIVERWALK IN FLOWER MOUND
Can you imagine the hours it must take to perfect
acrobatic stunts and then to perform perfectly under the pressure of a crowd? Their human feats of strength, agility and balance are worth witnessing in-person. Another big plus for this particular circus? It’s animalfree. Tickets from $27.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids. venardoscircus.com
DISNEY ON ICE
April 3–6
DICKIES ARENA, FORT WORTH
First, ice princess Elsa and
her sister Anna receive their most loyal subjects backstage for photos, crafts and sing-alongs. And then after these musical meet and greets, the real fun begins: a spectacular show starring more characters from Frozen 2, as well as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana 214/665-4797; 817/4029801. Show tickets from $27. Additional for character preshow. disneyonice.com
WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
FLAMINGO FEST
April 5
CITYLINE, RICHARDSON
At the outdoor plaza tucked inside this mixed-used district, you’ll happen upon this springtime party with loads of free activities. Come from 11am–1pm to enjoy everything from giant bubble and a mini-garden planting station to a petting zoo, giant yard games, LEGO building, and interactive parachute games. (Need a new date night spot? Come back that night for live jazz music as part of its live music series.)
FREE 972/739-5080; citylinedfw.com
I SPY BUTTERFLIES
Opens April 5
DALLAS ZOO
This lush, pollinator-friendly garden is home to hundreds of live butterflies and a brand-new nature-themed play area too. It’s included with general admission, too, and free for children 2 and younger. Come find it next to the mini-train, aka the Monarch Express, and while you’re at the zoo, don’t miss the return of the animatronic Destination: Dinosaurs ($6 extra.) 469/554-7500; dallaszoo.com
FREE FIRST SATURDAYS
April 5
NASHER SCULPTURE
CENTER, DALLAS
Each month, new guest artists lead kids in arts activities inside the light-filled galleries of this contemporary museum. This month, it’s printmaker Adam Palmer, as well as crafting with Natalie Stiles. Do you have kids on
the spectrum who would benefit from a calmer, less crowded day? Come back for the Nasher’s sensoryfriendly day on April 12. FREE 214/242-5100; nashersculpturecenter.org
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
April 5
RIVER LEGACY NATURE CENTER, ARLINGTON
Playtime outside on any day is a win, especially on this day that’s all about environmental awareness. But there’s no need to preach good habits to kids, they learn by doing. And here they’ll do eco-crafts, go on guided nature walks, and— always the highlight—meet plenty of animal ambassadors. FREE 817/860-6752; riverlegacy.org
SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
April 5–May 26
SCARBOROUGH FAIRGROUNDS, WAXAHACHIE
Want to snack on magical cookies at a fairy tea party? Meet a mermaid?
FAMILY DAY: 60TH BIRTHDAY BASH
April 6
MEADOWS MUSEUM AT SMU, DALLAS
To celebrate the grand anniversary for this Spanish art museum, you know some complimentary cake is in order, but of course, there’ll also be many arts activities and games for families. Strollers are welcome in the galleries, so you can peruse the painting in the new exhibit The Sense of Beauty FREE 214/768-2516; meadowsmuseumdallas.org
SESAME STREET LIVE!
April 10 WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM, FORT WORTH
Or earn a knighthood? This 44th annual fair is a dream for any kid who indulges in those fantasy worlds. Single-day advance tickets: $32 adults; $14 children; under 5 free. All kids 12 and younger get in free on opening weekend. Prepare to spend a full day here on your visit, or get the twoday pass and spend the night. 972/938-3247; srfestival.com
DINOSAUR DAY IN THE DISTRICT
April 5
THE PGA DISTRICT, FRISCO Animatronic dinos have taken over the golf course. On this day, you’ll learn how The Dinosaur Company makes them, meet dino puppets, and touch real fossils from the Dallas Paleontological Society. For your crafty kids, they can make their own dinosaur-themed sand art ($15), available until The Good Dinosaur movie starts playing on the big screen. pgafrisco.com
SPECIAL STORY TIME
April 5
INTERABANG BOOKS
For any kid eager to learn more about our official state small mammal, come listen to Elizabeth Shreeve, special guest and children’s author of new picture book The Oddball Book of Armadillos. Written for 7to 10-year-olds, it’s a fun, digestible read all about their evolutionary history. FREE 214/484-4289; interabangbooks.com
eval story of Don Quixote. So I’ll be watching this new production by Ballet North Texas and feeling that life is coming full circle. Tickets from $20. 214/871-5000; balletnorthtexas.org
ARTS IN BLOOM
April 11–13
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY
If you missed Sesame Street in DFW last fall, here’s another chance to Say Hello to Elmo and his dog Tango, the Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby. This live musical for preschoolers is a one-hour show with a 20-minute intermission, and tickets start at $29.50, another $50 for the post-show meet and greet with some of the characters. 972/912-1057; sesamestreetlive.com
MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL April 10–13
DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH Between 10am and 4pm each day, head to the TCC Makers Zone (near the courthouse) for kids activities, like sand art and henna tattoos, but you’ll want to go beyond those borders to see what else this massive, outdoor arts fest has in store. Case in point: the Unicycling Unicorn, who holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest rideable unicycle and will be performing several times a day at the opposite end of the festival. FREE admission; some activities require coupons. 817/3362787; mainstreetartsfest.org
DON QUIXOTE BALLET April 11–13
MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL, DALLAS OK, who else (besides me) had a twirling ballerina musical jewelry box while growing up? Mine hummed “The Impossible Dream”—and I’ve just had the small realization that this song is from The Man from La Mancha, a musical based on the medi-
This annual fest has all the makings of a great spring festival: live music, drinks and eats for adults, and plenty of hands-on things to do for the kids. At the KidsCreate Station, they’ll learn about art processes. Get the craft kit (sold separately) for a Picassoinspired painting activity, materials to make a birdhouse, and more. FREE 972/5472660; artsinbloomtx.com
FAMILY ARTS BASH
April 12
BATH HOUSE CULTURAL CENTER, DALLAS
This monthly spring series at this historic building overlooking White Rock Lake continues with, yes, walk-up arts activities, but also dancing and storytelling for kids. Check out the activities and the gallery exhibitions throughout. Have a teen? Come back on April 19 for the free Sketchbook Club with Dallas artist Tiara Unique Francois. FREE 214/670-8749; bathhouse.dallasculture.org
THE PA’AKAI WE BRING April 13 EISEMANN, RICHARDSON
Did you know that “pa’akai” means “salt” in Hawaiian? Or that there are natural salt flats on the Hawaiian island of Kauai? You’ll discover more about the ancient people’s connection to pa’akai and the generations of salt farmers in this touring production from the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. It’s got original songs, hula dancing, and an opportunity for the audience to join in, too. Tickets from $12. 972/7444650; eisemanncenter.com
KIDS FISHING DERBY & FAMILY CAMPOUT
April 19
BLACKLAND PRAIRIE RAPTOR CENTER, LUCAS Pack your rod and tackle boxes for some fishing at the center’s pond and join a friendly competition and prizes on the line. Register
➽ SESAME STREET LIVE!
in advance: $10 adults; $15 kids. Want to make it an overnight trip? Stay for the campout, with s’mores and guided hikes. $50 adults; $35 kids; under 5 free. 469/964-9696; bpraptorcenter.org
MOVIE IN THE PARK
April 19
KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALLAS
Outdoor movie season is here, and we relish these easy trips out of the house. Just grab a blanket (or your camping chairs if you prefer), and head out to this unique park for a rewatch of the 2012 animated comedy based on the Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax (rated PG). To make a fuller day of it, come earlier for STEM activities from 2–3:30pm, then play in the children’s park until the movie begins at 7pm. FREE 214/716-4500; klydewarrenpark.org
THE AMAZING ACRO-CATS
April 23–27
STAGE WEST, FORT WORTH
These cats are no couch potatoes. Thanks to some remarkable clicker-training from animal trainer Samantha Martin, this troupe of rescued kitties performs all kinds of tricks usually reserved for dogs, like riding on skateboards, jumping through hoops and tapping on instruments. Tickets from $40, a portion of which goes to local nonprofit Buddies Place Cat Rescue of Texas. 817/7849378; rockcatsrescue.org
ART IN THE SQUARE
April 25–27
SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE
This 25th annual arts festival has not one but two kids’ areas for the active and artsy. Head to the Kid’s Korner, located closer to Lululemon, for hands-on arts activities like painting on canvas and decorating wings you can wear. Or if you think you’ll spend more time in The Zone (with bounce houses, a bungee jump and climbing wall), park closest to Williams Sonoma for the shortest walk back to the car. FREE admission, fee for some activities. 817/9444408; artinthesquare.com
TASTE ADDISON
April 25–27
ADDISON CIRCLE
PARK
Try new foods together at this annual foodie festival featuring local restaurants (Addison boasts the most restaurants per capita in the U.S.) and let your littles explore the BiteSized Backyard, the festival’s kiddie area with face painting, crafts and more lawn games. $10 adults; $5 children; under 6 free. 972/450-2800; tasteaddisontexas.com
FROG NIGHT HIKE
April 26
HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE
MUSEUM & WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY
Bunnies aren’t the only animals hopping around this month. Frogs are most active at night, so don’t miss this evening hike, open to kids as young as 3. You’ll learn about all the sounds for different frog species, then go on the lookout through the Heard’s trails. $14. 972/562-5566; heardmuseum.org
LA CENERENTOLA OPERA & CINDERELLA’S TEA
April 25 & 27
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH
For your older kids who love musical theater (and can sit through a full show), consider splurging on this production by the Fort Worth Opera. There’s no glass slipper in this farcical version of the Cinderella story. An even bigger splurge, reserve your spots for a formal tea before the Sunday matinee, featuring a full tea service, a limitededition bracelet and photo op on the Bass Hall stage. Tickets sold separately: from $70 for the opera; $150 for the tea. 817/731-0726; fwopera.org
SPRING INTO NASH
April 26
NASH FARM, GRAPEVINE Join in docent homesteaders Do “farm chores” count as chores if the kids think they’re fun? Bring your family to learn all about sheep shearing, sewing or patching clothes on antique machines, and more activities for kids during this annual family fun day at the historic farmstead. FREE admission; coupons for some activities. 817/410-3185; nashfarm.org
EASTER MADE EASY
Find new and old favorite places for classic egg hunts and more oddball Easter events that put a spin on the usual egg scramble.
EASTER EGG HUNT
April 12
KALEIDOSCOPE PARK, FRISCO
If you’re worried about overcrowding, give this new spot a try. Kaleidoscope Park will be hosting its first-ever Easter event with an egg hunt by reservation. It’s $10 per child (open to 12 and younger). Sign up online for your spot and you’ll get access to live bunnies, visits with the Easter Bunny mascot, crafts, and games. And for more fun, come as early as 10am for the free SaturYay! in the park. 214/346-5531; kaleidoscopepark.org
AQUA EGG HUNT
April 12
FRISCO ATHLETIC CENTER
Want to skip the grass stains? Opt instead for this egg hunt in this indoor pool. Every kid (open to 10 and younger) gets a mesh bag for gathering eggs, a picture with the Easter Bunny, takehome gifts like crafts and temporary tattoos. Register online. $17 for Frisco residents; $23 for non-residents. 972/292-6500; playfrisco.com
ROOFTOP ZOOTOPIA SCREENING
April 19
ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB, FORT WORTH
High up, at the outdoor movie theater on top of Fort Worth’s Worthington Renaissance hotel, they’ll be screening the 2016 Disney kids movie starring crime-fighting bunny Judy Hopps. And off-screen, the Easter Bunny himself will
be there, too, handing out special treats. Doors open an hour before the show. Adirondack chair seating starts at $11. rooftopcinemaclub.com
EASTER SKATE
April 19
ALLEN COMMUNITY ICE RINK
Especially for your older kids who aren’t into egg hunts anymore but still want to have fun with the Easter Bunny, come slip on a pair of ice skates and join this themed open skate. The Easter Bunny will meet you out on the rink and we’re betting will lead everyone in at least one round of The Bunny Hop dance. $7 rink admission and $3 for skate rental, but to get a free skate rental, bring a nonperishable food item, such as peanut butter and dried fruit, to donate to the Allen Community Outreach. Look online for more items they’re most in need of. 214/509-4700; allenparks.org/acir
EASTER IN THE PARK & POOCH PARADE
April 20
TURTLE CREEK PARK, DALLAS
Dress up the kids—and your family dog, too—in their Sunday best for this 50-plusyear tradition at this historic park. Kids 10 and younger can hunt for eggs and take photos with the Easter Bunny. The afternoon festival will also have food trucks and a recognition wall to honor loved ones. FREE to join egg hunt. 214/5212003; turtlecreekconservancy.org
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Family Fun
7 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES KIDS WILL LOVE
Art in the Square artinthesquare.com
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Beavers Bend Cabin Country beaversbendcabincountry.com 580/584-3393
City of Roanoke Texas roanoketexas.com 817/491-2411
Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of Art in the Square in Southlake Town Square, April 25–27, with proceeds supporting local philanthropies! Join a vibrant weekend of art, music, tasty food, refreshing spirits and children’s activities/crafts. See ad on page 7.
Nothing beats springtime in Beavers Bend Cabin Country, whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or just want to spend time kicking up your feet in a big ol' cabin. Book today and get here already. See ad on the back cover.
Eggapalooza: Free family fun on Saturday, April 12, noon–3pm. Enjoy an egg-citing day! Roanoke Roundup: Free family event, May 3, noon–9pm. Features steak cookoff, eating contests, BBQ tasting, music, kids’ activities and more. See ad on page 19. 4
Irving Archives and Museum irvingarchivesandmuseum.com 972/721-3700
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Klyde Warren Park klydewarrenpark.org 214/716-4500
Spark!Lab engages visitors in hands-on activities that combine STEM with art, history and creativity to explore the invention process and learn about the role of invention throughout history. Second Saturdays and every Sunday are free! See ad on page 11.
YMCA Family Night: Join us for an unforgettable night at Klyde Warren Park on Friday, May 2, from 6–10pm, with exclusive access to the Great Lawn and Children's Park. Enjoy music, activities and fun, while supporting Klyde Warren Park and YMCA initiatives for families.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark offers endless family fun with thrilling water slides, a lazy river, interactive play areas and year-round entertainment. Enjoy kid-friendly dining, arcade games and outdoor adventures for unforgettable family getaways! See ad on page 4.
Venardos Circus is thrilled to announce an all-new production, “Far Beyond.” The show will play Little Elm, April 3–13 and Flower Mound, April 17–27. Tickets are on sale now! See ad on page 11.
TO NEW HEIGHTS
A Swiss Family Robinson -inspired destination for climbing, crawling & exploring
WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
➽ BELOW // Choose your own adventure—or “find your Fritz”—at this newly opened, all-ages attraction with zip lines, underground tunnels and sky-high treehouses.
FRITZ’S ADVENTURE—A BRAND-NEW CLIMBING PARK spanning more than 100,000 square feet—opens at the Grandscape entertainment complex in The Colony on April 2. The original Fritz’s is in Branson, Missouri, so for this second-ever location, the family-owned company went even bigger to build this “year-round base camp” for explorers of all ages.
Fritz’s has got ziplines, ropes courses, slides and tunnels, and a “fall-proof” space for your littlest kids, too. And at a time when climbing parks and jump places abound in Dallas-Fort Worth, this new destination feels altogether unique.
The high-octane attraction takes its name from the 1812 book written by Johann David Wyss. Fritz is the oldest—and most gallant and industrious—son of the family, shipwrecked on a tropical island. And here, while you won’t find beaches or wild animals, you will find several themed areas that will take your kids on a journey to new lands.
The first one you’ll notice before even stepping inside. The treetop zipline course extends outside the building, connecting to more than a dozen crow’s nests high off the ground and within view of passersby driving along the 121 Tollway.
Indoors, it’s choose your own adventure: a three-level ropes course, an industrial-style brick climbing wall stretching toward the rafters and even dueling zip lines. Of course, everyone is set up with safety harnesses and guided by trained staff throughout, and you’ll go through a quick grounds course first to learn how to maneuver.
Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to climb, but your youngest kids under that threshold, they can crawl to their heart’s desire through a labyrinth of play spaces: treehouses, caves, tunnels and slides. A pit with an American Ninja Warrior-style warped wall connects to laser mazes and underground tunnels.
And the spaces to explore just keep going. Climb inside a giant oil tanker and through the top hatch over to the catwalk that leads up to a suspended, decommissioned plane where you can sit in the pilot’s seat.
➽ BELOW // The tunnel system is extensive, with pop-outs and entrances in multiple places.
FAST FACTS
Where? Fritz’s Adventure Park, 5651 Nebraska Furniture Mart Drive, The Colony, Texas
How much? Book your timed tickets online and choose from the 3-hour or all-day admission. Park entry for 5 and older starts at $19 Monday–Thursday and $25 Friday–Sunday, with multiple access options. Free admission for all kids 4 and younger. Free for the café-only pass. Free parking. Learn more: fritzsadventure.com/the-colony
Crawl up and around aerial cages (aka, the “slinky spirals”) that connect stacks of shipping containers, and for the tightest squeeze, check out the X-Speleo spelunking box. And, designed for your youngest kids, Fritz’s Forest is a fall-proof area with padding.
Here’s a heads-up for parents following along with your kids: all the crawl spaces will require quite a bit of scooting on your bottom, though as much as the park creators thought about kids’ play, they kept parents’ comfort in mind, too. When you’re able to take a moment to rest, the massage chairs are a godsend.
When the kids need a bathroom break, you’ll find them (equipped with changing tables) on every level, and will find the larger, family restrooms by the full-service Fritz’s Café, which serves everything from pizza and chicken tenders to smoothies and coffees. Any visit here will be a grand day to remember, so on your way out, don’t forget to stop by the selfie stations. You’ll want to capture a pic of your exhilarated kids to help them recall this particularly cool adventure.
phoning it in
WITH A GLOSSED OVER EXPRESSION, the zombies stared into the bright oblivion. The only sounds were mild grunting as they bumped into walls without diverting their gaze.
Was this some dystopian near future?
Nah. It was the waiting room for an appointment I had a few weeks ago where adults and children alike focused all their respective energy on the phone that glowed before them. And yes, not one, but two individuals walked into walls, barely ever breaking their gaze in the process. And they sure as heck never dropped their phones.
These pocket-sized behemoths of technology do a lot for us, and my kids have taken notice of how useful/fun/limitless they seem. My 11-year-old is also acutely aware that 12 was set as the minimum age before receiving one. Although I have some months before that happens, there is one project that needs to be corrected.
Me. I need to lead by example for my kids. It’s called scaffolding. (Side note: I know this because I searched on my phone.)
I have become too dependent on this little electronic box. But, oh, it is so freakin’ convenient and multi-faceted. In a given day, my cell is my:
• Alarm clock
• Jukebox
• Writing journal
• Photo album
• Streaming platform
• Watch (even when I am wearing one already)
• News hub
• Research library
• DIY video reference center
• Shopping center
• Teacher of a foreign language I am learning
• Gaming station (I have built a nice little home in my survival game. I call it Joshopia.)
Oh, and hot tip for you, I can also call people with it sometimes.
To be fair, screens are very important to writers like me. I mean, I wrote this column on one. That said, a line must be drawn in the sand, and that starts with trying to understand how much phone time is too much. Figuring out the right amount of screen time is tricky for me, and especially for my kids. According to the experts (I looked up on my phone) there is something to tailoring those habits to your individual kiddos. Some learn best with a tool like this when it comes to improving motor skills. Some kids have a hard time focusing on learning, but a phone pointed at the right learning video series can make all the difference.
“I have built a nice little home in my survival game. I call it Joshopia.”
Regardless of what we think is the right amount of time, kids will parrot back what we do as parents. That means taking a deep breath and following these three hard and fast rules I am suggesting we informally agree to (FYI, I am not an expert; I don’t need a phone to tell me that).
1. Don’t screentime-shame others. You don’t know what is working best for those you don’t know.
2. If you feel a dependency, find a non-phone hobby to lean on. Read. Learn to cook that jalapeño jam. Practice the guitar. Bonus points if you can find something you can include your kids in.
3. Find that middle ground that works for you. Some have settings that shut down apps after a certain amount of time. Some keep a time journal. This way, your kids can see that responsibility can help you stay in control, but still get that sweet, sweet scroll time to unwind. In other words, don’t hypnotize yourself too long, but don’t deprive yourself of these amazing devices either.
So go ahead. Scaffold. Show them that as a parent, you can set limits and control this smartphone-sized issue. Enjoy that time you do allow for yourself. And if you ever find yourself in the virtual wilderness of a survivalist game, know that you’ll always be welcome in Joshopia.
Josh Farnsworth is a nationalaward-winning parenting columnist who lives with his wife and two goofball sons. You can reach him for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com
