Agenda

the VISIT DFWC H I L D. COM FOR DAILY EVENT S agenda

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

30 FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS TO ROCK YOUR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

GOOD DOGGIE THE PAW PATROL EXPERIENCE

CAMP DALLAS

Through October 31

Join the pack of brave pups in this immersive new experience celebrating PAW Patrol: The Movie, set to be released in theaters on August 20. The exhibit is packed with family challenges and skillbased activities throughout Adventure City, like sailing down an indoor zip line, communicating through an intercom system from Adventure Bay’s Lookout Tower, and grabbing a fire hose to help Marshall douse an out-ofcontrol fireworks display at City Hall. Book your timed tickets online. $15 per person. 9830 North Central Expy., Dallas; 214/612-0451; camp. com/paw-patrol

SQUAD GOALS SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY POP-UP ACTIVATION

AT&T DISCOVERY DISTRICT

Now Open Daily

If the little dribblers in your family can’t get enough of the Space Jam reboot starring LeBron James, Bugs Bunny and crew, then it’s worth the trip out to this exhibit at the new AT&T Discovery District venue in downtown Dallas. You’ll watch clips from the movie play on the 104-foot-tall media wall outdoors, then head inside the AT&T Experience Store for more fun. You’ll see rows of basketballs on display with handprints from each Looney Tunes character, design your own Tune Squad player in a digital touchscreen and shoot some hoops in the deckedout court. FREE 208 S. Akard St., Dallas; discoverydistrict. att.com/space-jam

ROAR WITH THE DINOS JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION

GRANDSCAPE

Through September 5

This exhibit of exceptionally lifelike animatronic dinosaurs brings all the awe you remember from the blockbuster movie franchise. Friendly guides lead you through the sky-high wooden gates of Jurassic World to areas with the towering Brachiosaurus, the hybrid Indominus Rex, the Hammond Creation Lab where it all began, and a seriously huge (but not too scary) T. rex at the end of the tour. Plus, there are plenty of photo ops including one with new baby Bumpy from the Netflix show Camp Cretaceous. Be sure to get your tickets online in advance to nix your wait time and guarantee your timed admission. Tickets from $29.50 for adults 16 and older; $19.50 for children 3–15; free for children 2 and younger with accompanying parent. 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony; 972/668-2222; jurassicworldexhibition.com

FLOAT YOUR BOAT SUNDAY FUNDAYS

PANTHER ISLAND PAVILION

Through September 5

On the remaining Sundays through Labor Day weekend, head out to Panther Island and float for free along the shores of the Trinity River. Pump up those inflatables from home or, if you need to borrow one, rent a tube for $5 all day. $20 per hour for pedal boats. Rentals are available too for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes from Backwoods Paddlesports. Kids must be at least 30 inches tall to enter off-peak days; $49.99 peak days; $29.99 children for ages 6–16; 5 and younger do not need a ticket. $99.99 VIP tickets get you souvenirs, priority access and flexibly in your arrival time. 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas; 844/307-4644; dallasvangogh.com

RODEO IS A VERB NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO

NORTH TEXAS STATE FAIRGROUNDS

August 20–28

This nearly century-old tradition brings back all the favorites: carnival rides, livestock shows, live country music every night, pig races and—for your little ones who want to get in on the action— mutton bustin’ open to kids ages 3–7. Take a note out of the bull riders’ playbook (they’ll be in the rodeo arena too) and let your littles ride the furry sheep as long as they can hang on. Register by Aug. 15 to join competitions beginning Aug. 24. $40 per night. The champion buster earns a trophy belt buckle. Daily admission from $15 for adults; $5 for children 7–12; free for children ages 6 and younger. $30 to see headliner Midland on Aug. 26. 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton; 940/387-2632; ntfair.com

the water, and lifejackets are provided for free for those 12 and younger. FREE 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth, pantherislandpavilion.com

BEAT A WORLD RECORD THE SCIENCE OF GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE

Through September 6

Can you break the world record for the highest PacMan score? Or solve three Rubik’s Cubes simultaneously while juggling? Discover these impressive and sometimes bizarre world records in this limited-time exhibit designed to help you set your own records. Create your own digital avatar and track your progress on leaderboards throughout the exhibit as you, for example, crawl through the capybara (i.e., the largest rodent) house or try to squeeze through the smallest couple’s door. $8 adults and $6 children 2–12, plus general admission: $20 adults, $13 children, free for children under 2. 2201 N. Field St., Dallas; 214/4285555; perotmuseum.org

MOVING PICTURES IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH

LIGHTHOUSE DALLAS

Through October 31

In this much buzzed-about exhibit, Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous works—“Starry Night” (1889), “Sunflowers” (1888) and “The Bedroom” (1889)—are digitally projected high onto the walls and across the floors inside Lighthouse Dallas (the former Masonic Temple), located in the up-and-coming East Quarter. Reserve your timed tickets online for this worldtouring installation (now with new dates). $39.99

BIG CATS, BIG STACKS PANTHERS, PUMAS AND PANCAKES

IN-SYNC EXOTICS WILDLIFE RESCUE AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

August 21

Chow down on an all-youcan-eat pancake breakfast during this annual event benefiting In-Sync Exotics, the nonprofit sanctuary where dozens of big cats—pumas, tigers, lions and many more species—live out their lives in peace and comfort. Breakfast includes all the usual pancake toppings, plus coffee, juice, fruit and yogurt. While you’re digesting, take a self-guided tour around the doublefenced enclosures for a wide-eyed view of the cats as they receive their own sweet treats. Go online to preorder your pancakes, which are included with the suggested donation for admission: $25 adults; $15 children 4–12; free for children 3 and younger. 3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie; 972/442-6888; insyncexotics.org

EIGHT SECONDS PBR’S ELITE UNLEASH THE BEAST

DICKIES ARENA

August 28–29

Thirty of the world’s best bull riders bring the action to Fort Worth for a deathdefying chance at the event title. The top two contenders are Jose Vitor Leme and Kaique Pacheco (both Brazilians), but we’re rooting for the third-ranking Cooper Davis, a young father and native Texan who now lives in Dallas. Single-day tickets from $27.50; two days from $44. Enhance the fun with a tour of the bull housing for $60, or a meet and greet with one of the riders for $75. Want even more bull riding? Stay tuned for expanded PBR programming coming to Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards, thanks to a partnership announced earlier in the summer. 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth; 800/732-1727; dickiesarena.com

BACK TO LIFE COCO MOVIE IN CONCERT

MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER

September 3–5

This heartwarming Disney film from 2017 returns to the big screen thanks to a weekend of special performances by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. As the film is projected onto a big screen over the Meyerson’s grand stage, you’ll relive Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead in search of his great-greatgrandfather as conductor Jayce Ogren leads the live orchestra and multiple classical guitarists. Tickets from $30. 2301 Flora St., Dallas; 214/849-4376; dallassymphony.org

THAT’S ALL FOLKS BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

September 3–5

With Looney Tunes’ renewed popularity (thank you, Space Jam reboot), it’ll be easy to talk your kids into getting excited for this live concert by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Relive the Saturday mornings of your childhood with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, all starring in Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. This 30th anniversary show will be projected on the big screen over the stage, along with classics like What’s Opera, Doc?, three new 3-D Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner Looney Tunes shorts. This concert runs 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets from $35. 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth; 817/665-6500; fwsymphony.org

HEAR ME ROAR DINOSAURS LIVE!

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Begins September 4

The 46-foot-long T. rex and 10 other harder-to-pronounce dinosaurs return to the Heard for their 6-month residency. Take a family stroll down the hiking trail to experience the snarls and movements from each of the animatronic dinos, created by Billings Productions here in Allen. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a fossil dig and several more dinosaurs designed for kids to climb on top. Note: The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller-friendly but not suitable for regular strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs. Free with regular admission (varies slightly years have included adorable miniature horses from Equest, so fingers crossed they return!) FREE 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas; 214/826-6767; volnow.org

ANIMAL FRIENDS CRITTER CLUB

FAIRVIEW TOWN CENTER

September 11–October 30

On Saturdays from 11am–noon, head out to The Park to meet a new critter each week. The lineup includes bees (completely contained in enclosed hive), a polecat (we had to Google that one), tortoise, ruffled lemur, Burmese badger and a warthog. You’ll get a chance to interact with each featured animal, in some cases feed it, and even get a face painting specifically of that week’s featured animal friend. Recommended for children ages 3–12. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome at The Park. FREE 239 Town Place, Fairview; 972/363-2209; fairviewtowncenter.com

by season): $12 adults; $9 children ages 3–12; free for Heard members. 1 Nature Place, McKinney; 972/5625566; heardmuseum.org

ANCIENT HISTORY SHEN YUN

EISEMANN CENTER

September 4–5

Shen Yun translates to “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” a phrase that still doesn’t do justice to describe the artistry and athleticism of the world-touring performing arts company. Claim your tickets for the grand production reviving centuries of ancient Chinese culture and mythology, starring classical Chinese dancers, bel canto singers, and a live orchestra of both classical Western and Eastern instruments. Tickets from $80. The show runs 2 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission. Kids must be 4 years or older to attend. 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson; 877/663-7469; shenyun.com/dfw

SMALL BUT MIGHTY LITTLE BUGGY KIDS TRIATHLON

OAK POINT CENTER

September 6

If you would best describe your child as “exceedingly competitive,” then take note of this USA Triathlonsanctioned race designed for just for kids. Register in advance for this race on Labor Day Monday and get set to complete one of two courses based on your kids’ age: a 100-meter swim, 3-mile bike and a 1K run for kids 6–10, or a 200-meter swim, 6-mile bike and a 2K run for ages 11–15. All finishers receive a commemorative medal with the image of a Volkswagen Beetle. Registration is $70 for the triathlon and $40 for the splash and dash only. 6000 Jupiter Road, Plano; littlebuggykidstri.com

GIVE YOUR TIME VOLY IN THE PARK

KLYDE WARREN PARK

September 11

“Voly” is short for volunteer, and this mission-focused festival hosted by VolunteerNow is where you’ll find 75 nonprofit groups looking for locals to help make a positive impact in the community. Find the causes that speak to your heart—education, the arts, hunger, animal welfare— and the hands-on activities that appeal to your kids. And enjoy some live entertainment along the way. (Previous ment schedule online for this family-friendly German festival. Admission: $10 on Friday and Saturday for ages 11 and older; free for all ages on Thursday and Sunday. 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison; 972/450-2800; addisonoktoberfest.com

HEARD IT THROUGH THE… GRAPEFEST

DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

September 16–19

Texas wine is the star of the show at this 35th annual wine festival, but plenty of family fun awaits for the under 21 crowd, including the carnival rides and midway games, the GrapeStomp, and the Would-Be Train Robbers on the Glockenspiel Clock Tower (think cuckoo clock meets mock gunfight 75 feet up). Make your own souvenir on a vintage printing press each day at 2pm at Settlement to City Museums, and for you history buffs, check out the unveiling of the Peace Circle art installation at 1pm on Saturday. Single-day admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12; free for children 5 and younger and free for everyone on Thursday. 636 S. Main St., Grapevine; 817/410-3185; grapefest.com

BUTTERFLY KISSES KIWANIS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

September 11–12

Want to be the most popular person under the butterfly tent? Hold out the provided slice of watermelon and let the sugar-loving butterflies come to you. The Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis makes these quietly thrilling experiences possible with its annual outdoor exhibit of live Texas butterflies. Come on Sunday to see the butterflies released en masse from the pavilion at 5pm. $7 adults; $5 children ages 3–12; free for kids 2 and younger. 1350 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake; 817/703-5266; netckiwanis.org

THIS STEIN IS MINE ADDISON OKTOBERFEST

ADDISON CIRCLE PARK

September 16–19

Think stein-holding competitions are for adults only? Let your littles take a test of strength and endurance in the Mini Masskrug, to see who can hold a mug of water at shoulder level the longest. Check out all the Oktoberfest Kids’ Games planned for this year, including the pretzel toss and “Valina Says” (like the game “Simon Says”), and don’t miss the always adorable dachshund races on Sunday. Check the full entertain-

UP, UP AND AWAY PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL & RUN

OAK POINT PARK

September 17–19

The only thing that makes a sunset even more beautiful: the glow of a hot air balloon. Don’t miss the pilots fire up their burners on Friday and Saturday nights, collectively illuminating 30 balloons like colorful lightbulbs. Come during the early morning and early evening hours to learn more about the balloons and even climb inside the baskets on tethered rides, open to adults for $25 and to kids 6–12 for $15. One-day admission is $10 for adults; $5 kids 3–12; free for kids 36 inches and younger. Race registration starts at $20 for the 1K, 5K and 10K races on Sunday morning. 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano; 972/867-7566; planoballoonfest.org

WET BEHIND THE EARS W.A.T.E.R. FESTIVAL

RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER

September 18

It’s the most abundant resource on earth and we can’t get enough of it. Let your littles experience firsthand how and why water is so important to our lives by visiting the annual W.A.T.E.R. (Water Awareness Through Education and Recreation) science fair at River Legacy. You’ll join guided hikes along Snider Creek, which runs through the park, and more volunteer-led activities such as backyard bass fishing, watercolor painting, and meet and greets with the live aquatic animals who live at the center. FREE 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 817/860-6752, riverlegacy.org

NOTHING TO FEAR FRIGHT FEST

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS

Opens September 18

It’s scary how fast time flies. Did you know the Six Flags in Arlington opened its gates exactly 60 years ago? If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden the world-class roller coasters at this mainstay theme park, there’s no better time (or weather) than during the coming fall season’s Fright Fest. Every weekend until Halloween, come during daylight hours for not-soscary entertainment with the little ones, after dark with the fog and props in four Halloween zones throughout the park, or into the haunted houses for a real scare. Grab a glow necklace and make an evening of it, but first, download the Six Flags mobile app for interactive park maps, ride wait times, and to purchase tickets directly from your phone. Single-day admission from $39.99. 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, sixflags.com/overtexas

DON’T SQUASH THESE BUGS AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM

DALLAS ARBORETUM

Opens September 18

Drumroll, please. This year’s theme for the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village is ... Bugtopia! The signature display—crawling with largerthan-life insect topiaries and 20-foot-tall pumpkin houses—remains open through Thanksgiving weekend, which leaves plenty of opportunity to see the 150,000 autumn flowers accented by 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash from Floydada, known as the pumpkin capital of Texas. Special activities including the hay bale maze, Mommy and Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays and a pumpkin patch continue through

North Texas Dance Arts Academy

A daytime dance program offering a focused full-time schedule for 7th–12th grade students and a part-time schedule for 3rd–12th grade homeschool students.

Full-time students will do academics in the morning and dance in the afternoons daily. Homeschool students attend classes up to 3 times a week.

For more information: info@northtexasdancearts.com

northtexasdancearts.com

Roanoke, TX

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2021. Halloween. Free with general admission: $17 adults; $12 children 2–12 years; varies by season. 8525 Garland Road, Dallas; 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org

HERE PIGGY, PIGGY PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE

ALLEN EVENT CENTER

September 21

The sassy piglet you know from the British cartoon makes an appearance in this 60-minute live musical in Allen for one night only. Bring your preschoolers out to Allen to watch Peppa, her little brother George and their school friends on stage as larger-than-life-size puppets as they embark upon a camping trip in the woods. Tickets from $31; $50 per person for VIP meet and greet after the show when Peppa and her human friend Daisy are available for family photos in a special scene featuring, of all things, a nice muddy puddle. Oh, goody! 200 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1350, Allen; 972/9121057; peppapigliveus.com

POLKA POLKA POLKA OKTOBERFEST FORT WORTH

PANTHER ISLAND PAVILION

September 23–25

Grammy-nominated accordionist Alex Meixner rocks out with his polka band, headlining three nights of live concerts at this annual Munich-style festival. Kick up your heels and join the dancing in between bites of pretzels, schnitzel, sausage and every other kind of traditional German food you can think of inside air-conditioned halls. Let the kids enjoy the dachshund races on Saturday, and parents can enjoy a craft bier or a glass of wine from the Reata Haus’ Weinbar. Admission $5 on Thursday, $10 on Friday and Saturday; $15 for three-day pass; free for children under 12 with a paying adult. Registration required for the Oktoberfest Run und Ride on Saturday. 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth; 817/698-0700; oktoberfestfw.com

HOWDY, FOLKS STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

FAIR PARK

September 24–October 17

Big Tex makes a (dare we say, triumphant?) return to Fair Park with all of your old favorites, including the carnival barker (how does he have no body?!) welcoming you to the midway, strongman Mighty Mike, the milking parlor—genuinely so much more than you could possibly experience in one visit. Look at the schedule online and plan your day around your kids’ must-do activities. New for 2021: rodeo returns to Fair Park Coliseum, and every rodeo is free with your admission ticket. Admission prices vary by day but start at $15 for adults and $10 for children 3–12; free for 2 and younger. 3921 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas; 214/5659931; bigtex.com

I THINK I WILL DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

GRAPEVINE VINTAGE RAILROAD

September 24–26 and October 1–3

Bust my buffers! Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into downtown Grapevine for two weekends of train rides and a day of playtime for your preschoolers. Book your seats for a 25-minute, roundtrip ride on a vintage railcar pulled by a life-size Thomas. Wave to Sir Topham Hatt, then stick around after you disembark— because with the tour comes lots more entertainment for families: a model train layout, sandbox dig, bubbles and lawn games at the Party Bash Corner. Activities run from 9:30am–4:30pm on Fridays and Sundays and from 9:30am–5:30pm on Saturdays. Tickets are $24. 705 S. Main St., Grapevine; 866/468-7630; ticketwebdowt.com

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 60TH BIRTHDAY BASH FEATURING SHAKEY GRAVES

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

September 25

The Carter breaks out the big guns for this milestone anniversary, throwing a huge outdoor party on Saturday night featuring a free concert by Austin-native Shakey Graves, DIY party favors with community artists, and two new exhibitions debuting inside the museum. Head up to the second floor to see Imagined Realism, a retrospective by brothers Scott and Stuart Gentling, and A Beautiful Despair by Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha, featuring a laser-cut box hung from the ceiling and casting shadows all over the room. And to cap off the night, a fireworks show over the lawn. Free tickets available online. FREE 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/738-1933; cartermuseum.org

GET THAT POSTWORKOUT GLOW GLOW RUN

MCINNISH DOG PARK & SPORTS COMPLEX

September 25

Running shoes, check. Racing bib, check. Glow necklaces, check check check. Grab your gear and show up early for the preparty with a glow paint bar, photo booth and a live DJ to pump you up before this third annual race with lights and glow along the route. Everyone’s swag bag comes with glow gear, and the registration price is the same for the 1K and 5K: $25 by Sep. 20, and $35 on race day. Dogs are welcome to join too at no extra cost. 1845 Legends Trail, Carrollton; 972/466-9816; cityofcarrollton.com/events

TRICK SHOTS GUARANTEED DUDE PERFECT TOUR

DICKIES ARENA

September 30

The Dudes are five best friends from Frisco—Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert, and twins Coby and Cory Cotton—who’ve racked up 5.6 million YouTube subscribers thanks to their unbelievable trick shot videos of everything from water bottle flips to blindfolded archery. Their creativity and energy seem never-ending. (Remind you of anyone?) Tickets to witness their stunts live in person on their second-ever tour start at $39. VIP meet and greet packages available. 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth; 817/402-9801; dudeperfect.com

*Note: Mask guidance may vary by event. Please check with the venue first for the most updated information.

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR .