YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS

Serving children of all ages across 8 counties in North Texas

At the Y, kids are our specialty! For over 135 years, the Y’s goal has been to get families active and involved, regardless of their income, and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone!

The Y is often called “America’s Swim Teacher”, basketball was invented at a YMCA facility, and the first Father’s Day celebration happened at the Y. Our history is rich, but our mission doesn’t live in the past.

We celebrate our ability to adapt to what our communities need. When our doors closed in March of 2020 due to the pandemic, we offered free childcare to essential workers, hosted food and household item distributions, blood drives, baby depots, and meal giveaways. That work, a program we call the Catalyst Initiative, continues today to serve our communities, with over 100,000 people served in food distributions, almost 4,000 units of blood donated, and over 100,000 pounds of clothing collected since the program’s inception.

We are focused on eliminating drowning in North Texas, creating safe environments to build strong, confident youth, and ensuring the Y and our programs are welcoming and safe for all

Through our 16 YMCA facilities, 2 camps, and hundreds of program sites, the Y’s work is felt throughout the community daily. Our mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We feel strongly about the for all part of our mission as we believe that everyone should have access to community, regardless of income. Therefore, financial assistance is available for almost every one of our programs. This work is possible thanks to the donors and volunteers who give their time and financial support so generously.

We invite you and your family to come be a part of the community we serve; it’s 200,000 people strong each year and spans Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hopkins, Palo Pinto, and Rockwall counties.

Learn more about the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas at ymcadallas.org ymcadallas.org

Alamo Plaza, and describes the events leading up to and including the Battle of the Alamo.

Behind the church, the Alamo’s living history encampment is where you’ll get a real taste of life in 1830s. Costumed historians give hands-on demonstrations about daily life at the time of the Texas Revolution, including fire-starting,

History

leather working and taking care of their firearms. Come on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for musket firing demonstrations at 11:30am and 1:30pm. The sight, sound and smell of firing flintlock firearms—the weapons used during the Battle of the Alamo—are sure to impress the kiddos. // San Antonio, 210/2251391; thealamo.org and museum displays artifacts and records from the 41st President, along with artifacts from the years before and after his presidency. Highlights include “The Beast” (the presidential limousine), a restored 1944 TBM Avenger (like the one Bush flew as a Navy pilot in World War II) and spy equipment that was used by agents during Bush’s time as Director of the CIA. // College Station, 979/691-4004; bush41.org

What the kids will love: In addition to all of the cool artifacts on view, you can snap a pic in the Seat of Power at the president’s desk in the Oval Office replica. Then, make a stop at the Literacy Overlook, where you can select a book to read to your kids.

GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

THE MOST PRESIDENTIAL

Make history come alive at these 6 stately destinations

The Lone Star State is home to three Presidential Libraries and Museums—more than any other state in the U.S. Sure, if you mention visiting an educational museum in the summer, you’re likely to hear a few grumbles from the kiddos. But these museums and historic sites disguise learning as fun. So plan to spend the day (or a weekend trip) exploring, learning and having a blast at these most presidential destinations.

Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site

Though he didn’t live here long, Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower, 34th President of the U.S. was the first president born in Texas You can visit this modest frame house and participate in guided tours, which include 30 minutes in the house filled with period and reproduced furnishings and 30 minutes in the Visitors Center. // Denison, 903/465-8908; visiteisenhowerbirthplace.com

Why bring the kids: You’ll take a step back in time and explore what life was like in the late 1800s and learn how Eisenhower went from working-class life to the Oval Office. Once you’re done here, head over to Eisenhower State Park, which is just under 10 miles away, for an afternoon of fishing, hiking, swimming, biking and more.

GEORGE H. W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

This presidential library

The 13th presidential library in the U.S., this museum explores the 8 years of President George W. Bush’s time in the White House. Permanent exhibits include a September 11, 2001, exhibit, a replica of President Bush’s Oval Office and an interactive experience in presidential decision making. // Dallas, 214/2004300; bushcenter.org

What’s in it for the kids: There are lots of interactive components that will engage kids in learning about history. Take a break at the mini kids’ library— it’s full of books from a reading list Laura Bush published on the White House’s website—to read a book or two in honor of the First Lady’s focus on literacy. Snap a pic of your kids sitting at the replica of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. Then learn what it’s like to grow up in the White House and discover the adventures of Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush’s dogs.

Big Sam

At 6-foot-6-inches, the first (and third) president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, was a big man. But the legendary Sam Houston statue in Huntsville is even bigger—ten times bigger, actually. The 67-foot monument by artist David Adickes is made from 30 tons of concrete and steel and is the world’s tallest statue of an American hero. The colossal work is named “A Tribute to Courage,” but is more often referred to as “Big Sam.”

Lbj Presidential Library

Much like the other two presidential libraries in Texas, this one houses historical documents, photos, recordings and artifacts from Lyndon B. Johnson’s tenure as the Commander-in-Chief and chronicles his life and lasting legacy. Highlights include the custom-built limousine Johnson used post-presidency, an animatronic of the President featuring real recordings of some of his favorite tales, more than 2,000 state gifts given to the president and artifacts from the LBJ Ranch, including Johnson’s favorite pair of cowboy boots. // Austin, 512/721-0200; lbjlibrary.org

What’s kid-friendly: On display through September 24, The Lorax: Who Speaks for the Trees Now? is a kid-friendly exhibit that features original artwork from the Dr. Seuss book. The exhibit explores the Johnson’s and Dr. Seuss’ shared interest in environmentalism and shares ways kids can help the environment. Plus, you can explore recreation of the Oval Office during Johnson’s presidency.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

This historical site has two separate locations: In Johnson City, you’ll find the National Park Visitor Center, Johnson’s boyhood home and the Johnson Settlement, where the President’s grandparent’s first settled in the 1860s. Nearly 14 miles down the road in Stonewall, you’ll find the State Park Visitor Center and the LBJ Ranch. Stop at the State Park Visitor Center to get a free permit for the