places to go / THE BIG TO-DO

self-guided driving tour, which includes stops at LBJ’s birthplace, the family cemetery and LBJ Ranch, also known as the Texas White House, where the Johnsons lived post-presidency. // Johnson City, 830/868-7128; nps.gov/lyjo // Stonewall, 830/644-2252; tpwd.texas.gov

Why bring the kids: You can walk the 1.2 miles of nature trails in the State Park, passing bison, longhorns, wildflowers, and other historic cabins. Plus, the State Park hosts family-friendly events, including the Annual LBJ Fishing Day on June 3 and LBJ’s 115th Birthday celebration on August 27.

The Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza

While young kids are permitted, this museum is probably better suited to older kids, tweens and teens. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building, The Sixth Floor Museum chronicles President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and his assassination at Dealey Plaza. // Dallas, 214/7476660; jfk.org a story time or hands-on activity inspired by those specific works. Admission is always free, so is the complimentary coffee, but program spots are limited, so sign up online to RSVP. // Dallas, 214/821-2522; dallascontemporary.org

What kids will find interesting: The main exhibit, John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation, is located in a primary crime scene of the assassination and includes artifacts and images from the early 1960s, a video that explores the social and political atmosphere of Dallas at the time, and artifacts from the investigation. The exhibit also features original evidentiary areas, including an accurate recreation of the corner window where shells were discovered.

Amon Carter Museum Of American Art

This museum is one of our faves not only because it’s always free but also because it doesn’t skimp on the regularly scheduled programming for several ages groups. Among them are Itty-Bitty Art, on third Saturdays for up to 24 months, and Toddler Studio, on first Saturdays for 2 to 3-year-olds. Each month has a new theme, so each visit brings a new way for your little to explore sensory play. Registration is required, so be sure to go online and sign up once it opens at the start of each month. // Fort Worth, 817/738-1933; cartermuseum.org

Camp Cinemark

This kid-friendly movie theater, the only one in the country, feels like a trip to an overnight camp in the woods. This specially designed auditorium, located at Cinemark Allen 16 and XD, is a smaller, campthemed theater Settle into a bean bag chair, chaise or swishy, yellow chairs that are more comfortable than your average movie recliners.

Littles

THE TINIEST TEXANS

Take your tots to explore these 7 spots just for them These local destinations make it easier for new moms to expand their orbit with their nursing baby in tow and find enrichment for rambunctious toddlers 3 years and younger.

Dallas Contemporary

This noncollecting art museum in the Design District means there’s always something new and fashionable, and you can see it all this year during the monthly Stroller Tours for parents and their toddlers 2 years and younger. On each second Wednesday, a gallery educator guides a group through the current exhibitions on view in the spacious galleries and leads

The string lights overhead dim when the movie begins but never go out, so if you’re breastfeeding, you can actually see. When you book your movie tickets online, look for showtimes labeled “Camp Cinemark” and select your seats. Tickets are $12 for adults; $8.50 for children 1–11 years; under 1 free. // Allen, 214/383-9712; cinemark.com/camp-cinemark-allen

Old City Park

Formerly called Dallas Heritage Village, Old City Park’s historically significant must-visit for any North Texan. Parents of toddlers will especially appreciate the free Barnyard Buddies program. Meet inside Browder Springs Hall on Main Street for story readings in both English and Spanish and activities designed for 12 months up to 4 years.

New dates are released each month, but they’re usually on second Saturdays, so check the calendar for upcoming dates and register online. And on your visit, don’t miss out on two of the park’s most famous residents: donkeys, brothers Willie and Waylon, and giving them a few scratches between the ears. // Dallas, 214/421-5141; oldcityparkdallas.org

THE COVE

AT LAKEFRONT

We’re all in need of cooling off now that summer is here, and thanks to its many amenities (we love a retractable roof), this indoor water park is an ideal spot for a casual splash time with your little one. Come for Toddler Time on Monday and Thursday mornings before the rest of the waterpark slides open and the crowds amass, and you’ll have access to the Cove’s spray ground and the play structure in the Dock Play Pool. Plus, Toddler

Time admission is only $5. // Little Elm, 214/618-2047; thecoveatthelakefront.com

FIT4MOM

You’ve heard of Stroller Strides but that’s only one of several group workout programs under the FIT4MOM umbrella. Up your endorphins and stay close to your baby during these Mommy and Me classes or other classes for new and expecting moms.

You’ll find franchises all over Dallas-Fort Worth and first class is free, so go online to search for the one in your neighborhood and try it out. And if you’re also in want of mom friends, check out the mom-centric social outings such as moms night out and book clubs as part of the Our Village program. // Multiple locations, 866/348-4666 (FIT-4MOM); fit4mom.com

PLAY STREET MUSEUM

No, these aren’t technically museums but rather indoor play places where toddlers and kids (1 to 8-yearolds) can enjoy imaginative play with props, costumes and sets. Think, a mini farm house or a mini town square. Each location has its own theme, and several more have sprouted up over the years, now with seven locations in Allen, Lake Highlands/Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, McKinney, Murphy, Plano and reopening soon in Frisco.

To try it out, come for an open play time for $13 per child and free for siblings, or sign up online for even more options for special craft activities and themed events. // Multiple locations, playstreetmuseum.com