playbook / THINGS TO DO

admission. $36 for unlimited kids access to more interactive portions of the exhibit: dinosaur rides, Jurassic Jeeps, fossil dig and inflatables. Under 2 free. 833/486-3466; jurassicquest.com

WITTY KIDS

DISCOVERY WALKS

June 10 and July 8

LEGACY WEST freedom. Admission is free to join this family party the Saturday before the federal holiday. Sign up online to reserve a T-shirt and (for parents) a mimosa, for $15. FREE 972/731-3296; lakefrontlittleelm.com

WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON

June 22

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS the show. Tickets from $32. 214/880-0202; attpac.org

FAMILY SLEEPOVER

June 30

FORT WORTH ZOO state. Mark the milestone at this the party in downtown with cake, presents and live music. FREE 972/922-1292; visitdowntownplano.com

THE UNICORN’S BIRTHDAY

June 3

MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER, DALLAS

Dallas Symphony Orchestra sets this fanciful story to music in an interactive concert staged for kids with sensory sensitivities. Come before show for an instrument petting zoo in the lobby and, if you’d like them, use the complimentary fidgets, earplugs or eye covers during the show. Tickets from $17. 214/8494376; dallassymphony.org

FUN IN THE SUN

June 6–August 1

GRANDSCAPE

Enjoy free kids’ activities and entertainment every Tuesday this summer on the Grandscape lawn. Go online to see the full theme schedule so, depending on your kids’ interest, they can join the princess day, meet zoo animals or costumed Minions. The series kicks off the first week of June with treasure hunts and screenings of Hook FREE 972/668-2222; grandscape.com

RIVERDANCE

June 6–8

MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK, DALLAS

You’ve heard of Riverdance— on stages in Dublin and around the world since its official premiere in 1995—but there’s no truly appreciating this legendary production of Irish step dancing until you’ve seen it live on stage yourself. Tickets from $30. broadwaydallas.org

CHILDREN’S TEA

June 8–July 22

DALLAS ARBORETUM

Pinkies up, it’s tea time. On select Thursday and Saturday afternoons this summer, treat your young ladies or gents to high tea, served with three courses, inside the arboretum’s DeGolyer House. You’ll need to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. $59 adults; $42 children. Includes garden admission and parking. 214/515-6511; dallasarboretum.org

FAN EXPO DALLAS

June 9–11

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER, DALLAS

For superfans of Blue’s Clues young and old, here’s your chance to meet the Steve—that is, actor Steve Burns. He’s one of the many celebrities showing up for meet and greets at this event, which also features a Blue’s Clues scavenger hunt, a Minecraft builders space and Padawan Lightsaber Battles. (Not to worry, they’re made from foam). $28 in advance for single-day tickets; under 6 free. fanexpodallas.com

JURASSIC QUEST

June 9–11

FAIR PARK, DALLAS

After one brief weekend in Fort Worth in May, this exhibition moves to the other end of DFW, so you have another chance to experience these traveling dinosaur puppets and animatronics. $22 general

These monthly walks, based on the children’s book series by Dallas author Rebecca Clark, feature six activity stations around this outdoor shopping center. Wear your comfy shoes and meet up in front of the Nike store on second Saturdays throughout the year. Best for kids in K–fifth grades. FREE 469/702-8402; legacywest.com

DENTON DRIVE LIVE

June 10 and July 15

THE GROVE AT MUSTANG STATION, FARMERS BRANCH

The live music series continues through the summer, each night with two bands and enough kids activities— ring toss, corn hole and other games—to keep them entertained as well. Bring your lawn chairs to relax or let loose on the dance floor in front of the stage. FREE 972/919-2602; dentondrivelive.com

SAFETY SATURDAY

June 10

FRISCO FIRE SAFETY TOWN

This mini town constructed next to Frisco’s Central Fire Station welcomes local kids to see a fire engine up close, tour the educational facility and practice pedestrian safety but the real draw is riding kid-sized electric Jeeps or on their bikes. Kids must be at least 40 inches tall to participate. FREE 972/292-6350; friscofiresafetytown.com

JUNETEENTH FREEDOM WALK

June 17

LITTLE ELM PARK

This festival of dancers, speakers, bounce houses and live music by jazz and R&B band Don Diego is one of many around North Texas that commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Americans in Galveston finally received news of their

The risk of child drownings can be significantly reduced by teaching children basic water safety skills while they’re still preschoolers. That’s the goal with this event happening at aquatic venues across the globe on the same day. About a dozen local water parks and municipal pools across Dallas-Fort Worth are hosting this special swimming event, so go online to find which one is nearest you. Event participation is free; admission may vary depending on the location. 913/599-0300; wlsl.org

SUMMER DANCE CONCERT

June 22–25

THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK, FORT WORTH

Ballet Concerto stages its 41st anniversary concert of ballet, Spanish and Irish dancing. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to this grassy spot outside the shopping center. Spectators are encouraged to eat dinner while watching the show, so bring something from home or preorder a picnic basket from one of the local eateries. Lawn seating is free. Reserved table seating from $75. 817/738-7915; balletconcerto.com

MADAGASCAR

THE MUSICAL

June 23–24

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE, DALLAS

The zoo animals you know from the movie bust out of New York’s Central Park Zoo again but this time in the live musical. Run time is an hour and 40 minutes, including one intermission, so you and the kids can “move it, move it” to the restroom or to the lobby to get their wiggles out before the second half of

There’s camping in the woods—and then there’s camping in close proximity to wild animal enclosures inside one of the best zoos in Texas. Sign up online for this unique experience, open to kids 6 years old and older. Sleepover begins with a night hike through the park and, after you wake, breakfast and kidfriendly crafts. $125 for adult/child pair. $50 per additional person. 817/7597555; fortworthzoo.org

ADDISON

KABOOM TOWN!

July 3

ADDISON CIRCLE PARK

Of all the fireworks shows for the Fourth, this is legitimately one of the biggest— and hardest to get into. Be sure to go online in advance to secure your free admission tickets. That way you can enjoy all the goings-on inside the park such as the children’s activities and live concerts. FREE 972/450-6284; addisonkaboomtown.com

PARKER COUNTY

PEACH FESTIVAL

July 8

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

WEATHERFORD

If this summer fruit is at the top of your grocery list, then this small-town festival 30 minutes west of Fort Worth is well worth the drive. Come enjoy foods, drinks and desserts made with ripe, locally harvested peaches. The kids can let loose in two children’s areas. $10 adults; $5 children; under 5 free. 817/596-3801; peachfestivaltx.com

Log Cabin

Tons of hands-on fun, including candle-dipping, a play area for kids (and kids at heart), and more!

Historical interpreters in 1800s style clothing any time we ' re open Museum store full of local and handmade items www.logcabinvillage.org

817-392-5881