Free Fun At Lakeshore Learning

Every weekend offers an opportunity to enjoy some arts and crafts at Lakeshore Learning. http://www.LakeshoreLearning.com

This weekend, TheKiddo and I had a chance to make a crown for TheBetterHalf. It was great fun. And TheBetterHalf loved it.

TheKiddo and I return frequently. Maybe we'll see you there.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Day-trippin To Dinosaurs

Though we love DFW, and have yet to explore a fraction of the diversions available, TheBetterHalf and I wanted to get away--at least for a day.

As we looked around for destinations, Dinosaur Valley State Park caught our attention. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/dinosaur_valley/

The fact that TheKiddo is fascinated by dinosaurs made the choice simple.

The trip to Glen Rose was a simple drive down Hwy 67, and took less than two hours. We did add to that by traveling to Stephenville for some forgettable barbecue at Hard 8. (I'll recount that disaster in another post.)

Despite the heat (and a lack of swim suits which are a must-have if you go) it was great. We splashed, we played, we saw dinosaur tracks and we learned.

What a great day.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Avoiding summer heat in Dallas

Today, we went in search of something fun to do in order to avoid being outside. So we became mall rats for a little while.
We had seen billboards for The Art of The Can http://redbullartofcan.com an exhibit of artwork created from Red Bull cans at the Galleria. Free art is always a wonderful thing. And some of the work was extremely interesting.
Then we wandered up to the children's play area on the upper level. This is always a hit with TheKiddo, albeit a bit crowded on a hot summer day.
Next time you're looking for an interesting way to play and beat the heat, swing by the Galleria.
You should check out the Red Bull art if you get a chance. And give your kiddos a place to wear themselves out, without the worry of heat stroke.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Build And Grow at Lowe's

Most months, the first Saturday of the month involves hammering at Home Depot. That, however, is not enough time with a hammer.

So on the second and fourth Saturdays, TheKiddo and I head to Lowe's for more hammering.

It's fun. It's free. And it's usually followed by a trip to Chik-fil-A for some snacks and running around.

That's the best part of living in Dallas. There's free or inexpensive kid-friendly fun around any corner you turn.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Food and fun at Central Market

Every weekend without fail, TheKiddo requests a trip to "la tienda para muchas cosas." (She wants to go to the store for many things.)

She doesn't particularly care which store we visit, or what things we look at once we're there. She just doesn't want to be sitting idle at home.

Often, a trip to Target, Kroger or even a 99 Cent store is enough to sate her wanderlust. Yet there is one store we visit each weekend, because it is sure to delight: Central Market.

From the moment we walk in and select our balloon color (purple or green), we are off on an adventure. We sample a variety of foods on display, discover recipes to try, and savor flavors that are heretofore unknown to us. It's a trip I look forward to as soon as the weekend arrives.

The two "kitchens" are a must visit, and I think we've become easily recognized and appreciated at least at one of them. Well, TheKiddo is at any rate, and the staff is always kind enough to listen to whatever story she has to tell.

Of course, we never leave empty handed beyond the balloon. Without fail there's a loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese, the ingredients for a recipe, or some fresh produce tucked in the cart before we finally reach the back door. This week, we discovered a tasty cheddar that TheKiddo loved.

Granted, the other patrons annoy us at times with their inability to not turn the sampling stations into a buffet, and their air of superiority and pretentiousness. (Who drives a gas-guzzling luxury SUV and then snorts in disgust when I ask for plastic bags, anyway? I've got to pick up dog poop with something.) The staff, however, is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

So whether you just want to sample some food, or you want to do some serious shopping, grab the kids and head to Central Market on Lover's Lane in Dallas. Both your family and your tastebuds will enjoy it.


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Home Depot Kids Workshops are free fun in Dallas

The first Saturday of each month brings a host of free activities to kids and parents in Dallas.

There's free admission to the Nasher Sculpture Center, and free admission to the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Yet the most fun TheKiddo and I have involves swinging a hammer at Home Depot.

This month, we got to build a beautiful pencil holder that had stickers to make it look like a school bus.

Granted, our fingers ended up covered in wood glue, but that's a very small price to pay for a fun time. Glue does wash off easily.

Wonder what we'll make next month. Or next weekend at Lowe's for that matter.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

IKEA = fun in Frisco, TX

With super-summer upon us and temperatures climbing over triple digits every day in Dallas, everyone needs some cool indoor fun. Finding some that's both affordable and different can be a challenge.

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I have one word for you: IKEA.

It's a diverting way to pass some time, play, check out furniture and home furnishings, and grab a snack. All in a refreshingly cool environment.

I could call it free indoor amusement for the kids, but that would be a lie. Between the drive, the snacks, and the unrelenting pull of the various items for sale, we never escape without spending something. It's never much, but more than zero.

Go check it out for some cool indoor fun during the Dallas super-summer. You'll have more fun than you think you will.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Yummy pizza at Grimaldi's in Uptown Dallas

After a long day at the Dallas Zoo, no one felt like cooking. So TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I wandered over to Grimaldi's for some salad and pizza.

I hate to admit it (because it's a chain) but Grimaldi's is our favorite pizza in Dallas. The crust is thin with the right combo of crunchiness and chewiness. The sauce is well seasoned. The toppings are tasty. And the service is reliable if not always outstanding. Plus, they are good about bringing some uncooked dough to amuse and entertain TheKiddo.

We went with our favorite this time: A large pie with pepperoni and fresh basil. Go get one the next time you're craving pizza in Dallas.

After dinner, we had a cannoli this evening. It was delicious. We decided that we'll keep them in mind for all future visits (of which there will be many based on how well TheKiddo eats at Grimaldi's).

Next time you want pizza for the family in Dallas, head to Grimaldi's in Uptown. You can thank me later.



Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Snack time at the Dallas Zoo

Stopped by the Serengeti Grill to cool off. Seems the lions had a similar idea. Light crowds let us get up close and personal.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hot day at the Dallas Zoo

It's hot in Dallas today. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "Of course it's hot in Dallas. It's summer."

Actually, the heat makes it a good day to be at the Dallas Zoo. The heat reduces the size of the crowds. And if you've taken advantage of the family passes, even if your kids can only take the heat for an hour or so, you won't feel like you haven't gotten your money's worth.

Plus, the kids can always cool off in the stream in the Lacerte Family Children's Area.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry