Fort Worth Zoo

Have  a free Saturday or Sunday coming up this fall?  We have a great idea for you!  We are blessed to have 2 fantastic zoos in our area.  Just a short drive away, the Fort Worth Zoo has so many activities going on this fall, it's a fantastic place to spend the day with the family!

The Ft. Worth Zoo is the oldest zoo in Texas, opening in 1909 with less than 10 animals.  Since then, it has grown into a nationally-ranking zoo with over 7,000 native and exotic animals.  Currently, the Ft. Worth Zoo has 12 permanent exhibit areas (The World of Primates, Meerkat Mounds and Texas Wild! being some of our favorites).

What we love best about the Fort Worth Zoo is the all the trees.  Located South of downtown Fort Worth, there are tons of pathways that are shaded and cool, making this a great place to go anytime of the year.

This fall, the Fort Worth Zoo has added a few new additions.  Be sure to meet Asha, a baby rhino who was born in August.  This was the first rhino birth at the Fort Worth Zoo and the first in Texas!  Also, make sure you meet Tatu, the Zoo's 6-foot tall baby giraffe, born in July.

There are a ton of hands on activities for all ages too.  Every half-hour a "Creature Feature" is scheduled at the zoo, providing you with the opportunity to meet these animals up close.  Click here for details. The Texas Wild! Petting Corral, the Tasmanian Tower rock climbing wall, and the Texas Rose Express Train are a few other fun activities to try.

The Museum of Living Art (MOLA) opened in 2010 and was a fantastic exhibit for my 9 year old son who is obsessed with reptiles.  The MOLA houses more than 100 amphibian and reptile species, including North America's largest saltwater crocodile, a 15.5 foot Burmese python, and a Komodo Dragon.  You can get up close and personal with many of them - we particularly enjoyed having lunch and watching the turtles and crocodiles swim right by us in their natural "ocean".

Another favorite Exhibit of ours at the Fort Worth Zoo is Texas Wild! Texas is home to more species of animals than any other state in the nation!!  And the Texas Wild! exhibit houses most of these, providing visitors a glimpse into every area of Texas - the dusty desert of West Texas to the piney woods and swamps of East Texas.  You can see the WHOLE state in one exhibit - foliage and animals included.

Know Before You Go:

Location: 1989 Colonial Parkway Ft. Worth, TX

Hours: Hours vary depending on season, typically it is 10 am -5 pm daily (check here to be sure!)

Admission: Adults $12.00 Children (3-12) $9.00 Toddlers (2 & under) Free ** Wednesdays are half-priced!

Parking: $5.00 per vehicle

Recommended Time: 4-6 hours

Good to know: Weekends tend to be busier; many educational programs with school children are in the weekday mornings, so afternoons tend to be quieter; strollers are fine (available to rent); ice chests are discouraged, but we brought in our own lunch

Website:http://www.fortworthzoo.org

Grapevine Vintage Train

A true treasure lies in the heart of Grapevine, Texas.  The Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes passengers back in time each weekend. Everyone loves a gentle ride on a vintage train - from the little boys who are slightly obsessed with trains, to the Daddy's and Grandpas who love them too!

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad has 2 historic locomotives, Puffy (a 1896 steam engine) and Vinny (a 1953 diesel engine) and 6 beautifully restored Victorian coaches.  During the summer, the GVRR offers the Trinity River Run on Fridays, along with their regular Saturday & Sunday runs to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  The Friday trips are only one hour long, perfectly timed for those little ones.  During the rest of the year, you can enjoy a longer day ride - a perfect way to spend a fall day!

Seating was first come, so get there early to get sets together - especially if you are with a big party.  After the train leaves the station, the conductor comes around to punch your ticket.  I loved that they will stop to take pictures and visit with your little ones.

The beginning of the ride is through Grapevine.  We found it charming that folks were so friendly.  At every crossing everyone in their cars waved at the adorable little hands waving at them. Honestly, how could you not wave at these kiddos having a ball?

You have two options on most rides - The open air coaches, one of which includes a snack bar that features popcorn, candy, and bottled drinks.  Or you can choose to sit in the air conditioned coach.  This one is much cooler, but you loose the sounds and smells of the train ride (maybe you want that?).

The hour long ride was perfect for my crew - we enjoyed a quick ride though what looks to be country, as the majority of the ride is through tree-hidden neighborhoods and suburbs.  I just assumed we would be looking at roads, stores, and homes the whole ride. Not so. And that added to the charm.

But my favorite part of the ride?  This sight - my guy, even though he is 10, is still fascinated with the train.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers fun all year round.  Each month, fun events are planned from the Halloween Scream Train in October to the North Pole Express around the Holidays to Easter Bunny Fun Run in April.  And I even hear that Thomas the Tank Engine visits each April too.  During the summer, the weekend runs are filled with a Train Robbery!  All of these events are extremely family friendly and very affordable.

Texas Travel Facts for Grapevine Vintage Railroad:

Location: Grapevine Mills, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, TX 76051

Days: September - November / February-May (Saturday & Sunday only)

             June-August - (friday, Saturday & Sunday)

Admission:
Round Trip Prices : Adults (13 & up): $28(first class) $20 (touring class)

Children (4-12): $18.00 (first class) $10 (touring class)

Recommended Time: 4.5-6 hours

Good to know: Prices & times above based on all day trip down to the Ft. Worth Stockyards; Expect 1 1/2 hours each way with a 1 1/2 hour layover; Snack bar is available

Website: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/GrapevineVintageRailroad/tabid/267/Default.aspx

Dining Out near Tour 18

Looking for a nice restaurant for date night, or just don't want to be surrounded by kids munching pizza? There are plenty of finer dining options within a 30 minute drive of home that can offer everything from cordon-bleu cuisine to down home barbecue.  We are not going to attempt to list every restaurant in the Flower Mound  / Roanoke / Southlake areas, but rather try and give you a few options and hopefully some inspiration to try a new place or two, not that there's anything wrong with the pizza-delivery guy knowing your birthday, favorite topping and family nicknames!

Get out there and enjoy the wonderful world of food, who knows, you might discover your new favorite haunt.

Flower Mound  & Highland Village Restaurants:

Blue Goose Cantina - a fun atmosphere with delectable fresh Tex-Mex cuisine, great Margaritas and catering.  In the Shops at Highland Village, enjoy dinner on the patio while listening to live bands perform in the courtyard ( Thursdays throughout the summer).

Patrizio - Pizza, Pasta & Vino.  In the Shops at Highland Village, Patrizio's offers traditional Italian fare with a modern twist. Especially good value for lunches, with a fresh menu and delightful mini-desserts to finish off the meal.

The Grotto - A Salerno Steakhouse.  In Highland Village at the intersection of Fm 407 and Highland Village Road.  New American cuisine with an italian flare, the Salerno family love their food and it shows in their menu and service.  A rich atmosphere and delicious food, you can even sign up for cooking classes to bring the Salerno magic home!

Rockfish Seafood Grill. In the Shops at Highland Village, Rockfish is your home for all things seafood.  Try the Copper River Salmon when it's on special with a wine or beer pairing, or indulge in some Ahi Tuna Nachos for a sushi twist on the game-day favorite.  You won't regret a single mouthful!

Thai Ruby Restaurant.  On FM 2499 just south of Firewheel, Thai Ruby is a gem tucked away in a rather unassuming strip mall.  The menu is fresh, delicious authentic Thai cuisine; there's even a macrobiotic menu for the truly health-conscious.  The staff are friendly and the atmosphere will send you straight to the shores of Phuket and the streets of Bangkok.

Agave Azul - Tequila Sanctuary.  Zagat Rated Agave Azul proudly serves Upscale Mexican Cuisine combined with a unique touch of cooking with the wonderful spirit of Tequila. Dallas' first and foremost Premier Tequila Bar serving over 200+ pure 100% Blue Agave Tequilas.  Eat dinner on the patio and watch the fountains jump, or, better still, watch the kids run off that dessert playing the fountains while you enjoy your beverages in peace!

Alongi's Italian Market &  Deli.  A treasure waiting to be discovered!  Serving dinner 7 days a week, come and enjoy New York Italian at its finest, bring your own bottle and enjoy their homemade pastas, sauces and, of course, delicious desserts!  While you're at it, stock up on your Italian essentials and luxuries. Just south of FM 3040 on FM 2499.

     Roanoke

Roanoke is known as the Unique Dining Capital of Texas, an accolade awarded to the city by the Texas House of Representatives back in 2009, so you can be sure of a fun night out in Downtown Roanoke!  This is just a sampling of our favorites, if you want the full list, click here!

Hard Eight Bar-B-Que - Authentic mesquite smoked Texas-style barbeque slow cooked over an open pit. 205 S. Oak St. Roanoke, TX   817.837.8888

Cowboy Chow - “Open range dining,” a mouth-watering concept inspired by chuck wagon cooking. 101 S. Oak St.; #300, Roanoke, TX  817-491-4442

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House - Down-home and delicious, famous fried chicken served family style. 104 N. Oak St., Roanoke, TX  817-491-2900

Brix Pizza & Wine Bar - Hearth baked pizza and zesty pasta. 101 S. Oak St., Roanoke, TX  817-890-4280

Twisted Root Burger Co. - Chef made classic to exotic burgers, fries, shakes, and special treats for kids. 101 S. Oak St; #100, Roanoke, TX  817-490-6628

Southlake

Kincaid's Hamburgers. For burger buffs it “doesn’t get any better” than the juicy, handmade patties at this circa-1946 institution housed in an old grocery store with decor from days past, where you serve yourself and sit at communal picnic tables.  100 N. Kimball Ave. (Southlake Blvd.) Southlake, TX 76092  817-416-2573

Coal Vines.  Uptown Italian specializing in crisp, Greenwich Village–style pizzas and incredible, reasonably priced wines; get there early because the brick-lined interior and patio tend to overflow.   1251 E. Southlake Blvd. (Carroll Ave.)Southlake, TX 76092  817-310-0850

Trulucks.   If you want steak or stone crab, proceed directly to this surf ’n’ turf restaurant with great fare in portions big enough to share; service is attentive and the  setting is enjoyable with a fun bar and excellent by-the-glass wine list.  Southlake Town Sq.1420 Plaza Pl. (Grand Ave.)Southlake, TX 76092  817-912-0500

Cheesecake Factory.  Want to eat your daily calorie intake in cheesecake, fantastic salads, and well-crafted main dishes and still bring home left-overs?  Then the Cheesecake Factory is for you!  Located in Southlake Town Square across from Harkins Movie Theater, it's date night in without the driving!

For more Southlake restaurants check out Zagat's guide to the area.

Worth The Drive

Here's our selection of "Worth The Drive" restaurants.  Some days you feel like going someplace new, or, perhaps, your favorite ethnic food isn't well represented locally, for you, we have the following:

Fort  Worth

Joe T Garcia's - Outstanding Mexican Food in Downtown Fort Worth, with delicious recipes handed down through the family that originally opened the restaurant, and stunning outdoor dining - definitely worth the drive! 2201 N  Commerce  St, Forth Worth TX, 76164  (817) 626-4356

Reata Restaurant - Cowboy inspired cuisine, this four story restaurant has something for everyone. The rooftop bar and dining patio provide a great place to unwind after a long day at work , the restaurant also boasts six private dining rooms which are also ideal for private parties and meetings.  Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, 310 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102   817.336.1009

Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine - Crafted from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, Chef Bonnell's menu dances with flavor and inspiration from Southwestern, Creole and Mexican traditions.  A foodie's paradise in your backyard!   4259 Bryant Irvin Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76109  817.738.5489

Indian / Pakistani

Our Place Indian Restaurant- The closest Indian Restaurant, with a  classic Indian Atmosphere, excellent lunch buffet, good A la Carte menu and take out too!   8150 N Macarthur Blvd # 150, Irving, TX 75063  (214) 574-7117

Al Markaz - Excellent Indian /Pakistani food in a casual setting attached to an ethnic grocer.  They also cater, so for your next Bollywood movie party you can have the food to match!  1205 W Trinity Mills Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006

Kalachandji's Restaurant & Palace.  Outstanding Vegetarian Indian Restaurant located inside a Hare Krishna Temple.  Well worth the drive, or if you are already on the South/East side of  Dallas.  5430 Gurley Ave, Dallas, TX 75223

Addison

Chamberlain's Steak & Chop House - Since it's opening in 1993, Chamberlain's has been hailed as one of Dallas' finest restaurants, worth the drive for fine steak and fine wines.  5330 Belt Line Road, Dallas, TX 75254  972. 934. 2467

Fogo De Chao - Authentic Brasilian Churrascaria (Open-Flame Steakhouse) renowned for its incredible buffet, unlimited sliced-at-the-table steak and ambience rivaled only by the best churrascaria in Brasil itself.  Well worth the drive for a taste of Brasil.  4300 Belt Line Rd., Addison, Texas 75001  (972) 503.7300

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

When my kids heard that LEGO was building an entire theme park in Grapevine, they were thrilled! The questions immediately started, "Will there be rooms filled with LEGO bricks to build whatever I want?"  "Are there going to be LEGO rides?"  "Can I take anything I build home?" Their imaginations went wild.  Being that we had not been to a LEGOLAND theme park in California or Florida, we really didn't know what to expect.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth in Grapevine, Texas is a smaller version of the big parks, however it is packed with fun for anyone who loves these tiny little bricks.

Your adventure at LEGOLAND Discovery Center begins with a tour of the LEGO Fun Factory with Professor Brick-a-Brack.  With some help from the "little workers", we all created a few LEGO bricks to take home.

My 9-year old's favorite attraction was the LEGO Racers: Build & Test.  He patiently built and tweaked his car to race on the various ramps.  He honestly could have spent all day there if we would have let him.  Truth be told, several Dads enjoyed this attraction too.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center has some fun LEGO-themed rides. Battle evil skeletons and giant trolls from within your LEGO chariot in Kingdom Quest.  Conjure magic by peddling around in Merlin's Apprentice.  And drive your own off-road vehicle in LEGO CITY: Forest Pursuit.  We also enjoyed a fun 4D LEGO movie.

I am always amazed at what can be built out of LEGO Bricks.  As a mom of boys, my LEGO creations never exceed more than a tower.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center has some amazing LEGO Brick creations - a cement truck, a giraffe, and Dirk Nowitzki!  But the most impressive display is seen in MINILAND.  Every memorable landmark within the Dallas/Fort Worth area is created out of LEGO bricks.

So many fun things to see here - DFW International Airport, Texas Stadium, American Airlines Center, the beautiful skyline of Dallas - all seen in day time & night time modes.  Make sure you take your time in this area - there are so many "hidden" surprises - look closely at all the LEGO characters scattered about.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center has two fun play areas for the kids - DUPLO Village for little ones and LEGO City for big kids - so make sure to bring a pair of socks to play here. And for the girls, Princess Palace is full of pink & purple bricks - perfect to make that fairytale castle.  It also has a karaoke machine to rock out!

Parents beware, the only exit is out the LEGO Store - ideally, your children have played with a new LEGO they just have to have.....

We really enjoyed our time at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.  We did go on a weekday during the summer, so it was pretty packed, but it didn't seem to bother my kids and the wait time for the rides never exceeded 10 minutes.  As a mom of kids who love LEGO, we purchased the LDC Unlimited Pass, as it is a much better deal if you are planning to go more than once.  If not, make sure to grab your tickets online, as you can get a much better deal.

Know Before You Go:

Location: Grapevine Mills, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, TX 76051

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 am - 8 pm (last admission at 6pm)

             Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm (last admission at 7pm)

             Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm (last admission at 4pm)

Admission: Adults (13 & up): $19.00

                    Children (3-12): $15.00

                    Children (0-2): free

                     *Receive a 25% discount by purchasing online

Recommended Time: 2 -3 hours

Good to know: Admission is good for all day; Adults must be accompanied with children; Children must be accompanied with an adult and supervised at all times; no outside food or beverages; stroller friendly; bring socks for some exhibits

Website:http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/dallasfw/

My family and I were invited to visit the center and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth are strictly my own based on my experience. 

Quick and Healthy Fast Food near Tour 18

Don't want to make dinner or need a quick meal on the way to work / soccer / church?  Flower Mound and the surrounding area can make your mouth water with variety, choice and convenience.

Healthier Fast Food Options

Some days it seems as though there's practically a Starbucks, McDonald's, or Chick-fil-A on every corner.  However, if you are looking for fast and fresh, or a little healthier, you'll need to know where to go.  The worthy local mentions in this category are:

• Zoe's Kitchen - a new addition to Flower Mound (S/W corner FM 2499 and Dixon), simple, tasty, fresh, mediterranean-style food available to eat in or to go.  Pre-ordering is recommended and they even have family dinner packages to make dinner easy and healthy.


• Online ordering


• Sample menu items: Greek Salad, Hummus & Pita, Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Tomato Bisque.


• My Fit Foods -  "Eating high quality nutritious meals with today’s time pressed schedules can often be overwhelming. With over 90% of our menu gluten free, My Fit Foods is your solution to healthy meals to go that taste great."  Located on FM 1171 at intersection of FM 2499, My Fit Foods is a great place to pick up that lunch you forgot to pack or that dinner you know would otherwise be pizza!


• Sample menu items: Baked Salmon, Breakfast Tacos, Brian's Fit Chicken Enchiladas.


• Items come in various sizes for portion control.


• 3 day and 21 day challenges are available for those who want all the guesswork taken out of healthy eating.


• Chipotle Mexican Grill -  Chipotle, with a location on FM 2499 S/E the intersection with FM 407, prides itself in providing healthy, sustainable, gourmet tex-mex food.


• Naturally and Humanely raised meats, organic beans and locally sourced produce, freshly cooked on location.


• Sample menu items: Burritos, Tacos, Bowl (the burrito without the tortilla), Salads.


• Starbucks - The green-star-logo'd ones have cleaned up their food offerings considerably and now offer a variety of breakfast sandwiches, protein plates and fruit cups with your daily (or more often) cup of joe.


• Preservative, corn-syrup and food coloring free menu items.


• Sample menu items: Chicken & Hummus Box,  artisan breakfast sandwich (not all locations), Goat Cheese and Garden Veggies Bistro Box.


• Jason's Deli -  With one-fifth of its ingredients being organically sources and with a passion for creative salads, Jason's Deli is a worthy addition to our list.  (NW corner of FM 2499 and Dixon)


• Online ordering


• Delivery or pick up


• Gluten free menu.  All meals made fresh, no preservatives, no high-fructose-corn-syrup, MSG or food coloring.


• Corner Bakery Cafe - Excellent fast breakfast items, a great place for lunch meetings and a few yummy treats too! (NW corner of FM 2499 and FM 407)


• Sample menu items:  Breakfast Scramblers, Panini Sandwiches, Swiss Oatmeal.


• Catering

Rides and Slides near Tour 18

Flower Mound may feel like the countryside, but that doesn't mean you are hours from the best the big city has to offer in terms of thrills and spills.  From beating the heat of summer with a 65 foot speed water slide, to the tenth tallest rollercoaster  in the world, the DFW area has it all!

Water Parks

Hawaiian Falls -  Roanoke, TX

The closest water park to home. Home to The Flyin' Hawaiian, Hawaiian Halfpipe, Pipeline Plunge, The Rainforest River Adventure (lazy river) and Mega Waterworld - the world's largest aqua play structure;  Hawaiian Falls, Roanoke, is the place to be this summer.  The park hosts special events, concerts, homeschool days and offers great deals on season passes and cabana rentals.  There's no need to overheat this year!

NRH2O Family Water Park - North Richland Hills, TX

Next closest, NRH2O.  In North Richland Hills, this municipally owned water park  is known throughout the region for its safe, friendly environment and reasonable prices. NRH2O traditionally opens the week before Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day.  The park covers 17 acres, with 22 watersides, the world's largest uphill water coaster, and the "Viper", the first of its kind in the world!

Hurricane Harbor - Six Flags - Arlington TX

"Go Big!  Go Six Flags!"  - the  Six Flags tagline certainly lives up to its name at Hurricane Harbor.  At 47 acres, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is the largest water park in North Texas with thrill rides such as the Black Hole of Doom and the Dive Bomber - where the floor drops out from under you sending you plummeting down a seven story shute, family rides for the whole gang to ride together and, of course kids rides for the smaller members of your party.  In addition, Hurricane Harbor season passes can be combo'd with Six Flags Over Texas passes for added bang for your buck.

 Great Wolf Lodge - Indoor Water Park  Grapevine, TX

Fancy a waterpark getaway in December?  Hankering for slides without 100 degree heat? Then Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is for you.  With 80,000 sqare feet for fun-filled watery enjoyment, all kept at a balmy 84-degrees year round, you really can have it all!  In addition to the Waterpark, the Great Wolf experience wouldn't be complete without staying a night or two in your own tree-house inspired suite, heading down to the lobby for fairy-tale story time or getting an ice cream themed manicure in Scooops Kids Spa.

Theme Parks

Six Flags Over Texas

"Everything is bigger in Texas" certainly applies here! The original roller-coaster theme park is bigger and better than ever.  The tenth tallest roller-coaster in the world The Titan, the newly-rebuilt Texas Giant, the thrilling Superman and Batman "Mr Freeze Reverse Blast" rides are central attractions.  There is a full day, or three, of fun to be had here.  The Park is open year round and hosts many concerts, special events, and, of course, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.  Season passes are great value and can be combined with Hurricane Harbor passes for added benefits.

Zero Gravity Thrill Park

If roller-coasters just aren't enough thrill for you then Zero Gravity Thrill Park is for you!  From their permanent seven-story Air Boingo Bungee tower, to the Skycoaster - a ride that sends you soaring at 60mph from 110 feet above the ground, to the Nothin' But Net - freefall from 130 feet onto stunt-man quality netting, no parachute, no bungee just air and nothing but net!  If extreme thrills are your bag, get to Zero Gravity today!  Open year round in the evenings and weekends in the heart of downtown Dallas.

Farmer's Markets near Flower Mound

One of the real joys of living in Texas can be the sheer bounty produced by our local farmers in our long hot growing season.  One of the real challenges of living here can be trying to get your hands on that bounty!  This post will aim to take a little of the pain out of the search for local produce and, hopefully, introduce you to a few local producers you didn't know were on your doorstep.  Farmer's markets generally happen on Saturday mornings from May through October and can be a great morning out, with samples and other locally produced foods and handmade crafts on sale.

Local Farmers Markets:

DENTON COMMUNITY MARKET
Corner of Mulberry Street & Carroll Blvd.
Denton, TX
May 5th – October 27 , Saturdays from 8am - sellout
dentonmarket.org

GRAPEVINE FARMERS MARKET
325 Main, Grapevine
817.656-9739
Thursdays – Saturdays 8am to 4pm
www.farmersmarketofgrapevine.com

KELLER'S FARMERS MARKET
1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller
In front of Keller Town Hall Fountain
May 5th – October 27, 8a.m. to Noon
kellerfarmersmarket.com

LEWISVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Ferguson Plaza; Lewisville, TX 75057
Phone: 972.219-3401
Saturdays 8 am – 2 pm or sellout

For the truly adventurous among you, then a trip to the Dallas Farmer's Market is well worth the drive.  The wholesale market is huge, and sells everything from tomatillos to guava in crates; so, if you are in the market for a 20lb crate of tomatoes, this is the place to be!  In addition, they have a whole shed devoted to local producers, not just of fruit and veg, but also organic and grass-fed meats, eggs, local honey.. the list goes on and on.

CITY OF DALLAS FARMERS MARKET
1010 S. Pearl Expressway
214.939.2808
Open daily 6 am – 6 pm
dallasfarmersmarket.org

Pumpkins, Corn Mazes and Other Fun Fall Activities

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch 

October 1-31, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5100 Cross Timbers Rd, Flower Mound TX
(817) 430-4536 or
Cost: Free Admission; $5 Parking

The original Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound, Jan Balekian invites you join in the fun each fall!  With hundreds of pumpkins to choose from, cornstalks and hay bales for all your fall decorating desires. You will find many activities designed specifically for children, such as face painting, hayrides, bounce houses, and mazes built from hay bales.  There is a $5 charge for parking, however ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE. Purchases are optional. You may bring lunches or purchase drinks and snacks from a number of local vendors. Picnic tables are provided for individual use. However, use of tables by any large groups or parties must be reserved and confirmed.

Please bring a canned good to benefit CCA's food drive this fall.

Weather:  If it is raining or muddy, please check the website for the latest information on whether they’ll be open. Additionally, weather updates can be heard on their incoming phone message.

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine

September 28 – October 31 2012

3420 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine, TX

Cost: Free admission

Come take a look and see how the pumpkins grow!!! Vines are sometimes 12 feet long and leaves as big as Texas!!!

Pumpkin picking is allowed, but please ask for assistance. They have big pumpkins, little pumpkins, sweet pie pumpkins, fairy-tales, Cinderellas, gourds of all kinds, hay bales and corn stalks too!!!  Be sure to bring a camera.. There are great picture snappin’ opportunities including scarecrows, haystacks, farm animals, and a vintage farm tractor.

CORN MAZE ADMISSION $5

“Get lost” in our mind-bogglin corn maze. Approximately 2 acres of twists, turns and dead-ends. Try it alone or as a group if you please. For those who would like a greater challenge, bring a flashlight and give it a try after dark!!! We do recommend adults stay with young children at all times.

HAY RIDES: $2 (available after 5pm F/S/S)

Come enjoy a fun-filled adventure on a hay-filled trailer pulled by a genuine farm tractor.

HOURS:
Mon-Th: 3pm-8pm
Friday 3pm-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 1pm-8pm

Dallas Arboretum "Autumn At the Arboretum"

8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX

Admission: Adults $15, Children (3-15) $12

A great place for a day out, enjoy the cool weather wandering among acres of beautifully tended gardens, princess carriages decorated with pumkins, the Chihuly Exhibition and much more!  This is one of DFW's jewels and Fall is the perfect time to enjoy it!

• Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch


• Small Houses of Great Artists exhibit


• The Great Pumpkin Search scavenger hunt (click here to print)


• Hay Bale Maze in Pecan Grove


• Pumpkin Village displaying four houses decorated with pumpkins, gourds and squash in the theme of Cinderella’s Ballroom, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother’s tiny house, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Dr. Pompo’s Nose.

"Fright Fest" at Six Flags Over Texas

If your idea of seasonal fun leans more towards ghouls than gourds then "Fright Fest" is for you!  Thrills by Day and Fright by Night is their promise, and knowing Six Flags they will deliver!  Check out our " Rides & Slides" post for more info on Six Flags.