Spring Break in San Antonio

What's the first thing you think to do when it comes to San Antonio?  If SeaWorld San Antonio comes to mind, than this post is for you.  Not that I don't like SeaWorld (I love it, really I do!!), but there is so much more to do in San Antonio than just meeting Shamu.  Here are 5 Great Ideas of Things to Do in San Antonio this Spring Break.

If Spring Break plans have you heading south to San Antonio with the family, for the sake of all your 4th graders learning Texas History this year, please make a visit to the Alamo.   "Non-native Texans", here is the short version of what happened there and why it is so important to our state: The Alamo is a Spanish Mission built in what is now San Antonio, Texas.  In March of 1836, a small group of Texans defended the Alamo against Mexico and were defeated.  Because of this loss, Texans came together and won their independence against Mexico a month later under the leadership of Sam Houston. A visit to the Alamo is historical and fun for all ages.  Before you go, take in the movie, " Alamo: The Price of Freedom" at the IMAX at the RiverCenter Mall a block away.  It's a great way to refresh yourself on the story.

While you are downtown, a short walk to the San Antonio Riverwalk is a must.  There are several ways to get down to the Riverwalk level and once you descend the stairs, it is as if you are in a different world.  The lush green trees, calm river, and jolly mood gives you the full San Antonio experience.  Take a river boat cruise or just stroll up and down the river banks enjoying the restaurants, shops, and various mariachi bands.  The River Center Mall, La Villita, and San Antonio Museum of Art are all located there as well. You can't go wrong with any of the Mexican restaurants that line the river - a great place for lunch or dinner!

Take in a sky-high view of San Antonio from atop the Tower of Americas.  Located in downtown as well, the 750-foot-tall Tower  built for the World's Fair in 1968, provides guests the most spectacular view of the Alamo City. We all really enjoyed taking our time seeing the c360 degree view of the city from the Observation Deck and then experiencing the thrilling 4D Theater Ride.  It sits in the heart of Hemisfair Plaza that has the Institute of Texan Culture and a terrific park for the kids to burn some energy at.

The San Antonio Zoo is celebrating 100 years in 2013 but certainly doesn't look like a 100 year old zoo.  WIthin the last few years, the Zoo has opened it's 20 million dollar Africa Live Exhibit and is the only Zoo in the country to have a separate children’s Zoo area, Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, designed for kids 5 and under.  Our favorite part of the Zoo is the Nature Encounters, where zoologists hands-on teach you about the animals.  Last time we visited, we learned to walk like a gibbon, held a hog-nosed snake, and learned what eagles like to eat.  While you are there, enjoy the quiet Japanese Tea Gardens next door and take a train ride around Brackenridge Park.

The last "must-see" place is the new all-abilities park located in north San Antonio.  Morgan's Wonderland opened in 2010 and this colorful and ultra-accessible 25-acre family fun park serves as a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, friends and the entire able bodied and disabled community. Filled with rides, playgrounds, fishing, hands-on experiences, and more, my children loved this park.  It is built in an old quarry and you can easily spend a whole day here.

In all honesty, it is hard to narrow San Antonio down to just 5 places to see, so if you are interested, I have a whole collection of Things to Do in San Antonio for you.  It is an amazing city, one of my favorite to visit, full of culture and rich experiences.  Take your time, enjoy the sites and smells and food and fun!

Special Events: The Perot Museum of Nature & Science

The new Perot Museum of Nature and Science is full of fun opportunities and more in their 5 floors of amazing hands-on exhibits. We now have the chance to soar like an eagle, feel the earth move and shake right under our feet and race against a T-Rex!   We were able to spend the day there eariler this month and were delighted with how much there was to do for all ages....toddlers up to adults!

I was very impressed with the long list of programs the Perot Museum offers as well.  The list is long and includes scout programs,  day camps, and even adult happy hours!  Here are just a few of the fun things the Perot Museum has going on:

Discovery Days

Every second Saturday of the month, the Perot Museum presents a new topic of learning for families. Free with admission, Discovery Days include live demonstrations, hands on experiments, performances, creating art, and presentations from local experts.  The next Discovery Day is "Circuits, Blueprints, and Robots: Discover Engineering and Innovation" on February 9, 2013.

Day Camps for Little Ones

There are numerous day camps for children ages 1 -5.  Scribbles and Dribbles for ages 1-2 (45 mins), Little Leonardos  for children ages 3 -5 (1 hour) and Budding Scientists for ages 3-5 (3 hours) are all fun classes for adult and child.  Pick from 3 different times once a week and engage your child in a fun & innovative combination of both art and science. Classes vary in price for the 8 week session.  Registration for the Spring session "Plant Path" will open in February.

Museum Sleepovers

What? Who wouldn't like to see if the museum comes alive at night?  You can with a Sleepover at the Perot Museum.  Designed specifically for children ages 6 -12 and adult chaperones, sleepovers include after-hours access, a late night snack, a 3D movie and a light breakfast.  FUN!

Social Science

It's a new kind of date night! The Perot Museum offers an exclusive, adults-only  evening of learning and fun....with a cash bar! For $15 ($10 for members), you will get to tour the museum kids-free, see dynamic performances and hands-on demonstrations, and see "sneak-peeks" of current research and inventions with guest scientists.  The Social Science nights are fun and engaging.  The next one will be on April 5, 2013 from 7 pm -11pm.

Additionally, the Perot Museum offers engaging programs for both Boy & Girl Scouts, Schools, and offer both Spring Break and Summer Day camps for Elementary kids.  Those are filling up fast, so check into them quick if you are interested.  What a great resource we have with the Perot Museum, truly fulfilling their mission, "Inspiring minds through nature and science" in every way possible!

Perot Museum of Nature & Science

Downtown Dallas has a cool new building with a box hanging off the side of it.  Know what it is??  It's the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science and it is one of the best new museums for kids in the entire state of Texas!

Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened in December 2012 and saw an overwhelming response from the community.  This hands-on museum excels at helping kids learn in the most unique ways.  Children like to touch things, experiment, see themselves in different ways, use all 5 senses and laugh.  They call it fun, we call it learning.  No matter what you call it, this museum does it well.

Word has gotten out how great of a museum it is, so much so that admission is selling out each day.  Your best bet is to buy your tickets online in advance.  Tickets are sold in timed increments, so as the museum-goer can have a pleasant experience and get to try all the hands-on experiments without having to wait too long.

As I have mentioned, the museum is full of hands-on experiments, many of which are easy to follow and understand what you are doing for most ages.  What I liked the most was that there were several wandering "educators" on each floor, that would just right in and explain to the kids what they were doing (i.e. lifting a bowling ball on each planet) and why it was important.

There are 5 levels to the museum, each full of fun.  We especially enjoyed the third level, where we were able to feel an earthquake, touch a funnel cloud, and forecast the weather.  There are loads of interactive exhibits for all ages, from traveling through the Solar System, to donning a pair of 3D glasses and flying like a bird (my little guy's favorite).

As it's a new museum, everything is so bright and colorful.  You find each exhibit incredibly engaging.  On Level 2, your senses are taken to a new level as you walk through the Discovering Life Hall.  Fully sense the Texas Blackland Prairie by hearing the prairie dog call, feeling the prickly pear cactus and smelling the desert marigold (or coyote urine, if you dare!).

My little engineer spent a good 30 minutes on programming a robot to go through a maze.  He worked diligently on one of two stations and was successful on his first try.  The other kids roamed around the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall making music, learning how to dace, playing in front of a geo-thermal wall, and more while he plugged away.  I was able to sit on a set of steps and relax a bit, able to see them taking their time to master whatever they were trying.

For little ones (5 and under) the museum offers the Moody Family Children's Museum on the Lower Level.  This area has a giant Dallas skyline to climb, slide, and play on that really caught my 3-year old's fancy.  He also donned a Dallas Farmer's Market apron and organized fruit for a while.  There is also a water play station, craft area, and camping site to capture all interests.  It is a great place to allow your little guys to run and play.

My kids loved every bit of the museum, but the one place they enjoyed most and stayed the longest was in the Sports Hall.  Here, you can race against a professional athlete, a cheetah or a T-Rex. The line for this was the longest we encountered all day yet it only took less than 10 minutes to go through.  It's fascinating to watch person after person sprint it out to beat a football player or a gymnast.  Another really cool exhibit here involves you comparing a kick, twirl, or throw to a professional athlete.  My little soccer gal enjoyed seeing how she measured up to a FC Dallas player.

Simply put, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is amazing.  We were able to take our time on what we found interesting and never feel rushed.  My kids learned so much that they talked about later...even weeks later!  We can't recommend a visit enough.  And we can't wait to go back ourselves!

Teach Kids to Pay It Forward

It's always easy to see how very blessed we are around the Holidays.  We have oodles of family, tons of great food, and lots of very generous presents at each Holiday Gathering.  My children have come to expect this way of life.  But I can't help but think, they need to see just how fortunate they are and learn to pass along all the blessings they have.

So this past Holiday season, we implemented a "Pay It Forward" Day.  I wanted to teach my kids exactly how easy it is to "Pay it Forward".  My kids woke up thinking I had something fun planned for them.  And indeed I did. It just wasn't quite what they expected.....

After breakfast, I broke the news of the day -  "Our "fun" outing today will be to try to make as many people smile today as possible, brightening their day, in an effort to pass along that smile or kind act to someone else.  It's called Pay It Forward and  I can't wait to teach you how."

My 11 year old daughter was on board immediately.  My 10 year old son took a while to warm to it, but was soon joining in the brainstorming. And their ideas were great!  I am so glad that I involved them into planning our day and didn't just do it for them, as they had so many great ideas.

An apartment complex in our school district had burned down the night before and my daughter saw they were accepting donations of clothing, toys, and household goods on the tv.  So we cleaned out our closets and dropped off our donations.

My son adores the Fire Station near us and wanted to bring them cookies.  We took it a step further and delivered cookies to all the public employees we could find .  I hope the police station, the post office, our mailman, and the fire station near us all enjoyed the peanut butter cookies my son baked.

We wanted to see strangers smile, so we handed out candy canes at the Post Office, the local Starbucks, and the corner drugstore for a few hours.  Most people smiled back, stopped and told us thank you, and one gentleman burst into song "The Christmas Song", showing my kids a direct result of their kindness.  That alone was worth our efforts.

We spent less than our $20 and my kids spent all day seeing and feeling the joy that comes with giving to strangers.  No amount of money in the world could pay for that. And they asked to do it again! Success!!

Ideas to Pay It Forward with Kids:

• Look for opportunities to show a random act of kindness - hold the door open for someone, help someone with their groceries to their car, allow someone with a child to jump ahead of you in the line, etc.


• Drive-thru Pay it Forwards (I love this one!) - Pay for the meal or coffee of the person behind you, pay for the toll/parking fee for the person behind you


• Leave a BIG tip for a deserving waiter/waitress


• Clean out your closets and donate them to someone in need


• Go out of your way to Thank someone for doing their job - tell the garbage man thank you, write a note of thanks to your banker, or even better, take the time to seek out a supervisor and tell them about their great employee


• Write an encouraging note to your chid's teacher


• Stop at a Kid's Lemonade Stand and buy a glass


• Tape exact change onto a soda machine


• Look for opportunities to volunteer in your area - Use Volunteer Match to help you find an opportunity.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit (Fort Worth Museum of Science & History)

The Fort Worth Museum of Science & History has a very special exhibit currently. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit"  is only here through March 24, and I encourage you to get on over there and see it before it's gone!

The Titanic exhibit begins with the planning & construction of the ship. See actual plans, hear ship-workers accounts and learn all about Captain Smith. The sad story is that he was retired yet asked to lead the Titanic's maiden voyage.

As you walk thorough recreated rooms, from First Class Staterooms to the third class bunkrooms, you learn all about how they traveled across the ocean.  It's a stunning reality to see the gorgeous private bedrooms and smoking rooms and ballrooms for the rich and then find out that third class passengers had 2 bathtubs for the 700+ passengers on their deck.  See personal artifacts from recovered jewelry to dinner ware to tiles from the Grand Ballroom.

The exhibit takes you down to the "boiler room", where the atmosphere is dark, cold and you hear the engine sounds.  It's a vast change from the light and happy one a few decks up. Actual tools and coal recovered from the ship can be seen here.  Learn about how the ship was powered across the Atlantic, even during a coal shortage.

As you walk through the timeline of events that occurred that fateful April night, you can't help but see how this horrific accident could have been avoided. A cold room is recreated to make you feel as if you are on the ocean and you can even touch a big block of ice, the temperature of an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.

What we enjoyed the most about the exhibit was how passenger's stories are told - it brought the exhibit to life for us.  When you see the tickets, shoes, jewelry, etc. of a passenger and then hear who they were and why they were on the ship, you can't help but feel sorrowful for their fate.  As you enter Titanic, you are handed a "passenger card" that details who they were, what class they were in and their personal story.  At the end of the exhibit, you can locate your passengers name to see if they were rescued and survived or not.  Very happily, 3 out of 4 of our families', "passengers" did in fact survive.

This exhibit was perfect for my 10 & 12 year olds - they were drawn to the artifacts and hearing the stories.  It enabled them to really understand the history better by seeing actual pieces, touching the cold iceberg, and learning about their passenger's fate.

The museum has timed entries to the exhibit, which I happen to love, as it doesn't get too crowded.  And it is an additional cost to see the exhibit. Also, no photography is allowed.  Audio tours are offered for $5 and there is a comprehensive gift store at the end of the exhibit as well.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History thru March 24, 2013.  The exhibit costs $10-26.  There is special pricing for the Fort Worth Stock Show (Jan 18 - Feb 9, 2013) - $11-15.

Gaylord Texan's Lone Star Christmas

Right down the road from us sits a wonderful Christmas adventure for the whole family.  The Gaylord Texan hosts Lone Star Christmas each holiday featuring holiday events, productions, and meals like no other you will find in the DFW area.   This year, the Gaylord Resorts have teamed up with DreamWorks Pictures to present, " Merry Madagascar" for their ICE! production this year.

 40 artisans from China are brought in starting in September to design the colorful ice sculptures and 20-feet tall ice slides.  It is carved out of two million pounds of ice y'all!! You can see all your favorite characters from Madagascar - Alex the Lion and his friends tell the story of how they saved Christmas after Santa crashed on the island of Madagascar (pulled from the DreamWorks animated Christmas special).  Everything is so bright and cheerful, you almost forget they are carved out of ice....that is, until you are reminded by the chilly 9 degrees the display is kept at.

But don't think you have to dress for the North Pole!  All guests are provided with hooded winter coats to keep them warm through out the display (including infant & child sizes). Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required and we brought hats and gloves as well.

Another fun event at Lone Star Christmas was the Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing. This eight-laned tubing hill is covered in REAL snow and is not for the faint-hearted. I went with the 3 year old in a double tube but both of my big kids enjoyed tubing by themselves, trying to spin as they flew down the hills. You can get a combo ticket for ICE! and ten runs down the hill for a pretty decent price.

Make sure to sign up for Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating too!  Gingy - the famous gingerbread man from Shrek! gets the whole family  involved.  You can choose to decorate a Gingerbread Cookie Family (complete with family pet), a Train, a Christmas Tree, or a traditional House.  The price includes all the materials and time you need to create your masterpieces.  And you even get to meet Gingy and pose for a photo.

The Gaylord Texan itself is beautifully dressed up for the holidays, with a gorgeous 52-foot rotating Christmas Tree in it's atrium - the perfect place to take that family Christmas card photo.  Santa Claus visits the resort for photos, see the miniature trains, and look for singing cowboys and stilt-walkers to entertain you.  It is a fun place to spend an evening with the family.

Pricing for ICE! featuring DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing, and Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating can be found here.

Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

Remember when we were kids and the ONLY place to tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas was at the mall?  The long lines, crying babies, and artificial bearded-Santas are out the window!  Our kids have new & fun opportunities to meet Santa! Now Santa shows up on trains, he reads stories at parties, and he even has meals with your family! One of our absolutely favorites times we have ever spent with Santa was Breakfast at Neiman Marcus.

For a classic time with Santa, you must book a Breakfast at Neiman Marcus. This was a tradition in our home for many years and was one of the events we looked forward to each year.  Seeing the wonder and awe in our kids' faces as they chatted with Santa made for a memorable experience.

In the downtown Neiman Marcus, Breakfast with Santa is held in the Zodiac Room on specific dates (see below). The meal begins with a preset breakfast for parents & kids and table-side entertainment. Santa's Elves roam the floor, visiting with the children and creating fun holiday balloons. Excitement is in the air as Santa arrives, everyone in the room (moms & dads included) are giddy. What I love most about this meal is that Santa spends quality time with your children, asking them questions and engaging them in conversation. My kids really felt as if they had a great visit with him.

Once Santa has made his way around the room and the meal is over, Neiman Marcus presents another treat! Dallas premier children's entertainer, Eddie Coker does a set for the kids. A private concert with Eddie Coker is a treat! He will have all the moms and dads doing the Woo!Woo! Dance in no time!

Neiman Marcus makes Breakfast with Santa a "must-do" each Holiday season. All three area Neiman Marcus stores have events (see below for details). If you can't make it this year, definitely put it on your calendar for next season. The memories you make for your family are priceless.

Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus: December 22nd & 23rd at 8:30 am and 9:30 am 1618 Main St, Dallas, TX 214-573-5800

NorthPark Neiman Marcus: December 15th & 22nd at 9:00am 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 214-891-1210

Fort Worth Neiman Marcus: December 15th & 22nd at 8:30am 2100 Green Oaks Rd, Fort Worth, TX 817-989-4650

Best Holiday Light Displays in Dallas/Fort Worth

Holiday Lights are mesmerizing at any age - our family loves taking a night to drive around to see them. And with so many here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is difficult to see them all.  That's why we have created a list of the Best Holiday Light Displays in Dallas/Fort Worth.   Some of the listed displays cost a fee to see them, but many are free and are collecting for charities, so please help out where you can.

Here you go, the Best Holiday Light Displays in Dallas/Fort Worth:

1. The Gift of Lights 2012 (3545 Lone Star Circle, Ft. Worth, TX): More than two million LED lights shine at the Texas Motor Speedway at this drive-thru event.  Nightly 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on weekends) thru January 6. $15-20/car

 2. Interlochen Lights Display (Randol Mill Rd & Westwood Dr, Arlington): More than 200 homeowners dress up their homes in lights & animated displays.  Nightly December 14-25, 2012 from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

3. Pharr's Christmas Extravaganza (14535 Southern Pines Cove, Farmers Branch, TX): Over 200,000 lights adorn this Farmers Branch home set to fun Christmas music.  A train runs nightly from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Santa visits on the weekends. This home collects food & toys for Metro Crest Social Services. Nightly starting at 5:45 pm -10:00 pm (11:00 pm on weekends) thru January 1.

4. Prairie Lights Holiday Display (5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX): Each year, this light show located on the shores of Joe Pool Lake (Lynn Creek Park) grows - this year up to 4 Million lights! Walk-thru displays and pictures with Santa.  Nightly 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (10 :00 pm weekends) through December 31. $15/20/car

5. McKinney Lights (7805 White Stallion Trail, McKinney, TX): Over 80,000 lights all set to 6 different songs, this McKinney light display has been grower bigger each year.  This home is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.  Nightly 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (12:00 am weekends) thru December 31.

6. Highland Park (Armstrong Parkway/Preston Road): Driving through the lights of Highland Park was always a tradition for us, so we love to go through them with our kids.  Many homes light up brilliantly for the holidays, also a fun neighborhood to ride through in carriage.  Nightly thru December 31.

7. Gordon Lights (4665 Quincy Lane, Plano, TX): One family's home that lights up each night with 125,000 lights.  It is timed to music that can be picked up on your car radio. This home is collecting money, gift cards, and other donations for Operation Homefront.   Nightly from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (11 pm weekends) thru January 6.

8.  Frisco Christmas (4015 Bryson Drive, Frisco, TX): This Christmas Display consists of over 85,000 lights synchronized to music.  This home is collecting canned goods for Frisco Food Bank/ Frisco Family Services Center.  Nightly from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm through December 29.  

9. Grayson County 10th Annual Holiday Light Show (Sherman, TX):  Just a quick drive north up to Sherman to drive through this fantastic holiday light trail.  Located in Loy Lake Park, you can see the entrance from I-75.  Free drive-thru light trail.  Nightly 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm thru December 31.

10. Farmers Branch Holiday Tour of Lights (13000 William Dodson Parkway, Dallas, TX): Starting at the Farmers Branch City Hall and winding around the parking area, over 300,000 lights bring this display to life with pirate ships, trains, and even Santa.  This tour accepts donations new, unwrapped toy donations.  Nightly 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm through December 31.

North Pole Express at Grapevine, Texas

A timeless tradition (well, one that has become popular in the last ten years...) is taking a steam train ride during the Christmas Holidays.  Ever since The Polar Express was published (and the movie didn't hurt either),  kids of all ages have been dying to recreate the experience on a real, old-fashioned steam train.  Trains all across the country put together Christmas events, and lucky for us, we have one right down the road.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is hosting rides on the North Pole Express.  Running each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December, the North Pole Express is another one of those "can't-miss" Christmas events. When our kiddos were younger, we rode on the North Pole Express several years in a row and never tired of it's wonder.  I highly recommend it for anyone with young kiddos, for it truly is a memorable experience.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad dresses up it's steam engine holiday style and takes families on a one-hour adventure from the downtown Grapevine Depot on Main Street.  The event begins with pre-boarding holiday fun, we sang carols and made Christmas crafts.  And as you make your way to board the train, you wind yourself through a maze of Christmas trees.  Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early.  We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online.

Everything is very official on the North Pole Express, down to the conductor punching your tickets.  It always ends up being my favorite picture pose of the event.   And as the conductor calls "All-Aboard", the excitement builds as we are taken to far-away North Pole.

Stories are told, joyful Christmas Songs are played and Santa's elves even jingle their bells, adding to the merriment of the ride.  And before you know it, Santa Claus has arrived in your car to visit with all the children.

Santa poses for pictures and asks what they would like for Christmas - always spending a good deal of time with each one. What a fun setting to meet the Big Guy in!

As a mom of 2 boys who love trains, this is a special event for them.  The excitement of being on a train ride combined with meeting Santa is almost too much!  It is a great opportunity to get some terrific photos as well,  but mostly you will be there creating some incredible family memories.

Tickets for the North Pole Express are $18/person.  Children under 24 months are free and can sit on an adult's lap.  Don't forget to wear your favorite Christmas PJs!

The Trains at NorthPark Center

Our family just loves to see elaborate miniature trains and the BEST one by far has to be The Trains at NorthPark. We started going when my kids were little, and it has become a tradition in our family to see the set-up each season.

It's the 25th Anniversary of The Trains at NorthPark and the 14th year at the NorthPark Center.  Benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, it is the most elaborate miniature train display in North Texas.  Each year, we literally spend hours looking at all the fine details.  Who doesn't love seeing the miniature Dallas all dressed up for the holidays?  And they have included the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge this year as well.

The trains' journey across America passing New York City to Chicago to San Francisco.  They weave their way through farmland, national parks, and more.  Make sure to check out the White House, the Grand Canyon, and the new hot air balloons over Albuquerque.  The exhibit is over 4,000 square feet of train environment. Take your time and look at every tiny detail.

Bank of Texas presents this fun event which helps to raise more than one-third of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas' annual budget.  RMHD is the only organization that provides a temporary home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious injury or illness at a Dallas area hospital.  This
organization takes the burden off of parent's struggle to find housing, allowing them to focus on what's most important - healing their child.

We always enjoy looking for the many hand-painted railcars adorned with names, businesses, or messages that line the walls of the display and are sometime making their way around the tracks. Local families and businesses can purchase a personalized railcar. Each year, over 500 railcars are purchased and they range in price from $175 - $325.  Might make a really fun Christmas gift for the train-lover in your house.

2012 Trains at NorthPark:

Dates: November 17, 2012 -- January 6, 2013
Location: Northpark Center, Level Two near Barneys New York
Cost: $6.00 for adults; $3.00 for children (ages 2 - 12) and senior citizens (age 65 and older) Children under 2 admitted free.
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Early Closings:
November 21, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; Open New Year’s Day

You can purchase tickets at the door of the exhibit at NorthPark Center or buy them at a local Tom Thumb and receive a $1 off admission.

Dallas Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade

One of our favorite traditions each season is to attend the Dallas Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade!  Marching through downtown Dallas this Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10 am, the parade is a fun family event that everyone should see at least once.

This parade is big y'all!  It will remind you of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade with seven giant inflatable balloons, eight marching bands, and tons of celebrities that both you & your kids will love.  It lasts over an hour and there are 3 performance plazas.

Kids of every age will be amazed at this parade.  It's fun to watch the balloons start to spin as the handlers run in circles and try desperately to not get tangled.  Expect some major chills bumps as your little ones scream in delight as they see their favorite cartoon character - Bob the Builder riding in the 'dozer was HUGE for my then-3 year old! The parade ends with Santa "coming to town" - the kids go nuts over that one!

As the giant marching bands go by, playing your favorite Christmas tunes, you can't help but sing along.  Our favorite is the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band - they always bring a smile to your face! You leave the parade in such a great mood - the crowds don't seem to bother you a bit - we all need that kind of cheer this time of year.

The parade is a wonderful way to start the season off right and make some fun memories.  We always pack a breakfast of mini donuts and hot cocoa (no one says it has to be healthy!), take lots of blankets and arrive early.  It is best to buy a ticket in the bleachers for a guaranteed seat, but there are plenty of places to sit on the street, as long as you arrive early.  There are typically clowns and street performers before the parade, so don't worry about getting there too early.

The Dallas Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade is presented by Pizza Hut to raise money for the Child LIfe department at Children's. The Child Life department provides age-appropraite therapies to help children cope with their hospital stays. The parade is a great way to show your family how to give back while enjoying themselves in such a fun way.

As of this morning, tickets are still available for bleacher seats.  Hopefully these 5 reasons are enough to get you to the parade. Start a new family tradition and create some memories! See you there!

Christmas Capitol of Texas ~ Grapevine, TX

One of my favorite cities here in North Texas turns into a Christmas fairytale each season. Hosting over 1400 Christmas events in 40 days, Grapevine turns into the Christmas Capitol of Texas. Starting back on November 8 and lasting until December 31st, there are so many fun events taking place!

Just look at some of the fun they have planned this season:

Ride the Rails on the North Pole Express® – Take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad with your family aboard the North Pole Express!  This classic Grapevine event has been entertaining families for years.  We have gone at least 3 times in the last 5 years. This one hour event includes a ride on a historic train, pre-boarding holiday fun, Santa, journey through the Christmas tree maze, ornament making, caroling and more. Don’t forget to wear your special Christmas pajamas! Tickets are $18 per person and are on sale now. Children 2 and under can sit on an adult’s lap, but must have a complimentary ticket to board. The North Pole Express runs November 23, 24, 25 and 30 and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX

Chill Out at ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar” during Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort – The ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar." From November 8 to January 1, see all your favorite characters including Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria carved from more than two million pounds of ice. You’ll be delighted as these colorful creations set the perfect holiday mood. And while at the Gaylord Texan Resort, don’t miss Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing. Open daily November 8 to January 1, experience an extreme eight-lane tubing hill that’s covered in real snow. Watch your children smile and sparkle at Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort. This winter wonderland includes 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52-foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-sized Gingerbread House, 12,000 ornaments and Santa Claus. Christmas hotel packages are available. Visit www.gaylordtexan.com for ticket prices and times.

Happy Howl-idays at Great Wolf Lodge – Take a visit to the North Woods in Grapevine at the Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland! And don’t miss visits from Santa, North Pole University for Elves in Cub Club, holiday carol sing-alongs, the life-size Gingerbread House, Santa's workshop, writing depot, wrapping depot, toy creation station, Polar Wolf Walk, Great Clock Tower holiday snow show, nightly story time, Rowdy the Reindeer and a Polar Bear Race inside the 84-degree indoor water park. December 1 – 25.

Christmas parades on land and water – Bring the entire family to the Parade of Lights in Historic Downtown Grapevine December 6 at 7 p.m. The largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, this Grapevine tradition features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float! Free. And if you’re looking for a different sort of Christmas parade to float your boat, make your way to Lake Grapevine. The Twinkle Light Boat Parade is one of the most unique Christmas parades you will ever see. See watercrafts decorated in all of the finest sparkling lights to celebrate the season. This floating festival begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina, Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine. December 1, 6-9 p.m. Free.

Sparkling Nights and Twinkling Lights – Twinkling lights abound at the Light Show Spectacular in the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine. This brilliantly-colored show runs continuously from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. nightly starting November 20. Sing along with the city’s Christmas tree, enjoy the lights and see the joy on the faces of everyone in the family as you watch this show at the Town Square Gazebo. Free.

Musicals, Movies and Magical Moments at the Palace Theatre – From country to classic Christmas, Grapevine is the place to be for all your holiday entertainment. Set in the beautiful setting of the restored Palace Theatre in Historic Downtown Grapevine, you’ll delight at all of the spectacular Christmas music and movie offerings.

• Texas Tenors –December 13, 14, 16, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.


• An Elvis Kind of Christmas with Kraig Parker –December 2 at 4 p.m.


• Classic Christmas Movies – See such classic Christmas movies for $5 - Die Hard, Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas/How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• 
  
• Grapevine Opry – Several Christmas shows

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