parks – Dirt2Doorbell

Saginaw Springs: Around Town

Saginaw Springs is a great community for families who love the outdoors. William Houston Park is a short walk away where you’ll find a great playground area and two soccer fields. Willow Creek Park is a bit further away, but easy to bike to. It is home to a jogging path with exercise stations, basketball courts, a softball field, an entire disc golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, and multiple playgrounds. The city as a whole also fosters a great environment for other outdoor group activities like the North Tarrant Cycling Club.

If you’re looking for bigger outdoor adventures, they’re just around the corner from Saginaw Springs. Eagle Mountain Lake as well as Lake Worth are both nearby and are home to great state parks. The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is 11.5 miles away and home to all kinds of adventures! Find out about the hiking trails, guided tours, and wildlife here. When indoor entertainment is calling you, TCC is there to answer. With a variety of theater programs throughout the year, you will have plenty to enjoy. If the most recent theater production doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always head down 287 into the Stockyards or Downtown Fort Worth.

Every school that your child will be a part of within Saginaw Springs has met or exceeded all Texas State Requirements. For this district, though, that’s not enough. EMISD is part of a select few districts participating in the Liink project to help grow and learn at the highest standards. This district has its eye on the future, and will take your child there.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a community that cares for you like Saginaw does. What I really love about the town is the balance of historical character and modern amenities like bike lanes and public transit. They have a city recreation center that will more than fit any workout needs, and has the most competitive pricing I’ve found. The community even puts on a kid’s night during the school year called ‘Planet Kidz’ geared toward providing age-appropriate entertainment to children ages 8-14 years old.

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

13 Things to Do in DFW Before the Summer Ends

As the summer draws to the close, it can begin to feel like you have done all the things there are to do! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summer activities around the area, and hopefully they will help you make it through the final stretch of summer heat.

Sunrise Sunflowers lighten

Berry Picking

Nothing says ‘summer’ like fresh berries. They’re easy enough to find wherever you get groceries, but there’s something special about picking them yourself. Fortunately, the entire Metroplex is surrounded by farms dedicated to providing just such an experience. Click here for a list of farms by city.

Museums

Taking your children (or just yourself) to a museum provides many benefits. You’re generally out of the heat, you’re physically active, and you’re being inspired! Schools are great, but there’s no substitute for the look in a child’s eyes when their curiosity is sparked. Treat yourself and the kiddos to these awesome free museums in the area, and watch the magic of learning happen!

Animal Encounters

If you and your children are aching for a more outdoorsy learning activity, the DFW area offers a several venues for interacting with and learning about animals. For a more common experience, visit either of the acclaimed zoos in Fort Worth or Dallas. If you’re looking for something more hands-on, try the Dallas World Aquarium (try to go during the week, when it’s less crowded) or Fossil Rim (beware the ostrich).

Six Flags

The dedicated children’s park makes this ideal for outings with kids of all ages. There are adventures to be had for all, and enough souvenir shops to make the hottest day more bearable. If you go early, you can hit several rides before it gets too hot. Then you have plenty of time to shop and ride one of their water features! Plan your trip here.

Water park

If the adventure of Six Flags sounds great but you’re looking for something a little more ‘watery’, the Metroplex has an abundance of options for you. If you’re looking for the big rides, you can go across the street to Hurricane Harbor (protip: if you buy a season pass at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is included). For a list of the top 13 parks, look here.

Ranger’s Game

There’s a special joy that comes from hanging out in the nosebleeds at Globe Life Park. It’s shaded with the best breeze in the whole stadium, and I love being able to see everything going on from the vantage point. Our Rangers have had tough few weeks, but it feels like they’re getting their groove back! There’s no better time to catch a game! Buy tickets here.

Kayak

Something about growing up in North Texas breeds a love for being on the water. We have plenty of lakes that are great for boats and skiing, but my favorite way to enjoy the water is from a kayak. Texas State Parks have recently introduced ‘Paddling Trails’ and we have more info here. If you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can look at Panther Island in Fort Worth or White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Drive-in Movies

Feeling nostalgic? DFW is home to a growing number of Drive-In theaters! Most offer new releases with the occasional throwback. My family loves to pile up our truck with blankets and pillows and head out around 6! More information on theaters and what they offer here.

Food Trucks

Food truck are one of the best ways to sample the artistic creations of talented chefs, and the best atmosphere to experience them is definitely at a food truck park. These parks are the best place to meet up with other foodies, and let the kids play while expanding their culinary horizons.

Stargazing

‘The stars at night/Are big and bright’ and this is, indeed, the heart of Texas. If you and your kids are night owls, this could be one of the more exciting things you do this summer! Whether you drive out to one of the stargazing tours at a state park or visit one of the planetariums in the area, the stars are sure to leave you and your kids in awe. Information on great spots here.

Gardens

If you’re not into picking fruit, you can still enjoy the fruit of the earth at one of these fantastic North Texas gardens! Fort Worth and Dallas compete for best gardens, so there is plenty to enjoy. The seasonal flora and fauna are top notch at each of these locations around the Metroplex.

Pokémon Go

Sometimes, we can get too carried away with our devices, but Pokémon Go has done more than its fair share to make our smart phones good for us. Bring your kids out to one of these great spots or events. Take some time walking about and enjoying the scenery as your hatch virtual eggs and catch virtual Pokémon.

Library – Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington Library events

With all the adventures to be had in the Metroplex, there are a few things that you just can’t do, unless you have a book. The story times and other events at the Fort Worth, Dallas, and other Metro libraries are sure to awaken the imagination and take your kids on grand adventures (without leaving the a/c!)

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Working off that Thanksgiving Stupor!

Do you usually have a HUGE Feast at Thanksgiving followed by watching football and a long nap and more turkey and another nap? Want to mix it up a bit? Here are some new things to try at Thanksgiving.

Union Gospel Mission There are many ways to give to the Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County and one of them is your time! Sign up to become a Volunteer.

Walk or bike or rollerblade that Turkey off at the Trinity Trail! Here’s a handy map of the trail and the best part is it is open all day and it’s FREE!

Meals on Wheels Although they don’t make deliveries on Thanksgiving Day or the day after, you could volunteer to deliver meals that weekend! They also have a lot of other volunteer opportunities as well.

Turkey Trot The Fort Worth Turkey Trot supports the Scholarship/youth program of the Westside YMCA. Races start as early as 7:15 am on Thanksgiving Day and you can have your Turkey and pie guilt-free after working soooo hard in the morning!

Tarrant Area Food Bank This organization is a hub of energy! There are so many ways to volunteer here. Take a look and see if one of their activities will work for your family.

Parade of Lights The day after Thanksgiving Sundance Square hosts the annual Parade of Lights. There will be activities beginning at 2pm. There is a Parade followed by pictures with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree, and ending with a free viewing of Fred Claus in the Chisholm Trail Parking lot! Be sure to bring your own seats. Here is a detailed schedule since there is too much to post here!

Presbyterian Night Shelter This great program needs your time! Here is a list of their Volunteer Opportunities.

If you are planning any volunteer options, make sure to contact the organization of your choice well before Thanksgiving week. Many of them have Volunteer Orientations that must be completed before you can give your time. Gobble Gobble!