Win It!

We all remember reading about (and watching) Laura Ingalls Wilder conquer life on the great frontier. Now, you can watch this beloved story—Little House on the Prairie, the Musical—come to life on stage May 11-13 at Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park.

Better yet, win a four-pack of tickets for your family to see the May 15 show ... all you need to do is tell us the name of the mom profiled in our May edition's Mom Next Door feature. Send your answer to editorial@dallaschild.com and your name will be entered into a random drawing that will select two winners on Friday May 7.

Good luck!

What to Do Today: April 30

DALLAS
Burn off some stress at En Garde! Free Fencing Lessons 7pm every Friday at Farmer's Branch Fencing Institute of Texas. Instructors will be on hand; no experience necessary. Free.

FORT WORTH
Laugh along with your favorite orphan (and her heart-warming antics) the all-youth production of Annie on stage 7:30pm tonight at the Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington. $15 adults; $10 youth; $7 CATS students; $4 lap pass.

NORTH TEXAS
Celebrate your youth (and never wanting to grow up) at the all-youth production of Peter Pan, the Musical 7:30pm tonight at the Flower Mound Performing Arts Center. $25-$20.

What to Do Today: April 29

DALLAS
Watch the beloved characters of your child's favorite story book come to life at Charlotte's Web 7pm tonight (through Saturday) at the Frisco Art Center. $8.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and students ages 13 and older; $6.50 youth 12 and younger.

FORT WORTH
Get your Mayfest fix fast (before looming reports of soggy weekend weather) 3:30-10pm Thursday in Fort Worth's Trinity Park. Kids can make take-home crafts, parents can listen to live music and all attendees can indulge in yummy foods made by local restaurants. (The festival continues 3:30-10pm Fri; 10am-10pm Sat; 11am-7pm Sun.) $8 adults; $5 children ages 6-12; kids 5 and younger free.

NORTH TEXAS
Children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and more at Toddler Time 10 and 11am today at Flower Mound's Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 28

DALLAS
Treat your kids to a bit of culture by viewing beautiful works by painters and photographers including Claude Monet and Gustave Le Gray at The Lens of Impressionism 11am-5pm today at the Dallas Museum of Art. $10 adults; children younger than 12 free.


FORT WORTH
Snag some organic, locally grown ingredients (including produce, fruit and grains) at Fort Worth's Cowtown Farmers Market 8am-12pm (or until sellout) today at Traffic Circle. Admission is free; some free tastings available per request.

NORTH TEXAS
Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy books and a fun craft at Storytime and a Craft 10:30-11am today at Lake Cities Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 27

DALLAS
Dance the night away (in this fleeting cool weather) at Twilight Tuesdays 7:30pm at at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage in the Dallas Arboretum. Tickets start at $8.

FORT WORTH
Designed for infants who are not yet walking, Lap Sit Storytime features songs, rhymes, movement activities and games for kids and their parents/caregivers 10-10:30am today at Southlake's Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Kids ages 2-6 will read books while mom browses the selection of interesting kids' gear at Storytime at Brilliant Sky 10:30-11am today at Brilliant Sky Toys & Books in Highland Village. Stick around to play in the dress-up area or try out one of the store's many hands-on toys. Free.

What to Do Today: April 26

DALLAS
Learn fun facts and gain a wealth of knowledge about the human body at the educational exhibition Bodies: The Exhibition 10am-7pm today at the West End Marketplace in Dallas. Appropriate for mature kids with parent supervision. $24-$10.

FORT WORTH
Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and more at Family Storytime 6:30pm this evening at the East Arlington Branch Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will enjoy music, crafts, games and, of course, stories at Prime Time 4pm this evening at Lewisville Public Library. Free.

APRIL 30...Save the date!

We already know that if you're reading this blog, you're totally a cool mom. So, how about coming to a party for cool moms + cool kids (PS - dads are allowed too!)? Next Friday (one week from today), we're hosting a little shindig with one of our favorite little stores in Dallas...Little Bean! Mix with other "in the know" families and mingle with the designer of the hip kids clothing line, Clover (coming all the way from NYC!). Plus...our very own Creative Director makes her debut as a DJ spinning tunes all night long as DJ Lacy. Be there...or be square!

What to Do Today: April 23

DALLAS
Kids will go wild at the fun-filled carnival and midway (complete with rides, festival foods and more) at Real. Texas. Festival. 3-11pm today and 10am-11pm Saturday at Mesquite's Rodeo Center. Other entertainment includes a car show, rodeo and three stages of live music. $15 adults; kids 13 and younger free.

FORT WORTH
Browse artwork of all types made by local artists and artisans at Art in the Square 4-10:30pm Friday; 10am-10:30pm Saturday; and 11am-6pm Sunday in Southlake Town Center. Besides the juried art show, kids can make their own take-home crafts and more. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Groove to the tunes of performances on seven stages at Denton Arts & Jazz Festival 5-11pm Friday; 10am-11pm Saturday; and 11am-9pm Sunday at Quakertown Park. A children's art tent and instrument petting zoo will keep kiddos entertained, as well (only open on Sat-Sun). Free.

Moo-ve over

You are the epitome of style. Or shall I say were. Pregnancy does a rather funny thing to your closet, doesn't it? Those fashion-forward pieces you splurged on not so long ago have now been replaced with garments that resemble the moo-moos your grandmother was so fond of. The old, fabulous style you took pride in, and that once garnered you glances from those around you now are gone, and the glances you get are less "lookin' good!" and more "Hey, I think that lady is wearing my living room curtains..."

Can you relate? All of you expectant moms out there can take a deep sigh of relief. Style expert and Author of Bump It Up, Amy Tara Koch, is here to transform your pregnancy into the ultimate style statement!

Mark your calendar:
April 27, 2010
6-8pm
W. Dallas

What’s in it for you?
Why not get style tips from a pro while sipping mock-tails and getting pampered by BLISS SPA and MAMMA RIO? (And did I mention a bra-fitting and shapewear seminar by WACOAL? A car seat and stroller demo by BRITAX? Cupcakes by SPRINKLES? A chance to win a mega gift bag with must haves like a Britax car seat, Medela breast pump, Baby Bjorn carrier, Prenatal services by BLISS SPA and samples from Pampers and Tide To Go?)

I can’t think of even one good reason not to go. Staying home to iron your moo-moos doesn’t count, ladies.

-Jenny

What to Do Today: April 22

DALLAS
Celebrate Mother Nature at EartFest 2010 with food, music, a variety of activities for kids (including face painters, balloon artists and more), environmental education workshops, a recycled fashion show with designs made from recycled materials and much more 10am-2pm today at Dallas' Pegasus Plaza. Free.

FORT WORTH
Whether you like rock-n-roll, jazz, Motown, oldies or rhythm and blues, your family will jam along with the music at Twilight Thursdays 7pm tonight at Old Bedford School's South Lawn. Free; bring your own seating. Some concessions available for purchase.

NORTH TEXAS
Toddlers will expend some pent-up energy at Toddler Time storytime 10am today at Flower Mound's Public Library. Activities include stories, songs and finger plays for children ages 2-3. Free.

Correction

In yesterday's post of "What to Do Today: April 20," we included information about an Earth Day event in Cedar Hill that was outdated. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.

We remain committed to bringing you the best daily activities to enjoy with your family. Thank you for reading!

What to Do Today: April 21

DALLAS
Jam to tunes from shows like Evita, Phantom of the Opera and many more at The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber 8pm tonight (with continuing showtimes) at Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park. The show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets start at $15.

FORT WORTH
Snag some organic, locally grown ingredients (including produce, fruit and grains) at Fort Worth's Cowtown Farmers Market 8am-12pm (or until sellout) today at Traffic Circle. Admission is free; some free tastings available per request.

NORTH TEXAS
Gather your loved ones around a good book at Family Storytime 7pm tonight at the Flower Mound Public Library. Stories will be followed by themed arts and crafts (materials provided). Free.

What to Do Today: April 20

DALLAS
Dance the night away (in this fleeting cool weather) at Twilight Tuesdays 7:30pm at at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage in the Dallas Arboretum. Tickets start at $8.

FORT WORTH
Designed for infants who are not yet walking, Lap Sit Storytime features songs, rhymes, movement activities and games for kids and their parents/caregivers 10-10:30am today at Southlake's Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Kids ages 2-6 will read books while mom browses the selection of interesting kids' gear at Storytime at Brilliant Sky 10:30-11am today at Brilliant Sky Toys & Books in Highland Village. Free.

What to Do Today: April 19

DALLAS
Older children and teens will enjoy local author Kathleen Kent's discussion of her award-winning novel, The Heretic’s Daughter at 7pm tonight in Carrollton's Public Library. Free.

FORT WORTH
Get crafty (and stay dry on this drab Monday) at Make-and-Take Crafts 4-5pm tonight at the Southlake Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Kids (ages 5 and older) who love board and card games will love testing their competitive edge at Fun and Games 3:30pm today at the Coppell Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 16

DALLAS
The Children’s Chorus and Youth String Orchestra glow in the spotlight for their spring concert 8pm tonight at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas. These young musicians will turn the heat up on all genres of music performing from classical to pop, jazz, spirituals and Broadway melodies. $10.

FORT WORTH
Jam out with your family at the Sounds of Spring outdoor concert series 6pm (gates open) tonight at the Family Water Park in North Richland Hills. The evening will also boast free games, arts and crafts and more (for younger music fans in attendance). Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved fairy tale Cinderella will be at 7:30pm tonight told with music and song. Kids of all ages will remember the prince's journey to find his princess with only a single glass slipper to help him. $18 adults; $16 students; $10 children.

What to Do Today: April 15

DALLAS
Cool off with live music at the Dallas Arboretum's Cool Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm every Thursday through July 29. Bring your own chairs or blankets; concessions will be available for purchase. $8.

FORT WORTH
Grab some organic goodies at the newly re-opened Grapevine Market farmers market 9am-2pm today in Historic Downtown Grapevine. Visitors will also find other artisan goods for sale. Free admission.

NORTH TEXAS
Children ages 15 months-36 months will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and more at Toddler Time Lewisville 10:30am today at Lewisville's Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 14

DALLAS
Groovy gals (suggested ages 10 and older) will get a kick out of Xanadu, 8pm tonight (with additional showtimes). This hilarious Broadway musical takes guests back to 1980 Venice Beach, Calif., where the beautiful Kira helps a fellow artist, Sonny, find his voice. The silly plot will keep 'tweens laughing; the performance is rated PG. Tickets start at $15.

FORT WORTH

Active toddlers will love reading stories and participating in movement activities at the Mother Goose Storytime 10am today at Southlake's Public Library. Free; caregiver must attend with child.

NORTH TEXAS

Kids ages 2-5 can flex their creativity after listening to an inspiring story at Storytime and Craft 10:30-11am today at Lake Cities Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 13

DALLAS

Kids feeling feisty? Sneak in some play time at Moms and Tots Open Gym 11am-1pm today at the McKinney Community Center. $1.

FORT WORTH

Designed for infants who're not yet walking, Lap Sit Storytime (10am today at Southlake Public Library) features stories, songs, rhymes, movement activities and more for kids and parents/caregivers. Free.

NORTH TEXAS

Who doesn't love to be read to? Storytime at Brilliant Sky (in Highland Village)at 10:30am today is a perfect outing for kids 2 to 6 and a parent/caregiver. Free.

What to Do Today: April 12

DALLAS

Widen your child's mind with a taste of bilingual stories with kids ages 5 and younger (and caregivers) at the Bilingual Storytime 10:30am today at Dallas' J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Free.

FORT WORTH

Add a boost of artistic freedom to your young student's school day with Crafty Kidz, an art program for kids in fifth grade and older, 4pm today at Keller Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS

Quizzical kids ages 5 and older (who love board and card games) can test their competitive edge (and have some fun) at Fun and Games 3:30pm today at Coppell Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: April 9

DALLAS
Does your child struggle with dyslexia? The new stage production Hard 2 Spel Dad addresses the challenges of a tween living with this learning challenge 7:30pm Friday; 1:30 and 4:30pm Saturday; 1:30 and 4:30pm Sunday (through April 25) at Dallas' Rosewood Center for Family Arts. Suggested for kids ages 10 and older due to the mature topic. Tickets start at $12.

FORT WORTH
Presented by the Texas Ballet Theater, Sleeping Beauty springs to the stage in Ben Stevenson's magical production 8pm Friday-Saturday; 2pm Saturday-Sunday at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. Tickets start at $19.

NORTH TEXAS
Treat you and your parenting partner to a date night—and don't worry about entertaining the kids! Drop them off at Kids Night out at the CAC 6-9pm on the second Friday of every month at the Flower Mound Community Arts Center. $21 for nonmembers; $15 for CAC member. Call to make reservations (972/874-7275).