What to Do Today: Oct. 14

DALLAS
With all the rain we've been getting lately, we're sure to see an explosion of fall veggies and plants. Let your kids learn about how plants get their start at The Texas Discovery Gardens Presents Seeds, Seeds and More Seeds at 10:30am today at the Bookmarks library in Dallas' NorthPark Center. They'll get to see native Texas seeds up close before getting an introduction to planting. Free.


FORT WORTH
Got a baby who's transfixed by stories? Bring him or her to Bouncing Babies Storytime at 11:15am today at Arlington's Southeast Branch Library. Little ones younger than 2 will enjoy interactive books, rhymes and more - and moms will get a bit of grownup interaction! Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Kids in fourth through sixth grade will get together for a book club of their very own with Dragon Readers at 4:30pm today at the Lewisville Public Library. They'll read a different book each week (call ahead to find out each week's book) and then enjoy activities and lively discussion. Free.

ONE Word: MAGNIFICENT

Like most of Dallas and FortWorth, I too was at the U2 concert - the highlight my concert-riddled month. A longtime fan(atic) of the quartet from my favorite city in the world, Dublin, this was my fourth U2 concert (number five happens in Norman on Sunday), and maybe the most memorable.

Thinking I was smart to get to the Cowboys Stadium 10 minutes after the parking lots opened, I quickly found out that about 1500 were smarter than I, and lined up long before to get the best seats in the house...the floor front and center. Even though I was this close (literally) to being lifted on stage with Bono (he was actually pointing to the 10-year-old boy standing shoulder-to-shoulder to my left; even the security guard thought it was me and grabbed my waist to lift me up on the bridge Bono was on), I got my own piece of the concert when one of U2's roadies tapped me on the shoulder and gave me the official set list for the night that only the band and their crew get to see. It made my night, and am pretty sure I conveyed that to the roadie when I gave him the biggest hug ever to a stranger.

Even better than the glitz, glimmer and incredible music coming from the four Irishmen, was their message: peace, acceptance and compassion. From videos to Bono's monologues and shout-outs to influential world leaders that have made a difference for those less fortunate (especially with the One Campaign), the super-star mentioned his ally in the fight to shed light on the continent of Africa - Dallas resident President Bush. I wouldn't call U2 a PG band, but their message is one appropriate for all ages, even the inordinate number of kids in attendance. It was amazing to see how many fathers wanted to share this experience with their kids (adorably adorned in matching U2 tees). I saw mothers there too, but not like the dads. It was a special experience for them, and they wanted to let their kids experience the same even if it was several hours past their bedtime. I imagine Bono, The Edge, Larry and Adam have left a lasting impression, and one they'll continue to build on.

- Lauren

Not too Late to Strike a Pose!

Were you unable to attend the 2010 DallasChild Model Search on Oct. 10th? Don't worry - your child can still strike a pose for their chance to appear on one of our covers! Join us on Nov. 7th at North East Mall or on Dec. 5th at The Shops at Highland Village where your child can strut their stuff on our catwalk in front of guest judges from The Kim Dawson Agency!

Visitwww.fortworthchild.com or www.northtexaschild.com for more information and registration. Hope to see you there!

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Oct. 13

DALLAS

Bring your artistic little one (ages 2-3) to Toddler Art from 11am-12pm today at the Dallas Museum of Art. Kids and their caregivers will examine some of the galleries' masterpieces before enjoying time in Arturo's Nest, the museum's cool kids area. This month's Toddler Art theme is "seasons." Pre-registration is required, so call ahead! $10 adults; children younger than 12 free.

FORT WORTH

Ever seen thousands of canned goods arranged into cool, larger-than-life structures? You'll get your chance with the Canstruction Competition and Exhibition from 10am-9pm today (and continuing through Oct. 18) at Hurst's North East Mall. You can vote on your favorites; awards will be given in categories like Best Use of Labels and Best Meal. The coolest part? All the cans go to the Tarrant Area Food Bank to help local people in need. Free.

NORTH TEXAS

If you're a parent who loves storytimes but can't ever make it (bookstores and libraries generally schedule storytimes right between your boring staff meeting and your pre-lunch coffee break), you won't want to miss Twilight Toddler Time at 6:30pm today at Denton's Emily Fowler Branch Library. Children ages 12-36 months and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, puppets and more — all at a later hour! Free.

Kids Eat Free

Want to know where to take your kids for a free meal this week? Check out this list of restaurants offering Kids Eat Free benefits during the week of Oct. 12-16.

Chipotle, offering fast and fresh Mexican food at 37 locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Every Sunday through Oct. 18, kids 12 and younger will receive a free meal when mom or dad purchases a burrito, tacos, a burrito bowl or salad. Kids can choose from Chipotle's new kid's menu, which includes Built-It-Yourself Tacos, Single Tacos or Cheese Quesadillas. Adult menu items start at $6.

Patrizio, offering traditional Italian family dining. Kids 12 and younger eat free Monday though Thursday at all Patrizio locations (Dallas' Highland Park Village, Plano at Park and Preston roads, Highland Village's Shops at Highland Village and Cedar Hill's Uptown Village). Up to three kids' meals per each adult meal purchased. Menu items range from $$25-$6.

Cafe Brazil, offering an eclectic array of all-day breakfast items (like their amazing omelets) as well as sandwiches and specialty coffees and desserts. Kids 10 and younger eat free from 5-10pm Sunday through Thursday with the purchase of an adult meal at all Dallas-Fort Worth locations. Menu items range from $12-$2. Another bonus? Teachers get a 20-percent discount when they show a school ID.

Central Market Cafe, offering sophisticated menu items like Halibut, flank steak and a plethora of vegetarian items (among many others!). Kids eat free from 4-10pm on Mondays at the Dallas location, while the Southlake and Plano stores offer free kids meals from 4-10pm on Tuesdays. Free kids meal with purchase of an adult meal. Menu items range from $13-$2.

To see all Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants offering Kids Eat Free rewards, go to the full story here.

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Oct. 12

DALLAS

School's out today (grumble, grumble), so why not have some fun with the Columbus Day Children's Concert at 11am and 2pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. Children's favorite Eddie Coker will perform his selection of wacky songs that are sure to have kids of all ages singing and dancing. $9.50 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.

FORT WORTH

Have fun under the big top with the 67th-Annual Shrine Circus at 7pm today (and continuing through Oct. 17) at Fort Worth's Will Rogers Coliseum. You'll see elephants, aerialists, clowns and more, and best of all - the proceeds will benefit children's hospitals! $20-$15.

NORTH TEXAS

Get in an autumn state of mind at Pumpkins on the Prairie from 1-8pm today (and continuing daily through Oct. 31) at Frisco's Grace Avenue United Methodist Church. The playful pumpkin patch offers all kinds of family fun, like face painting, bounce houses and hay mazes. And, of course, you can pick a pumpkin of your very own to take home (there is a fee for pumpkins). Free.

What to Do Today: Oct. 9

DALLAS
Got a kid who loves stories (or wants to hear the same one 15 times every night)? Check out the Lone Star Storytelling Festival starting at 8pm today at Frisco Square. Tonight's schedule includes "Favorite Stories," a programm for story lovers of all ages. The festival will continue Saturday with music, puppet shows, arts and crafts and, of course, lots more stories! Free Saturday daytime; $10-$7 Friday-Saturday evening.



FORT WORTH
Enjoy a frightfully fun family night out at the 13th-Annual After Dark in the Park from 6-10pm today (and continuing from 5-10pm Saturday and 5-9pm Sunday) at Arlington's River Legacy Living Science Center. The festival, geared toward kids ages 2-10, will include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, crafts and much more. $6.



NORTH TEXAS
Move your usual family movie night outdoors with Movies in the Park at 8pm today at The Colony's Five Star Complex. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch the kid-friendly (and very funny) film Kung Fu Panda. Free popcorn will be provided, and other concessions will be available for purchase. Parental supervision required. Free.

Fair Game!

By now you've hopefully registered your child for our 2010 DallasChild Model Search on Saturday at NorthPark Center! But the question remains - what are you going to do before or after your child struts their stuff on our catwalk? Head down to The Kessler School's Pumpkin Patch and Street Fair! Stock up on pumpkins of all sizes and mums of many colors while kids enjoy the pony carousel, petting zoo, face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, a stuffed animal walk and a cake walk! Don't miss treats and eats from local vendors, live music, local artists and chair massages. You'll find fun for all ages at this fall festival!

1215 Turner | Dallas, Texas 75208 | 214-942-2220
Visit The Kessler School's website for more information.

-Jenny

A Paper-Themed Girls' Night

It seems far too early to begin planning the ways you'll bedeck your holiday dinner table. But, as pointed out by Paper Source — a NorthPark store that boasts fine paper products — it's never too early, especially when a girls' night of wine sipping and crafting is involved.

If you love paper and you have grandeur dreams for your Thanksgiving spread (and we're not talking food here — rather place seating cards, invitations and more), sign up for Paper Source Girls' Night Out: Grateful Table event. At this paper party, guests will explore the store's creative table accents and hostess gifts. Visitors will craft take-home gifts while sipping wine. All purchases made during the event will be 10-percent off regular pricing.

WHEN: 7-9pm Thursday, Oct. 22
WHERE: NorthPark Paper Source store
HOW: Pre-register for $30 here

Happy crafting!

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Oct. 8

DALLAS
Get grossed out (in a good way) at Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body from 10am-5pm today (and continuing every Tues-Sun through Jan 3) at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center of Frisco. The exhibit is science in disguise, with hands-on activities that let kids learn about the body. There's even a larger-than-life tour of a human nose - if you can handle it! $6.50 adults and children ages 3 and older.



FORT WORTH
Cheer on the TCU Lady Frogs soccer stars as they take on Air Force at 11:30am today at Fort Worth's Garvey Rosenthal Soccer Stadium. Wear your purple gear and enjoy all the fast-paced action - and the best part is, the game is free!




NORTH TEXAS
Don't miss a fun imaginative journey at Book Adventures at 4pm today at Denton's Emily Fowler Branch Library. This program for children in kindergarten through third grade includes 45 minutes of stories and activities based on a different theme each week. Free.

Brad Oldham Leaves his Mark on Dallas

If you and your family have taken the DART's new Green Line on a recent trip to Deep Ellum, you may have noticed three striking new additions to the artsy landscape: gigantic metal sculptures of robot-like men.

The sculptures — dubbed "The Traveling Men" — are works by Brad Oldham, who was profiled with his family in DallasChild's June 2009 Nesting section. Brad joined creative forces with fellow artist Brandon Oldenburg (of Reel FX Creative Studios) to meld and weld the sculpture series.

"Walking Tall" is located at the corner of Good Latimer and Swiss Avenue, and is the tallest of the three "men" — measuring in at 38 feet! This sculpture, which appears to be walking into the adjacent neighborhood, is accompanied by stainless-steel birds. Reminiscent of Chicago's jellybean-like "Cloud Gate" sculpture in Millenium Park, the birds (which serve as seating) boast a mirrored finish — offering little ones endless entertainment!

At Good Latimer and Gaston Avenue, visitors will find "Waiting on a Train," the second installment of a futuristic man who appears to be seated and leaning against the Deep Ellum Tunnel. As a nod to Deep Ellums artistic environment, the man is strumming a guitar while waiting on his train.

In the heart of Deep Ellum's neighborhood (at Good Latimer and Elm Street), "Awakening" surprises visitors with its 8-foot-wide head that appears to be emerging from the ground. More stainless-steel birds offer eclectic and kid-friendly seating to those in need of a rest.

To read more about the sculptures, go to DeepEllumGateway.com, or visit Brad's Web site at BradOldham.com.

Looking for DART maps that detail the Green Line, go here and plan your next trip!

—Gretchen

Strike a Pose!

Better hurry! Online registration for DallasChild's annual Model Search at NorthPark Center this Saturday is ending soon! This is your child's chance to strut their stuff on our catwalk in front of professional model scouts from the Kim Dawson Agency and strike a pose for a professional photographer! Walk-ups are welcome the day of the event but you can reserve your child's time by registering online thru Wednesday! Good luck and we hope to see you there!

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Oct 6

DALLAS
Take a journey into one of the most beloved children's books ever with Charlotte's Web: The Musical at 9:30am and 12pm today at the Irving Arts Center. Cute costumed characters will act out the story of Wilbur the pig and his friend and savior Charlotte the spider. $8.


FORT WORTH
Have some fun on the farm with Hall's Pumpkin Farm Hayrides and Corn Maze from 3-8pm today at Hall's Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine. Kids will love exploring the maze of cornstalks ($5) and checking out the farm's selection of pumpkins. It's sure to give your family a fall feeling! Free admission.


NORTH TEXAS
Grab your little one (ages 15-36 months) and head to Toddler Time Lewisville at 10:30 and 11am today at the Lewisville Public Library. Young book lovers will enjoy stories, songs and a take-home project with their caregivers. But don't dawdle - space is limited! Free.

What to Do Today: Oct. 5

DALLAS
Have some Asian-inspired fun at the Picnic Under the Moon from 6:30-9:30pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. This annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing event will include cultural demonstrations, music and haiku poetry. $15 adults; $5 children ages 3-12.


FORT WORTH
Don't get bogged down with a case of the Mondays! Take the kids (ages 8-11) to Monday Kid-Tivities at 3:30pm today at the Euless Public Library. Children will have lots of fun with stories, crafts and more at this weekly activity. Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Bring out your little one's inner musician with Free Kindermusik With Heidi from 10-10:45am today (and every first Monday of the month) at Highland Village's Brilliant Sky Toys and Books. The super-fun activity will include music and movement for kids of all ages and their caregivers. Free.

Taste Adventure

Get wild at the annual Zoo To Do from 5-11pm Oct. 10 at the Dallas Zoo's Wilds of Africa area. Some of Dallas' best restaurants - including Abacus, Five Sixty and Suze - will offer up tasty treats galore at tent-covered stations. You'll also get to sip cocktails, take a Monorail safari tour, bid in live and silent auctions and dance the night away. This year's Zoo To Do will raise money for the zoo's major new addition, Giants of the Savanna (a new home for its zebras, elephants, lions and more), which is set to open in 2010. Yum!
- Claudia

What to Do Today: Oct. 2

DALLAS
Get a fine introduction to ballet with a production of Peter and the Wolf at 7pm today at Richardson's Charles W. Eisemann Center. The 30-minute ballet is aimed at children and will feature characters from the familiar fable. Tickets start at $10.




FORT WORTH
Don't miss Kids Who Care theater company's original musical District XI: Believe in Me! at 10am, 11:15am, 12:45pm and 7:30pm today at Fort Worth's Scott Theatre. The funny show is set in a school and is based on 10-year-old Dalton Sherman's recent speech to more than 20,000 Dallas ISD teachers and staff. Tickets are $18-$10 evening; $12 matinees.




NORTH TEXAS
Hop aboard for a fun train ride at The Pumpkin Express from 10am-6pm today (and daily through Oct. 31) at Argyle's Pumpkin Express Pumpkin Patch. Kids of all ages will love checking out a variety of pumpkins, gourds and corn and will take home a small pumpkin and a lollipop. $5.

What to Do Today: Sept. 29

DALLAS
Grab your little cutie and have fun with Tiny Tot Tuesday from 10am-2pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. You're all sure to enjoy Kindermusik (from 12-12:30pm), a petting zoo, arts and crafts and more in the arboretum's Pecan Grove. Dress your tot up for a photo in the garden by James French Photography ($15)! $9.50 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children ages 3-12.


FORT WORTH
Babies love books (and not just for chewing on!). So bring your little reader-in-the-making to Bouncing Babies Storytime at 10:30am today at the Mansfield Public Library. Little ones from infancy through 24 months and their caregivers will hear stories, songs and more. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Have some fun together at Family Time at 7pm today at the Coppell Public Library. The weekly program, which is appropriate for families with children of all ages, includes crafts, stories, songs and more. You'll need a ticket to participate; tickets will be available at the Information Desk. Free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 28

DALLAS
Make some mama friends at the Preston Hollow Area Early Childhood PTA Meeting from 9-11:30am today at Dallas' Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. The group, which is open to parents with children ages birth to 5 years old, will welcome guest speaker Cassie Reid, a counselor at Southwest Medical Center's Family Studies Center. Free.




FORT WORTH
Monday morning dawns (where did the weekend go?!) and you're already looking for something fun to do. Why not check out Toddler Time Hurst, a fun storytime for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers at 10am today at the Hurst Public Library. It's sure to help your Monday morning soar by! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Ready for a fun fall field trip? Pack up the kids and head to the Dallas Arboretum for the Great Pumpkin Festival from 9am-5pm today (and continuing daily through Nov. 1). You'll see a cool pumpkin house and enjoy tasty treats, live entertainment and more. $9.50 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 25

DALLAS
Take a bite of baklava as the Greek Food Festival of Dallas kicks off at 11am today at Dallas' Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. In addition to authentic Greek food, dancing and music, you can also browse through the agora (or marketplace) featuring beautiful artwork and more. $5 adults; $3 children ages 5-12; children younger than 5 free.


FORT WORTH
Don't miss opening night of the kid-friendly production The Jungle Book at 7pm today at Fort Worth's Casa Mañana Theatre. The Disney musical features Mowgli, a little boy raised in the jungle, and his friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Kaa the python as they work together to overcome the evil tiger Shere Khan. The show continues every Friday-Sunday through Oct. 11. Tickets are $17-$15.


NORTH TEXAS
Have some fun that's muy bien at the Fiesta-on-the-Square Hispanic Heritage Celebration from 6-10pm today at Denton's Courthouse on the Square. You'll see exhibits about Hispanic culture, art and history in Denton County in addition to enjoying Latin music, dance and more on the courthouse lawn. Free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 24

DALLAS
The weather outside is frightful (seriously, what's with all this wind and rain?), so why not enjoy an evening of classical music - indoors - with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Mahler: Symphony No. 1 at 8pm today (and continuing daily through Saturday) at Dallas' Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. You'll hear Gustav Mahler's beautiful work plus a world premiere piece by American composer Christopher Theofanidis. Tickets start at $17.

FORT WORTH
You've made it through another busy day, but before you zonk out in front of the TV, bundle up the kids and head to Starlight Storytime at 7pm today at Fort Worth's Summerglen Branch Library. You and the fam will enjoy stories, songs and crafts - the perfect end to a hectic day! Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Enjoy an evening of laughs as storyteller Genie Hammel appears during Family Storytime at 7pm today at the Grapevine Public Library. Hammel, a former children's librarian, and her hilarious puppet friend Magic Genie will entertain children of all ages with a fun, interactive program. Free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 23

DALLAS

It's big, it's orange, and it's a whole lot of fun for a Wednesday afternoon. Check out the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, open from 9am-6pm today (and every Monday-Friday; 10am-6pm every Saturday; and 12-6pm every Sunday through Nov. 7) at Bill Bates Cowboy Ranch in Celina (just north of Frisco). Kids of all ages will love the petting zoo and pumpkin patch - and the price of admission includes a fun hayride! $7; children younger than 2 free.

FORT WORTH

Get a glimpse of the cowboy way of life at the exhibit Views and Visions: Prints of the American West, 1820-1970, from 10am-5pm today (and continuing through Jan. 10) at Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum. You'll see masterpieces from the museum's permanent collection that depict the landscapes, animals and peoples of the West. Yeehaw! Free.

NORTH TEXAS

Spend some one-on-one time with your little one (ages birth to 15 months) at Mother Goose Time at 1:30pm today at the Lewisville Public Library. Parents and babies will bond over stories, parachute play and more. But pack your diaper bag early - space is limited at this storytime! Free.

Good, Clean Fun!

Playing with your kids is good fun for Mom. But for those moments when you just don't think you (or your cute new outfit) will ever recover from mud pies in the back yard - Gymboree Play & Music comes to your rescue!

Gymboree, the pioneer of parent-child directed developmental programs, brings you a brand new location in North Dallas with free open houses on September 24, 26, 28, 29 and 30! Bring the little ones and come experience an environment where kids can feel confident to touch, explore, play and have fun - all the while developing physical, intellectual and social skills! Choose from music classes where children and parents can learn about rythm, beat, tempo and melody through singing and playing instruments, or opt for an art class - where you'll paint, draw, sculpt and discover a world of hands on learning! Activities are designed for parental participation, something Gymboree considers essential. Their motto? Children learn best when parents enter their world of play and imagination.

So breath a deep sigh of relief, Mom and put that cute outfit back on. Getting involved in Junior's playtime can be lots of fun...and mud free!

Call 214.363.8585 to make a reservation for age specific open houses.

Gymboree Play & Music
11700 Preston Rd. #612
Dallas, Texas 75230

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Sept. 21

DALLAS
Enjoy the start of Mommy and Me Mondays from 10am-2pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. Kids of all ages will join their moms in the Pecan Grove for a petting zoo, face painting, Strollerfit (10-10:45am) and more. You can even have your little darling's picture taken in the gardens by James French Photography ($15). $9.50 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children ages 3-12.


FORT WORTH
Bring the whole clan to Family Storytime at 6:30pm today (and every Monday through Nov. 30) at the East Arlington Branch Library. Families will enjoy stories, songs and maybe even a craft. Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Bring your little cutie to Mother Goose Time Flower Mound at 11:15am today (and every Monday-Tuesday) at the Flower Mound Public Library. Babies younger than 18 months and their caregivers will have fun with stories, songs and more. Registration is required. Free.