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.

Pumpkin Palooza!

It's back - and this year it's bigger than ever! Autumn at The Arboretum presents The Great Pumpkin Festival kicking off this Saturday, September 19th. Bring the whole family and see over 40,000 decorative pumpkins and gourds! Always a favorite spot for the family photo, the festival also features over 150,000 fall blooming flowers including chrysanthemums, salvia, coleus, ornamental grasses and impatiens. But don't worry kiddos - if chrysanthemums don't wow you like they do Mom, you can romp around and wear yourself out in the 15-foot pumpkin house and kids hay bale maze!

The festival runs through November 1. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the Southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX, 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9am until 5pm. For more information and other events, call (214) 515-6500 or visit the Arboretum's website at www.dallasarboretum.org.

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Sept. 18

DALLAS
Everyone's favorite feisty grade schooler will take the stage in Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, premiering at 7:30pm today (and continuing every Friday-Sunday through Nov. 1) at the Dallas Children's Theater. Junie's got a brand-new brother, and she's not too happy about it — until she figures out a way to turn the situation into a positive! Tickets start at $14.



FORT WORTH
Have some old-fashioned fun at Timber Tales Storytime from 10-11am today at Fort Worth's Log Cabin Village. Children ages 3-5 will hear the stories Tortillas and Lullabies and The Copper Tin Cup before making a cool craft. Call ahead to make reservations (required). $4.




NORTH TEXAS
Hear some beautiful classical music at the Lewisville Lake Symphony: The Symphony Series concert at 7:30pm today at Lewisville's Lakeland Baptist Church. Cellist Eugene Osadchy of the Plano Symphony and the Dallas Chamber Orchestra will perform. $25 adults; $20 seniors; $10 students.

What to Do Today: Sept. 17

DALLAS
Take a mini-trip to Munich at the 22nd-Annual Addison Oktoberfest, kicking off at 5pm today (and it's free until 11pm today!) at Addison Circle Park. This fun festival will feature a whole tent just for kids, with dancers, puppets, magic and more. Add in live music, authentic foods and drinks and cool carnival rides and you've got fun for the whole fam! Free on Thursday; $5 for ages 4 and older Friday-Sunday.


FORT WORTH
Have a grooving good time at the Twilight Thursdays concert at 7pm today on the Old Bedford School South Lawn in Bedford. This week's band is King Creole, who will play classic hits the whole family will enjoy! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Get ready to have some serious festival fun as GrapeFest kicks off at 10am today in downtown Grapevine. Kids will flip for carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, squishy grape stomps and more. Admission is free today and from 10am-5pm Friday; regular admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors and children ages 6-12.

IMAXimum Entertainment!

Your future's so bright...you gotta wear - umm, 3D glasses? Fall movie watching in Collin County just got brighter with Frisco’s AMC Stonebriar 24 set to debut its new IMAX theatre with the September 18 feature film release of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” in 3D! Based on the beloved children’s story featuring flying flapjacks, plummeting pasta, and meatball meteors, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” has been digitally re-mastered into IMAX’s format to capture the imagination and satisfy your entertainment fix. The IMAX experience combines crystal-clear images and powerful digital sound, making your trip to the theater unforgettable!

Want more family friendly films? Coming right up! Parents hungry for wholesome entertainment will flip over their fall lineup! Opening October 16 is “Where the Wild Things Are” immediately followed by “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” in IMAX 3D opening November 16th.

Call 1-888-AMC-4FUN (1-888-262-4386) or visit AMCTheatres.com for listings and showtimes.

-Jenny

Sugary Prediction!

For all you expectant mothers out there who have yet to find out whether you'll be having a girl or a boy - Sprinkles might be trying to tell you something!

Much to our pleasant surprise, this special delivery arrived at our office this morning, compliments of one of our favorite cupcake shops, Sprinkles! A. There is not so much as a peep around here - I suspect our mouths are full. B. This might be the best breakfast I've had - ever. C. You can custom order cupcakes just like these and send them to our office too!! Just kidding. But you can order them for that upcoming baby shower, birthday party or soiree you're hosting! We highly recommend them. We'd tell you ourselves but our mouths are full.

Sprinkles Cupcakes . Plaza at Preston Center . 4020 Villanova Drive . 214 369 0004

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Sept. 16

DALLAS
Get a dollop of Southern charm with an Author Signing by Jamie and Bobby Deen at 7pm today at Dallas' Borders Bookstore Preston and Royal. The chefs and Food Network stars (sons of Southern super chef Paula Deen) will discuss and sign copies of their new family-friendly cookbook. Free.



FORT WORTH
Children ages 3-7 will come together for stories and fun activities at Listener Time Arlington Central Branch at 10 and 11am today (and every Wednesday through Nov. 25) at the George W. Hawkes Central Library. And while the kids are busy listening, you can sneak off to the periodicals section to catch up on your favorite magazines! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Take a field trip to see a Texas Rangers Home Game at 7:05pm today at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The hometown team will take on the Seattle Mariners in exciting Major League action. Don't forget the peanuts and Cracker Jack! Tickets start at $3.

What to Do Today: Sept. 15

DALLAS
Have an artistic experience with the exhibit Dead Reckoning by Vernon Fisher from 10am-5pm today (and every Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 19) at Dallas Contemporary. Renowned Dallas artist Fisher's work balances brightly colored paintings with excerpts of stories and is sure to get kids' imaginations flowing. Free.


FORT WORTH
Gather up your baby's gear and head to Lap-Sit Storytime at 10am today (and every Tuesday) at the Southlake Public Library. The program, which is designed for infants who are not yet walking, includes songs, rhymes and more, all designed to keep babies entertained! Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Get your groove on at the Sounds of Lewisville Music Series concert at 7pm today in Old Town Lewisville. The band Havana NRG will perform salsa and Latin music that is sure to get your feet moving! Bring a lawn chair. Free.

Guilt Free Groceries!

We typically go to the grocery store with good intentions - which quickly vanish once we see the dessert isle! Sticking to that diet or healthy lifestyle can be trying at times. If only we had more incentive to adhere to our shopping lists!

Whole Foods gives you a reason to feel good about your groceries. Shop at their Dallas, Highland Park, Plano and Richardson locations on Tuesday, September 15th and 5% of the entire day's sales will benefit Marathon Kids, a free exercise and nutrition program combating childhood obesity for elementary school children.

So go ahead and get the cauliflower - it's for a good cause!

Visit www.marathonkids.org to learn more about this cause and what you can do to help!

-Jenny

Weekend Film Find

Scrolling through the list of documentaries on my Apple TV this weekend, I find this: Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox. A documentary of Dr. Bronner, creator of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, and how the whole soap empire came to be. I didn't even know this existed when I wrote about his soap last week (A Slippery Soap). Just a warning: he's a bit out of his mind. Seriously. It's not the typical rise-to-fame story. In fact, it's not a typical story in the least - maybe because Dr. Bronner isn't a typical man. Haven't watched it yet (it's now on my list), but I can't imagine this film won't entertain, or at the very lest inform.

Find it on Amazon.

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 14

DALLAS
Learn some interesting Dallas County history with the new Your Dallas: Lancaster exhibit from 9am-5pm today (and every day through Nov. 8) at Dallas' Old Red Museum. You'll see cool artifacts, photos, films and more. $8 adults; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-18.

FORT WORTH
Got a toddler? Got some extra time? head over to Toddler Time Hurst from 10-10:30am today (and every Monday and Thursday) at the Hurst Public Library. Children ages 1-3 and their caregivers will share stories, songs and more each week. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Kids in kindergarten through third grade who are looking for a bit of fun after school might like to check out Prime Time at 4pm today (and every Monday through Nov. 30) at the Lewisville Public Library. The program includes stories, games, crafts and more.

Butterfly Fever!

Want to see natural beauty up close and personal? First, we recommend a mirror. Second, we recommend you grab your family and head to this weekend's grand opening of Fair Park's Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House & Insectarium! Not only is it one of the largest year-round live butterfly exhibits in the world, but it's home to more than 100 species of free-flying tropical butterflies! Just don't run around trying to catch them like you do in your own backyard.

A ribbon cutting Saturday at 9:45 am by WFAA’s Gloria Campos will kick off the weekend and admission to the Butterfly House will open to the public soon after. The Junior League of Dallas will keep your kiddos entertained both days with crafts while James French photography helps families commemorate the occasion, selling butterfly themed portraits for $20 each.

Regular admission to the butterfly house and gardens is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and $4 for children ages 3 to 11. 


214 428 7476 • TDG@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org

3601 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd; Dallas, TX 75210

-Jenny

9.11.01

What to Do Today: Sept. 11

DALLAS
Don't miss the drama when the Garland Civic Theatre stages its performance of Phantom at 8pm today at Garland's Granville Arts Center. The musical, which has a storyline similar to Phantom of the Opera but in a more operetta-like style, is best for more mature audiences (meaning, book a babysitter!). Tickets are $25-$15.


FORT WORTH
It seems like butterflies are everywhere right now — from the grand opening of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium Saturday in Dallas to the ongoing Native Texas Butterflies exhibit in McKinney. This weekend, Southlake gets in on the action with the annual Kiwanis Butterfly Festival, kicking off at 9am today at Southlake Town Square. Kids will get to feed the little flyers and have all their butterfly questions answered by seasoned pros. $6 adults; $3 children ages 3-12.


NORTH TEXAS
You've reached the end of yet another busy week (yay!), so relax family style with Movies in the Park at 8:30pm today at The Colony Five Star Complex. You'll see the kid-friendly film Fly Me to the Moon, and free popcorn will be provided. Just don't drop the kids off — parental supervision is required! Free.

Spa(aaaaaah) Week!

We realize that Mother's Day is quite a long ways off. But why wait till May to feel like the fabulous mom you are? We don't know either - there's simply no reason. In honor of our not-honored-nearly-enough mamas out there, we'd like to point you in the direction of indulgence. Spa Week is coming to Dallas-Fort Worth Oct. 12-18, with specials at spas across North Texas. With $50 signature services, you can pamper yourself without spending a fortune! And for all you practical moms - enjoying the "spa lifestyle" has more perks than just pleasure. The therapeutic health benefits are many and include lowering stress levels and increasing balance and peace of mind, which is good for you and your family. It's like that little birdie once told us, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Are you ready for some much-needed mommy pampering? Visit www.spaweek.com Monday, Sept. 14, to see a list of participating spas and services.

Cat out of the bag ALERT: We've got Spa Week giveaways coming! Stay tuned for details on how to win!!

-Jenny

A Slippery Soap

On a recent long weekend in Austin, I discovered what is now one of my favorite travel companions at the Hotel San Jose (btw - an absolute must stay at while in Austin...even with kids, which we saw running around outside in the gardens). Dr. Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap was sitting on a long narrow shelf above the bathroom sink when I peeked in. Not knowing anything about it, I was curious as to what made this soap so magical. I tried it, loved it and never want to be without it. When talking to a future Nesting mom while on the shoot at her home, she gushed over it saying that she loves putting a few drops in her kitchen sink disposal to send the fresh scent throughout the kitchen. But one of the best things about this magical soap? It's fair-trade and organic. You're not putting anything on your skin (or you child's) that's undesirable. Face, body, hands or even sink disposal - no matter what you use it for...you'll get hooked.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

Available locally at area Sprouts and Vitamin Shoppes

- Lauren

What to Do Today: Sept. 10

DALLAS

Rock out to the funky tunes of the band Dallas Unlimited at the Cool Thursdays Concert Series at 7:30pm today at the Dallas Arboretum. The stage is set up with a great view of White Rock Lake. Bring a blanket — and a picnic! $14 adults; $7 children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.

FORT WORTH

Had it up to here with sibling rivalry? Check out a bit of sibling revelry with a concert by The 5 Browns at 8pm at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. The three sisters and two brothers, all Juilliard-trained pianists, will wow the crowd with their repertoire of classical beauties. Tickets start at $23.

NORTH TEXAS

Get ready for fall with Make and Take Craft Night at 7pm today at the Grapevine Public Library. Kids of all ages will make a cute scarecrow magnet to take home. Free.

What to Do Today: Sept. 9

DALLAS
Ever seen a nursery rhyme come to life? You'll get your chance when Storyteller Dorayne Breedlove performs at 10:30am today at the Bookmarks library at Dallas' NorthPark Center. Breedlove will bring the tale of Little Bo Peep to life in this interactive show, which is part of the Read and Learn program aimed at children ages birth to 6 years. Free.


FORT WORTH
Bring out your child's inner artist at Wonderful Wednesdays from 4-4:45pm today at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This family-friendly program includes a gallery tour and a fun art project. This month, kids will learn about artist William Kentridge. Sign in at the admission desk. Free.



NORTH TEXAS
Have a fun morning outing with Toddler Time at 10:15am today (and every Tuesday-Thursday) at the Grapevine Public Library. The storytime is aimed at children ages 18 months-36 months and will include books, songs and more. The theme for this week is "Dinosaur Tales." Free.