What to Do Today: Oct. 19

DALLAS
Got a little (or, let's face it, a BIG) Cowboys fan? Head out to the World Hunger Relief 2009 event from 4-6pm today at Frisco's Pizza Hut (9550 Dallas Pkwy.). Kids can throw a pass to Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams for a $5 donation to the World Food Programme (they'll get a mini football to throw). Grownups can get their chance, too, by buying an autographed regulation-size football to pass to Williams ($40).


FORT WORTH
Take a trip to Narnia with a performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at 7:30pm today at Hurst's Artisan Center Theater. Kids will love seeing Aslan the lion king take on the wicked White Witch, with some help from four children who have inadvertently wandered into their world. Tickets are $16-$7.


NORTH TEXAS
Bring your little cutie to the Baby and Me Storytime at 11am today at the Coppell Public Library. The storytime is aimed at helping babies develop a love of language through stories, songs and rhymes. Grab an admission ticket at the Information Desk before the storytime (required). Free.

Wild Times

Many Generation X-ish parents (myself included) have plenty of fond memories of Where the Wild Things Are. When I read it as a kid, I was immediately horrified by the thought of having to go to bed with no dinner. What if I literally starved to death?!

With the new movie opening today (check back Monday for our review), you can relive all those rumpus-filled childhood memories, only this time with your kids along for the wild ride! Take it one step further with a pair of these too-cute-for-words Max pajamas by Warner Bros. Studios. The super-soft fleece footed jammies come complete with a hood and ears, an embroidered name (Max, of course) and crown on the chest and blue monster toenails embroidered on the feet. They're available in sizes 2T-4T at a cost of $17.95.

Maybe your little monsters can wear them while they enjoy the film!

Creative Mecca

Have you noticed the shiny new (and bright red) addition to the Dallas skyline? It's the new Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, and it's just one piece of the Dallas Arts District's new AT&T Performing Arts Center, opening Sunday, Oct. 18.

Celebrate the district's Spotlight Sunday all day, when activities will be free and open to the public (see the Arts District's complete schedule). Tours and performances will be held throughout the day at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, Booker T. Washington High School and the Meyerson Symphony Center. Admission to all the district's museums (including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center) will also be free. Be sure to stick around for a fireworks finale at 7:30pm!

Got culture-hungry kids but can't make it out this weekend? See the Dallas Arts District's Art for Kids Web page for family-friendly performing and fine arts events continuing through January 2010.

— Mary

Photos courtesy of the Dallas Museum of Art (top) and the Crow Collection of Asian Art.

What to Do Today: Oct. 16

DALLAS
Get your groove on at Live! On the Green at 6:30pm today at Allen's Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm. The band Counterfeit Radio will perform new and classic tunes, and Watters Creek's green area offers plenty of space to bust a move or two. Bring along a blanket (no lawn chairs or coolers permitted). Free.


FORT WORTH
Nothing is quite as tasty (and tummy-filling) on a cool fall day as a good bowl of stew. Find out for yourself at the Harvest Stew Festival from 6-8pm today at Keller Town Hall. In addition to a tasty bowl of goodness, you'll also enjoy hayrides, karaoke, games and more. Bring a canned good to be used in the stew or to donate to a local food bank. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Get spooked out (but not too much!) as The Legend of Sleep Hollow takes the stage at 7pm today at Lewisville's Actors Conservatory Theatre. The production is based on Washington Irving's classic tale about Ichabod Crane and the scary Headless Horseman who terrorizes his village. The show is appropriate for all ages and will continue with shows on Saturday and Sunday. $12 adults; $10 students and seniors; $9 children younger than 10.

Belly Dance

My love for music began at an early age. My first CD purchase, I'm proud to say, was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. My first cassette purchase, on the other hand, was Tiffany, which I'd rather not discuss. For all you music-loving, soon-to-be-moms out there, you now have a stylish and comfortable way to instill a love for music in your baby long before birth. Lullabelly's Prenatal Music Belt is a modern way to safely and comfortably play music, lullabies, audio books or any recorded sounds to your baby in the womb. The belt is extremely soft, adjustable, lightweight, machine washable and easy to use - simply plug the Lullabelly speaker into your iPod, iPhone, CD or MP3 player and you and baby can enjoy whatever sounds you're in the mood for!

Research has shown that there are many benefits to playing music to your baby in the womb (besides, of course, hoping your baby is born with a full knowledge of Coldplay lyrics). Music encourages the growth of fine and gross motor skills as well as learning, language and memory skills.

Visit Lullabelly's Web site for more information and to order a music belt for yourself or a friend!

- Jenny

"Pink"tober!

Want to shop for a cause during October (better known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month)? Head to Market Street grocery store — in Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Colleyville or Coppell — and buy a reusable bag ($1). With each purchase, Market Street will donate 50 cents to Susan G. Komen.

So you can help save the planet and give money to research efforts saving thousands of lives every year!

Want to take it one step further? Go to Market Street's Web site and submit a story for the "Who Do You Pink For" contest. With each submission, Market Street will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen — not with a winner, but with each story you share about "who you pink for"! Start your storytelling!

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Oct. 15

DALLAS
Celebrate all things creative by visiting the Performance/Art exhibit from 11am-9pm today at the Dallas Museum of Art. The exhibit, which celebrates the opening of the new Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, features works by five artists who have drawn inspiration from performance art like opera and theater. $10 adults; children younger than 12 free.


FORT WORTH
Let your little ones play to their hearts' content at Preschool Playtime from 9:30am-12pm today at the Grapevine Community Activities Center. The center's gym will be filled with fun things to try, like a parachute, toys, mats and more. Parents must stay in the gym with their children. $1 per child; free for parents and children younger than 1.


NORTH TEXAS
Take a fun timeout and attend the Raising Readers Storytime at 10:30am today at the Denton Barnes and Noble Booksellers. Children of all ages are welcome to listen in at this storytime in the bookstore's children's area. After you're heard the stories, be sure to check out the selection of cool books and the toy train table! Free.

Another Season of Kids' Fitness!

Two programs in Dallas and Fort Worth are making strides in kids' fitness with efforts to get children off the couch (or out of the classroom) for running or walking activities.

In Dallas, Marathon Kids will kick off its 2009-2010 season on Saturday Oct. 17 at Loos Stadium. The organization, a Dallas ISD school fitness program (sponsored by Whole Foods) for kindergarten through fifth-grade children, requires kids to walk or run 26.2 miles over the next six months (in quarter or half-mile increments). The kids will also be challenged to eat healthy by keeping track of their fruits and veggies in a "Fuel Log" coloring book. Saturday's party will represent the kids' first mile in their marathon-length journey.

Last year, I volunteered at the Marathon Kid's final awards ceremony and was happy to see so many kids getting involved in exercise (like the kids in the photo above). The ceremony is open to spectators or volunteers; go here for more information, or see how your child's school can get involved!

On the other side of the Metroplex, the program, Run Like A Cheetah, aims to tackle obesity in Fort Worth ISD Schools. I ran into the program's organizer, Steve Looney, at a running event last weekend — he is very enthused about the progress made so far. As the race director for The Fort Worth Marathon, Looney says Run Like A Cheetah is funded solely by the marathon's proceeds.

Run Like A Cheetah hosts after-school running programs for kids within FWISD (shown in the photo on the right). According to Looney, the group calls upon elite runners to serve as mentors at the weekly training session ("We bring in the Kenyans for inspiration," he jokes!). The groups bigger goal (as kids reach their senior year in high school)? To help young runners successfully complete a full marathon.

In Looney's eyes, instilling a habit of running or walking at a young age will mean that kids will live a life full of exercise. I couldn't agree more.

Want to get involved or donate time or money to the Run With a Cheetah cause? Go here for more information, or register for the November 8th, 2009, full or half marathon in Fort Worth.

—Gretchen

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.