Local family activities
Hey there!
The other day, I was at a birthday party at the Explorium in Denton and it was wonderful. The kids were having an absolute blast indoors while it was a cold and dreary day outside.
Thank goodness for the Explorium! What would the preschool parents of Denton do without it, especially during the cold, dark months of January and February? But the Explorium, for all its benefits, isn’t the answer every day… …they have limited hours, it’s pretty pricey, and if any of your kids are outside the ages of 2-5, it’s not going to be a home run for everyone, every time. So I got to thinking… why not create a list of some of my favorite options that keep kids entertained and exploring for the upcoming unpredictable springtime weather.
For that matter, why not tap the hive mind and share YOUR favorites, too? Below, I’m sharing my top three choices for local, kid-friendly spots, along with hours, websites, and the ages they’re best suited for. In my next email, I’m going to share the rest of the list, including any that are shared with me. If you have recommendations, please hit reply (sharing is caring)!
I know a lot of you may want to venture ALL the way to Dallas or Ft. Worth to go on a zoo adventure, but guess what?!? You don’t have to! The Frank Buck Zoo in Gainsville is awesome for little ones. It is never so crowded that you are panicking about losing your toddler in a sea of people and it is open daily from 10-4. BONUS: Bring a picnic and enjoy the HUGE playground in the park right outside the zoo with lots of shade trees and there is even a little train that circles the park!
Free, Free Free! You really can’t beat it. Taking your little one to story time at any of Denton’s libraries (North Branch, South Branch, Emily Fowler) is an excellent way to get out of the house, engage with your child learning new songs and stories and did I mention…it’s FREE.
Some of you who opted for Maternity sessions with me may be very familiar with the Lost Pines Trail up at Lake Ray Roberts (Isle Du Bois) State Park. It is located right there next to the Ranger station (with a bathroom) and loops back to the parking lot. Not too long for short little legs and during the spring it will be so much fun to explore. Looking for animal tracks down by the water and enjoying some serious solitude and quiet sounds so nice, right?!
Cheers, Jamie
P.S. Do you know another local parent who might appreciate this list (or have some good resources to share)? That’s what the comments button is for!