Nearby Family Fun Adventures For Spring Break

Fami Fun Ad ventures Nearby for Spring Break

by Steve Gamel

Many families are looking to do something fun for Spring Break, but there’s simply not enough time to go out of state or even somewhere exotic. The good news is there are plenty of options relatively close to home.

Here are a few of those fun family ideas – all located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:

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ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK www.altitudedenton.com This is incredible for kids of all ages. Go crazy with 30,000 square feet of foam pits, gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone, basketball dunking lanes, dodgeball, and more. The facility is located across from Golden Triangle Mall in Denton.

WINKIDS www.winkids.net During Spring Break, there are outrageously fun camps for children ages 2 1/2 and up for three hours or all day. Kids will have fun making friends, getting exercise, and learning new skills in this super kid-friendly sport center.

LEGOLAND dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com For kids who love Legos, it’s a no-brainer. There are rides, Lego build and play zones, a 4D cinema, and a mini-city all to explore. It’s geared toward younger kids but is enjoyable for parents, too. Tickets online can be cheaper, and they have group discounts.

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS ARLINGTON www.sixflags.com/overtexas

What kind of list would this be if it didn’t include Six Flags? A staple of family fun, this park is huge and has a happiness factor to suit both young and old. There are lots of rides to please everyone from kiddie rides to serious roller coasters.

ZONE ACTION PARK www.thezoneactionparktexas.com There are go-karts and putt-putt golf as well as loads of games and fun inside. It’s nothing fancy, but it is fun. Groupons are sometimes available.

GREAT WOLF LODGE IN GRAPEVINE www.greatwolf.com/grapevine Talk about a family getaway that doesn’t break the bank! Located in Grapevine near Grapevine Mills Mall, Great Wolf Lodge Resort offers everything from indoor waterslides and pools to arts, crafts, food, entertainment, lodging, and shopping. Stay for a day or stay in the luxurious hotel to maximize your fun.

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DALLAS ZOO www.dallaszoo.com The zoo is always fun, and there’s plenty for the kids to see and do. The Keeper Encounters and Training Demonstrations are always interesting for a behind-thescenes look. There’s even a guide to Pokemon Go on their website. You can save with CityPass if you’re planning to experience other nearby venues.

FORT WORTH ZOO www.fortworthzoo.org This is the oldest zoo in Texas, and yet, this is so much more than just a zoo. There’s the Yellow Rose Express Train, a carrousel, a petting zoo, the Play Barn playground and climbing area, a shooting gallery for kids, rock climbing and much more.

DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM www.dwazoo.com Much like the zoo, it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to the aquarium. It’s educational, it’s fun, and it’s cool to see sharks. There also aren’t a ton of lines, so you and the family can go at your own pace and enjoy every exhibit.

FRANK BUCK ZOO IN GAINESVILLE www.gainesville.tx.us/108/ Frank-Buck-Zoo Dubbed the Star of North Texas, the Frank Buck Zoo offers all your traditional zoo experiences and more without having to drive into Dallas or Fort Worth. This is a great venue to have a birthday party at or even have a private guided tour.

SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH IN PILOT POINT www.sharkarosa.com Another hidden gem in North Texas, Sharkarosa is a non-profit ranch licensed and regulated by the USDA. Families can get an up-close-and-personal zoo experience featuring endangered exotic wildlife – without spending an arm and a leg.

Mu um Fun

PEROT MUSEUM www.perotmuseum.org When you think of museums, you think quiet and sometimes boring. But NOT the Perot Museum. This is anything but boring, and the kids will love it. There are lots of interactive things to do, and it’s great learning for everyone. Even the building is radical. THE DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS www.dallasarboretum.org The Arboretum is beautiful with breathtaking gardens at every turn. For the kids, there is the Rory Meyers Adventure Garden for Children overlooking White Rock Lake. This is a great opportunity to experience all the beauty that surrounds us.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT/LOUIS TUSSAUDS PALACE OF WAX www.ripleys.com/grandprairie Adults and children alike would definitely miss out by not checking out the unique – and odd – attractions at Ripley’s. Ever seen a two-headed animal, a shrunken head, or hung out with wax replicas of Superman or Cher? Here’s your chance. It’s worth it.

THE SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM AT DEALEY PLAZA www.jfk.org If there’s one thing we’ve learned from social media, it’s that people don’t know their history. So let’s change that with our kids. Teach them about what happened on that fateful November day.