DallasNews Family

Looking for fun stuff to do with the kids? Here are some possibilities:

MONDAY
ANN FRANK:
It is moving enough to read Ann Frank’s diary, and enter into the world of a girl just trying to be a teen while hiding out from the Nazis with her family, trying to escape the Holocaust. Her story becomes even more up close and personal in Through the Eyes of a Friend, a multimedia production from the Seattle-based Living Voices company, that tells her story through the perspective of a friend (played by a live actress), and enhances that actress’ performance with historical film footage, audio and audience discussion.
For the past 17 years the Jewish Community Center of Dallas has brought more than 20,000 children in annually to see the show, which is endorsed by the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., through its FamiliArts Field Trip program for schools. This year, they are opening it to the public for one performance only - Monday.
And while it is aimed at students in grades 5-12, JCC cultural programs director Judy Cohn says she hopes that parents will come on this night to share the experience with their children and talk afterwards about the dangers of labeling, stereotyping and prejudice and where they can lead.
A discussion with Holocaust survivor Mike Jacobs of Dallas will follow the presentation.
Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven Road. 214-739-2737. www.jccdallas.org.
$8, $6 students
GREEK GODS IN TEXAS
San Antonio author Rick Riordan, a former teacher who came up with a best-selling series when his son asked him to make up some new stories about Greek mythology, will read and sign copies of his third Percy Jackson book, The Titan’s Curse, Monday at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Plano.
The fourth installment about Percy, a contemporary half-blood son of Poseidon, will be called Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth and will be released in May.
Monday at 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 801 W. 15th St., Plano. 972-881-7526 or e-mail crm2586@bn.com. Tickets are available starting Sundayat 10 a.m.
Free
WEDNESDAY:
HAVE A HEART
Get an early start on Valentine’s Day with a free class on how to make hand-painted valentines Wednesday and Feb. 5 at Plano Community Theatre (the new name for Plano Children’s Theatre) in Plano. PCT’s resident scenic artist and fine arts teacher Neicole Woodall will instruct ages 5-12 in this program sponsored by the City of Plano. Wear painting clothes.
Wednesdayand Feb. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Plano Community Theatre, 1301 Custer Road, Plano. 972-422-2575. Register by e-mail at Seakers1991@aol.com.
Free
CONTINUING:
THE ‘HOLES’ STORY
THROUGH SUNDAY: How will Stanley Yelnats survive a rough correctional camp in the Texas desert, where the warden has all the kids digging holes? What is the secret behind these holes? And what historical wrongs does Stanley need to make right before he can turn his life around? The youth troupe of Creative Arts Theatre & School (CATS) in Arlington presents a stage adaptation of the wildly popular Holes, written by Austin novelist Louis Sachar Creative Arts Theatre & School, 1100 W Randol Mill Rd., Arlington. Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 817-861-2287. www.creativearts.org.
$6
THROUGH FEB. 10
FOLLOW THOSE CRUMBS
Is there a gingerbread house lurking in The Women’s Museum? Well, maybe on the set of the Dallas Puppet Theater, which will present Hansel & Gretel, the story of a brother and sister who outwit a witch, in the museum.
Fridays at 11 a.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Dallas Puppet Theater at The Women’s Museum in Fair Park, 3800 Parry Avenue. 214-515-0004 for the Dallas Puppet Theater, 214-915-0861 for The Women’s Museum. www.thewomensmuseum.org.
$6
THROUGH MARCH 30: BEAUTY & THE BEAST Presented by Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse at Galleria Dallas. 214-369-4849. www.slappysplayhouse.com
INDEFINITELY: SLAPPY TIME CIRCUS LIVE! Presented by Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse at Galleria Dallas. 214-369-4849. www.slappysplayhouse.com.

Posted by Nancy Churnin at 5:12 PM | Permalink

We actually sent our ten-year-old off to school today -- and then went back to get him after we found out school was closed! The first thing my boys wanted to do was make a snowball for our kitten Snowball. We adopted her from a shelter in September and, as my son, David, put it: "Ever since we got Snowball, I've been waiting to give her a snowball." Snowball of course wasn't quite sure what to make of it. But the boys put it in her water bowl and she sniffed at it, definitely curious.
As for what to do with the boys on a snow day -- different strokes, as it always goes here. The youngest went with his best friend to the Y to shoot hoops. The oldest will probably sleep half the day away. And the middlest, who is never bored, alternates practicing piano and Nintendo. But when they are looking for something to do, we have also come up with a good group activity. We have put together a calendar with the birthdays of everyone in the immediate and extended families along with an address book of everyone's addresses and a really nice box of birthday cards and stamps. The boys enjoy getting the cards ready to go for everyone's special day. If you pencil in the date it needs to be mailed on the front of the envelope, you can get waaaay ahead. Getting started so early, they will even have time to print out and include pictures.

Posted by Nancy Churnin at 9:15 AM | Permalink

The Dallas Museum of Art is offering families both real and virtual experiences this holiday season. In the months of December and January, families can participate in special kid activities -- learning more about Vincent van Gogh or sketching in the galleries. Log on to the museum's Web site for a schedule of activities.

For families who can't make it to the museum, you can log on to arturosartstories.org and learn about individual works of art.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 1:46 PM | Permalink

A Very Veggie Christmas Live! starts its Dallas tour today at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. The larger-than-life Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from the popular DVD series will continue their funny take on Biblical lessons through Dec. 9 at other area churches.

DETAILS: 2 and 7 p.m. at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 1808 W. Camp Wisdom Road. 214-672-9100. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-731-4500; visiting the radio station, 411 Ryan Plaza Drive in Arlington, or select LifeWay Christian Stores; or online at www.kcbi.org. .$15-$22 adults, $10-$18 kids. Gold ticket premium seating is $25-$26.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Chess fans, come see how it's done by one of the best teams in the nation -- right here in Dallas! The University of Texas at Dallas Grandmaster Invitational starts Tuesday, December 5th and runs through December 13th in the community room of the First Bank of Canyon Creek, 429 Belle Grove Dr in Richardson. The tournament will include 4 grandmasters, including former UTD chess team captain Yuri Shulman who has a chess rating of 2614. It begins with an opening ceremony at 5 PM on Tuesday with the first round at 5:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public. For a list of games times visit www.utdallas.edu. To watch the games online, visit www.chessclub.com. For more information contact Luis Salinas at 972-883-2898.

Posted by Nancy Churnin at 10:20 AM | Permalink

Have them make a wish list -- not for gifts -- but for games they would most like to play as a family or family outings they would like to take. After they pick their games, try one out!
Have the kids practice a song (either singing or on an instrument that they play) that you can record as a present for the grandparents. Have them brainstorm other gifts that they can make for family members. Painting a picture or writing a letter that you can frame is a good gift -- grandparents might especially like having an up to date photo on a corner of either one.
Don't forget to let the tired ones rest. When my 13-year-old got home from school he was glad everything was cancelled because all he really wanted to do was take a nap!

Posted by Nancy Churnin at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

When their usual activities are canceled and you still need to get a lot done, what's the best way to keep the kids happily occupied?

Sure, you can park them in front of the TV, but it doesn't have to go that way. Here are some ideas:

* Write a letter or draw a picture for Santa
* Make a giant paper chain
* Cut out paper snowflakes
* Clean their rooms (Ha! Just kidding)

What are your ideas? Add them here and see what others wrote.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:13 PM | Permalink

When the weather's bad, calls of "I'm bored" threaten. Did you know that there are more than 100 games you can play with a deck of cards? There are games for teens and kids, games for adults, even games kids can play with a little brother or sister.

Track down a deck and start a game of Go Fish, Slap Jack or Rummy. Can't remember the rules? Look them up here. There are also plenty of new games to add a challenge to the day.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 11:08 AM | Permalink

Not in your molars. Nor in that heart around your neck. Not the heigh-ho variety either. This silver is in your clothes. Your workout clothes. Your smelly-no-more workout clothes, thanks to 99.9 percent silver running through InSport® Xodus Silverwear™.

I learned of this marvel at yet another jaunt to Run On! in Richardson (www.runontexas.com). The helpful, fit and friendly salesman explained that silver stamps out bacteria. Or as the InSport website says: It not only eliminates foul-smelling bacteria, but it also neutralizes the ammonia scent that's produced when bacteria from shed skin cells expire.

OK, such phrases evoke a bit of the yeccch factor. But hey, if something can help sweeten the sweaty air, plus eliminate static electricity, plus wick away moisture quickly...well, we aren't complaining.

If the outside temp is 52 or above, the fabric cools you. Below, it keeps you snug. Plus the shirts (about $35 for short-sleeved, about $45 for long) are soft! None of that chain-mail feeling about them like you might suspect from traditional silver attire.

Want to know more? Click here to see what the InSport folks have to say.

Posted by Leslie Garcia at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Basketball fans may think the season started months ago when the Mavs started playing. For me, it began this week when my oldest and youngest boys started basketball practice. The 15-year-old has his first game Saturday -- if he can make it back in time from his tennis tournament! I feel especially good about this season because for the first time, my middle guy, the 13-year-old, who HATES organized sports has something to do. He started piano this year and he can't wait to get his fingers on the piano when he gets home from school. Funny, I still remember the season I urged him to try playing basketball. I told him it would be good exercise and besides, it was hard for me to believe he wouldn't like something his brothers enjoyed so much. But he was miserable, probably the only kid who didn't want to get off the bench. Kids are different and I'm so glad we found the right fit for him.

Posted by Nancy Churnin at 2:30 PM | Permalink

Yep. You do your share of exercise when you're a mom...chasing after toddlers, running after the school bus holding up a forgotten lunch sack, lifting diaper bags and groceries, frantically searching for a hiding place when you're about to go nutso.

But is truly enough of a workout for you? Can you be a mother and an athlete without losing your sanity...all the while knowing that working out can preserve your sanity?

Come talk with other moms about this very thing at Nurturing the Athlete While Raising Children at the Run On! store in Richardson. (www.runontexas.com). Share ideas, win door prizes, be around moms who share your goals. Plus, if you're one of the first 25 participants, you'll win a goody bag.

The date: Thursday, December 7. The time: 7:30 p.m. Admission won't cost you a cent. But you need to pre-register. Call 972-231-8260.

Posted by Leslie Garcia at 9:35 AM | Permalink

The folks at McKinney Main Street, a nonprofit group that supports McKinney’s historic downtown, are sure it’s going to snow this weekend. The 26th annual Dickens of a Christmas is set to reflect a winter wonderland, with artificial snow blowing off rooftops.

And like its predecessors, it’s packing plenty of holiday cheer. The Victorian-style Christmas celebration will feature strolling carolers in period clothing, lots of food (kettle corn; fudge; cinnamon-roasted nuts; cheesecake on a stick; turkey legs; barbecue; and Mediterranean, Italian and Mexican fare), live music, children’s activities (puppet shows, pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting) and free family photography (donations are welcome). Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. On and around McKinney’s historic downtown square, about one mile east of U.S. Highway 75 on Louisiana. Tree-lighting tonight at 6 at Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana. 972-547-2661. www.dowtownmckinney.com. Free admission.

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 8:54 AM | Permalink

A little angel’s humble gift proves to be the wisest in The Littlest Angel, a new marionette production from Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. Today through December 10. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Dec. 11 through 31, Mondays through Saturdays except Christmas, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $8 kids, $9 adults over 18, free for under 3.

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 6:51 PM | Permalink

Why not take tea together every year? The Nasher Sculpture Center offers afternoon teas, including classic coffee and tea service with finger sandwiches, scones and desserts. Just imagine, ladylike fun in an elegant setting. There will even be a harpist playing to set the mood.. Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. through the end of December. $45 (includes admission). 2001 Flora St. Reservations required. 214-242-5152. www.nashersculpturecenter.org.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 3:55 PM | Permalink

Every family has its own way of celebrating Thanksgiving. Find out about some -- maybe they're your neighbors -- then write us a comment and share yours!

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 7:17 PM | Permalink

You have to start sometime, and some kids ski seemingly as soon as they walk. How do you make sure the first experience on the slopes is a good one? Columnist Eileen Ogintz tells you how.

What's your advice on skiing with kids? Leave us a comment!

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You know you'll yipyap about how much you eat on Thanksgiving. We all do; it's as part of the day as, well, in my family, creamed onions and Pepperidge Farm stuffing.

So offset that caloric castle by running the Turkey Trot Thursday morning. Revel in the cameraderie! The cheering crowds! The knowledge you've worked off at least part of your meal by the time you sit down to eat it! The satisfaction that comes not only with exercising, but also that you're benefitting worthy causes; namely, YMCA programs!

The 8-mile race begins at City Hall at 9 a.m.; the 3-mile walk/fun run starts 15 minutes later. Get there early to stretch and to jockey for starting-line positions.

You have till Wednesday to register at one of the Luke's Locker stores around the area (find the closest to you at www.lukeslocker.com). After that, you can line up with the latecomers on Thursday morning. Cost right now is $20; it'll go up to $25 on Thanksgiving Day. Want to take Buster or Fido? It'll set you back an extra $10.
For more information, click on thetrot.org

Posted by Leslie Garcia at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

OK, so I was at the health club Sunday, all set to use an arm machine whose name escapes me. Anyway, I was pulling down on the weighted bar when I heard a MMM..RRRRRRMMMFFFFF. I practically dropped the bar, at first startled, then, yes, too tickled to lift without guffawing.

I looked up and saw a muscularly tattooed fellow using a leg-strengthening machine with the very most weight available. He did a few reps, stood up and walked away. He returned, did a few more, always letting out the MMM...RRRRRMMMFFFFF grunt.

A woman across from me stopped her workout and came over.

"He's not even using a towel to wipe that machine after he uses it!" she said.

"Yecch," I responded. "I thought the grunt was distracting enough; now just thinking about his sweat is rather undoing me."

She told me she'd read about a health club with a no-grunt policy. When someone grunted particularly loudly, he was asked to leave. When he didn't, she said, police were called.

The episode begs a question or two: What do you think about exercise grunters? Or What other pet peeves you have with fellow gym rats -- too much talking on the phone, hogging machines?

Fill us in...and, not to single out any particular gender, but if males or females tend to be more guilty, we'd like to know that, too!

Posted by Leslie Garcia at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you're elbow-deep in holiday planning, we interrupt you to ask this obnoxious yet imperative question: What're you going to do with the kids once the presents are unwrapped and the turkey has been stripped to a carcass simmering in broth with carrots and barley?

Of course we're not going to ask the question without offering an answer; what kind of meanies do you take us for? Here's one thought: Scott Jolly's Holiday Hoops Basketball Camp at St. Mark's School of Texas from December 27 through 29. It runs from 8:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. and is for boys and girls in second through ninth grades. My son Charlie took the camp in summers past and loved the skill-building, teamwork, individual instruction and, yes, the t-shirt.

Cost is $110 before December 11; after that it goes up to $125. There's also a team discount. To learn about that and other details, including how to register, visit www.jollybasketball.com

Posted by Leslie Garcia at 9:04 PM | Permalink

'High School Musical' – live! This weekend!
Catch a live stage version of the Disney television megahit with local teens in the Plano Children's Theatre production of High School Musical – if you can. It's a full-scale version with all the songs, and ticket sales have been so brisk that PCT has started a waiting list for the expected overflow. The production runs through Nov. 19. Plano Children's Theatre, 1301 Custer Road, Plano. 972-422-2575 for more information.

For other fun weekend events, check out our Family calendar.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 11:54 AM | Permalink

Put a little howl in your Halloween. The annual Boo at the Dallas Zoo zoo is designed for families with kids ages 3 to 10. Families are invited to come in costumes. There’ll be trick-or-treating, performances by Eddie Coker (at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. each day), strolling superheroes and a marionette show. It all happens Sat-Sun Oct.28-29 from 2-5. The zoo is at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (Marsalis exit from Interstate 35 East). $8.75, $5 ages 65 and older, $5.75
ages 3-11. Parking $5. 214-670-5656.

Posted by Nancy Moore at 6:05 PM | Permalink

Fall festivals?
Trunk or treating?
Scary shows?
Spooky concerts?

We've got all the activities you'll need to have a frightfully wonderful Halloween and a spooky weekend. Check out the Family calendar.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Autumn on the Square takes place at Carrollton's Old Downtown this Saturday with pumpkins, scarecrows, hot cider and much more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.olddowntowncarrollton.com or call Susan at 972-242-4490.

Kite flying fun: A picnic lunch event for family, friends and children, will be at Valley Ridge Park, 2850 Park Ridge Drive in Cedar Hill. Bring a kite this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 972-291-5130.

Check out more weekend events for the kids in the Family calendar.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 10:44 AM | Permalink

This month includes a Friday the 13th, a perfect day for some "unfortunate events." Check out these events that celebrate the release of The End.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 10:46 AM | Permalink

Big Thought has some big things under way. Artists from the arts-in-education organization will be leading programs at the Dallas Zoo each weekend through Oct. 29, thanks to a grant from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation. This Saturday and Sunday, Vet will help youngsters create rain forest-inspired artworks.
Check out our Family Calendar for more details on this event and other fun weekend activities.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 11:44 AM | Permalink

The Coppell Farmers Market is the real deal. Every Saturday, farmers and other food producers line up in an empty lot at West Bethel Road at South Coppell Road. This is a good place to take the kids; they can meet the people who grew their fruits and veggies.
From 8 a.m. to noon -- assuming the goods hold out -- you can buy locally grown produce, including some organics. You'll also find jams and jellies, coffee, frozen Gulf seafood, Italian sausage, pasta and more. Bring a cooler, a bag for carrying your purchases, small bills, and a hat if it’s sunny. The market shuts down in November but will be open for special events on these days:
Oct. 28: Halloween/ Fall market
Nov. 18: Old Town Coppell Days
Dec. 9 and 16: Holiday markets
Kim Pierce

Posted by Cathy Barber at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Need a break? WineStyles in Rowlett is partnering with The Little Gym to offer a wine tasting for grown-ups while the children hang out and play. Stop in Friday, Sept. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. It's $5 per hour per child (ages 3 to 12). WineStyles is at 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 103, Rowlett; 972-412-0004.

Posted by Cathy Barber at 10:47 AM | Permalink

The Fort Worth Public Library's annual Libraryfest includes three food-prep classes for youngsters, hosted by chef Tom McGrath of Ultimate Cuisine and chef Curren Dodds of Let's Eat.

1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15; free. Chappell Meeting Room, Central Library, 500 W. Third St., Fort Worth; 817-871-8022.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 9:52 AM | Permalink

Before you know it, your school will probably have a long weekend. It's just enough time to get away, if the getaway isn't too far away (say that five times fast!). We have some ideas for great trips with short travel times. See our Day Trips.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:53 PM | Permalink

The Garland Association for Hispanic Affairs will host Fiesta in the Park 2006 from 1 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Central Park, 1310 W. Ave. F. Sponsors, crafts vendors and volunteers are needed. The event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and will include food, music, games and prizes. Call Elvia at 972-272-9484.

Posted by Emily Tsao at 11:46 AM | Permalink

See lots of Texas butterflies flutter by – and maybe even make a landing on the top of your head or on your fingertip – during the Butterfly Festival today through Saturday. Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis presents a tent in Southlake Town Square with more than 1,000 butterflies and chances to learn about the creatures. Find details in GuideLive.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:32 PM | Permalink

Facebook, the college friend-finder Web site that competes with News Corp.’s MySpace.com, is encountering rising opposition from its members to new features that track changes made to profile pages.

The number of members who have joined “Students Against Facebook News Feed” doubled to more than 500,000 within one day. The group was created Tuesday to protest tools that automatically alert a member’s contacts to any alterations made to their personal Facebook site, such as adding pictures.

-- Bloomberg News

Read the rest of the story...

Posted by at 9:54 AM | Permalink

One playgroup has been so successful, it includes 18 families and 35 kids. Learn their secrets.

Shown: Margie Marshall and her children, Lena, 3, and Wes, 5, stake out the stairs during a gathering of the Spicy Girls play group in Farmers Branch.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 9:38 AM | Permalink

Check out our Family Calendar for great activities to do with the kids.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 10:40 PM | Permalink

Help these Plano pooches.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 7:03 PM | Permalink

Kids Day has the ever-popular Family Time Crossword. Plus, get Karen MacPherson's advice on books to ease the transition back to school.

Look for it inside the Travel section of your print edition.

Posted by Michael Merschel at 5:22 AM | Permalink

Guide's fall arts calendar is out. Check out what you can do with your kids here.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 3:01 PM | Permalink

On July 3, the town of Addison's fireworks show fizzled near the end because of bad weather. They're having a do-over called "Kaboomerang" on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at Addison Circle Park. If you want to make a day out of it, head to the Pepsi KidAround arts and music festival for kiddos during the day on Sunday.

Posted by Ann Pinson at 10:46 AM | Permalink

Newspapers In Education offers resources for parents and teachers to help families use the newspaper to better understand current events. Activities, curriculum guides, a stock market game and more aim to help improve literacy and test scores for area kids. nie.dallasnews.com

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:38 PM | Permalink

On Saturday, make a collage and a suncatcher inspired by works at the Dallas Museum of Art during the Back to School Family Day. The event will also include yoga for kids, an interactive family guided tour, storytelling, music and games. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood. 214-922-1200. www.dallasmuseumofart.org. $10 adults, $7 ages 65 and older, $5 students, free for children 12 and younger.

For more family-friendly events, see our Family Calendar

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:34 PM | Permalink

Last summer, we celebrated my daughter’s 7th birthday at GattiTown in Frisco. The kids all had a blast. The setup is along the lines of Chucky Cheese, but times three. There's something for small kids as well as teenagers, which is pretty cool of you have siblings of different ages. The food is pretty good, and it’s buffet style. There’s even a dining room with a wide screen TV showing a movie.

Also, we recently went to a birthday sleepover at the Embassy Suites in North Dallas. Many hotels offers birthday sleepover packages (for 8 to 10) that include pizza, private pool access, an in-room movei and free breakfast the next morning. It’s especially popular with pre-adolescent girls who are still in to pillow fights and painting their nails.

Posted by at 1:45 PM | Permalink

Family blogger Martha Sheridan says her 12-year-old daughter has outgrown the big birthday bash. Instead, her circle usually opts for smaller parties with a few best buds. One girl had her friends join her at Surf & Swim last weekend, for example.

Where do you go for birthday parties? Post a comment!

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:16 PM | Permalink

Some advice gleaned from eight years of pool-themed birthday parties:

Use your city. We've found the staff at Richardson's city pools to be quite helpful, and the price is right. But start planning early -- the prime time slots can be snatched up in a hurry when they start taking reservations in the spring.

Have a backup. In our experience, the best cure for drought has been to plan an outdoor party for our daughter. One year we were caught off-guard and had to move the party to a mall. A few years later, when downpours canceled another party, we were ready with indoor games and crafts. It ended up being the driest swim party in history. But everyone had a lot of fun.

Continue reading "Pool party tips" »

Posted by Michael Merschel at 4:14 PM | Permalink

There's nothing like a park birthday party when the budget is tight. Reserve tables through your local parks and recreation center. You can organize activities such as soccer, flag football or a water balloon toss. Bring drinks and munchies, and don't forget the birthday cake. For sports where the kids take sides, consider T-shirts with different colors for the teams as party favors.

To get you started, here's the link for reserving a space at a Dallas park.

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 3:48 PM | Permalink

...the Age of Steam Museum makes for a great party. Get details here.

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 3:34 PM | Permalink

Ashlee Martin, another family blog friend, says this:

"My dad's girlfriend just threw her 9-year-old daughter a Fear Factor birthday party. They had lots of crazy little challenges, and the winner of each one got a prize. They all had a blast.

Continue reading "A fear factor birthday" »

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:30 PM | Permalink

Does your child love the theater, or movies or ballgames? You can build a party around any of these. Many theaters, movie places and stadiums offer party packages with special areas for the kids to celebrate before or after the event and will reserve special seats for you. Other businesses may offer group rates. Even if they don't "do" parties, you can catch the movie, show or game and celebrate afterward in a nearby park or at home.

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:22 PM | Permalink

The best birthday party I ever attended was a 30th party. I was living in another city at the time and we boys got together at a place very similar to the Speed Zone in Dallas and raced cars. It wasn't that expensive, and it was a heckuva lot of fun. My son's not quite old enough, but in a few years I think it'd be fun to have him celebrate a birthday at the local Speed Zone. Fun for me at least. As long as he realizes that it's not a "driver's ed" class.

Posted by Dave Tarrant at 2:04 PM | Permalink

Shown: Hannah Anderson, 5, Ally Anderson, 7, Nicholas Woodyard, 10, and Christine McAnally, holding Jake McAnally, 2, play a horse race game in the arcade area of GattiTown in Frisco

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 2:01 PM | Permalink

There are salons and spas designed for birthday parties, with packages depending on how pampered your child wants to be (and whether she wants karaoke in the mix). One salon offering packages is Sweet & Sassy in Southlake Town Square. Others do birthday parties in addition to their regular business.

Ask your hairstylist -- or your child -- what options they might offer.

Shown: Birthday girl Alexa Page (left) talks to Alex Wright, 7 before walking on the runway for a theme birthday party at Sweet & Sassy in Southlake

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:40 PM | Permalink

This is the hot option for small sleepovers, says Lauren Charbonneau, a mother of two in Plano. For her daughter Claire's 11th birthday, she found a hotel in Frisco near Stonebriar Centre and rented a suite with a king-size bed and a pullout couch.

Claire invited her three best girlfriends. They swam at the hotel, had birthday cookie cake at the mall and ordered pizza while watching a movie at the hotel.

Keep watching this blog for more birthday party ideas. Or subscribe with the RSS feature at right and get great news and ideas for your family sent directly to your news reader.

Nancy Churnin

Posted by Jennifer Okamoto at 1:07 PM | Permalink