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Last-Minute Deal for Summer Camp at Sky Ranch

May 20, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Feel like you’re the only parent who hasn’t figured out what you’re kids are going to be doing this summer? Don’t worry, you can still do summer camp at Sky Ranch with this special mamachallenge deal! [Partner]

Summer is a great time for the kids, but for many parents means putting together a complicated plan that offers the kids something fun to do and somewhere for them to go at least 9-5 , especially if you’re a working parent.

Photos provided by Sky Ranch

Dallas Fort Worth is full of amazing camps for any interest from Airplanes to Zoology, but deadlines for many of them may have already passed months ago…but actually many of them haven’t including Sky Ranch.

Sky Ranch in Van, Texas (yes, the one that kids have been raving about since 1955 and wrote the book on overnight camps) with outdoor fun including swimming, rappelling, horseback riding, zip lines, water slides, and more, is offering a special deal for MamaChallenge readers.

Get $100 one week at Sky Ranch in Van, Texas with CODE: 2016SCBlog

However, if your kids, like mine, aren’t quite ready for campfire s’mores and postcards from the parents, Sky Ranch now offers “Launch Camps” right here in DFW. Sky Ranch Launch Camp gives kids an extraordinary daycamp experience right in their neighborhood for kiddos (or parents) not quite ready for overnight camp. Designed for kids, kindergarten – 5^th grade, Sky Ranch Launch Campers enjoy five, fun-filled days of camp activities with suitable programs and positive encouragement from our caring and extensively trained counseling staff.

See? You can still win the “Best Parent of the Year Award” and keep your sanity this summer with Sky Ranch!

Launch Camp’s 2016 Locations:

Addison
Trinity Christian Academy
Addison, Texas
Session 3: June 13-17
Session 4: June 20-24

Allen
Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church
Allen, Texas
Session 10: August 1-5
Session 11: August 8-12

Argyle
Liberty Christian School
Argyle, Texas
Session 1: May 30 – June 3
Session 2: June 6-10

Arlington
The Oakridge School
Arlington, Texas
Session 2: June 6-10

Dallas
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
Dallas, Texas
Session 4: June 20-24
Session 9: July 25-29

Highland Park Presbyterian Church
Dallas, Texas
Session 10: August 1-5
Session 11: August 8-12

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal
Dallas, Texas
Session 7: July 11-15
Session 8: July 18-22

Fort Worth
All Saints Episcopal School
Fort Worth, Texas
Session 8: July 18-22

Southwest Christian School
Fort Worth, Texas
Session 3: June 13-17

Frisco
Legacy Christian Academy
Frisco, Texas
Session 5: June 27 – July 1
Session 6: July 4-8
Session 7: July 11-15

Grapevine
Grapevine Faith Christian School
Grapevine, Texas
Session 7: July 11-15

Keller
First Baptist Church Keller
Keller, Texas
Session 5: June 27 – July 1

McKinney
McKinney Christian Academy
McKinney, Texas
Session 2: June 6-10

Plano
Custer Road United Methodist Church
Plano, Texas
Session 3: June 13-17

Prestonwood Christian Academy
Plano, Texas
Session 8: July 18-22
Session 9: July 25-29

St. Andrew United Methodist Church
Plano, Texas
Session 5: June 27 – July 1

Prosper
Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church
Prosper, Texas
Session 4: June 20-24

Rockwall
Rockwall Presbyterian Church
Rockwall, Texas
Session 10: August 1-5

Southlake
The Clariden School
Southlake, Texas
Session 9: July 25-29

Don’t wait any longer – register your child for Launch Camp or Overnight Camp in Van, Texas, now!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Go Outside and Play: New Outdoor Interactive Digital Gaming System Gets Families Active

May 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

Is the fight with your kids over device time, not going outside or getting any exercise driving you crazy? The Springfree Trampoline featuring tgoma is your family’s best new friend. Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge.com has partnered with Springfree Trampoline to launch this innovative technology at Day of Play, May 14 and you can win a Springfree Trampoline featuring tgoma.

When I was growing up there were only two questions:

“When can I go outside and play?

“When do I need to be back?”

Unfortunately we know that’s not the case anymore for our children. Not only is safety an issue, but the kids would rather move their fingers on a device to watch other kids do something on YouTube or an imaginary game world than to actually move their own legs.

It’s a fight we have every day. EVERY DAY.

“Can I get on a device?” the kids ask.

Then I look up my head from my own device and say no (at least some of the time.)

It’s the biggest moment of “Do as I say, not as I do.” Especially when technology is what rules the world we live in and even the curriculum they work with daily.

But, what I really want them to say is “Can I go outside?” “Can I go ride my bike?”

Studies show kids are spending 60 hours per week consuming media and less than 60 minutes playing outside.

However, Springfree Trampoline featuring tgoma is giving parents hope with a new outdoor interactive digital gaming system that encourages kids (and families) to go outside and be active! Partnered with Springfree Trampoline’s patented safety design, tgoma incorporates specialized sensor technology that responds to the user’s own tablet when the jumper is activity.

Bottom line, the tgoma transforms the trampoline into a game so they kids want to move, learn and have fun with specialty games you download from iTunes and Google Play just for your tgoma.

My kids have had a weekend to explore tgoma and they are in love – not just with the fun of their Springfree Trampoline, but how much fun the games are to play.

Our kids have played more outside in the last two days than they have in the last two months,” my husband said this weekend.

That’s testimony for us enough to know that this technology works and it’s going to change how our family spends our time inside and out!

I’m excited to be able to invite you to a special event called Day of Play to give your family try the Springfree Trampoline with tgoma experience for yourselves! AND even better – one lucky family who attend this free special event will win a Springfree Trampoline with tgoma!

Isn’t that worth your time to enjoy some playtime with your family?

And of course, there’s the benefit of learning how we can make technology something the family can use in a positive way to get us all moving into a more healthy future!

Please RSVP to be enter to win and you must be present at the event as well!

Chugging Through Childhood with Thomas the Train

March 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Who doesn’t love Thomas the Train? Growing up doesn’t always mean growing out of a toy phase. Thanks to Day Out with Thomas for this #mamachallenge moment.

The first time Thomas the Tank entered our home it was a hand-me-down. Given to me by a friend whose children had “outgrown” the shirt and the little push toy, I put it in front of my almost two year old on the floor to see what he thought.

It was instant love from that moment on.

His and mine.

From the moment his little hazel eyes lit up with happiness to hear the song or to play with his trains, I was on to make sure to get that same reaction with everything I bought or made for him. It was just his toy thing; it became mine, too.

It didn’t take long until everything in, around or on the television, or on my son was blue, train, or Thomas-related. Even his third birthday was Thomas. I may have gotten a little carried away and rented a train so he and his friends could ride it in the cul-de-sac in front of our house.

Over the next four years, our love of the little blue engine grew. And since our family grew as well, with the addition of the little sister, we had more love for Thomas.

However, after seven years of love, the number of Thomas toys seemed to wane and fill with building blocks, cars and video games. It seemed as though this train was now on his way out of our lives.

So when I found out the date for this year’s Day Out With Thomas I quickly put it on the calendar as I had every other year…but then realized that maybe this train had passed.

I nonchalantly called to my son and asked “hey, should I get Thomas tickets this year…?” (hanging on for his sweet voice.)

He looked up and said, “of course, mama. I may be older, but I’ll always love Thomas.

So folks, join us as we continue our family tradition “down the hills and round the bends” April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 to see Thomas and his friends!

Enter to Win 4 TICKETS to April 8, 2016 Day Out with Thomas below!

The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 is presented by Fisher-Price

This 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and hear Thomas greet his fans! The fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables, and coloring sheets. The tour, now in its 21st year, will make 43 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2016. Tickets for Day Out with Thomas: The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting the website. Ticket prices are $21-25 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
9 am – 5:15pm Fridays, 9 am 0 n6 pm Saturdays & Sundays
705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains
Twitter @historictrains
www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends
Twitter @ThomasFriends
#DayOutWithThomas
TICKETS

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Cars that Look Good for Less at the DFW Auto Show

March 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Since almost 40,000 hours are spent driving a car, it’s important to know how to make the best of your time behind the wheel. We are excited to partner with the to bring you the newest and coolest trend in cars for 2016.

Since having children seven years ago, I made the shift (begrudgingly) to my mom-mobile. While having an attractive car was important to me, features such as safety, navigation and integrated technology now outranked it. And it seemed that was the case with cars as well. After testing out 12 different SUVs, the trend seemed to be that either you could have a great looking car that lacked a good system or one that could pretty much cook you dinner, but wasn’t as sporty on the outside.

Thankfully, the trends for 2016 show that the leading car companies finally have married the two ideas to create some of the best looking AND most smartest cars – all in one package. You’ve seen seen the commercial where a once “grandma” car now looks so cool that no one can recognize it. Or driven up to the stoplight behind a hot car wondering “wow, what kinda car is that?” and then started Googling it to find out it was a once considered budget car?

Since technology features are now top of the list for everyone – not just early adopters, it’s time for even “budget” cars to get a leaner, meaner and more sleek look.

Some of them that I’m looking forward to seeing at the

Headed out for weekender in the NEW KIA Sportage to @visitgranbury. #DFWAuto #DFWAutoKia #GoingGranbury ad pic.twitter.com/ImzKNHTMPx

— MamaChallenge (@mamachallenge) March 12, 2016

Another vehicle that has really gotten my attention is the Kia Sportage. Starting at $22,000 it’s hard to think there’s anything luxurious to look forward to, but this baby is loaded. I actually even had the opportunity to test drive the newest model that will also be a part of the Ride and Drive event at the DFW Auto Show.

Get a look at these beauties with two tickets to the DFW Auto Show 2016!

Never been to a car show? Here why it should attending the DFW Auto Show is so important, especially if you’re looking for a new car!

DFW Auto Show
March 16-20, 2016
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 S. Griffin
Dallas, TX
At the show $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65+

Win 2 Tickets to the DFW Auto Show

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Don’t miss this mamachallenge moment:

Ultimate List of DFW Spring Break Fun

March 3, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Spring Break is just around the corner. Here’s your guide to DFW Spring Break Fun at any age.

Starting next week many North Texas schools will celebrate the spring break. For them, that means a break. For parents that means you are on the hunt for events and activities to keep them busy and hopefully for you to enjoy with them. But kids aren’t the only one who could benefit from spring break. March is full of fun events at any age.

PC: Texas Discovery Gardens

Any Weekend

Six Flags Over Texas

Opened now for Spring Break!

Total disclosure: Every day my kids are tormented by the sight of Six Flags as we live near the beloved amusement park. “Mom why can’t we go to Six Flags?” Well now you can because it’s OPEN for the 2017 season. Whether you’re there to watch the fun (I have motion sickness so I’m on the sidelines) or you’re that person that hits up every roller coaster, don’t fight the fun that happens from Six Flags Over Texas. And now with new rides and special spring break schedule of activities from 10 am – 10 pm, everyone can be a kid for the day at Six Flags! (Just make sure to check out the height requirements BEFORE you get there. (Nothing ever goes well when you get stoked to ride and your kiddo lacks an inch – believe me!)

(Yes, Judge Roy Scream is his favorite. So he asked for a photo next to it!)

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth at Grapevine Mills

Today / $21 for ages 3 and up

Get ready to add colorful creations to LEGO® Friends Heartlake City and put your ninja skills to the ultimate test in the all-new LEGO® Ninjago City Adventure opening this March at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth. Located in the former LEGO® City Fire Academy play area, the $850,000, 1,782-square- foot interactive play area is the first of its kind in the world, and the center’s third interactive experience to open within the last two years.

PC: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios at Lone Star Park

Now – March 26 / Tickets start at $35

A mysterious and fascinating realm that disorients your senses and challenges your perceptions, just to be expected from Cirque du Soleil’s new Kurios. Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.

WIN TICKETS TO MARCH 9 show below!

North Texas Irish Festival at Dallas Fair Park

~~March 3-5 / Tickets vary from $10 – $30 with some free and half price opportunities~~

Thirty-five years of a passion for the great traditions of Irish culture has made the North Texas Irish Festival one of the largest Celtic cultural celebrations in the country. The North Texas Irish Festival is known for bringing in hundreds of performers from Ireland and all over the world to entertain festival-goers here in North Texas wand lights up Fair Park with dining, dancing, music and revelry unlike anything you have yet seen.

~~Go before 7 pm on Friday and you can get in free or find one of their hidden coupons on the website and you get half off admission.~~

Spring Break Camps

Ninja Camp at Chamberlain Studios

Spring Break (March 13-17) / Cost $ 80 per day/ $300 for week

This 35-year old martial arts school is led by a 10^th degree black belt hosts the Spring Break Ninja Camp for boys AND girls. Camp is an all day option with karate, games, movies and their applauded ‘3 Steps to a Great Kid’ character building program.

Discovery Camp and Spring Break Activities at the Perot Museum

Extended Hours and times for Spring Break (March 13-17) / Cost vary per activity

There is so much to see and do at the Perot Museum like the new amazing Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibit, but for spring break there is so much to do including a sleepover at the Perot with around the clock activities,

SLEEPOVER. Ready, set, snooze! Spring is hopping with sleepovers at the Perot Museum. These overnight adventures, designed for children ages 6-14, come chock-full of round-the-clock fun, including behind-the-scenes access to the Museum’s 11 exhibit halls, exclusive demonstrations, hands-on discovery plus a late-night snack, 3D film and light breakfast to round out the experience. Spring dates are March 11 (Spring Break), April 21, May 5 (Boy Scouts NOVA Award), May 13 (all-girls sleepover) and May 26. Sleepovers are open to groups of all sizes – from a parent and child to entire organizations. Cost is $45 per child and $30 per adult chaperone.

SPRING BREAK. During Spring Break March 11-19, the Museum rolls out its popular daily activities plus Discovery Camps March 13-17 to keep pre-K through elementary kids content and constructive.

At select times during Spring Break March 11-19, visitors can enjoy daily live “science on the spot” demos, bookworm readings, science trivia and drop-in activities involving making clouds, rainbows, egg dyeing, pinwheels/wind energy and marshmallows, to name a few. Plus, little ones ages 5 and under can enjoy exploration crafts in the Moody Family Children’s Museum daily until 3 p.m. Check the website for detailed schedules. Activities are free to members and included with general admission for non-members. Note: See Spring Break hours below.

Plus Discovery Camp from March 13-17 will have pre-K through 4^th graders unlocking secrets and uncovering a world buried over time and forgotten by many. Along with special access to Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, little explorers can soak up Maya culture through hands-on interactives such as building arches, deciphering hieroglyphs, translating the Maya calendar and more. For more info and to register, visit perotmuseum.org/camps.

PC: Perot Museum

STEM Camps at National Videogame Museum

~~March 7 -10 / $35 per child~~

The National Videogame Museum in Frisco will have two camps going on next week. The first one is sponsored by Coding Fun 4 STEM and children will learn how to code video games and how to program robots. You can also register your kids for the second camp hosted by Play-Well Teknologies, and they’re hosting a Minecraft Engineering workshop. These camps provide hands-on STEM learning and perfect for kids who love playing videogames.

Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco

~~March 6-10 / camps vary by price~~

The Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco is hosting several camps next week about science and math. The variety of camps includes making your own toys, Maker workshops making engineering projects with LEGOS and learning about human anatomy with one-day classes like Grossology and Junior Mythbusters. Visit the website to get the details on all the camps and get registered!

PC: Scitech Discovery Center Facebook

Safari Week at Texas Discovery Gardens

March 13 – 17 / $8 adults, $4 kids

The Texas Discovery Garden & Butterfly House is open year round, but March 13-17 they are hosting a full week of spring break fun. Entitled “Safari Week,” each day features a cool craft and discovery themed activities such as Seeing and touching palm sized Madagascar hissing cockroaches on Monday, a butterfly hunt and release on Wed, live snake Thursday, foot long Malaysian Stick Friday and more. AND good to know- every Tuesday, including spring break, is ‘Pay as you wish’ so you can pay with a dollar, a dime or a smile.

Spring Break Art Extravaganza at the Kimbell Art Museum

March 14 – 17 / Free, but you must register

Celebrate vacation time at the Museum with ongoing art activities, interactive family tours, storybook readings, teen studios led by guest artists, and children’s films. There is no charge for this program or to visit the permanent collection. No reservations required.

Looking for more fun for the family in Cowtown?

Then check out our Visit Fort Worth picks for March!

For Fun

Main Event / various locations

Now – April 9 opening at 9 am / prices vary

Main Event Entertainment rolled out its all-new “Spring FUNpass,” featuring all-you-can-play activities* – bowling, billiards, laser tag and more. (This is one of our favorites – with or without the kids. Especially on days you had planned to be outdoors and Mother Nature changes the plan.)

Guests may choose from the following Pass options:

9 – 10:30 a.m.: Purchase the Spring FUNpass for just $12.95; pass is valid until 5 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until 5 p.m.
5 p.m. – close: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until close

WIN $100 gift card to Main Event below.

“Let it Be” Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall at Fair Park

March 7-19 / $24.50

The end of The Beatles era was never thought to be in sight when The Beatles played their last show on the roof of Apple Offices in 1969. Imagine what would have been if The Beatles continued their journey. Enter a time capsule and turn back in time to what would have been John Lennon’s 40th Birthday – October 9, 1980. For one night, the fab four come together again on stage after a decade apart performing other hits like Back in the USSR, Live and Let Die, Got to Get you into My Life, My Sweet Lord, Hey Jude, Woman, Helter Skelter, Paperback Writer & many more hits you never got to see performed live, on top of many other classics.

Texas Storytelling Festival at Denton Civic Center

March 9 – 12 / $10 at the door daypass

Turn off the TV, put down your devices the Texas Storytelling Festival celebrates the longest method of entertainment – storytelling. With concerts, workshops, activities and more, you’ll enjoy so much at this unique festival in Denton. AND Saturday March 11 is Kids’ Day! Admission to all Kids’ Day Activities is free for children and an accompanying adult. Lunch will be provided free for the children. Adults may wish to order a box lunch.

Want more ideas?

5 Awesome Ways to Celebrate the NEW LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure

February 21, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

It’s BAAAACK and even more AWESOME, The LEGO^® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and we have your sneak peek plus 5 AWESOME ways to celebrate!

The “other movie” with the most memorable and catchy soundtrack, The LEGO Movie gives us the next chapter in the story, The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure, on Feb. 27.

This short-movie sequel picks up after where the blockbuster movie leaves off, when Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a curious theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND^®. Eager movie watchers will be wowed with “4D” effects such as wind, water, fog and more bringing the action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

Of course, my two kiddos couldn’t be more excited to see this movie at our LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills (and also unveiling at other LEGOLAND^® theme parks and LEGOLAND^® Discovery Centers across the U.S.) And as huge LEGO fans, we have a few ways to celebrate until the film rolls out on Feb. 27.

Five Awesome Ways to Celebrate the New LEGO Movie 4D

Get caught up on the adventure by watching the first one again!
Sign up to receive a BRICK SWAG Membership for a monthly subscription of LEGO bricks, shirt, and more!
Create a LEGO-themed lunch with this adorable LEGO brick lunchbox (my son LOVES his and matching thermos.)
Get the kids ready for the movie with LEGO attire
Enter this giveaway for your own family four-pack of tickets

But that’s not all! upcoming for LEGO fans are three more feature films: The as-yet untitled LEGO Batman^TM opens on February 10, 2017; “NINJAGO,” on September 22, 2017; and “The LEGO Movie Sequel,” on May 18, 2018.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth
Admission includes short movie playing several times daily
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
Grapevine, Texas 76051
877.818.1677
website

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10 Unique Date Night Ideas in DFW

February 11, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 39 Comments

Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for something special this weekend or to plan for something soon, we have some unique date night ideas (and date day ideas, too) for you and your significant other in DFW.

Every couple falls into one of two categories – those who do stuff on Valentine’s Day and those that absolutely do not. And if you are lucky enough to have been together, you may need to spice it up with something a little different than the norm. So here are a few unique date night ideas to add to your list to keep your love life a little more interesting. (And make sure to to read to the bottom for some BIG surprises!)

Dinner That Goes Above Your Expectations

THE RANCH AT LAS COLINAS // website

Whether it’s a quick lunch date or a weekend outing with live music, you will find it at The Ranch. A steakhouse with all the amenities you expect from a high-scale restaurant, but without all the pomp and circumstance. While you’ll love all the Texas farm to fork selections you’ll find on the menu, it’s the last course that’s really going to make it a memorable meal experience. After your done eating, head outdoors to have the helicopter whisk you above DFW for a tour. With prices ranging from $35 per person – $300 per person depending on length of tour, you can make any weekend a high-flying experience. To schedule a tour, call 214.906.9800.

While the menu is always good, Friday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 14, The Ranch is offering a special à la Carte 3-Course Dinner Menu, available from 5-9 p.m., in addition to its regular menu with wine pairings. In addition, The Ranch will be open Sunday, Feb. 14, offering a special Valentine’s Day Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for $44.95. And don’t forget, there’s live music will be performing both Friday and Saturday night, as well as, during brunch on Sunday.

A Dinner That Goes Up, Up and Away and Over:

DELTA CHARLIE’S // website

If you’re really ready to go BIG, then Delta Charlie’s is your answer to a date night dinner experience like none other. You’ll have a 3-course private dining experience while flying over DFW for a high-flying night you’ll never forget. As you can expect, many of engagements have happened with a Delta Charlie’s date night.

Get Dirty:

CENTRAL MARKET COOKING CLASSES // website

My husband and I just enjoyed one of these fun events for our anniversary with the Texas Parks and Wildlife and German cuisine. Even if you already consider yourself a great cook, there’s something fun about all the stress of the menu and the cleanup is taken care of so you can concentrate on creating a great meal together and meeting others. There’s everything from kolaches, tamales, sushi, lobster, wine pairings and more (Bacon!) Prices vary but range from $67 and up.

Add a Little Mystery:

MYSTERY MURDER THEATRE // website

The Mystery Murder Theatre is a perfect event for those who are looking for a unique form of live entertainment that allows you to get involved, and enjoy a great 3 -course meal at the same time. Shows are fun for the whole family (PG-10 rating), and is also perfect for a date night.

See Some Stars:

HARKINS THEATRE // website

Yep, I can’t even tell you the last movie I’ve seen without my kids. While my husband and I have a long list of must-watch movies, most the time trying to get a sitter to watch the kids or the price of a sitter keeps up from heading to the Big Screen. Harkins’ exclusive in-lobby children’s PlayCenter offers a supervised, engaging environment where children ages 3 through 8 can play games, read books, enjoy toys, and of course, watch movies, just steps from Mom and Dad’s auditorium.

PlayCenter staff members are trained professionals who work exclusively in the PlayCenter. They are background checked and fingerprinted. At only $6 per child, it’s a deal. Walk-ups are welcome and reservations are recommended.

COYOTE THEATRE // website

Of course, a movie is always nice, but you actually don’t get to enjoy speaking with each other. Unless of course, you’re under the stars in your own car! Coyote Theatre is a great option for staying the car all cuddled up. And if you go on Wednesdays, you can get bottles of wine half off with Wine Down Wednesdays along with your $6 ticket per person admission. Get your tickets online in advance to make it even easier.

See THE stars:

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON PLANETARIUM // website

Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium this Valentine’s Day weekend for our special Couples Only event, Romancing the Stars. This program takes a lighthearted look at the night sky and tells many stories of love and devotion that can be found there. Tickets are $15. Other days are also available for their regular showings throughout the weekend super cheap rates ranging from $4-6. Get the schedule online and make a reservation at 817.272.1183.

Shoot for the Stars:

ELM FORK SHOOTING SPORTS // website

“A 467-acre amusement park for sporting enthusiasts,” Elm Fork Shooting Sports is where to go if you are ready to target a good time. There are several different activities you can do at this huge outdoor arena in Dallas from shooting clays, shooting ranges, skeet fields, trap fields, 5 stand games, beginners courses, 25 yard Pistol bays, 50 & 100 yard Rifle ranges, reactive steel for pistol and much more! Best of all, it’s public, so you don’t have to have a membership or a reservation to get your turn! And there’s free coaching, specialty classes for women, rentals, and an opportunity to really get out there for a good time together. Fees range depending on the course. For more information, call 972.556.0103.

Game Time!

MAIN EVENT // website

Some couples are quite competitive (you remember Monica and Chandler’s awesome ping pong throwdown, right?) And sometimes it’s good to get it all out. You can do that and more at any of the 5 Main Event locations in DFW and one more on the way in Fort Worth (opening Feb. 18.) One of the ultimate destinations for a FUN date night, you can do it all with an “Eat.Bowl.Play” experience that combines bowling, video games, billiards, and laser tag with a chef-inspired menu and a full bar. Trying to keep it on the cheap? $5 Super Bowling from now until Feb. 25 is calling your name, Sundays, Tuesdays – Friday all day and Mondays from open- 4 pm.

Go Away:

TRAVEL TO GRANBURY //website

Have a few more hours to get away? You can really make a big weekend of it in Granbury, only an hour away, you can enjoy a lot of fun on the lake, around the square and much more including a tour of one of DFW’s favorite microbrewery, Revolver. Only held on Saturdays, a tour of the brewery includes tastings, a souvenir glass, live music and access to food trucks.

Looking for other fun things to do while you’re in town? Valentine’s weekend (6-10 p.m. on February 13 and 2-9 p.m. on February 14), get treated like a princess in the Cinderella coach or traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the square, You can also enjoy the D’Vine Wine Valentine Dinner followed by a Granbury Ghosts and Legends tour and then stay at one the bed and breakfasts like the The Inn on Lake Granbury complete with Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and large steam showers. And if you are off on Monday, stay to see handmade cheese made only from dairy cows from Sandy Creek farm in North Texas at Eagle Mountain Cheese. Can’t go Valentine’s Day weekend? You can spend a romantic weekend anytime in Granbury with this plan.

What’s the ideal date night for you?

Pie Five Helps Families Win the Dinner War

January 17, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

On those busy days when it feels like I have a hundred items on my to-lists and not enough hours in the day, dinner often sneaks up on me. As much as I want to just swing through a local drive-thru after I pick up the kids from school, I try my best to choose healthier options, even if those meals don’t have accompanying toys. For those near meltdown moments, Pie Five is my go-to spot. My kids love the pie, and I get healthy ingredients in their bellies. Especially when you have gluten-free kiddos to contend with…it’s my saving grace.

Everyone wins.

If you’re one of those people who likes something new each time you visit a restaurant, Pie Five will become your new favorite destination. There are 17 locations in the DFW metroplex and they just added one in Euless for the mid-cities peeps.

For me, the fun thing about Pie Five is that you have choices….lots of choices. You can trust the pie gods and choose one of the pre-made pizzas like Chicken Carbonara or Pesto Chicken Alfredo, or you can become a pie god and create a pie yourself. Pie Five has more than 28 fresh toppings, 7 savory sauces and 4 made-from-scratch crusts making your pie possibilities are endless. And if you have a food allergy, they serve a gluten-free crusts as well. Pies bake in 145 seconds in a custom-designed state-of-the-art oven.

Pizzas aren’t the only thing you can order at Pie Five. If you’re like me and trying to watch those pesky carbs, than a fresh salad is available too. Just like their pizza, you can order a signature bowl of green or make a salad with your favorite ingredients. And if you’re feeling a little wild, you can order a side salad….served in their famous pizza crust bowl. Salad in a big bowl of dough is my kind of dinner.

And if you have a salad for dinner, than you have plenty of calories left for dessert like a decadent home-baked brownie or a cookie. I always save room for cookies or brown or both. And remember, when they kids make it, they eat it. And there’s no clean up for you.

Yep, everyone wins.

Check out their Pie Five website for their complete menu and list of locations near your home.

Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas

December 6, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

There’s tons to do in Dallas – Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our mamachallenge favorites is indoor fun for everyone at the Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas. While only a few miles away from home, it feels like we’ve traveled to a winter wonderland.

We already had breakfast with Santa and experienced some of the magical activities the America’s Dream City has to offer. Now we’re going to hop in our cars and drive a little farther west to Grapevine, home of the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center for a Lone Star Christmas.

You and your family will marvel at displays that include:

2 million holiday lights decorating the resort’s indoor atriums
2 million pounds of hand-carved ice for ICE! featuring “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”
2 million pounds of real Texas snow for a two-story tall, 12-lane snow tubing hill
6,000-square- foot outdoor ice skating rink
54-foot- tall Christmas tree adorning the center atrium
Magical miniature train sets throughout the property
25-foot-tall Nutcrackers overlooking joyful families
2,300 decorated wreaths, 5,600 feet of garland
15,000 festive ornaments…

“And a patridge in a pear tree!”

A Lone Star Christmas has activities that will put every member of the family into the holiday spirit – from the little ones who still leave out cookies for Santa to your hashtag-talking, slightly know-it-all teenager who would rather be at home than at a family outing. . You can enjoy visits with Santa, Snow tube and drink milk & cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt or walk through the ICE! that features an all new theme this year – Christmas Around the World!

We don’t get a lot of snow here in North Texas, but the folks at the Gaylord have made sure that we still are able to enjoy a Winter Wonderland with real snow! Twelve lanes of tubing fun are available, and you can slide down by yourself or with a friend. There are a few restrictions for the tubing, so make sure you visit the website for all of rules, requirements and hours of operations.

If you haven’t gone through the ICE! exhibit, than my friend, you are in for a treat. They start assembling the middle of October when 40 ice artisans travel all the way from China to Grapevine to start carving away at 2 million pounds of ice into magical holiday scenes, brilliant characters, and “On the Blocks” ice bar (21 & up), five ice slides and take the visitors on a journey of through holiday’s favorite cartoon, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!”

Plus, as you travel the world through the 14,000-square-foot that is kept at chilly 9 degrees, you get to wear these warm parkas that maybe one of the best parts of the whole trip. There’s no way you can put on these coats and not instantly feel all warm, fuzzy and “Christmasy.” No other way.

If you’re traveling from out of town, the Gaylord Texan offers several overnight options that will make your it is encouraged to make a full experience and stay at the Gaylord Texan. There are several overnight options that will be cost effective for your visit. Another good thing to note is that there are several combo packages available if you want to do both the ICE! and the snow tubing. The Gaylord Texan is making it super easy to have a Texas-size Christmas!

Check out our SNEAK PEEK of the ICE! 2016 at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas

November 10, 2016 – January 1, 2017

1501 Gaylord Trail

Grapevine, Texas 76051

Website

See Santa, Grant a Wish in Arlington

December 2, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter how if you’re an excited toddler or an annoyed teenager, something magical happens when you see Santa Claus. But if you stop by Santa Land at Lincoln Square Arlington, your visit to Ole St. Nick will not only create a beautiful holiday memory, but also help A Wish With Wings grant magical wishes for little ones with life-threatening conditions.

There are so many places around the metroplex where you can sit on his lap and snap a photo. But I have a special place in my heart for the Lincoln Square location because my sweet son Jackson was the recipient of one of those wishes. For our first family vacation, we got to travel to the most magical place on Earth.

You can read all about our trip to Disney World and the Give Kids the World Village here, but just know that “magical” doesn’t even begin to describe our experience. From the limo ride to the airport to being greeted with a “Hi Jackson!” at every ride we entered, our entire family was overwhelmed with hospitality.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNbD75bs3Aw

And when I saw Jackson meet Mickey Mouse…be still my heart. It wasn’t just about traveling to Disney World, it was the opportunity to share with Jackson about why his being a little different makes him even more amazing.

I cried the entire trip as I watched my family experience all of the magic Disney World brings. And even as I sit here typing this post, I shed a little tear just thinking about this beautiful moment. I am eternally grateful for A Wish With Wings. I could never repay them for all they did to make my son’s wish come true. I can, however, go snap a photo with Santa so that other little ones can have their dreams come true too. Isn’t that what the Holidays are all about anyways?

Even if you’re an adult, Santa’s rosy cheeks and fluffy beard will make any Grinch a little less green. Santa Land at Lincoln Square Arlington will be open until Christmas Eve.

See the full calendar and other important info here.

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Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for something special this weekend or to plan for something soon, we have some unique date night ideas (and date day ideas, too) for you and your significant other in DFW.

THE RANCH AT LAS COLINAS // website

DELTA CHARLIE’S // website

CENTRAL MARKET COOKING CLASSES // website

MYSTERY MURDER THEATRE // website

HARKINS THEATRE // website

COYOTE THEATRE // website

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON PLANETARIUM // website

ELM FORK SHOOTING SPORTS // website

MAIN EVENT // website

TRAVEL TO GRANBURY //website

What’s the ideal date night for you?

There’s tons to do in Dallas – Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our mamachallenge favorites is indoor fun for everyone at the Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas. While only a few miles away from home, it feels like we’ve traveled to a winter wonderland.

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