Holiday Fun in Dallas Fort Worth

When you have young children it is such a special time of year to do holiday related things such as "Breakfast with Santa," holiday parades and all those other fun things that only come once a year. We have many fond memories of doing these things. Kids grow up so fast so cherish this time with them. Before you know it they won't believe in Santa!

While you're out having fun during the holidays, remember, you can mix some education into it too. We're not talking about having an entire science lesson or anything like that!  It can be things as simple as counting the number of gum drops you use to make a gingerbread house to reinforce math concepts. Or reciting the names of Santa's reindeer to build memory.

Many of you parents may already be doing things like this. If you are, we are proud of you. If you're not, we can help you.  

Either way, we have a great stocking stuffer idea this year.  Treat yourself, parents, or have your parents buy it for you - to our "edu-tainment" guide to Dallas Fort Worth, Kidding Around Town.

Kidding Around Town is filled with tips, 100s of locations and fun-to-do activities that enable you to connect with your kids; all the while learning and having fun. 

More than a listing of local attractions, Kidding Around Town provides inspiration for creative outings as well as detailed, location specific guidance on how to engage children in different age groups (from one to six and beyond) in order to maximize the impact. 


What better gift this year than giving the gift of education to your children (or grandchildren). 

For more information on this fun book or to order, CLICK HERE.

The kids will be out of school for two weeks so what better time to start using this book and keep the kids occupied with kids activities at some of your favorite places in Dallas Fort Worth and some you've never heard of?

If you order in the month of December we have TWO BONUS items for you. First, we are including our Free

ebook on Holiday Fun in Dallas Fort Worth. This book is formatted just like Kidding Around Town with age-appropriate fun-to-do activities specific to the holidays.

And to top it off, we have exclusive coupons from some of the places in the book to help with your holiday budget.

For more information on this fun book or to order, CLICK HERE.

Enjoy your holiday fun in Dallas Fort Worth!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Tips

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Tips

Now that Fall is here, many schools take field trips to local pumpkin patches.  As a parent, I’m appreciative that they do because these days kids think milk comes from refrigerators and vegetables are grown in produce aisles. 

Going to the pumpkin patch isn’t just about choosing, picking, buying and carving your pumpkin — it’s about exploring and learning about the world around you, seeing how things work, how they grow.  Use a school field trip or your own as an opportunity to teach kids about the "real world" of pumpkins, growing cycles, harvesting etc when they can see it, feel it and experience it first hand.

Things to do with Preschoolers

10 Things to do with Preschoolers

With school getting back into session, it’s time to focus on filling your days with your preschooler.  If your preschooler is going to preschool or Mother’s Day Out or a baby sitter for a few days a week, then it’s up to you to fill your time with your child on the days they’re not somewhere else.

Kids grow up so quickly - although sometimes it doesn’t seem like it!  As a parent you want to cherish this time with your little one because before you know it, they’re at school full time and you don’t get to see them all day.

Especially with your child at preschool or Mother’s Day Out busy learning for a few days, you might want to spend your “off” days doing something pure fun or make learning a fun experience.  Treat your little ones to the simple pleasures in life and you will be rewarded too as you see the look of joy and wonder on their face.

Every mom needs their “go-to” list of things to do with their preschooler.  To give you a head start, we’ve composed a handy list of 10 Things to do with Preschoolers.

Learning Fun at Playgrounds

Since it’s summer you might be visiting the pool more than the playground, but they’re still an option early in the day. Heck, in Texas playgrounds are a year round activity, at least in our book.

Luckily for us we have tons of city parks in our area, each one offering something different making it fun to explore a new one every time you go.  Many neighborhoods are also keeping families in mind by providing a playground.

While in our book, Kidding Around Town, we emphasize mental activities, physical ones are good also to keep our bodies strong and healthy.   And it never hurts to combine some physical and mental learning while at playgrounds.

Here’s what kids can learn at Playgrounds.

Kids Can Learn at Water Parks

Kids Can Learn at Water Parks

Summer is here! We all know how hot Texas is during summer. The best way to cool off is in the water. If you have a pool at home, that's great.  But for a variety, a trip to the water park during summer is always fun. 

Kids can learn at water parks (or pools or splash pads)!  We're all about having fun, but while you're there it never hurts to sneak in some education. If you have season passes to a water park, or even just a day trip there, doing a little teaching over the summer can help make it more interesting. 

Plus, research shows the more you engage your child's brain with activities and questions, they will grow up to be a smarter adult. And what parent doesn't want to give their kids a headstart in life? 

What can kids learn at a water park you ask?

Making Museums Fun

Take the "stuffiness" out of museums by making your next trip more enjoyable.

Not everyone likes museums and we certainly understand that.  Museums don't have to be boring and stuffy. You can make them more enjoyable for you and the kids.  Luckily living in a large metropolitan area we have plenty of museums to choose from.

Here's my Top 5 Tips for Making Museums Fun:

Wish you Were Born Rich?

Even if you weren't born rich, you can help your children become rich (and you too). And here's how.

Do you ever watch that show, "Through the Wormhole" hosted by Morgan Freeman?  I'm a science geek at heart so I enjoy watching that show.

Recently an episode aired discussing if genetics play a role in whether we become rich or poor as we grow up.  And guess what they found out? Yes (with a qualifier of course).

What they found was that for people born into lower economic status (not much money) our environment plays a larger role than genetics. For those born into higher economic status (where money isn't an issue), genetics plays a larger role in determining their financial outcome later in life. (If you missed this episode, you can watch it on itunes.)

And do you know why they came to that conclusion?

Festivals in Dallas Fort Worth

            

This is festival time of year in Dallas Fort Worth!  The weather isn’t too hot yet so it’s still nice to get out and enjoy the warm spring sunshine and take in a festival or two.

While a festival isn’t a museum, there is still a lot your children can learn at festivals. No festival is complete without food!  For kids of any age, tasting new foods is a good way to broaden their taste buds and hopefully make them less picky eaters.  For the youngest children they still love to put things in their mouth so taste testing can satisfy this need.

Cultural festivals are an excellent way to expose your child to new and different cultures. Take advantage of this fun teaching opportunity to educate your child on the customs and traditions of other cultures. Observing native costumes on display, listening to native music, participating in native crafts and sampling native food are all ways to engage your child while learning and having fun.

A few upcoming cultural festivals are: (1) Many Cinco de Mayo festivals this week-end, (2) Asian Festival May 17, (3) Polka Festival May 23 – 25, (4) Scottish Festival & Highland Games May 2 – 4.

Arts Festivals lend themselves to creative expression and oftentimes will have a Kids Corner where kids can create their own works of art. Art allows kids to see things from different perspectives, building important life skills. Art also enables kids to get in touch with and express their emotions.  

Upcoming Arts Festivals include: (1) Cottonwood Arts Festival May 3 -4. And (2) Wildflower Arts & Music Festival May 16 – 18.

Many festivals will include petting zoos or other opportunities where children can interact with animals. Most kids love animals.  Interacting with animals encourages empathy, a much needed skill you can’t take a test to learn.

Even playing “carnival” type games at festivals teaches your kids skills.  Some encourage athletic skills (basketball dunking, target practice), others may encourage math (angles, probability) but all require your child to learn about money. Take this opportunity to ask your younger kids how much is fifty cents? (i.e. two quarters) or figure out how many tickets you need to purchase to play a certain game.

So there you have it! You’ve been teaching your child all along by attending festivals and just didn’t know it!

Enjoy your festivals!

If you’d like more information on what you can teach your child when you go places, check out my new book, Kidding Around Town. Included as a resource in the book is a handy list of year-round festivals in Dallas Fort Worth with a pricing guide.

Summer Camps for Toddlers

Summer Camps for Toddlers

First let’s define a “toddler” as a child between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.  Typically there aren’t many summer camps for toddlers for a variety of reasons.  Probably the biggest reason is because toddlers aren’t as capable developmentally as older children. However, that shouldn’t stop you from doing your own summer camp at home for toddlers.

Summer Camps at home don’t have to be elaborate or require a lot of time and money for you to prepare.  With that being said, let’s explore what these adorable toddlers can do.  By the ages of two and three years old children can follow two and three step directions as well as identify and sort objects by shape and color.  Knowing that, you can plan your activities accordingly.

Activity ideas to have your own summer camps for toddlers at home:

1. Sort Objects - Do you have any type of colorful blocks (Duplo Legos?), shapes or stacking cups? Reinforce the object color and type as you sort. This is the beginning of simple math concepts.
2. Read Together - Make time to read aloud to your child. Start to teach concepts such as “beginning” and “end” when you start and finish the story.
3. Singing Camp – Kids love to sing.  Teach your child simple songs such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “I’m a Little Teapot.”   Reinforcing the lyrics builds recall.
4. Musical Day – Combine your singing camp with music time.  If you have kid-friendly instruments at home, great. If not, make your own or use a wooden spoon on a pot for your drum.  Put rice or beans in a tightly sealed container and shake for a maraca.  Have a whistle? If not, if you can whistle, whistle along with the tune.  Whistles and simple flutes are usually available at dollar stores.

These are some ideas to get you started to create your own summer camps for toddlers at home.

How much time to spend on activities?  Being a mom of a toddler I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. And each child is different so you alone can best gauge your child. Typically 2 yr olds can spend up to 10 minutes on an activity when engaged with an adult or other children. Three year olds can spend up to 15 minutes.   That’s not to say your child wouldn’t spend longer on any activity. You may have to spread your camp out during the course of the day, but it’s your camp so have fun with it!  Sing some songs, sort some objects, have a snack break, have some play time, get back to camp by reading a story.

We hope you find these tips helpful from the Around-Town Mom.  Lots more age-appropriate location-centric tips are available in my new book, Kidding Around Town.

Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides 100s of local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

Ms. Cates is available for speaking opportunities to explain brain development and learning. Contact her at: info@aroundtownkids.com

Bunnies and Kids...it's all About the Learning

Bunnies and Kids...it's all About the Learning

Easter is rapidly approaching. If you have young children you're probably going to see the Easter Bunny and get your photos taken. Or maybe you're going to a photographer to get photos taken with little chicks or bunnies. Or possibly even visit an Easter petting zoo.

Did you know that by allowing your child to handle a bunny or chick can actually end up making them smarter?

Yes, it can!

The more dendrites or brain cells your child can grow the smarter your child will become.  One way to help your child grow more brain cells is by exposing them to learning opportunities.

We all process information through our senses (hear, see, smell, taste and touch).  Our senses feed information to our brain. When children are young it's important to stimulate all of their senses. And one way to do that is to expose them to TACTILE (i.e. touching) opportunities. The more they can touch things, the more they can learn!

And the more they learn, the smarter they will become.

So let your kids touch those soft bunnies and feathery chicks. The more you let your child touch small animals you will end up making him a smarter child!

If you'd like more information on how all this works, we know a great book that we can recommend: Kidding Around Town.

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Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

Ms. Cates is available for speaking opportunities to explain brain development and learning. Contact her at: info@aroundtownkids.com 

Early Warning Security Systems

The things you learn by going places! 

Today I was at Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. While we were talking I kept hearing a squeaking sound. It sounded like squeaky metal so I wondered if it was their windmill or maybe a loose gate or something like that. Come to find out, it was their guineafowl!

Turns out guineafowl were pioneers' early warning security system.  They had no home alarm systems back then. Heck, they didn't have electricity! So they certainly couldn't have electrified fences to keep out predators. Instead, they had guineafowl. 

Guineafowl make good "watch-birds" warning farmers of intruders with their loud chatter or what sounded like a squeaking noise to me.  No need for an electric fence to keep out predators or thieves when you have guineafowl running around.  They are also good for tick and pest control as they will eat up those little critters.

In case you are wondering, yes, you can also eat them. They are considered dark meat. They also lay eggs which are edible. In fact, the museum told me they once collected some of their eggs to try out. While it took a  few more eggs to make an omelet because their eggs are smaller, they were still tasty, albeit a bit more "game-y."

So, there you have it, moms! Next time you are at Heritage Farmstead, any other farm museum or just want to share a tidbit with your kids, mention the purpose of guineafowl as early warning security systems. The more your kids learn, the smarter they become! :)

Heritage Farmstead is featured in my new book, Kidding Around Town, so you can add this little lesson to your toolkit next time you visit there.

As a mom myself I encourage you to take your kids places and teach them while you are there. I'm sure you're already doing a great job!  Kidding Around Town gives you that added extra "boost" of material you may not have thought of.

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Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

JFK Assassination Weird Facts

On a recent trip to the Texas Hill Country my family and I visited the LBJ Ranch. While we were visiting the ranch we took a tour of LBJ's home.

As part of the tour we unexpectedly learned some JFK Assassination Weird Facts.

Many of you may know that on November 22, 1963 as part of JFK's tour of Texas he planned to finish up the day by spending time at LBJ's ranch.  After his motorcade through Dallas he was supposed to speak at the Dallas Trade Mart and end the day travelling to LBJ's ranch. As you know, the story did not turn out that way.

On the morning of November 22, 1963 in anticipation of JFK's visit, the kitchen staff at LBJ's ranch were busy preparing the evening meal for his arrival.  President Kennedy apparently remarked that he had never had pecan pie, a southern delicacy. Being from Massachusetts, that comes as no surprise. To honor JFK's request, Lady Bird planned on serving pecan pie for their dessert.

Just as the kitchen staff were pulling the pecan pies out of the oven, they heard the news on the TV that JFK had been shot.  One of the staff wondered what they should do with the pie. So the JFK Assassination Weird Facts story goes, Lady Bird said they would bring the pie to Washington DC. Not that JFK would ever get to eat it, but to let his family know their intentions of surprising the president with this southern favorite.

Those are some JFK Assassination Weird Facts that we had never heard!  These anecdotes aren't typical JFK Assassination Weird Facts, but rather bring the human element into the story of the JFK assassination. This is about the president who was also a man. We sometimes forget when thinking of his assassination that he was also a man with human needs like you and me. According to the White House chef at the time JFK was no "foodie" instead needing to be reminded to eat. This is probably as a result of his persistent digestive problems.  Regardless, it brought the human element to mind when we heard these JFK Assassination Weird Facts.

If you are ever in the Texas Hill Country, a stop at the LBJ Ranch is worth the time. It is no wonder LBJ liked to come home to Texas whenever he could to relax. His ranch is set on thousands of acres of beautiful hill country land with a spectacular view of the Pedernales River. In his will he gifted several hundred of the acres to the Texas Parks so that we could all enjoy what he did.

Parents, we encourage you to take your kids out places like the LBJ Ranch or other locations. By doing so, interacting with them and teaching them, you are actually making them smarter. And who knows, you may just stumble upon something interesting like JFK Assassination Weird Facts!

P.S. You'll find a lots of suggestions where to take your kids and activities to do there in Kidding Around Town. Read more below.

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.

What can you learn at a St Patricks Day Parade

What can you learn at a St Patricks Day Parade

Who would think a parade could be educational, right?  It can be!  In fact, as moms, you are probably already teaching your child much more than you realize.  As the Around-Town Mom I’m here to tell you to give yourself that pat on the back for doing a great job and encouraging you to do more with my handy tips.

Watching the parade can stimulate all kinds of conversation for all ages. For school age children it’s a bit easier to ask them what they know about St Patrick’s Day then fill them in on the missing pieces of information. For younger children you can still ask them what they think St. Patrick’s Day is about because it will be fun hearing their answers!

For the youngest children keep them busy watching the colorful floats, counting similar items, pointing out shapes and discussing funny costumes.  When my son was younger he was fascinated by leprechauns.  Have your younger children see how many leprechauns they can spot.  Also see if you can find any pots of gold. Talk about how the stories of leprechauns and pot of gold got started.

Before you go if you have older children, ask them to google how the customs of “Kiss me I’m Irish” and pinching if you don’t wear green got started. How did they get started anyway? I really don’t know!

Enjoy your St Patrick’s Day whatever you do.  I do have Irish blood in me so I’ll be wearing green so I won’t get pinched! 

The Around-Town Mom

(C) Copyright 2014

P.S. You'll find more educational tips in my newest book, Kidding Around Town. Read more below.

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.  It is a "Must" in every parent's tool kit!

Where can I take my kids for Free?

OMG Spring Break is here!  Where can I take my kids for Free?

Ready, Set, Go! You'd be surprised to know just how many FREE places there are in Dallas Fort Worth.

A great reference for you in our newest book, Kidding AroundTown.  We have developed a a one-of-the kind Dollar Rating Guide. This Dollar Rating Guide has a list of all the free places in our area. And you'll be surprised at just how many there are - I was! These aren't out of the way obscure places, either. Many are well known museums.  Free Admission, Free Parking and it's your Free Time!

Looking for more ways to cut costs on your outing:

*Pack a picnic lunch or take some road snacks to cut down on your adventure costs.

*Skip the souvenirs and take lots of photos.

*Car pool with a friend!

*Skip the gift shop! (We have all been there!)

P.S. You'll find a whole lot more useful info in Kidding Around Town. Read more below.

ORDER YOUR COPY of Kidding Around Town TODAY!!

HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!

Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.  To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.

I've Given Birth!

Never having published a book before I can tell you it is a bit like being pregnant. It's a process that takes a while to develop but once it's here you're glad it's over and you have your little "present" at the end!

Thank you for hanging in there with me while I worked on the book. As anyone can tell you who've written a book before writing it is the easy part! It's the editing that is time consuming.

It's done and I'm super excited to share Kidding Around Town with you!  If you're not sure about the book, then please read our FAQ page for why you need this book!

Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child.

To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides local destinations and activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.  Read more....

Order Yours Today!

We are offering SPECIAL PRICING right now to our valued subscribers so take advantage of this introductory price!

What is our book about?

Kidding Around Town: What is it all about?

We've told you a little bit but you probably want to know more about our new book, Kidding Around Town.  We want you to be "in the know" with Kidding Around Town.

While AroundTownKids is a great resource listing places to go in Dallas Fort Worth, Kidding Around Town takes that a step further by giving you age-appropriate activities for various DFW locations.  These activities are important to engage your child and contribute to her brain development. 

Here's what Kidding Around Town includes:

• Know Where to Go - Hundreds of DFW-area Locations sorted by interest category - some you've never heard of!
• Know What Your Kids Can Learn - Specific Featured Destinations with suggested independent Age-Appropriate Activities to grow their brains.

• Know Before You Go - Know how much you'll have to Spend on Admission Prices with the One-of-a-kind Dollar Rating Guide for hundreds of destinations in the DFW area.

• Know When to Go - How best to Enjoy Dallas Fort Worth all year long with a Handy List of Local Festivals sorted by month.

• Know Where to Find it - Handy Quick Reference Map to Find your Location before you go.

• Know the Inside Scoop - Helpful tips from the “Around-Town Mom” for every Featured Destination.

• Know How to Keep that Brain Growing - At-home Activities to reinforce the experience and learning concepts. 

We'll be selling our book next week! Stay tuned to your email for a special introductory offer. If you're not signed up for our weekly e-newsletter, use the sign up box on the upper right corner on any page of AroundTownKids.com

Where's the Book?

I know you all probably think I died or something! You keep wondering when is the book coming out, right? I promise, it is! I have seen an actual bound & printed copy & it is AWESOME!!

We all know writing a book takes time but not having done this before, I can now tell you the editing process takes time. I was warned it would be the longest part of the process and they were right!

The book should be ready MARCH 1st so hold on to your hats! Just in time for Spring Break so you know where to take your kids and what fun you'll have!

If you need to book me as a speaker I'll give you the inside scoop on these places and how this book can make your kids smarter. Times are booking up! Contact me today.

Brain Fun Facts

We all have a brain and we all know what a brain is. Today I'd like to offer you some FUN FACTS on the brain.

Did you know.....?

• The brain is a muscle that needs constant care and exercise.

• The brain weighs 3 pounds and can process information faster than a computer. 

• The brain generates enough electricity to power a low watt light bulb. 

• The brain sends neurons of information to itself at 150 miles per hour.  (“There’s a bee on your leg!”)

• Although the brain can send messages about feelings, a surgeon can operate on the brain w/o anesthesia because the brain can’t feel pain itself.

• The brain uses 20% of the body’s oxygen and  20% of the body’s blood.

• The brain has 100,000 miles of blood vessels and 100 billion nerve cells.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Kidding Around Town, my newest book, explores the connection between your child's brain and taking them out to fun and exciting places.  Stay tuned for the launch date coming soon!

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 "Kidding Around Town" is the ultimate educational outing guide for you and your kids to explore the DFW Metroplex. 

With a comprehensive listing of destinations, Catherine Cates provides detailed outlines on how to create educational and fun experiences for kids of every age AND their parents!  Also included are featured destinations in each category that go into specifics related to that particular destination. 

"Kidding Around Town" will help you create wonderfully well-rounded memories for your kids, and develop a springboard for noticing the lifetime learning that surrounds them if they have been taught to look for it!

Have Ms.Cates come speak to your group about brain development and the importance of outings. Contact her at:info@aroundtownkids.com