One of my earliest writings in 2008 was the list of 25 Free or Cheap Things to do with Kids in DFW.  It was really popular.  And I was very happy.

But – now I’ve learned a lot more about all the fun things to do with kids and fun events for families in Dallas-Fort Worth.  So, the new list is bigger (if you really count, there’s lots more than just 25 things to do – - I’ve taken the liberty of bucketing them!) and better (i.e., more free stuff!!).

From free days at museums, free petting zoos, free concerts, free festivals, and free outdoor activities to activities that are just very well priced (nothing on the list is over $5 per person), MomsOutLoud.com has got it all.

Go here to see the full list:  http://www.momsoutloud.com/momsknow/highlight/id/25-free-(or-cheap)-things-to-do-with-the-kids-this-summer-66/articletype/1/

Or, if you’re just looking for something to do with the kids, you can look at their highlights on that same page, or search their event listings by type of event, age appropriateness for you kids, zip code and distance you’re willing to travel.

Have fun!!

Yes, Spring has come to DFW!

And the Easter Bunny is not far behind!

As one of the first signs of Spring, we are heading into several weekends with a wide variety of annual Easter activities hosted by our cities, community centers, and family businesses.  Whether it’s an “eggstravaganza”, and “eggcelent” celebration, or an “eggtacular”, you’re sure to have an “eggs-tremely” good time at one of these events. Read below for a weekend-by-weekend, city-by-city guide to what’s happening between now and Easter at a park near you.

Weekend of March 28/29

Dallas – Tale of Peter Rabbit, Dallas Children’s Theater

Date and Time: Running March 20 – April 19

Location: 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 75231

Cost: $14-19

What is is: The award-winning musical adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s beloved and bestselling rabbit tale! New puppets based on Miss Potter’s charming illustrations spring to life to re-create the tale of the naughty little bunny who has captivated our hearts for over 100 years.  Kathy Burke’s Theater of Puppetry Arts performing.

More Info: Click link above or call Dallas Children’s Theater Box Office at 214-740-0051

Frisco’s Easter Eggstravaganza

Date and Time: Saturday, 3/28/09 from 9am-12pm

Location: Pizza Hut Park, 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, 75034

Cost: $10

What it is: This family favorite also features face painting, games, crafts, bounce houses and a chance to see – and take a photo with – Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail. Most of the festivities will be located in the parking lot near the Dr Pepper Victory Center concession area. Bounce houses and photos with the Easter Bunny can be found on field 10. Parents will enjoy stopping by the Summer Programs Expo where Parks and Recreation Department staff will share information about upcoming athletic, aquatic and recreation programs and leagues, as well as special events, services and summer camps. Instructors will be on hand to answer questions, too.

More Info: Click link above, or call Frisco Parks & Rec at 972-292-6520

Keller Pointe Underwater Egg Hunt

Date and Time: Saturday, 3/28/09 from 9am-12pm

Location: Keller Pointe, 405 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, 76248

Cost: $10

What it is: The Keller Pointe will host its fourth annual Underwater Egg Hunt where children who are ages 12 and under can enjoy searching the pool for eggs filled with special prizes.

More Info: Click link above, call 817-743-4FUN (4386), or E-mail: thekellerpointe@cityofkeller.com

Plano – Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Date and Time: Saturday, 3/28/09 from 9am-11am

Location: Journey of Grief & Hope Support Center, 1901 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, 75074

Cost: $25

What it is: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will include: * Delicious Buffet Breakfast * Fun Crafts for Kids * Goodie Bags * Silent Auction * Photos with LIVE bunnies * Kids Entertainment * Fabulous Raffle Items ** An Appearance by the Easter Bunny! **

More Info: Click link above, or call 972-964-1600

Weekend of April 3rd – 5th

Allen – Eggcellent Family Adventure

Date & Time: Saturday April 4th,  9am to noon

Location: Civic Plaza, 305 Century Parkway, Allen, 75013

Cost: FREE

What it is: Take a stroll through the Civic Plaza and hang out with the Easter Bunny and his friends from all over the local community. “Trick-or-treat” Easter style and collect eggs, candy and other valuable information from tables hosted by civic organizations and businesses. Other activities include games, crafts, face painters and a bounce house.

More Info: Click the link above, or call the City of Allen 214-509-4100

Bedford – Easter Egg Celebration

Date and Time: Saturday, April 4, 10am-12pm

Location: Bedford Boys Ranch Pavilion, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr. Bedford, 76021

Cost: $5/child, reservations required.

What it is: The city of Bedford sponsors an egg hunt each year. Starting at 10 a.m. at the Bedford Boys Ranch Pavilion, kids ten and under can enjoy crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a snack, and an egg hunt involving more than 10,000 eggs. The egg hunt starts at 10:20 a.m., so don’t be late.  Call (817) 952-2323 to pre-register.

More Info: Click link above, or call (817) 952-2323

Flower Mound – Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

Date and Time: Friday, April 3, 5pm

Location: Community Activity Center

Cost: $5/CAC member, $6/non-member

What it is: The Underwater Egg Hunt Extravaganza is for kids 3 to 10 years old who want to hunt for eggs in the indoor pool, eat candy, and enjoy splashing around the pool. The Hunt begins at 5 p.m. with staggered times for different age groups. Cost is $5 per participant for CAC members and $6 for non-members. Register at the CAC front desk.

More Info: Click link above, or go to Flower Mound website.

Flower Mound – 25th Annual Easter Egg Scramble

Date and Time: Saturday, April 4th.  Activities at 2pm, scramble 2:30pm

Location: Jake’s Hilltop Park, 4975 Timber Creek Road (across from Lamar Middle School)

Cost: Free

What it is: Lots of candy will be available for the taking and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny will highlight this free family event.

More Info: Click link above, or go to Flower Mound website.

Frisco – Aqua Egg Hunt

Date and Time: Saturday, April 4, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Location: Frisco Athletic Center, 5828 Nancy Jane Lane, Frisco, 75035

Cost: $10/child

What it is: The Easter Bunny spilled his eggs in the pool and he needs your help to clean them up! Join us at the Frisco Athletic Center for an eggxtremely good time of egg hunting and swimming. Admission includes: egg hunt, swim pass for the day and a special treat from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to bring your camera! All participants must preregister on the Frisco Athletic Center website.

More Info: Click link above or see the Frisco Athletic Center website.

Grapevine – Easter Egg Hunt

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4 at 10:00am

Location: Grapevine High School practice fields (off of Hwy. 26)

Cost: FREE

What it is: Mr. & Mrs. Bunny will be hiding thousands of eggs at the City’s annual egg hunt.  A couple of special eggs that have tickets for prizes will be hidden in each age group.  Other free activities will include: face painting, popcorn and more!  Bring your camera and have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

More Info: Click link above, or see the Grapevine website.

Highland Village -Easter Egg Hunt

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4 at 10:00am

Location: Unity Park baseball field

Cost: FREE

What it is: The city of Highland Village presents an Easter Egg Hunt each year at the Unity Park baseball field two Saturdays before Easter. There will also be a bounce house, a fire engine and an a chance to have your kids’ pictures taken with the Easter bunny. This Easter event is absolutely free.

More Info: Click the link above, or visit the Highland Village website and click on “Events.”

Keller – Tree-Mendous Easter Egg Hunt

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4 from 9am-11:30am

Location: Bear Creek Park Pond, 400 Bear Creek Park, Keller, 76248

Cost: FREE

What it is: Bear Creek Park will be hoppin’ with fun as every ’bunny’ gathers for the annual Egg Hunt. There will be plenty of actvities and games on this morning of fun, and a very special Bunny will be available for photos. Don’t forget to bring your basket to hold all of your goodies! Celebrate Arbor Day with us and pick up and plant a free tree, while supplies last.  Easter Egg Hunt is organized by age group, so check website for specific times!

More Info: Check City of Keller website for more information.

Little Elm – Eggspedtion

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4 at 9:30am

Location: Little Elm Library, 100 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, 75068

Cost: FREE

What it is: 8,000 eggs will be divided between three fields for three different age groups (0-3), (4-6), and (7-adult). The egg hunt starts at 9:30am sharp. Tip for that day, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find a place to park, get the kids out of the car, and find your fields. Once the sign is given to start, it is over in less than two minutes so come early so you don’t miss out on the hunt.

More Info: Click link above, or see Little Elm City Website.

Richardson – Evening with the Easter Bunny

Date and Time: Friday, April 3rd, 7:30 – 8:30pm

Location: Huffhines Park Pavilion

Cost: $10

What it is: Boys and girls ages 2-6. Bring a parent and join us for this unique event. Children will create an Easter craft and enjoy refreshments, storytime, meeting the Easter Bunny, and going on a night egg hunt with glowing Easter eggs. This will definitely be a one-of-a-kind event! Don’t forget to sign up now! Limited enrollment.  Registration #48139, pre-register with Richardson Parks & Rec

More Info: Click link above, or see Richardson’s “Recreation Today” online catalog.

Southlake – Eggtacular

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4, 10am-2pm

Location: Durham School

Cost: $35

What it is: Children ages 3-5 will enjoy four hours of games, arts and crafts, and lots of surprises in a well supervised environment. Pizza, juice boxes and a special treat will be provided. Parents are not required to attend but do need to sign-in and sign-out their child. Register online, www.SouthlakeParksAndRec.com or Come to the Community Center in Bicentennial Park, 400 N. White Chapel.

More Info: Click link above, or call 817-748-8019 or 817-748-8203

Southlake – Easter in the Park

Date/Time: Sunday, April 5, 1:30 – 4:30pm

Location: Bicentennial Park (Whites Chapel Blvd. entrance), Southlake, 76092

Cost: Free

What it is: Free event that includes egg hunts, inflatables, live entertainment, face painting, petting zoo, cotton candy and more!

More Info: Click link above, or: call 817-748-8019 or 817-748-8203

Easter Week and Weekend (April 9 – April 12)

Allen – We Love Allen

Date: Saturday, April 11th, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Location: 700 Rivercrest Blvd., Allen, TX  75002

Cost: Free

What it is: ‘We Love Allen’ is a Free Community Event hosted by The Harvest to celebrate the community of Allen, Texas, by providing a fun afternoon for the family and a great way to get to know members of the community better. * Free burgers and hot dogs * Prizes and give aways * Egg Hunts (bring your baskets!) * Children’s games and activities * Special Guests * Bounce House and Inflatable Sumo Wrestlers * Show Cars and Motor Bikes * Adopt a Pet from SPCA * Blood Drive by Carter Blood Care * Photo Opportunities * Allen Fire Department and Police Department * National Award Winner Competitive Cheer Squad Presentations

More Info: Click link above, or see We Love Allen website.

Carrollton – Good Friday Bounce and Egg Hunt

Date & Time: Friday April 10th,  2:30 – 4:30pm

Location: Bounce U, 3050 N Josey Ln #110, Carrollton, 75007

Cost: $7 first child/$6 per sibling

What it is: Kids of all ages think our bounce parties are unbelievably cool, and most of them can’t wait for their next trip to BounceU. With our All-Ages Open Bounce sessions, they won’t need a special occasion to enjoy incredible inflatables, exciting games, and non-stop fun.

More info: Click link above, or call Bounce U at 972-939-5000

Dallas – Arboretum Easter Events

Date & Time: Friday April 10th – Sunday April 12th, time varies by day

Location: Dallas Arboretum

Cost: Children under 3 free; 3-12 $6, Adults $9.50, Seniors $8

What it is: Eddie Coker’s children’s concert will be on Fri, Apr 10 at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. There will also be a petting zoo on Sat, Apr 11, noon-4 p.m. and Sun, Apr 12, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Photos with live bunnies, a silhouette artist, and live music round out the entertainment.

More info: Go to the Dallas Arboretum website for more details.

Fort Worth – Stockyards Easter Parade & Egg Hunt

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th, 11am starts

Location: Ft. Worth Stockyards

Cost: Free

What it is: Buckaroos (12 and under) grab your baskets and head to the FUN Fort Worth Stockyards for an super-fun egg hunt you will not want to miss. Hunt starts at High Noon, on the Lawns of the Stockyards Visitors Center and the Historic Livestock Exchange Building on East Exchange Avenue. Egg-hunters will be divided into groups Visit with the Easter bunny and have your picture made between noon – 2 p.m. Parents please bring your own cameras. Don’s miss live bunnies and chicks too, until 3 p.m. Parades start at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Easter Weekend Show is at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

More Info: Click link above, or visit the Ft. Worth Stockyards website.

Mansfield – Country Critters Farm Easter Egg Hunt

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th, Call for times

Location: 3709 County Rd. 617  Alvarado, 76009

Cost: Children up to age 12 are $7 (18 mo. and under FREE), Adults $5.  See website for what special activities are included in admission as well as other activities available for small additional fee.

What it is: Country Critters Farm is now open to the public on weekends!  We will have a special Easter Egg Hunt on April 11th.  We have our annual Peter Rabbit Trail running from now through April 26th. The Peter Rabbit Trail is a quest that we lead the kids on to find Peter Rabbit. The kids follow Peter Rabbit’s footprints that lead us through his vegetable garden, giant eggs, the bird and butterfly garden, and finally to Peter Rabbit himself. The kids learn about gardens, insects, birds, and of corse, rabbits! Peter Rabbit also has prizes for each kid.

More Info: Click link above, or call 817-477-3060

McKinney – ’Egg-Stravaganza’ Egg Hunt

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th at 11am

Location: Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex, 1986 Park View Drive

Cost: Free

What it is: Enjoy a morning of family fun filled with games, arts & crafts, and entertainment.  Don’t miss McKinney’s largest Easter Egg Hunt!

More Info:  See McKinney’s website

Plano – Eggs Over Easy Egg Hunt

Date & Time: Saturday April 11th,  10:00-10:45am

Location: Liberty Rec Center, 2601 Glencliff Drive, Plano

Cost: $4

What it is: The event includes an egg and candy hunt, as well as a visit from PAR D. Duck and the Easter Bunny! Children will be divided for egg hunting by age groups (2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-7 years). Hunt will take place at Liberty Park. Don’t forget to bring a basket and your camera for photos! Space is limited, so register early! Sign up by visiting Parks and Recreation LEISURE Catalog online at www.planoparks.org and selecting Course #97783.

More Info: Click link above or see Plano Parks & Rec Website.

Plano – KidsFest

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location: Downtown Plano (around 15th and Ave. P)

Cost: Free

What it is: Features an Easter Egg Hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, characters from McDonald’s, bounce houses and petting zoo.  Opportunity to shop the great shops of downtown Plano, including arts & crafts and gourmet foods. Sponsored by the Historic Downtown Plano Association and the City of Plano.

More Info: Click link above, or go to www.visitdowntownplano.org.

Richardson – Flashlight Egg-streme

Date and Time: Friday, April 10th, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Location: Breckinridge Park Pavilions, Entrance “C”

Cost: $8/child, adults free

What it is: Boys and girls ages 7-11. Bring a parent, your Easter basket and a flashlight to our annual night Easter egg hunt. You will enjoy a craft, a snack, and a unique night-time hunt. The Easter eggs will be hidden at Breckinridge Park by participating parents and staff. Register now! Registration #48140. Limited Enrollment! Pre-register with Richardson Parks & Rec.

More Info: Click link above, or see Richardson’s “Recreation Today” online catalog.

The Colony – Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival

Date & Time: Thursday, April 9, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Location: Five Star Complex

Cost: $3/child in advance; $5/child day of (tickets can be purchased starting 3/30 at The Colony Recreation Center, 5151 North Colony Blvd.)

What it is: 0-3 and 4-5 hunts will begin at approximately 6:45pm, all others will follow immediately.
Please arrive by 6:30pm to ensure participation.

More Info: Click link above or call 972-625-1106

North Dallas area

Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, Celina

Situated on a quiet country road (CR 126) about 7 miles north of 380 and 3 mile east of Custer Road, Celina’s Big Orange Pumpkin Farm is a family favorite.  Started in 1997 by Rick and Kim Kimbrell, they allow you to get a real farm experience.  Their pumpkins are grown in their own pumpkin patch (so you actually pick them from the patch).  They have a variety of activities for kids, including a petting farm, hayrides on a tractor-pulled wagon, hay stacks to play on, and lots of room to run and play.  Admission is $7 per person (under 2 Free), and includes different items on weekdays or weekends (see website for details).  Open through October M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, and Sun 12-6pm.

Grace Avenue UMC, Frisco

Pumpkins on the Prairie is Grace Avenue’s annual pumpkin patch hosted on the grounds of their church at 3521 Main Street, Frisco, TX 75034.  They have bounce houses, hay rides, hay maze, and lots of pumpkins, plus on the weekends they will have face painting and a pumpkin catapult.  Admission and activities are free.  Hours from Oct 4 through the end of October are M-F 1:00 – 8:00 pm (or sunset), and Sat-Sun 9:00am – 8:00pm (or sunset).

Northwest Dallas area

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch, Double Oak Ranch

The biggest pumpkin patch any of us have seen around these parts is the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch at Double Oak Ranch (5100 Cross Timbers Road/FM 1171).  This Flower Mound tradition has been going (and growing) for many years.  They have numerous activities for the kids, including a tractor-pulled hayride, a trackless train, bounce houses (even one shaped like a pumpkin!), hay stacks and mazes, wooden cut-out characters from some of your children’s favorite shows, and face painting.  You can bring your own lunch/snacks or buy from them (on weekends vendors have items for sale, during week it’s more limited so you should come prepared).  The patch is open 9am – dusk daily through October.

A couple of items to note regarding this patch.  First:  while this is the biggest pumpkin patch we’ve seen, it’s also the busiest.  We have even heard from Moms who’ve chosen to go elsewhere in recent years due to the popularity of this location.  But with no admission charge, so many activities, so many pumpkins, and the flexibility to bring your own food, it’s easy to see why!

Second:  this is the 2nd pumpkin patch you’ll see along Highway 1171 going west.  There is a newer pumpkin patch the neighbors to Double Oak started a few years ago.  Some might call it a smart business decision; others might call it poor form….the feud between the two farms has been so strong it was written up in the Dallas Morning News back in 2006.  We vote for the original.

Halls Pumpkin Farm, Grapevine

At the northeast corner of Hall Johnson Road and Pool Road in Grapevine is one of the last working farms not swallowed up by the DFW metroplex (although it’s surrounded by us suburbanites).  The Hall family has lived on this property since 1929, and now even the great-great-grandchildren of the founder live on the land.  (Gives me goosebumps to think about that, coming from my small town, rural background!)  At the Halls Pumpkin Farm, you can either pick your own off the vine or choose from pumpkins that have already been picked for you.  They have a 2 acre corn maze, hayrides, hay stacks, and lots of photo opportunities from a real farm.  Admission is free (hayrides an extra fee), and their hours of operation are M-Thurs 3pm-8pm, Fri 3pm-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 1pm – 8pm.  They are having a Family Fright Night on October 25th if you have older kids (or want to have a scary date night) for $8 from dark until 11pm.  More information is on their website (which also plays some great bluegrass music to get you in the pumpkin-picking mood), or by phone (817-421-4099) .

The Pumpkin Express, Argyle

This expansive pumpkin patch in Argyle boasts loads of pumpkins and spooky decorations like the haunted pirate ship shown.  At 11351 Hilltop Road, in Argyle, the Pumpkin Express has a train to ride, bounce houses, and allows your kids to have fun trampsing around the pumpkin field and the decorations.  Admission is $5 (free for kids under 2) and includes the train ride.  They are open everyday from Oct 4 through Nov 2 from 10am – 6pm.

Northeast Dallas Area

Owens Spring Creek Farm, Richardson

The family farm for the Owens Company (think breakfast sausage) has been preserved in Richardson and is open for special events, birthday parties, etc.  Owens Spring Creek Farm will host its annual Big Orange Pumpkin Farm from Sept 27 through the end of October.  Kids can pick out their own pumpkin, pet the farm animals, romp in hay, or go on a hayride.  Weekday admission is $6 and weekend admission is $7 (children under 2 are free); includes different items depending on weekday or weekend so see website for details.  Their address is 1401 E. Lookout Drive, Richardson, TX 75082, and you may call them also for more information at (972) 235-0192.

Southwest Dallas Area

Mainstay Farm, Cleburne

This Christmas Tree Farm goes all out for fall with so much to do for families.  The Mainstay Farm Family Play Days are Saturdays October 4, 11, 18, & 25 from 11am until 5pm.  Adventure Hay rides are included in admission, and you’ll get to play in the 3-story tree house, wooden maze and other playground activities. They have 3 mazes, face and pumpkin painting, a hay-play and jump barn, 100 ft. super chute slide, pedal kart race track, a Goat Scape Mountain, picnic pavillion, and indoor restrooms. Come to hungry to the Mainstay Grill where we serve: gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey legs, sausage-on-a-stick, caramel apple chips, pumpkin ice cream, and pumpkin pie. There is also a snack stand on the back of the farm.  Admission $8 adults, $7 kids 12 and younger, free for 2 and younger. 1004 W. Bethesda Road, five miles south of Burleson (exit 32 off of I-35W).  Their website has lots more information, or you may call them at 817-295-6772.

“In Town” Options

Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum is not just a great outing in the spring; in the fall, they have 66 acres of beautiful landscaping with wonderful blooming flowers – and loads of pumpkins!  At their Great Pumpkin Festival, running from Sept 20 – Nov 2, they also have a hay maze and on the weekends they add Arts & Crafts for the kids along with a self-guided scavenger hunt.  They have some special events lined up for the fall, including an Eddie Coker concert at 11am on Oct. 13 and a Pumpkin Carving contest on Oct. 25 & 26 at 1pm.  Also on Oct. 25 & 26 they will be having a Family Fun Weekend, with petting zoo, face painting, trick-or-treating, and games.  Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes for this event.  Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (ages 3-12), and free for children ages 2 and under.  On-site parking $5 per vehicle.  Open daily 9am-5pm.  The Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX  75218.

Plano – Resurrection Lutheran Church

Resurrection Lutheran Church, at 1919 Independence Parkway in Plano, begins their annual pumpkin patch on Oct. 12 and will run through Oct. 30.  Hours are M-F 4:30pm – 7pm, Sat-Sun 9am – 6pm.  They host a special Fall Festival each year, and this year it is on Oct. 25 from 10am – 1pm.  Activities will include a petting zoo, face painting, several children’s games, and Trunk-or-Treating.  Bring the kids out in their costumes and have some good family fun!

Coppell – Rejoice Lutheran Church

Rejoice Lutheran Church, at 532 E. Sandy Lake Road in Coppell, begins their annual pumpkin patch on Oct. 4.  We couldn’t find specific hours posted, but it is such a Coppell tradition we’re sure you Coppell Moms know all about it.  A pretty setting, right in the middle of town.