Review: Trains at North Park Center

This past weekend I made the trek over to Dallas to the North Park Center to check out their annual train exhibit. Although my husband and oldest daughter were hunting, I took my 20 month old and my mother (who loves trains).

What I liked: I think my favorite part of train exhibits isn't so much the trains as it is the little scenes set up around the trains. This exhibit had awesome scenes all throughout, including many with animated pieces that moved. It's fun to find little real life details like a tiny man changing a light bulb in front of a building.

For those unfamiliar with model trains, they come in several different sizes, and often an exhibit will feature only one. But this exhibit had virtually every size of train, and lots of 'em. They were whisking by right and left over tracks that went everywhere.

Also, since it was after Christmas, the crowd was smaller than I would guess it was during the Christmas season, so it was easier to maneuver through the exhibit with my 20 month old. She enjoyed looking at the trains, although I think her mamma and Nana enjoyed it just a little more!

What I didn't like: The exhibit itself was a little short, but if you know anything about trains, you know that the total cost of all the items in this exhibit combined must have cost a fortune. Given the amount of things they crammed into a small space, I can forgive them for it being a litle short.

Also, the drive was a little long, though not as bad as I thought it would be. Thank goodness for GPS, or I never would have driven over there. (What can I say... I hate to drive to Dallas.)

Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd recommend it as something for you to take your family to do next year, especially if you have anyone in the family who likes trains. I'd like to go back next year and take my older daughter to see it, and since my youngest is so small, it'll be all new to her next year, too!

Back in the Saddle

Given the new year, I thought I'd jump start this blog with a couple of changes. Instead of listing every single activity I can find for a weekend, which was way too time consuming, I think I'll highlight just a few activities that sound like something I'd really want to do with my family, even if we don't have time for it. (Please note that my family consists of two girls, ages 5 and 1.5, and we are expecting a baby this year in March, so the activities will likely be geared toward younger children.) Also, I might include a few things that I wouldn't do with the kids, but that would make a great (or at least interesting) date or girls' night out. OK, here we go.

THIS WEEKEND: Mostly Christmas leftovers

Trains at NorthPark: It's not too late to see this Christmastime exhibit of model trains. It's a long drive over there, but if you like trains, I hear it would be worth it. Plus, it goes to support the Ronald McDonald House charity, so you can feel extra good about the cost. Here's the info from their website:

Dates: Saturday, November 22, 2008 - Sunday, January 4, 2009
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m. (Early closings on days before holidays and on New Year's Day)
Location:In NorthPark Center near the Boedeker Street entrance between Neiman Marcus and Barney's New York, Level Two. Valet parking available off the Boedeker entrance on Level Two. North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway.
Cost at Exhibit: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children & seniors (65 and older). Children under 2 are free.

Polar Express at the Omni: Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS are $9 for adults, $8 for children (3-12) and seniors (60+). Museum Members receive a $2 per ticket discount. The film will show daily through Jan. 4, 2009. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or by phone at 817-255-9540. Group rates available.

Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show: Saturday, January 3rd, showtimes at 2:30 and 4:30, ticket prices $12/adult, $8/kid. This show comes periodically to the Stockyards, and I've been wanting to take the kids to see it. We haven't made it yet, but maybe you will and you can tell me if it's worth it!


NEXT WEEKEND:

Log Cabin Village: January 10, 2009
Whatcha Got Cookin’? 1:00—4:00 p.m.

"Join us in welcoming the Prairie Dog Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society to the Village as they show us how everything from soup to dessert can be prepared in a cast iron pot! Get your hands “dirty” as you discover frontier foodways for yourself. The weather may be cool, but things will be heating up around here!
No reservations required. Cost is regular Village admission plus a $2 fee to make your own “foodie” craft."

LATER IN THE MONTH:

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Runs January 16-February 8. We'll be there on January 31st and we can't wait! Just hope the weather isn't too terribly cold for the kids. January 17 will be the annual Stock Show Parade, and I'll try to have more details about that in the coming days.

Fort Worth Family Fun for This Weekend

1. Stockshow Parade this Saturday! The Stockshow begins this weekend, with the parade as their inaugural event. From their website: "Don’t miss the tradition of the Fort Worth Stock Show’s “All Western Parade” scheduled Saturday, January 12 at 11 AM, Downtown Fort Worth! The Stock Show Parade is held each year on the first Saturday of the Show. Nearly 100,000 spectators line the streets of downtown Cowtown to watch this spectacular annual event. Plenty of horses and other livestock can be seen – but no motorized vehicles are allowed!" Here's the parade route.

1a. For more information on the Stockshow, go to their website. My family will be going on January 31, including attending the rodeo in the evening, and we're making a day of it! I can't wait to see what the kids think of it, since it'll be their first time.

2. After the Parade: 2008 Western Heritage Trail Drive Celebration.
From their website: "This free, fun family event will tell the story of Fort Worth's heritage, from the 1830s to the present, and will feature chuck wagon cooking, stage coaches, performances by national recording artists, authentic Native American and Mexican folk dancing, Western storytelling and more. The celebration follows the annual Stock Show Rodeo Parade and will take place from noon until 4 p.m. at the Two City Place parking lot at the corner of Belknap, Taylor and Weatherford streets. As an added bonus during this year's festivities, Score A Goal In The Classroom and the Fort Worth Cowtown Committee will honor Doug Harmon with the Fort Worth Cowtown Legend Award and Fort Worth City Manager Charles Boswell with the Western Heritage Trail Boss Award. The awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m..
Saturday January, 12 2008
Downtown Fort Worth.
Storytelling in Art
Saturday, January 12, 200810 a.m.–noon

3. CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP on Saturday (Ages 6–14) at the Kimball Art Museum. From their website: "The fee for this workshop is $15 ($12 for Kimbell members); no charge for parents. Please call 817-332-8451, ext. 297, to register.Guest instructor and storyteller Tom McDermott will use music and humor to explore how we tell stories through art. This workshop is inspired by objects from the special exhibition Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art."

4. Target Family Fun Days at the Amon Carter Museum on Sunday. From their website: "Admission is free. Sunday, January 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Arty Animals.... Unleash your creativity! See a film about children’s author Eric Carle, go on a “gallery safari,” and enjoy lots of “wild” art-making activities. "

ONGOING: The Ark. Friday December 28, 2007 - Saturday January 26, 2008 Rated: G
"Artisan Center Theater heralds the return of one of its biggest past hits, The Ark, featuring music by multi-talented composer, author and film director Michael McLean, with book and lyrics by Michael McLean and Kevin Kelly.
Brought back by popular demand, this inspiring musical takes a new look at the classic Biblical story of Noah and what happened inside that famous floating community. You’ll soon see that when facing the challenges of life, we’re all in the same boat.
Admission:
Fridays and Saturdays: $13.00 – Adults$11.00 – Seniors/Students$8.00 – Children (12 & under)
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays: $9.00 – Adults/Seniors/Students$6.00 – Children (12 & under)"

Last Weekend of 2007!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Honestly, there's not a whole lot going on this weekend in Fort Worth, but here are a couple of things, along with an exciting upcoming event. Well, it's exciting if you have little girls, anyway!


1. Free Family Friday at Museum of Science and History. "We wish you and your family a very merry and safe holiday season and invite you to come explore our exhibits on the first floor of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. As a gift to the community, we will offer Free Family Friday on December 28. Enjoy free exhibit admission from 3 to 7 p.m. that evening."

2. Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show at Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards on SATURDAY. "Spectators will get a glimpse of the past as entertainers recreate the original Wild West show, which was first held in Fort Worth's Cowtown Coliseum in 1909. Wholesome entertainment for the entire family full of animals, spectacular performers with ropes, bullwhips, pistols and even a singing cowboy!"
Reserved Box Seats
$11.00
Adult General Admission
$9.00
Child's General Admission * (ages 3 to 12)
$5.00
Senior Citizen General Admission* (60 & older)
$7.50

UPCOMING EVENT:

Barbie at the Symphony on Saturday, January 5. Right now, tickets are buy one, get one free!! Here's the excerpt from the website: "The children's animated classical music experience, Barbie™ at the Symphony is a special film with orchestra presentation of the best-selling Barbie™ "Princess" movies. This series of six CGI animated films features Barbie™ singing and dancing to some of the world's best loved musical scores, with ballet sequences choreographed by Peter Martins of the New York City Ballet. Released in over 30 languages, these popular films have introduced millions of children to ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake and the timeless music to which they are set. Now, for the first time ever, families can enjoy the classical music from the films, played live by a full symphony orchestra, while watching favorite scenes on the big screen."

Merry Christmas!

Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas! Here are a couple of things to do this weekend if you aren't out of town or having to do last minute shopping. All event descriptions are from the websites of the hosts.


1. Drive Through Nativity, Friday and Saturday evenings. North Fort Worth Baptist Church will present a live drive-through nativity for our church and the community on December 21-22, from 6:30-9:00 PM. Go ahead and mark your calendars for this special event. There will be live actors in full costume, beautiful staging along with real camels, sheep, and donkeys! This special celebration is sure to enhance your Christmas celebration. 5801 North I-35, Fort Worth, TX 76131.

2. CHEF'S HOLIDAY PANTRY , Saturday. Treat yourself and others to goodies baked by members of the Texas Chefs Association. Visit Chef's Holiday Pantry from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ridgmar Mall on the upper level near the main escalators. While you're there, visit the Kid's Gingerbread Cookie Decorating. On the mall's lower level, watch "Chef of the Hour" cooking demonstrations. Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit Operation Frontline, a nutrition and cooking program of Tarrant Area Food Bank and Share Our Strength. Members of the Texas Chefs Association are among those who volunteer for the program as chef instructors.