October -- First Two Weeks

October is going to be filled with all kinds of fun activities for the family. Because events around town are so numerous, I haven't captured them all here, but at least it's a good start. Please feel free to comment if you know of something else I've missed that's a lot of fun.

Ongoing Activities/Events (All Expensive, but probably worth it):

1. The Promise. This outdoor play in Glen Rose is a must-see for any Christian family. It's kind of a drive, and it ain't cheap, but it's an experience that won't be forgotten. Dates: September 1 – October 27, every Friday and Saturday evening. Place: 5000 Texas Drive, Glen Rose, Texas. Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Cost: $15-$28.

2. The State Fair. It needs no explanation, but just wanted to mention the dates so you don't forget if you want to go. Dates: Now through October 21.

3. Disney's The Lion King. This musical is playing at Music Hall at Fair Park now through October 21. Cost is anywhere from $29 to $133. See www.dallassummermusicals.org for more info.

FIRST TWO WEEKS OF OCTOBER

SATURDAY, October 6

1. A Growing Marriage, led by Dr. Gary Chapman. OK, so this isn't technically a family fun event, but you can't have fun as a family if you don't have a good marriage. So, it may be time to ship the kids off to Grandma's for the day, and spend some quality time with your spouse at a conference led by the author of The Five Love Languages. Place: Richland Hills Church of Christ, 6300 NE Loop 820, Richland Hills, Texas 76180. Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $40/couple. Call 817-281-0773 for more info or to purchase tickets.

SUNDAY, October 7

1. Duck Day! This fun family event is actually a fundraiser for the Circle T Council Girl Scouts. For $5.00, you can purchase a numbered rubber duck, and cheer it on as it races down the Trinity River, competing with about 19,999 other ducks that were tossed off the bridge to see who crosses the finish line first. If your duck is a winner (several can win), you can win one of several really cool prizes. In addition to the race, which is at 3:30, you can come early, starting at noon, to enjoy the normal festival type stuff: face painting, merchandise purchases, and festival food. Place: Fort Worth Trinity Park. Time: 12-5 (Race: 3:30-4:00) Cost: FREE admission, ducks are extra

2. First Sunday Movie Club. This may fall more in the date category, unless your kids are older. The Fort Worth Central Library hosts free movies on the first Sunday of each month, and this month is Strangers on a Train, a 1951 Alfred Hitchcock movie. It might be fun to take your older kids to show them what used to be considered a suspense film, and then talk about how times have changed. Place: Fort Worth Central Library, 500 W. 3rd Street Time: 2 p.m. Cost: FREE

3. 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off. The Fort Worth Nature Center is hosting a free chili cook off in conjunction with an introduction to the new Raptor Exhibit at the Nature Center. Drinks, crackers and dessert is provided.

SATURDAY, October 13

1. Learn Salsa Dancing. Here's something different – learn to dance together as a family! As part of their continuing celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, the Fort Worth Northside Library will offer free salsa dancing classes at 11:30. C'mon, it'll be fun! Don't be a chicken! Place: Northside Public Library, 601 Park Street, Fort Worth Time: 11:30 a.m. Cost: FREE

2. Fall Plant Sale. Not only could you go together as a family to pick out some beautiful native fall plants to plant together, but you can also be a part of the Monarch butterfly tagging project. From their website: "Participate in the gentle tagging and release of monarch butterflies in the Trial Garden! Watch as education horticulturist and entomologist Gail Manning gathers the butterflies as they feed on nectar (flowers available at the plant sale!). A small tag is applied to the hindwing, and the butterfly is released to flutter away, continuing its journey south to Mexico. Be part of a phenomenon of nature- the marvelous migration of the monarch." Place: Fort Worth Botanic Garden Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: FREE admission, plants extra

3. Fiestalorico by Balet Folklorico. In lieu of a more sophisticated way to put it, Balet Folklorico are the Mexican dancers with the bright "spinning dresses", as my 4 year old calls them. When we went to Mexico when she was just under 2 years old, she was mesmerized by this type of dance and charmed all our fellow travelers with her attempts to dance just like them. The 6th Annual Fiestalorico will be held at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in the Cultural District. See website for more details. Location: Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy Street (across from the Amon Carter Museum). Time: Afternoon performance is from 12-5, Evening performance is at 7:30. Cost: Afternoon -- $5 for 11 and up, under 11 free. Evening -- $10 per person.

SUNDAY, October 14

1. Monarch Migration. The Fort Worth Nature Center will provide a talk on how Monarch butterflies migrate, and then will lead a leisurely stroll through the Nature Center to try to locate the Monarch butterflies. Place: Fort Worth Nature Center. Time: 1-3 p.m. Cost: FREE.