Looking for a Place to Have a Good Time

www.exploritzone.net

This is where we are having our daughter's 3rd birthday party in June. It is located on the upper level of Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville. I booked my daughter's party in February and there were already several parties booked for the summer then. You might want to decide fairly quickly and book your party because indoor party locations book up FAST for the summer.

We took our little one to the Ft. Worth Science Museum where they have an area on the bottom floor specifically for babies and toddlers. They had water activities (boats in a plastic pool, etc.), dress up and much more. They also have a Dr. Seuss exhibit. Also, the zoo is always a hit. Dallas Aquarium captivated my kids. It's best of your child can walk for most of these suggestions.
As for birthday parties - I have been to two birthdays this year for toddlers that were hosted at "Little Gym" or Gymboree. The kids can run around the gym, play on trampolines, bars, low balance beams, etc. Then the employees do activities with the group and serve food and cake. It was perfect for that age group. If you want to go on the cheaper side, a party at a local park is always fun.

T.,

Check out the website for Sandy Lake (I don't know the address but Google it). It's a fun place with rides for very small children, a petting zoo, a train that goes around the park, etc. They have snacks, drinks and food for sale. It is in Carrollton, on the west side of I-35.

For a birthday party, I would just keep it simple this year! Get a good picture of baby eating birthday cake smeared on the face, lots of balloons, and then focus more on food/snacks for the adults!

ST

Hey there,
I really dont know much abt Irving..but cud tell u abt some others..like gatti town in frisco, hawaaian falls on hwy 121..or u cud also visit the tourist spots to see in dallas on the city's website.

For cheap hotels, try BiddingforTravel.com. It gives you suggestions on how to bid for rooms using Priceline.com. I got a 4 star hotel in Vancouver, Canada for $60/night (regularly $140/night) and a 4 star in Seattle for $99/night (regularly $200). I got a 3 star Doubletree hotel at the Seattle airport for $35/night (regularly $149/night).

I didn't post my needs on BIddingforTravel, but used their suggestions and looked to see what others were getting on Priceline so I wouldn't overbid. It took some patience, but paid off big time.

The only downside is that if you book through Priceline.com, you're stuck with the hotel (you can't cancel and get your money back). So you have to be 100% certain you will use the room.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!
S.

T.:
My husband and I are in the same boat. Places that are inexpensive we take our 18 month old to are:
-Stonebrier mall in Frisco. They have a carousel my son loves. It is 1.50 to ride.
-The dallas aquarium. I think it is like 18.00 for adults, but the baby should get in free and it is really, really cool
-There is a train by the Ft. Worth Zoo that is only a few dollars and it takes you all around Ft. Worth and some parks. Cute and cheap
-Lewisville mall has a playland for kids. It's free and pretty neat.
-Saturday mornings in Coppell at 8:30am ( i am sure you are up! :)
is a Farmers Market. You can just browse and they always have stuff for the little ones.

Good luck and have fun!

I would love to hear some of your suggestions for the party. I am starting to look myself for a one year old party! Good luck!

I would suggest going to "Ghatti Town"! We had so much fun going there and it will not break the bank. Ghatti Town is located in Frisco in front of the Stone Briar Mall. It is a all you can eat pizza and you can also watch kid movies, while you eat. After that you can go to the back and play video games and it is for the whole family!!! You will have so much fun!! I believe the price is about $7.00 per adult and $5.00 per kid!!! This place beats Chucky Cheese, it will probably put them out of business!!! Have fun!

My partner and I gave our son a Dallas Family zoo pass for his first birthday in 2002. We have had a membership since. The membership allows you access to a little aquarium in Dallas Fair Park too. I think you can gain access for you and your husband for around $60.00/year. Your son will be free until he turns 4. They have a GREAT children's zoo there! Now that our son is older, I have taken him there via the Trinity Express/Dallas light rail system. You can get an all day pass for $2.50/adult. Don't forget to take an umbrella stroller...Good Luck!