Beat Brain Drain

can create and play with melted wax, Model Magic dough, watercolor paints, sidewalk chalk and digital interactives at more than two dozen activity stations. Plano, 469/642-2901; crayolaexperience.com

What can you do at OIL AND COTTON? A better question would be what can’t you do. Sign up your kids or teens for the many workshops for drawing, painting, collage, self-portraiture, polymer clay, weaving, cloth dyeing, calligraphy—even instrument and song-writing lessons at the art studio’s new location just west of downtown Dallas. Dallas, 972/373-4528; oilandcotton.com

At PAINT MY POTTERY, you can not only paint your pottery but also make it from scratch. Pottery-togo kits with glaze, brushes and paint palettes are also available. Offerings vary by location. The Shops artat Willow Bend, Plano, 972/371-8539, and Market Plaza, Plano, 972/800-5977; paintmypottery.net Inside the splatter room at PIPE & PALETTE, now located at a new and larger storefront inside The Shops at Willow Bend, slip on a pair of goggles and go crazy with paint (without getting in trouble). You can also book workshops for fluid art, hand lettering, pottery, even for making spoon jewelry. Mommy & Me or Daddy & Me classes are also available Mondays through Wednesdays. Plano, 972/482-0755; pipeand palette.com Have you discovered the new AT&T DISCOVERY DISTRICT? The technology-focused entertainment destination in downtown Dallas boasts a 104-foottall media wall, an LED-lit globe (it’s a 3D version of AT&T’s logo) you can walk through and immersive exhibits inside the “AT&T Experience Store.” Dallas; discoverydistrict.att.com

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT— emphasis on the Arts—in Oak Cliff is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Dallas, thanks in part to its collection of murals. Check out “Bat Girl” by local Steve Hunter (at 313 N. Bishop Ave.) and several more on the walkable West Seventh Street. Dallas; bishopartsdistrict.com

For admirers of the strange and unusual, go see the EYE that looks out from a garden near the posh Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas. The 30-foot-tall fiberglass orb—an exact replica of artist Tony Tasset’s own eyeball—is mesmerizing. Dallas; thejouledallas.com

Appropriately named INSPIRATION ALLEY, this Instagram-worthy alleyway that anchors the Foundry District is another spot that’s the perfect backdrop for snapping family pics. Visit on any day to see colorful, ever-changing murals. Fort Worth; thefoundrydistrictfw.com Go online to download the map for the PLANO ART WALK for a self-guided tour around the city. You’ll experience sculptures, murals, historic structures and other artworks at about two dozen locations, like the Echowave in downtown. The download includes questions and prompts, too, to help your kids engage with the works. Plano; planoartwalk.com

If you’ve ever driven past Fort Worth City Hall and noticed the bright yellow sculpture twisted into a beautiful ball, that’s TABACHÍN RIBBON, created by the late Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge and donated to the city in honor of Fort Worth’s Hispanic heritage. Swing by this summer to take a closer look at the 13-foot-tall circular sculpture whose shape was inspired from the evergreen Tabachín tree that grows in Domenge’s native Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley. fortworth.com

Kids who love their teddy bears will get a kick out of the larger-than-life-size

carved from stone, located at the serene Lakeside Park in the posh Highland Park neighborhood and overlooking Turtle Creek. Take a stroll across the footbridge at 4601 Lakeside Drive to have a look-see at the 10-foot-tall momma bear and her three bear cubs nearby, each frozen in a state of play. Feel free to crawl (carefully) on the bears. Highland Park; hptx.org

More than 150 artworks and contemporary sculptures that make up the

are on view both inside and outside HALL Park, a business development (and the future home of a widely expanded park and performing arts center). Frisco, 972/3771100; texassculpturegarden.org

Commissioned by DART and built by local creatives Brad Oldham and Brandon Oldenburg, THE TRAVELING MAN is a series of three stainless steel, smiling robots in Deep Ellum. You can find them each along Good Latimer Expressway near the Deep Ellum Station: Awakening (the tip of his head emerging from the ground), Waiting on a Train (lounging, strumming a guitar), and Walking Tall (mid-stride at 40 feet tall and a steel bird perched on his arm). Dallas; dart.org learn about early North Texas aviation history. Fort Worth, 855/733-8627; fortworthaviationmuseum.org

Step into a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-300 at the

MUSEUM alongside Love Field. In all, there are more than 40 air and space vehicles and over 35,000 artifacts, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s parachute model. There’s also a play area your littles will love. Dallas, 214/350-3600; flightmuseum.com

Keep all kinds of learning going

Take a trip down the runway as you enter HENRY

You’ll see original aircraft from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War at the CAVANAUGH FLIGHT MUSEUM. Military trucks and armor are also on learnexhibit. Addison, 972/3808800; cavflight.org Kids will enjoy trying out flight simulators, stepping into a real cockpit and even playing on an evacuation slide at CR SMITH MUSEUM. The museum near DFW Airport also explains the history of American Airlines. Fort Worth, 682/2789085; crsmithmuseum.org Check out the outdoor aircraft “petting zoo” at the

MUSEUM. You’ll see all types of warbirds, jets and helicopters as you CENTER. Kiddos will learn the meanings of the different markings on the runway, then continue on to hands-on STEM activities in a hangar that also houses WWII aircraft. Dallas, 214/330-1700; flynaec.org If you happen to own an aircraft, you could fly into the VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM—which is inside a hangar at Meacham International Airport. (Cars also welcome.) There are nearly two dozen rare and historic aircraft, plus memorabilia and artifacts. Fort Worth, 817/624-1935; vintageflying museum.org

Encourage your child’s love of reading with twice-weekly storytime at INTERABANG BOOKS. The events begin at 10:30am Wednesdays and Saturdays and include a craft before reading time. Dallas, 214/484-4289; interabangbooks.com

BOOKS is a cozy shop in Fort Worth’s Cultural District with storytime each Tuesday and Friday at 10:30am. Other programs encourage “older” young readers to think about what they’re reading and participate in riveting discussions. Fort Worth, 817/489-5747; monkeyanddogbooks.com

Mosey on over to the FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS. In addition to the twice daily cattle drive with longhorn and real cowboys, your littles will love the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, the Stockyards Barnyard Petting Corral and the kid-friendly mechanical bull. Fort Worth, 800/433-5747; fortworthstockyards.org

Celebrate women past and present at the NATIONAL

HALL OF FAME. You’ll get to know the women who, through resilience and determination, helped shape the west and its culture. Sacagawea, Georgia O’Keefe, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Annie Oakley are all featured. Fort Worth, 817/336-4475; cowgirl.net

Encourage your children to learn about themselves this summer at HOUSE OF SHINE. This interactive center is part experiential lab and part workspace. The goal is to help visitors discover their “SHINE” (strengths, hobbies, interests and irritants, needs and experiences) and how they can contribute to their community and the world. Special events include storytime, journaling and crafts. Grapevine; 817/601-8850; houseofshine.com

learn With a visit to the NA-

SEUM, kids can get a full perspective of the people and activities that shaped the American West. For example, there are exhibits highlighting the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, the Vaquero and Native American chiefs. Fort Worth, 817/534-8801; nmwhm.org Do your kids love the rodeo? Check out the TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME, which has a massive display of rodeo mementos. Along with learning about over 100 pivotal cowboys and cowgirls, you can also see the Sterquell Wagon collection, a 1933 Cadillac owned by Amon G. Carter, take pictures in the “old-tyme” photo parlor and more. Fort Worth, 817/626-7131; tchof.com

The AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF DALLAS is devoted to preserving and displaying African American art, culture and history. Visitors can experience Facing the Rising Sun, an exhibit telling the story of the area now known as Uptown and once called Freedman’s Town, and see one of the largest African American folk art collections. Dallas, 214/565-9026; aamdallas.org The DALLAS HOLOCAUST

MUSEUM was founded by local Holocaust survivors. You’ll see haunting artifacts such as concentration camp uniforms and pictures, a railway car used to transport prisoners and propaganda used by the Third Reich. The museum also teaches visitors about the courageous, upstanding individuals who paved the way for significant changes in society. Due to mature themes, the museum encourages visitors to be age 12 and older. Dallas, 214/741-7500; dhhrm.org Adorned with bright, vivid colors, the LATINO CULTURAL CENTER highlights Hispanic and Latino culture and art. Come June 15 for loteria, a bingo-like game with colorful images. Dallas, 214/671-0445; lcc. dallasculture.org OPPORTUNITY PARK is a 20-acre green space with usual park features (such as a playground and trails) and art installations highlighting local African American figures and history. Head to the gray cylindrical structure, where you can read through plaques, and the tall metal poles, where you can listen to voices of notables such as Woodie Culton, Erykah Badu and Judy Lott. Dallas, 214/6704100; dallasparks.org The SOUTH DALLAS CULTURAL CENTER celebrates Black contributions to world culture. Ongoing programs include dance experiences, a means of self-defense that is rooted in culture, and visual art galleries. Dallas, 214/6710727; sdcc.dallasculture.org

Learn about firefighter gear, fire safety and firefighter history at the DALLAS

FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM. You’ll see a steam engine from 1884, engines from the 1920s and more materials and equipment from over the years. The museum also promotes a child-geared fire safety program using an animated, virtual house. Dallas, 214/821-1500; dallasfiremuseum.com

Go on a journey from the past to the present at the

MUSEUM. You’ll see an authentic hose cart from the 1800s, a 1935 ladder truck, as well as uniforms, helmets, fire extinguishers and other gear from various decades. Denton, 940/3498840; cityofdenton.com

Happy 176th birthday, Denton County! Experience the area’s rich history at the

SQUARE MUSEUM. There’s a collection of artifacts from the county’s past; kids will especially enjoy the vintage grocery store exhibit. Denton, 940/349-2850; dentoncounty.gov

Experience what life was like pre-smartphone at DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE. The 20-acre site includes a large collection of 19th-century homes and buildings, moved there from throughout North Central Texas. Dallas, 214/421-5141; dallasheritagevillage. org Explore 27 acres and 175 years of local history at

HISTORICAL PARK. Check out over a dozen structures, such as an old schoolhouse, general store and railroad depot. This summer, enjoy lawn games, sidewalk chalking, kite flying and an exploration of jobs of the past. Farmers Branch, 972/4060184; farmersbranchtx.gov

Trace how a fast-growing city came to be what it is today at FRISCO HERITAGE CENTER. Show your kiddos a turn-of-the-century printing press, an early 1900s parlor replica and the Frisco Railroad Depot. Frisco, 972/292-5665; friscoheritage.org

See what your kids think of the one-room schoolhouse replica at HERITAGE

(yes, they’d have to be in class with their siblings). True to the museum’s name, there’s also the Blackland Prairie Farmstead plus the 19th-century home to explore. Plano, 972/881-0140; heritagefarmstead.org

The 22,000-square-foot

SEUM documents the rich history of Irving from its frontier days. The immersive permanent exhibit, The Irving Story, is joined by rotating national exhibits; this summer, you’ll

be able to see Women, Aviation and WWII. Kids will also enjoy the on-site, Smithsonian-developed Spark!Lab. This unique space provides materials and resources for invention and creativity. Irving, 972/721-3700; irvingarchivesandmuseum.com

LOG CABIN VILLAGE will take your 21st-century kid back to the days of bonnets and wagons. Meander the site, exploring historic structures and meeting the interpreters, who will perform pioneer life demonstrations and answer questions. Fort learnWorth, 817/392-5881;logcabinvillage.org Party like it’s 1899 at NASH FARM, the oldest intact farmstead in Tarrant County. The site includes the original farmhouse, historic barn and other structures. And it’s still a working farm. First Fridays events allow your child to learn heritage skills. Grapevine, 817/410-3185; grapevinetexasusa.com/nash-farm Maker Spaces Located at Arlington Public Library’s Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch, MAKERSPACE offers something for experienced and aspiring makers. The Tinker Room allows makers to bring their visions to life using a milling machine, plotter printer and other devices and tools. In the Innovate Room, create wearable works of art through sewing, quilting and embroidery tutorials and even a heat press. Arlington, 817/459-6900; arlingtonlibrary.org/makerspace Any maker age 18 and under can use the space and equipment at THE MAKER SPOT (inside the North Richland Hills Library) for free, regardless of residency. (And membership fees aren’t being charged for adults right now, either.) Try out the machines for quilting, sewing and embroidery; the Cricut machine; 3D printers; audio production and editing equipment; and more. North Richland Hills, 817/427-6800; library.nrhtx. com/themakerspot

Start your visit to the NOBLE PLANETARIUM at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History with the newly renovated Noble Space Gallery. You’ll find a collection of artifacts—many of which have actually been in space, including a Fort Worth flag that was on the moon—and activities. Gaze upwards for your show: Noble Planetarium Experience, Live at The Noble: Our Solar System and Dream to Fly (a journey through the history of aviation). Fort Worth, 817/255-9300; fwmuseum.org/explore/ noble-planetarium

The University of North Texas is home to SKY THEATER, a 100-seat and 40-foot domed projection theater where astronomy and education come to life. Travel among the stars, experience the thrill of a celestial rollercoaster, or enter an atom and wind through fields of electrons with stunning views that the entire family will enjoy. Denton, 940/369-8213; astronomy.unt.edu/sky-theater

You don’t have to worry about the city lights at the UNIVERSITY OF

PLANETARIUM—you’ll be able to see the Texas night sky in all its glory. After your stargazing experience, you can ask the planetarium astronomer questions about the solar system. Then it’s time for your full-dome feature show, such as Astronaut, Unveiling the Invisible Universe and Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon. Arlington, 817/272-1183; uta.edu/planetarium

From the “Make and Think” station to “How Things Work,” EXPLORIUM DEN-

UM is designed to indulge your child’s curiosity. The activity centers are for kids of all ages and allow them to grow their understanding of math, science, technology and more. Denton, 940/3205444; exploriumdenton.org

RY does great job of including younger kiddos, making it a one-stop attraction for all ages. Current Science Studio, Noble Planetarium, DinoLabs, DinoDig and Cattle Raisers Museum provide entertainment and education for the entire family. Fort Worth, 817/2559300; fwmuseum.org

The PEROT MUSEUM OF

building is a work of art (how about that dramatic, glass-enclosed escalator), and the awe continues when you pass through the doors. Kids can try their hand at robotics, experience an earthquake, compare a T. rex to the modern chicken and more. Dallas, 214/4285555; perotmuseum.org

The gateway to River Legacy Park, RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER is a 12,000-foot-nature center. The atrium includes activity tables and terrariums with native wildlife; visit the Discovery Room for interactive exhibits and technology that allow you to experience the park’s woodland environment. Cap off your visit with a walk on surrounding trails. Arlington, 817/8606752; riverlegacy.org

Beauty and science come together at the RORY

AT DALLAS ARBORETUM. Kids 6 and up become mini-scientists in the Walne Family Discovery Lab, where they conduct experiments with an arboretum educator. Stroll in the treetops on the Texas Skywalk, then visit the air-conditioned OmniGlobe for solar system learning. STEM Stops, puppet shows and storytime round out Children’s Garden activities. Dallas, 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org

Get your STEM on with hands-on activities at SCI-

TER. Visit the WOW stage for daily live demonstrations of science in action; your kids can also build their own magnetic rollercoaster, make massive bubbles and learn about surface tension, or experience how construction meets creativity at the MakerStudio. Frisco, 972/546-3050; mindstretchingfun.org

The GEORGE W. BUSH

AND MUSEUM on SMU grounds includes a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as well as steel from the World Trade Center. Through the end of the year, you can also visit Liberty & Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House. Be sure to also stroll through Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park. Dallas, 214/200-4300; bushcenter.org

Before President John F. Kennedy headed to Dallas on a fateful day in 1963, he made an impromptu speech in the rain on the front steps of what is now the Hilton Fort Worth. Visit the

UTE in downtown’s General Worth Square to see how that moment is memorialized. Fort Worth, 817/870-1692; fortworth.com

explores the life and legacy of President Kennedy. Best suited for older children, the museum offers an in-depth study of the tragic day that changed our nation, and city, forever. Dallas, 214/747-6660; jfk.org

Have a gamer on your hands? The NATIONAL

combines gaming with learning in this immersive, informative experience. The only museum of its kind in the nation, the NVM is dedicated to educating the public on the history of the videogame industry while highlighting the use of STEM values to create entertainment for millions. Frisco, 972/6688400; nvmusa.org

The REBY CARY YOUTH LIBRARY is the first of its kind in Fort Worth. With collections targeted towards those 18 and under, this library has one major rule: It’s for kids only! Adults without a child in tow are not permitted. In addition to all the books, there’s a kiddie area that includes a puppet stage, miniature grocery store and vet clinic play area, and a multitude