DFWChild April 2026

HEAT RISKS SIGNS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW REAL FAMILIES, REAL SPENDING HABITS

Summer Survival Guide Summer Survival Guide

Carl Coomer

Paige Nyman

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➽ ABOVE // Whatever they imagine, there’s a camp or activity for it— explore programs near and far that bring kids’ biggest dreams to life.

9

SPECIAL SECTIONS

SPECIAL NEEDS

25 Reading, Reimagined How libraries are making story time accessible for every child

MOM APPROVED

29 Mom-Approved Pediatricians The local docs who get parents’ stamp of approval

ON THE COVER

Cover kid: Halston, 4, of Forney Photography: Nick Prendergast Hair/makeup: Amy Bjork / Kim Dawson Agency

FEATURE

18 Dream It, Do It

Act, create, build and play—these summer camps help kids follow their interests wherever they lead

DEPARTMENTS

NOTED

9 100-Degree Childhood

How to keep kids safe, active and cool as extreme heat becomes the new normal

12 By The Numbers / The Going Rate

The unofficial price tags of parenting— from baby teeth to birthday parties

REAL MOMS

15 Mom Next Door / Diane Arnaout

The Fort Worth pediatrician who keeps it real

17 Briefs / Doctor’s Orders

Inside Diane Arnaout’s go-to spots, must-haves and daily rituals PLAYBOOK

36 Things To Do

All the best April events to plan with your family

COLUMNS

6 Hello / Summer, Unfiltered

These days, the livin’ isn’t quite as easy words Amanda Collins Bernier

46 Dad Amongst Dudes / The Great Indoors Because who needs the outdoors when you have Wi-Fi and snacks? words Josh Farnsworth

UNFILTERED

R

EMEMBER SUMMER WHEN YOU WERE A KID?

Waking up with nowhere to be. Riding bikes until the streetlights came on. Long, unscheduled days that somehow felt both endless and easy.

What happened to that kind of summer? These days, it looks pretty different.

Early childhood education and care for infants through kindergarten, and before- and after-school.

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For one thing, it starts in January—with camp sign-ups and waitlists. By March, you’re committing to schedules and crossing your fingers. And here we are in April—not even at the finish line of the school year—but already fully immersed in the logistics.

And then summer actually arrives.

I work from home, which sounds like the best of both worlds— until I’m trying to answer emails while refereeing two very energetic boys who seem to be hungry every 20 minutes. I still feel a quiet pressure to make summer feel magical, like the ones I remember. I plan and I prep—stocking the freezer with popsicles and the days with good intentions. And sometimes, it even works.

And other times? It’s the same movie on for the third day in a row, a steady rotation of popcorn and snacks, and me gently (and then not so gently) encouraging them to please, please go play outside so I can finish a single thought uninterrupted. By July, I’m usually questioning every decision I’ve made.

And then there’s the heat. The kind that turns a simple outing into a whole operation and makes even the best plans feel optional.

If you’ve ever found yourself somewhere between planning and just getting through the day, you’re not alone. Research shows that nearly half of parents feel stressed about planning summer activities for their school-age kids, and by the end of the season, 7 in 10 report feeling exhausted.

That’s where this issue comes in. We’ve pulled together ideas to help you handle the heat (because that alone can derail a whole day), along with camps and activities for all kinds of kids—whether yours want to try something new, travel or would rather stay close to home. Maybe you’ll find a few new ideas, maybe just a little reassurance that you’re not the only one figuring it out as you go.

And if your summer doesn’t look quite like the ones you remember growing up—that’s OK. These days, the livin’ isn’t quite as easy.

ABOVE // Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen

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noted.

100-degree childhood

WHEN MY OLDEST WAS 3, we were picking out clothes for the day, and she asked me the most Texas-kid question ever: “Mom, what season is it today?”

Texas weather can swing between winter, summer or spring in the course of a few hours, but increasingly, it’s just hot—and it stays that way longer. In North Texas, the number of extremely hot days has jumped significantly in recent decades, with Dallas and Fort Worth seeing about a 57% increase in days of extreme heat and heat waves lasting several days longer than they did in the 1960s.

Triple-digit temperatures are also becoming more common and arriving earlier in the year, part of a broader trend that has made recordbreaking heat feel like the new normal across Texas.

How to keep kids safe, active and cool as extreme heat becomes the new normal

WORDS ERIN HAYES BURT

The heat can be dangerous for kids and adults, so parents need to understand how to stay safe in the heat, how to recognize heat illness, and how to tell if an organization is watching out for kids’ safety, whether they are at camp or a team practice.

HOW KIDS OVERHEAT FASTER THAN YOU THINK

Lauren Cain is a Fort Worth mom of three who loves taking her kids to local parks and being outside as much as possible—but once the heat hits, they head indoors. “We don’t spend a lot of time outside if it’s above probably 90,” she says.

Like Cain, most people look to the temperature or heat index when deciding how hot is too hot, but there are other factors that matter just as much, says Dr. Troy Smurawa, director of pediatric sports medicine at the Andrews Institute at Children’s Health

First, are you acclimated to the heat? If you’re from a cooler climate and new to DFW, or even if you’ve been vacationing somewhere else cooler, your body will be more sensitive until it adjusts—usually over about two weeks.

Conditioning matters, too. If your child is heading into a sports camp or practice without recent activity in the heat, they’ll feel the effects much more quickly.

Hydration is another key factor, but it’s not as simple as drinking when you’re thirsty. By the time kids feel thirsty, they may already be behind. Instead, they need to be consistently drinking fluids throughout the day, especially in the hours leading up to outdoor activity.

Kids can be more vulnerable than adults to dehydration in the heat—not because their bodies work differently, but because they may not recognize early warning signs or stop to hydrate on their own. As Smurawa notes, kids may feel things like thirst or fatigue without understanding they’re warning signs. Once dehydration sets in, it becomes harder for the body to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat illness.

One simple way to monitor hydration is urine color. Hydrated kids will sweat and cool themselves more effectively. Urine should be pale yellow to clear in a well-hydrated child; darker yellow is a warning sign, and an applejuice color signals severe dehydration.

Some kids are more vulnerable to heat than others. Medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, and sickle-cell trait or disease can increase heat sensitivity. Even common medications like antihistamines can raise the risk of heat illness.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Kids don’t always respond to heat the same way from day to day, so it’s important to watch for signs of heat stress—even if they’ve handled similar conditions before. Children can react differently to the same heat stress depending on the surface they are playing on, the clothes they are wearing, how hydrated they are and even if they took medication that day or not.

Symptoms can also look different depending on age. Babies and young children may not be able to communicate what they’re feeling and might seem unusually fussy, lethargic, or hard to wake, while older kids and teens are more likely to recognize symptoms—but ignore them and push through.

WHERE DFW FAMILIES GO TO BEAT THE HEAT

When temperatures climb, many North Texas families shift to indoor or water-based activities.

Lauren Cain, a Fort Worth mom of three, plans outings strategically. “If we go to the Perot Museum at around 2:30 or 3pm, it’s the perfect time because there are no crowds.”

• Across DFW, parents often rotate through a few reliable options:

• Museums and libraries

• Malls with play areas, like NorthPark Center, or shopping centers where kids can wander

• Splash pads and city pools through local parks and recreation departments

Look into low-cost memberships to indoor play spaces, which can make frequent visits more affordable during the hottest months.

basically a combination of dehydration, low sodium, exercise, and the heat,” says Smurawa.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke share many symptoms, including headache, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue. “They may feel clumsy, have goosebumps, those types of things.” The key difference is severity—heat stroke involves a dangerously high body temperature (above 105 degrees) and can affect mental status. “It could be very subtle, just altered behavior. They’re just acting funny. They’re talking funny. They’re in a soccer game, and they’re talking about chasing butterflies or something. They could be dry, not sweating at all. That’s because they lost their ability to sweat.”

Heat syncope is a serious progression, when a child may faint after experiencing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. “They might start to get a little lightheaded and slow down. They might feel nauseated. They actually might throw up, and they have extreme fatigue.”

Kids can move from mild symptoms to more serious heat illness quickly, which is why regular breaks—ideally every 15 to 20 minutes in the shade with water—are critical in hot weather.

RED FLAGS AT CAMP

There are four types of heat illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat syncope. Heat cramps are the mildest and can affect one muscle or the whole body. “That’s

If your child is attending a summer or sports camp, it’s important to know that organizers are taking heat stress seriously. Younger kids may not communicate symptoms clearly, while older kids and teens may ignore them or push through discomfort.

Navreet Pointer, childcare regional executive director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas says the YMCA sees more than 10,000 kids come through each summer in programs, and preparation begins well before the season starts. “All of our staff are extensively trained in CPR and first aid … in that training, they are trained on heat illness prevention, hydration protocols and emergency response procedures.”

Parents should feel comfortable asking about those protocols. “If they’re not able to answer it correctly and they’re not bringing up staff training and how they educate their staff on it, then that is definitely a huge red flag,” says Pointer.

When you’re dropping off your kids, look for visible signs of preparation, like water and cooling stations.

For sports programs, communication is key. Coaches should clearly outline water breaks and heat-related adjustments ahead of practice, says Dr. Smurawa. “When are they scheduling practices? What times of the day are they having practices? Are they communicating with parents what the heat index is and if there are any modifications that they’re going to do because it’s too hot that day, whether it’s changing the time, shortening the time, going indoors, or canceling it.”

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

To make sure your kids are resilient in the heat, the best thing you can do is keep them hydrated. Water is the best choice, but if juice or sports drinks help them drink more, those can be helpful in moderation, says Smurawa. Kids will also generally drink more if their drinks are cold. Make sure they’re actually drinking—not just pouring water on themselves to cool off.

Some drinks can make things worse. Dairy and carbonated beverages can upset stomachs during activity, and energy drinks pose the biggest risk in high heat. “Energy drinks will accelerate your heart rate, which can have negative effects out in the heat … some of them can be diuretic, so you actually are losing fluid rather than maintaining it.”

Clothing and environment also play a role. Dress your child in light-colored, moisture-wicking or UV-protective clothing. Cotton can trap heat by absorbing sweat, while performance fabrics help the body cool more efficiently. Whenever possible, choose shaded areas or natural surfaces like grass, which stay cooler than concrete or rubber.

Finally, choose activities and programs that take heat seriously. Ask about water breaks, access to shade, and how staff adjust plans based on the heat. Clear answers—and clear communication—are signs your child will be safer in hot conditions.

DFWChild’s digital magazine, Thinking & Learning Differently, offers expert advice, local resources and actionable steps to support your child. Discover services, schools and treatments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 1

THE GOING RATE

The unofficial price tags of parenting—from baby teeth to birthday parties

COMPILED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER + ELIZABETH SMITH

Some numbers in parenthood are pretty straightforward. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Babies arrive with 10 tiny fingers and 10 tiny toes, and eventually, 20 baby teeth get wiggled out.

But when it comes to the everyday economics of raising kids, the figures get a lot less predictable. What’s the going rate for the Tooth Fairy? How much do families spend on birthday parties, party favors and teacher gifts? We asked our Instagram followers to share their numbers.

BIRTHDAY PARTY BUDGETS

$50–$100 The most common amount in a graduation card

28% Pay for good grades $5,000+ What 46% spend on an annual family vacation

53% Give their kids a weekly allowance

$5–$10 The typical Tooth Fairy pay-out per tooth

ONE-THIRD

Spend

favors

real moms.

Even after practicing for 15 years, Fort Worth’s Diane Arnaout says her two kids have taught her more than any medical text.

mom next door

DIANE ARNAOUT

Parenting advice from a doctor who’s in the trenches, too

INTERVIEW AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

RÉSUMÉ

TITLE

Pediatrician

LIVES IN Fort Worth

HAILS FROM Duncanville   AGE

45

ALMA MATER

Undergrad at Texas A&M, medical school at UT

Health Science Center at San Antonio

CHILDREN

Son Jack, 12, daughter

Abby, 10

WHERE TO CONNECT Instagram @drdianearnaout

IN A SOCIAL MEDIA WORLD FULL OF FILTERS AND FLUFF, pediatrician Dr. Diane Arnaout keeps it real. Tens of thousands of parents follow her for practical parenting advice delivered with warmth, humor and a healthy dose of candor. That same straight talk carried into our conversation, where we talked everything from mom guilt to potty training.

It’s also the voice behind her new book, Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom’s Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood, out this month. With topics like “What poop colors should I worry about?” and “Your poor nips (and other breastfeeding pains),” Arnaout tackles the questions many parents are thinking but might be too shy to ask. Her next book, Tumbles, will take on the toddler years.

Below, Arnaout talks about turning off her doctor brain at home, why she loves this stage of parenting and the worries parents can let go of.

DFWCHILD: Did you always know you wanted to be a pediatrician?

DIANE ARNAOUT: From the time I was little, I knew I wanted to be a children’s doctor. I wanted my patients to be kids because they’re fun—I love sitting on the ground when I do my exams and talking about dinosaurs and race cars instead of super serious stuff. Whenever I go to my own doctor, ‘I think the walls are so bland here and there’s no discussion of alligators or KPop Demon Hunters. How boring!’

What have you learned about working parenthood that no one prepared you for?

It can be hard to be a doctor and a mom. I feel like I’m either a really good doctor that day or a really good mom—I don’t get to be both. No one warns you about this stuff before you become a parent. No one warns you there’s this rope tied around your heart attached to these little creatures who you don’t get to be around all day when you’re a working parent. They’re always there, pulling at your chest.

I’ll never forget when Jack was 2 and woke up with a 105-degree fever. It was a Monday morning, and I had a nanny and my husband, but he wanted his mom so badly. I had to run to the office, and I sobbed the whole way. I wasn’t worried—my doctor brain took over and I was like, ‘He’s drinking well, breathing well, he’s fine.’ But he wanted his mommy, and I had to go in and take care of other people’s kids, not mine. Did having kids change your perspective as a pediatrician?

I cringe to think about the advice I gave before I had kids. I mean, it was the same advice—evidence-based—but, man, I think I deliver it a lot differently. I’m certainly not as militant in my advice. And I recognize that there’s more than one right way to raise a kid. Children—even my two—are all so different and what works for one might not work for another.

What’s one thing that parents should stop worrying about?

Probably fever. People really think fever is going to fry their kid’s brain because, generationally, our mothers and their mothers fought fever tooth and nail with medicine. I’ve tried for a decade now to help people understand the monster that is fever.

There are studies that show if you suppress fever, it may take longer to feel better or you may be contagious for longer periods of time. It has purpose—germs hate heat, so our body makes it hot.

You give such great advice on your social media pages. How did that get started? I started realizing that parents had so many misconceptions about illness, and more and

more people were coming in with misinformation—stuff they had read or seen on social media that wasn’t really factual. So I started writing about simple things like colds and fevers, and I was amazed at how quickly that information spread. A few things I wrote early on went viral, which was just crazy to me. When I wrote about infant sleepers, three million people read it and I realized, wow, I need to be really responsible with this.

I never prioritize quantity over quality— I’ll go months without posting, and then if something speaks to me or I have an idea I’ll write about it. I love when someone comes to my office says, ‘I was so worried the other night about X, but I read what you wrote about it and I felt a lot better.’ That’s awesome.

How did that turn into writing a book and what shaped it?

I realized I have all this stuff I’ve written, it would be great to have it in one place. So I wrote a post saying, ‘Hey I’m thinking about writing a book—how funny would that be?’ And a few weeks later a literary agent slipped into my DMs. This book is the conversations I have every day. I took every topic and said, what am I asked every day as a pediatrician? There are some four-letter words, some personal experiences, some family experiences from my office. I think people don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors—social media has us all thinking that everything’s dreamy when you are a new parent, especially the Instagrammers who have their beautiful matching pajamas and their beautiful breastfeeding journey, and everything’s perfect in their beautiful, clean house. This book kind of negates that and says, ‘Let me tell you what happens when parents come to my office and sit down behind the door. Let’s talk about how much Kleenex I get out and how stressful all these things are and how that’s OK.’

What’s your favorite thing about this stage of parenthood?

At 10 and 12, they are becoming their own people. It’s so fun to see the little nuggets they take from you. My son couldn’t care less about music, but my daughter is obsessed with making playlists and digging deep for new music. She and I just went to our first concert together—Lady Gaga—and she was so in her element. I loved watching her experience that and being with her for her first concert, because I love concerts. I was like, ‘That’s me right there that’s my genetics!’

They’re not teenagers yet and they don’t hate me yet (laughs). Right now is this beautiful time where they still want to be around me and they care what I think. I know it won’t last forever so right now I’m microscopically holding onto these moments.

doctor’s orders

Inside Diane Arnaout’s go-to spots, must-haves and daily rituals

What does a pediatrician mom keep on hand? For babies: and a nasal suction device (a bulb syringe, NoseFrida, etc.). “They can’t eat, they can’t breathe at night, they can’t sleep, they can’t use a paci if their nose is stuffed up. Their whole life is disrupt ed, and this is really only treatment we have.”

For older kids: antihistamines are a must. Not only are they handy for seasonal allergies, but you can also use medicines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Xyzal for itchiness, hives and allergic reactions. Choose these—which are better tolerated and won’t cause drowsiness— over Benadryl (which she calls “old school.”)

FAMILY FAVORITE

Arnaout and her family head to Zoli’s Pizza for an easy, kid-friendly dinner. “You know kids—they want a bite to eat, then they want to go play, then get another bite. Zoli’s is fabulous because of the covered patio, backyard with jungle gyms, nets and ice cream. You can have a drink and dinner with friends while your kids run off and play.”

Zoli’s Pizza // 3501 Hulen St., Fort Worth; 817/402-0050; zolispizza.com

KEEPING HER SANE

heart—known in her family as “train park.” Since her children were toddlers, they’ve visited the hilltop park overlooking the train tracks, right at Ridglea Hills Elementary School. “You can see everything in Fort Worth from right there. And to this day we still like to watch the trains there.”

Ridglea Hills Park // 4589 Stonedale Rd., Fort Worth

MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

4

“We are mountain people,” says Arnaout, whose family loves hiking, fishing and vacationing in Durango, Colorado. A photographer, she enjoys capturing animals and landscapes and especially loves seeing the aspens change in the fall.

The mountains called even while she was writing—Arnaout holed up in a remote Airbnb in New Hampshire to work on part of Hiccups 3

Arnaout says one thing keeps her grounded as a working mom: hobbies. She paints (self-taught), takes photos, reads and is currently learning to play the drums.

“I just love learning new things,” she says. “If I get into monotony and routine—which is so common in motherhood—I have to find something new to do.”

MOMMY MUST-HAVES

DREAM IT,

DO IT

words AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

Act, create, build and play— these summer camps help kids follow their interests wherever they lead

Ask a kid what they want to be, and you’ll get everything from astronaut to zookeeper to pop star. We took inspiration from this year’s DFWChild model search kids—pairing their dreams and interests with summer camps and activities across North Texas. Whether your child is all in on one passion or still exploring, these ideas offer plenty of ways to fill their summer days while jumping into what they love.

ASTRONAUT

ACTOR

“I love pretending and singing—I want to be Glinda from Wicked!”

—Mila, 4, Mesquite

For kids who dream of stepping into big, showstopping roles, Dallas Theater Center’s SummerStage camps offer a chance to take the stage. From SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical to Seussical Jr. and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, campers take on full productions in a professional theater setting, working with teaching artists and performing in the same spaces as working actors.

Open to ages 6–18, the camps run in weeklong sessions (with longer options for older students) and focus on acting, singing and movement, while also giving kids a behind-the-scenes look at how a show comes together—from rehearsals to final performance. // Dallas; dallastheatercenter.org

On stage under Casa Mañana’s iconic dome, kids spend the week rehearsing, learning choreography and preparing for a final performance as part of Camp Casa. This summer’s session includes Matilda Jr., giving elementary through high school students a chance to take on full musical roles while building skills in acting, vocals and movement. Weeklong camps walk them through the full process—from auditions to curtain call—in a setting that mirrors a real theater production. // Fort Worth; casamanana.com

And for a different side of things, check out North Texas Performing Arts camps, offered at multiple locations across DFW. Along with production camps, your kids can take part in sessions to write scripts, practice improv, or even direct, film and edit a short film. Full- and half-day options are available, for kiddos as young as kindergarten. // Multiple locations; ntpa.org

“I love space! I want to explore it and take pictures of other planets!”

—Rishaan, 6,

Richardson

If you’re up for a road trip to indulge your space-loving kid, there are a couple out-of-this-world destinations worth the drive. Space Center Houston offers an immersive look at real NASA missions, with handson exhibits, astronaut training experiences and behind-the-scenes tours. For an even deeper dive, Space U Odyssey is a five-day overnight camp for ages 11–17 held at Camp Strake near Houston, where campers take part in astronaut-style challenges, mission simulations and STEM programming inspired by real NASA missions, along with a field trip that can include behindthe-scenes access to sites like Johnson Space Center and Rocket Park. // Houston; spacecenter.org

NATURALIST

“I like exploring nature.” —Eden, 9, Prosper

Farther north, the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas—home to one of the largest collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts, including the Apollo 13 command module—offers multi-day overnight camps for kids ages 9–18. Campers spend up to six days running simulated space missions, working in Mission Control and even trying astronaut training equipment, like a multi-axis trainer and centrifuge (and sampling ice cream made from liquid nitrogen!). Programs also include hands-on experiences like engineering challenges and career exploration, making for an immersive, one-of-a-kind camp. // Hutchinson, KS; cosmo.org

Closer to home, University of Texas Arlington offers a weeklong space camp for children in first and second grade, as well as an astronaut training camp for third through fifth graders. UTA is also home to a planetarium, and other local spots like the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History and University of North Texas offer planetarium shows that bring space exploration to life. // Arlington; uta.edu

For kids who love getting outside, exploring trails and discovering how nature works, summer offers plenty of opportunities to dig in. Cross Timbers Nature Camp at Bob Jones Nature Center gives kids ages 5–11 a chance to explore the outdoors through hands-on adventure, from hiking and nature experiments to arts and crafts and outdoor skills. Each themed week—from Wizards & Lizards to Animal Olympics—focuses on local ecosystems and encourages young explorers to learn how they can help protect the environment, all while spending plenty of time outside. // Southlake; experiencesouthlake.com

At the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, kids ages 3–16 explore a 289-acre preserve through weekly camps held throughout June and July. Campers head out onto the trails to explore wetlands, forests and prairies, encounter live animals up close—from reptiles to birds of prey—and, for older kids, even get a behind-the-scenes look at how the sanctuary operates. With themes ranging from animal care to nature-inspired art and hands-on science, the programs blend exploration, creativity and real-world learning in a setting that feels more like an outdoor adventure than a classroom. // McKinney; heardmuseum.org

Kids spend their days hiking wooded trails, studying insects and pond life and exploring North Texas ecosystems at River Legacy Nature Center’s summer camps. Programs for ages 3–14 run in weeklong sessions, with younger campers attending half-day programs and older kids participating in full-day camps filled with outdoor exploration, experiments and hands-on activities. // Arlington; riverlegacy.org

PERFORMER

“I love to dance because I get to be on stage and smile!”

—Nori,

6, DeSoto

For littles who love to twirl, the Texas Ballet Theater School has programs where the fundamentals of dance meet playful, themed storytelling. Ballerinas ages 3–6 will explore the worlds of Disney and Pixar, the land of Oz, or even an islandinspired adventure during sessions with movement, crafts and imaginative play woven into each day. And for older dancers more serious about their craft, a junior intensive includes more rigorous training in ballet, modern and jazz. // Dallas, Fort Worth & Richardson; texasballettheater.org

Ballet with Bluey, Barbie or a popstar princess are just a few of the fun options at The Dallas Conservatory’s summer performing arts camps. With offerings for children as young as 2, these programs span a range of styles—from ballet and creative movement to jazz, tap, hip-hop, acro and tumbling— giving kids a chance to try different forms of performance in a supportive, age-appropriate setting. Morning, afternoon and full-day camps available. // Castle Hills, Dallas & Frisco; thedallasconservatory.org

PILOT

“Flying lets me see the world from a different angle while traveling. I can’t

wait to be in the cockpit one day.”

—Logan, 10, Murphy

Got a kid who’s fascinated by planes, pilots and how things fly? Head to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where kids can get up close to real aircraft, try flight simulators and see how aviation has evolved. Weeklong summer camps for first through tenth graders build on that experience, with hands-on activities focused on flight, engineering and exploration. // Dallas; flightmuseum.com

At the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center at Dallas Executive Airport, Camp SOAR gets kids in grades 3–7 working hands-on with real aircraft while exploring how flight works. Campers spend three to five days tackling STEM challenges, learning about aviation careers, and digging into history through artifacts and interactions with industry professionals.

Families can get in on the experience, too. A two-day Family Camp brings parents and kids together to take on group challenges, explore aircraft and work through the same hands-on activities side by side—making it a shared experience rather than just a drop-off camp. // Dallas; flynaec.org

For older kids and teens, US Aviation Academy offers a more immersive experience, with a six-day camp for ages 13–18 that covers the principles of flight, aviation careers and hands-on training—often culminating in a discovery flight experience. // Denton; usaviationacademy.com

PRO CHEERLEADER OR ATHLETE

“I want to be a Cowboys cheerleader because they’re the best!”

—Laina, 5, Murphy

Bring it on. Cheer enthusiasts like Laina can learn from America’s Sweethearts at Cowboys’ dance camps, where they’ll work on technical skills and learn pom-style routines, taught by current professional cheerleaders.

And for kids dreaming of tossing footballs instead of pom-poms, Cowboys football camps bring the action to the field with skills, drills, teamwork exercises and coaching inspired by the pros. Both the dance and football camps are three-day programs held at The Star and open to kids ages 6–16. // Frisco, dallascowboys.com/youth-camps

But the Cowboys aren’t the only local pros getting kids in the game. The Mavs’ Hoop Camp focuses on fundamentalsbased basketball at locations across DFW. Each week includes a special guest appearance (not guaranteed to be a current Mavs player, but it's a possibility!). Development camps get into more advanced skills for children 10 and up. At the Dallas Mavericks dance camps, held in the afternoons at McKinney, Richardson, and Rockwall, children learn dynamic routines guided by the Mavs dancers. // Multiple locations; nba.com/mavs/camps

Big Bro & Little Sis

SCIENTIST

“I love mixing things and seeing bubbly reactions.”

—Charlie, 6, Carrollton

Does your child love to experiment, tinker or figure out how things work? Summer is full of ways to fuel that wonder. Even within one program, science camps can span robotics, engineering, chemistry and space—making it easy to find a fit for every kind of curious kid. Destination Science offers weeklong camps for kids ages 5–11, with STEM programs like robotics challenges, engineering builds and movie-making labs that let kids experiment, create and take home their projects. // Colleyville, Dallas & Plano; destinationscience.org

Club SciKidz offers a wide range of STEM day camps for kids ages 4–13, with more than 70 themed options covering everything from robotics and coding to chemistry, veterinary science and even video game design. Offered at 14 sites across DFW, each camp is built around hands-on experiments and projects, giving kids a chance to explore science in a fun, high-energy environment. // Multiple locations; clubscikidzdallas.com

Another option is Camp Invention, a nationally recognized program hosted at schools across DFW, with programs for ages ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. These weeklong camps cover everything from forensics to physics and engineering. // Multiple locations; invent.org

And for days at home, simple experiments, building kits or even backyard exploration can keep that curiosity going—no camp required.

SOCCER PLAYER

“Soccer is so fun—you get to score, you get to celebrate, you get to pass the ball!”

—Marcus, 8, Irving

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for soccer fans is coming to Dallas this summer, with the city hosting nine FIFA World Cup matches, including a semi-final on July 14. While tickets may be hard to come by—even during the final sales phases this month—there are still plenty of ways for young fans to be part of the excitement.

Dallas Fair Park will host the free FIFA Fan Festival beginning June 11, where you can watch live matches amid a mix of music, entertainment and interactive fan experiences.

Kick, aim and test your skills at the Perot Museum’s Soccer: More Than a Game exhibit, open all summer long, where interactive stations let kids explore everything from reaction time to the physics behind a perfect goal. // Dallas; perotmuseum.org

For kids ready to get in the game, FC Dallas camps offer a chance to train like the pros at Toyota Soccer Center. With programs for ages 6–16, players can build skills through position-specific training designed by professional coaches. // Frisco; fcdallascamps.com

VETERINARIAN

“I want to take care of animals because I love my dogs and when they give me kisses!”

—Everett,

4, North Richland Hills

If your kiddo would adopt every animal they meet, summer is full of ways to get up close with wildlife. At the Dallas Zoo, young animal lovers can take part in weeklong or single-day camps where they’ll learn about animal care and conservation. Programs for middle schoolers dive deeper into more specialized interests, with options like photography-focused camps that explore storytelling through images of wildlife, or design-based programs where campers collaborate on planning zoo habitats alongside staff.

A popular Keeper Camp gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for animals—from diets to habitats—while up-close encounters and time in a working zoo setting make the experience feel especially immersive. // Dallas; dallaszoo.com

How about feeding giraffes? That’s just one of the tasks for campers at the Fort Worth Zoo, where daily activities include a zoo-wide hike and a cool-off session at Safari Splash. Older campers can take things further with programs that offer inside access, exploring topics like animal care, veterinary work and nutrition while getting up close to a variety of species. For ages 8–10 there’s even an overnight option, experiencing special activities once the zoo gates close for the day. // Fort Worth; fortworthzoo.org

And for cat lovers: In-Sync Exotics’ half- or full-day weeklong camp offers the chance to help care for exotic cats (tigers, lions, cougars, cheetahs and more) who live at the sanctuary and learn directly from the animal keepers and veterinarians. // Wylie; insyncexotics.org

CHARTER SCHOOL GUIDE

Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all—education shouldn’t be either. Charter schools bring diverse missions and innovative models to public education, while remaining tuition-free and held to the same accountability standards as traditional ISDs. Explore these standout options across Dallas-Fort Worth.

vnatexas.org

VNA Children’s Haven provides compassionate, expert care for patients from birth to 21 years of age and their families living with serious illness. Our team will provide the support and care needed in the comfort of your home.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please contact Aaron (469) 781-6774 or gethelp@vnatexas.org

Sensory Explorations: Traveling Trains

Saturday, April 11 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Sensory Explorations is a free event for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Explore methods of transportation and art with sensory-friendly gallery activities, art making, and special guests. Stay in the loop on Access events and resources at the Carter. Sign up for our newsletter at cartermuseum.org/SignUp Reserve your spot today!

special needs.

READING, REIMAGINED

How North Texas libraries are making story time accessible for every child

WORDS JENNIFER CASSEDAY-BLAIR

Every parent wants their child to feel the magic of story time. The rhythm of a read-aloud. The comfort of turning the pages. The joy of picking out a book and carrying it proudly to the checkout desk. You want reading to feel cozy and safe, not stressful and overwhelming. But for many families raising children with special needs, traditional reading spaces like library story times, classroom literacy rotations, and bookstore events aren’t always designed with your child in mind.

Amanda McNew’s 13-year-old son, Lucas, is a student at Plano ISD. He’s been diagnosed with Williams syndrome, autism, and ocular albinism. Because of his visual impairment and the way he

interacts with books, his reading journey has been challenging. McNew says, “When we tried to go to a story time at the library or check out books, I had this fear because we didn’t want him to destroy books. When Lucas reads, he rips books or puts the pages in his mouth and eats them. You don’t want to be those parents whose kid is going to destroy property. He just couldn’t really participate.”

For parents like McNew, there’s a hopeful shift happening in our area schools, libraries, and community programs as more advocates are realizing that literacy doesn’t have to look one way. Educators and librarians are moving from a onesize-fits-all model to something more accessible.

WHEN READING LOOKS DIFFERENT

Not every child learns best sitting silently in one place for 25 minutes. Some need movement, reduced noise or lighting, more time to process language, or alternative ways to communicate.

Lindsey Fuentes, executive director of special services at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, says establishing a foundation for reading starts with meeting these children exactly where they are. “That entails exposing them with visuals, and perhaps picture books and things like that to help close those gaps early on … We also utilize AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices that are either low tech or high tech that support varying disabilities across the spectrum,” she says.

That flexibility matters. Some children may need breaks, additional visual supports or different ways to engage with books altogether.

Nancy Hale, Director of Elementary Instruction at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, says inclusive strategies benefit all learners, especially in early childhood classrooms. “We make sure that we provide students opportunities that are going to support their oral language development, their visual language development, provide those kinesthetic opportunities for movement, because we know that in order for all of our children to learn best, they have to experience literacy in a lot of different ways,” Hale says.

WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES A READING PROGRAM INCLUSIVE?

A truly inclusive reading program anticipates diverse needs instead of waiting for a parent to request accommodations. Below is a deeper look at what that includes and why it matters.

Smaller Group Sizes

Large, crowded rooms can feel overwhelming, especially for children who are sensory-sensitive, easily distracted or processing language more slowly. Smaller groups allow for:

• More individual attention

• Less background noise

• Fewer visual distractions

• A greater sense of safety and belonging

Structure with Visual Supports

Predictability lowers anxiety. When children know what’s coming next, they can relax enough to learn. Look for:

• Visual schedules

• Storyboards or picture icons

• Printed or projected routines

• Clear opening and closing rituals

ABOVE // Children engage with adapted books during a Libraries For All program, where sensory-friendly materials and flexible participation help make reading accessible for kids with special needs.

special needs / READING REIMAGINED

Flexible Participation

Green flags include:

• Children allowed to stand, sway, rock or lie down

• Access to fidgets without judgment

• Permission to step out and return

• No public correction for stimming behaviors

Sensory Accommodations

Sensory regulation directly impacts a child’s ability to process language. Supportive environments may include:

• Dimmed or natural lighting instead of harsh fluorescent lights

• Reduced background music or amplified sound

• Carpet squares, bean bags or flexible seating

• Weighted lap pads or blankets

• Designated calm-down corners

Adaptive Book Formats

Inclusive literacy acknowledges that traditional thin-page picture books are not accessible for every child. Look for:

• Large print editions

• Audiobooks; books and audio combinations

• Symbol-supported text

• Braille collections

• Decodable readers for early or dyslexic learners

• Laminated, reinforced, or adapted books

• High-interest/low-readability titles

Multi-Sensory Learning Opportunities

Some children need to touch, hear, and move to comprehend what they’re reading or hearing. Inclusive programs may incorporate:

• Tactile items connected to the story

• Movement songs that reinforce vocabulary

• Sensory bins tied to a book’s theme

• Call-and-response participation

• Sound effects or musical cues

Staff Trained in Neurodiversity and Collaboration

Adults who understand why inclusive practices matter are among the most important factors. Strong programs often include:

• Collaboration with special education teachers, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists

• Staff trained in autism awareness and disability inclusion

• A trauma-informed approach

• Clear communication before and after programs

SPOTLIGHT: LIBRARIES FOR ALL

While schools are building inclusive classrooms, libraries are evolving too. Right here in North Texas, Libraries For All, founded by Courtney Walker, a former teacher, librarian and Plano ISD Teacher of the Year, is helping reshape what accessible lit-

eracy looks like in school and public library spaces.

“When I was an elementary school librarian in Plano ISD, I worked at a campus that served many of the district’s students with the most significant disabilities. I came in excited … but I quickly realized that while students technically had access to the library, my space, collection and programs weren’t serving them equitably.”

The issue wasn’t motivation, it was design. “The books themselves weren’t meeting their needs. I would see books coming back either unread or damaged with ripped pages because they simply weren’t designed for the way some students interacted with them. Families didn’t feel safe using the library collection, and that’s a huge problem.”

Among Walker’s most impactful tools are adapted books, which are laminated, rebound, and include sensory elements added to each page. The adaptations enhance—but never change—the text, message or illustrations, while also making the books more durable for different types of interaction. While adapted books have long been used in special education, bringing them into library spaces for reading for pleasure is a newer shift.

“One of my biggest goals is to make sure literacy and library spaces are accessible and inclusive, so it is one less thing people with disabilities and their families have to fight for to receive the equitable access they deserve,” says Walker.

Libraries For All now partners with schools, public libraries and community groups to:

• Build adapted collections

• Train staff on inclusive practices

• Design story times that allow movement and flexible participation

WHERE TO FIND INCLUSIVE STORY TIMES IN DFW

Libraries For All is only part of the growing North Texas movement to make reading truly accessible. Across the Metroplex, public libraries are expanding inclusive story times, adaptive collections and assistive technology access for children with developmental differences.

Arlington Public Library: On select days, the Southeast Branch Library hosts SNAP (Supporting Neurodivergent Access to Programming) Storytime for children ages 2–5 with dim lighting, a visual schedule and sensory toys. The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library offers a “Kindness Room,” a low-stimulation space for patrons who need some quiet time. arlingtonlibrary.org

Carrollton Public Library: Both the Josey Ranch Lake and the Hebron and Josey branches are KultureCity Sensory Inclusive, with marked quiet areas and headphone zones, and offerings that include social sto-

ries and sensory bags equipped with noisecancelling headphones and fidget tools. cityofcarrollton.com

Dallas Public Library: The Fretz Park Branch Library holds a sensory-friendly story time on Fridays at 10:30am for children up to age 5 on the autism spectrum or with special needs. Other events like crafting or play times for children with sensory sensitivities are held on select days throughout the year at different branches. dallaslibrary.org

Fort Worth Public Library: Several branches offer Sensory Story Time, an hour of reading, songs and activities for children ages 3–5 with sensory processing needs. fortworthtexas.gov

Frisco Public Library: Children ages 3–8 who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment can read, sing and play at Adapted Story Time, held on select days. friscolibrary.com

Plano Public Library: Browse the calendar for Adaptive Library programs for neurodivergent children, teens, adults and their families/caregivers. plano.gov

Smith Public Library (Wylie): Storytime on Wednesdays at 2:15pm is for children of all ages who benefit from a quiet er experience, a visual schedule and repeated elements to feel secure. wylietexas.org

At its core, inclusive literacy is about thoughtful design and shared access. When libraries, schools, and community programs plan with flexibility and diverse learning needs in mind, more children can participate mean ingfully. Shifting the focus from “one right way to read” to multiple pathways into books gives more kids the opportunity to build skills, confi dence, and a lasting connection to stories.

FREE BOOKS & AUDIOBOOKS FOR KIDS WITH PRINT DISABILITIES

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, provides free access to books and reading tools for children with qualifying print disabilities—not just blindness. Families can receive:

• Audiobook players

• Audiobooks

• Braille books

• Braille eReaders

• Braille-on-demand books to keep This service supports a wide range of needs, including visual impairments, physical limitations that make holding books difficult and some reading disabilities.

Get started: Visit loc.gov/nls or ask your local public library about enrolling in NLS services.

EDUCATIONAL TESTING & RESOURCES

EDUCATIONAL TESTING & RESOURCES

Thorough neuroeducational assessments to identify your child’s learning differences or disabilities, and ADHD.

Highlands aptitude and Gallup CliftonStrengths testing to support college and career readiness.

Check out the Community Calendar on dfwchild.com to see what cool things are happening—festivals, events and family-friendly destinations. Get out and take advantage of all that Dallas–Fort Worth has to offer.

The SHINE family is, and always will be, a place of refuge and light for infants through young adulthood. We believe every child is uniquely created and deserves care that looks beyond one-size-fits-all medicine.

In a time when many families feel limited to lifelong medications and unanswered questions, SHINE offers a different path—one rooted in listening, educating, understanding, and supporting the whole child.

While we may not claim to have every answer, our team of conventional and integrative providers is deeply committed to helping you find them. Over the past 16 years, we’ve built a trusted network of holistic providers across Richardson, Fort Worth, and McKinney— relationships formed through caring for families just like yours.

Our newest McKinney location is led by Anne Ngobia, D.O., Sarah Cunningham, P.A., and Nicole Muilenburg, PNP—bringing over a decade of combined integrative experience, alongside Dr. Naidoo’s 16 years of leadership and care. Richardson remains the foundation of our holistic pediatric model, while our Fort Worth team continues to deliver exceptional outcomes for families across the metroplex.

From front office to providers to leadership, every part of SHINE is built around a unique, integrative approach to pediatric care—one designed to restore, support, and strengthen a child’s health. Many holistic pediatric providers in the DFW area began their journey with SHINE, and we remain committed to expanding access so more families can experience this model of care.

We believe wellness is every child’s birthright. Our goal is not to take from a child’s health, but to restore and multiply it—rebuilding trust between families and healthcare along the way.

Children are our future. When their physical, emotional, and developmental health is compromised, we all feel the impact. Now more than ever, families are searching for something different—something hopeful. SHINE exists to meet that need.

We are honored to walk alongside you in your child’s wellness journey—and we look forward to hearing your story.

Nicole Muilenburg, PNP Sarah Cunningham, PA

Randy Naidoo, MD Anne Ngobia, DO

PEDIATRICIANS

CHILDHOOD TODAY COMES WITH NEW CHALLENGES—and familiar ones. These numbers provide a snapshot of the health stats and trends affecting kids right now.

15% TO 20%

How much more likely a U.S. child in 2023 was to have a chronic condition such as anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea compared to a child in 2011

3 3

The age at which routine blood pressure checks typically begin

10 10

The number of well-child visits recommended before a child turns 2

1IN5 1IN5

U.S. children have obesity

3–5 3–5

DAYS

The typical duration of a viral fever in children

4,000+

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases were reported in Texas in 2025, a 60-year high

176,000 176,000

The estimated number of North Texas children with asthma. About 1 in 20 children with asthma are hospitalized yearly

10–12

The age when most girls begin puberty; boys typically begin between 11 & 12

9–12 HOURS

Recommended nightly sleep for kids ages 6–12; or 8–10 hours for teens

6–8

The number of colds young children average each year

6 MONTHS The youngest age for annual flu vaccine

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Richardson Pediatric Associates

Touchstone, Joy MD

Touchstone Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

ROCKWALL

Drake, Casey MD

Pecan Tree Pediatrics

Smart, Susan MD

Lake Ray Hubbard Pediatrics

SOUTHLAKE

Nichols, David MD

Cook Children’s

Pediatrics, Southlake

See ad on page 33

SUNNYVALE

Jindal, Meenu DO Comprehensive Pediatric Care

TROPHY CLUB

Pena, Laura MD

Cook Children’s Pediatrics

Smith, Justin MD

Cook Children’s Pediatrics

WYLIE

Adams, Elizabeth MD

Children’s Health

Primary Care Wylie

See ad on page 8

PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS

COPPELL

Bauer, Paul MD

Otolaryngology

ENT for Children

DALLAS

An, Jack MD

Gastroenterology

Digestive Health

Associates of Texas

Gossett, Daniel MD

Metzinger, Emily Anne MD

Pediatric Endocrinology

Children’s Health

Endocrinology

See ad on page 8

Shaw, Amanda MD

Pediatric Endocrinology

Children’s Health

Endocrinology

See ad on page 8

FORT WORTH

Pancham, Krishna MD

Pulmonology

Cook Children’s Pulmonology

Roberge, Natalie MD

Otolaryngology

Cook Children’s Pediatrics, Ear, Nose & Throat Center

FRISCO

Dave, Mona MD

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Texas Digestive Disease Consultants

Moroze, Meghan MD

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Pediatrix Neonatology of Texas at Baylor Scott & White Frisco, PGA Parkway NICU

PLANO

An, Jack MD

Gastroenterology

Digestive Health

Associates of Texas

Metzinger, Emily Anne MD

Pediatric Endocrinology

Children’s Health

Endocrinology

See ad on page 8

Shaw, Amanda MD

Pediatric Endocrinology

Children’s Health

Endocrinology

See ad on page 8

PROSPER

Moroze, Meghan MD

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Pediatrix Neonatology of Texas at Cook Children’s Medical Center, Prosper NICU

SOUTHLAKE

Bauer, Paul MD

Otolaryngology

ENT for Children

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

DALLAS

Castelo, Elizabeth PA-C

MD Kids Pediatrics, North Cockrell

Hammer, Carli PA-C

MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood

Salas, Lucia PA-C

MD Kids Pediatrics, Saner

FORT WORTH

Bove, Alec PA-C

Cook Children’s Orthopedics

PLANO

Dossani, Auj PA-C

Child Neurology

Lake Ray Hubbard Pediatrics

Natural Pediatrics

My Pediatrician

Orchard Park Neurology

MD Kids Pediatrics, West Plano

Priya Bui, DO Sarah Matches, DO

Toyya Goodrich, DO

Raheela Hafeez, MD

Patrick Feng, DO

Mandy Mendez, APRN, FNP-C

Chelsea Mahan, APRN, FNP-C

Family Medicine & Pediatrics

7x Mom Approved

Care That Grows With Your Family

At UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, we know that when it comes to your child’s health, trust is everything. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the providers from our team who have been named to the DFWChild Mom-Approved list.

This year, we’re honored to recognize pediatric providers Dr. Priya Bui, Dr. Sarah Matches, Dr. Toyya Goodrich, Dr. Raheela Hafeez, NP Mandy Mendez and NP Chelsea Mahan. Voted on by local families, this recognition reflects the confidence and gratitude of the community we are privileged to serve.

Our pediatricians are dedicated to caring for children from infancy through adolescence, combining clinical excellence with a deep understanding of the developmental, emotional and social needs that shape each stage of childhood. From newborn checkups and school physicals to managing chronic conditions and navigating the teenage years, they partner closely with parents to ensure every child feels seen, heard and supported.

We’re also proud to celebrate Dr. Feng, our family medicine physician, whose care extends across generations. By caring for both children and adults, he helps families experience the continuity and convenience of comprehensive primary care under one trusted provider. His inclusion on this list reflects the strong relationships he builds with patients at every age and stage of life.

At UNT Health, we believe great care is personal. It’s about taking the time to answer questions, celebrating milestones and walking with families through both routine moments and unexpected challenges. To the moms and families who nominated our providers, thank you for your trust! And to this year’s Mom-Approved honorees— thank you for the heart, dedication and expertise you bring to our community every single day.

UNT Health Clinical Practice Group

855 Montgomery St. Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-735-3627

unthealth.edu/dfwchild

Pictured, left to right: Dr. Matches, Dr. Feng, Dr. Hafeez and NP Mahan

R. Adrian Clarke, MD • Emily Copeland, MD • Diana Dickschat, MD • Ibasaraboh Iyegha, MD • Michelle Kravitz, MD Wendi Lai, MD • Smita Mahapatra, MD • Chris McGonnell, MD • Rohan Menon, MD • Damien Mitchell, MD Rinkal Patel, MD • Christopher Straughn, MD • Lily Strong, MD • Lynda Tang, MD • Destiny Wilson, MD Pediatrics

15x Mom Approved

We’re honored to have 15 Forest Lane Pediatrics physicians recognized as Mom Approved this year!

Since opening in 2001, Forest Lane Pediatrics has grown from one physician to a trusted team of 21 board-certified pediatricians serving families across Dallas, Frisco, and Mesquite. From newborn weight checks to adolescent wellness visits, we partner with families at every stage. All visits are conducted by board-certified pediatricians, and we offer same-day sick visits so your child can be seen when it matters most. We’ve created a safe, family-friendly environment with separate waiting areas for well and sick visits, air purifiers in every exam room, and convenient virtual visits when appropriate.

Forest Lane Pediatrics

7777 Forest Ln. B300, Dallas, TX 75230 • 972-284-7770

1600 Republic Pkwy. #120, Mesquite, TX 75150 • 972-629-2250

4461 Coit Rd. #405, Frisco, TX 75035 • 972-526-0700

5858 Main St. #210, Frisco, TX 75033 • 469-915-3700 forestlanepediatrics.com

In addition to exceptional medical care, we offer award-winning lactation support, a compassionate team, and helpful online resources for parents. At Forest Lane Pediatrics, we’re proud to support families every step of the way.

Triwanna Fisher-Wikoff, MD, FAAFP, DABOM

Family Doctor

Dr. Triwanna Fisher-Wikoff is a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist dedicated to helping families build healthier lives together. At Texas Health Care, she provides compassionate, physician-led care that treats conditions like obesity as a chronic medical condition, not just a number on the scale. With more than 17 years of experience, Dr. Fisher-Wikoff partners with patients to create personalized, sustainable treatment plans that support long-term health and confidence. She believes in listening, educating, and empowering patients and parents with the tools they need to improve their well-being and create lasting healthy habits for themselves and their families.

Texas Health Care

6116 Oakbend Trail, Suite 112, Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-415-1900

txhealthcare.com/providers/triwanna-fisher-wikoff-md

David Nichols, M.D.

Pediatrics

5x Mom Approved

I’ve had the privilege of caring for children in Southlake and our neighboring communities for over 25 years. While I enjoy meeting the unique needs of every child, I have a particular interest in newborn care and ADHD. Our office prioritizes accessibility and ease of scheduling. With a secure, prompt-response patient portal, guaranteed same-day sick appointments, and a dedicated after-hours nurse line, we’re here when you need us most. I’m proud to be recognized as a DFWChild ‘Mom-Approved Doctor’ and remain dedicated to providing the expert, compassionate care your children deserve.

Cook Children’s Pediatrics

480 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 133, Southlake, TX 76092

817-347-1250

cookchildrens.org/southlake

Clive

Daniels, M.D., Kristina Reed, D.O., and Lynnette Leffall, D.O.

Pediatrics

8x Mom Approved

We are honored to have been selected as Mom-Approved physicians by our families. At Cook Children’s Pediatrics in Mansfield, we’re here to help you raise a healthy child from infancy through the transition to adulthood. We offer well checks, immunizations, school and sports physicals, and care for both short-term illnesses and longer-lasting conditions. We are always ready to answer questions and support our families through the challenges and celebrations of childhood.

Cook Children’s Pediatrics 701 Matlock Road, Mansfield, TX 76063 817-453-5437 • cookchildrens.org/mansfield

Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD, FAAP, ABIHM

Pediatrics

8x Mom Approved

Dr. Alina believes that healing is multilayered and multifaceted. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure or treatment. At Whole Child Texas, our approach is slightly different from traditional medicine. We are not focused on just treating disease and symptoms; we treat the whole child by addressing all aspects of a child’s health—mind, body, emotions, spirit, family and parenting.

Whole Child Texas 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75034 214-736-1954 • wholechildtexas.com

Kate Okaro, APRN, CPNP-PC Nurse Practitioner

I am a pediatric nurse practitioner, mom to three daughters, and co-founder of Cowtown Pediatric Concierge alongside postpartum nurse Alison Standish. At Cowtown Pediatric Concierge, we provide primary care, sick visits, and classes with an integrative lens, offering a whole-child, root-cause approach. We prioritize longer visits, direct access to your provider, and proactive, prevention-focused care so families feel supported, educated, and empowered at every stage.

Cowtown Pediatric Concierge

Serving the Fort Worth Area 817-761-1684 cowtownpediatricconcierge.com

Deanna Quach, MSN, CPNP-PC & Tammy Green, MSN, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

2x Mom Approved

Deanna Quach and Tammy Green are pediatric nurse practitioners who are committed to the physical, mental, and social health of children. They both stress the importance of partnering with parents to achieve healthy outcomes. Deanna and Tammy both rely on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to guide their practice. They believe the best approach to pediatric health is a combination of AAP guidance, experience, and family input.

Quinn Pediatrics

5404 Kenwood Dr., Ste. 200, Rowlett, TX 75089 469-613-2573 • www.quinnpediatrics.com

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

RECOMMENDED BY LOCAL MOMS

|

dfwchild.com/directory PEDIATRICIANS |

ORTHODONTISTS |

• ABA Therapy

• Audiology

• Chiropractic

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• Counseling

• Holistic Medicine

• Music Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Optometry

• Physical Therapy

May 3,

• Play Therapy

• Psychology

• Speech Therapy

• Therapeutic Recreation

playbook

Remind you of your own kids bouncing off the walls? See this vertical ballet by Cirque du Soleil on stage April 9–May 9. ➽

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN

Through April 30

FORT WORTH

BOTANIC GARDEN

No need to blanket your own lawn in milkweed. Thousands of butterflies of all different species will be fluttering around inside the garden’s Rainforest Conservatory. You’ll easily recognize the blue morpho, but which other native and exotic species can you spot?

$12 adults; $8 children; under 3 free. Combo tickets available for conservatory and garden. 817/463-4160; fwbg.org

THE QUESTIONEERS: READ, QUESTION, THINK, PLAY!

Through May 24

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

This hands-on exhibition is for every kid who’s ever read and been inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer or other

titles from the best-selling illustrated children’s book series by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. Expect STEM and more creative activities designed to inspire your kids to dream big. And while you're there, be sure to carve out extra hours for exploring the newly and reimagined Children’s Gallery. Included with general admission: $16 adults; $12 children; under 3 free. 817/2559300; fwmuseum.org

DRAGON TRAILS

Through June 27

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE

MUSEUM & WILDLIFE

SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY

The Heard is not blowing smoke with this new exhibition of animatronic creatures, this time starring both mythical dragons like the Basilisk (yep, the one from Harry Potter) and more real-life species that roamed the Earth during the time of the

dinosaurs. Come hear them roaring along the nature trail—though they’ll be still and quiet from 8–9am on second Saturdays. Included with general admission: $16 adults; $12 children, under 3 free. 972/562-5566; heardmuseum.org

SOCCER: MORE THAN A GAME

Through September 7

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE, DALLAS Ahead of the FIFA World

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

Cup games hosted here this summer, this family-friendly exhibition plays into that fervor—putting your kids in the players’ cleats. You’ll not only get to test your own skills but also learn about the science behind human movement, the cultural impact of the game, and careers in the soccer world beyond being the star forward. In addition to general admission, special admission tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for children; under 2 free.214/428-5555; perotmuseum.org/soccer

VENARDOS CIRCUS’ ALICE

April 2–12

MERCER BOARDWALK, FARMERS BRANCH

Trapeze artists in costume as Alice and more characters from Lewis Carroll’s original Wonderland story will be flipping and flying down the rabbit hole, or rather, under the big red and white top. Venardos will present its whimsical, animal-free circus in DFW for two weekends only. Tickets from $28.95 for adults, from $19.95 for children; under 3 free. venardoscircus.com

SHOWTIME SATURDAYS

Continuing April 4–25

GALLERIA DALLAS

Put these free events on your regular rotation. This April, Moana leads kids in Hawaiian Hula dancing, costumed pirates tell swashbuckling tales, and “big kid” Tommy Terrific needs your help performing his magic show. If weekdays work better, come on first Thursday mornings for PALS Showtime entertainers too—all up on level three by the Children’s Play Place. FREE 972/702-7100; galleriadallas.com

SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

April 4–May 25

SCARBOROUGH FAIRGROUNDS, WAXAHACHIE

You could spend all day solely on the dozens of games and rides, like the pirate ship swing, but there’s a multitude more activities and things to see—all inspired by 16th century England— throughout this 25-acre village. Take a look through the entertainment schedule and map so you’re sure not

to miss the kids’ knighting ceremonies, live mermaid greetings and unicorn sightings. Admission is $32 adults; $14 children; under 5 free. Free for all kids on opening weekend. 972/9383247; srfestival.com

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S ECHO

Opens April 9

UNDER THE BIG TOP AT LONE STAR PARK, GRAND PRAIRIE

“Circus acts” does not adequately describe the experience that is Cirque du Soleil. Everyone should witness at least one production, in my humble opinion, and luckily you don’t have to fly to Vegas. Echo, whose story line is a nod to the bond between nature and animals, will be on stage here in DFW for a full month. Tickets from $59; children under 2 don’t need a ticket. cirquedusoleil. com/echo

ARTS IN BLOOM

April 10–12

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY

After a stop-over to the petting zoo (and splitting a chocolate-dipped pretzel too), head to the festival’s KidsCreate Station, the most hands-on spot for them to make their own art too. They’ll join instructors from McKinney’s Jump Into Arts Studio to craft a birdhouse for your own backyard (we love a functional keepsake), make an art journal and other crafts, starting from $7. FREE festival admission. 972/547-2660; artsinbloomtx.com

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

April 11

RIVER LEGACY NATURE CENTER, ARLINGTON

To help us all become better stewards of this “Pale Blue Dot” we’re floating on, the folks at River Legacy host this family day full educational and fun activities. You’ll meet live animal ambassadors, go on guided hikes through the forest, and get crafty with eco-friendly materials. FREE 817/8606752; riverlegacy.org

BE LIKE BLIPPI TOUR

April 12

TEXAS HALL AT UT ARLINGTON

With so many construction projects under his belt, there’s nothing left to do but sing and dance about it, and, did we mention sing? This live show’s set is full of fan-favorite songs from his streaming shows, like “The Excavator Song” and “Curious Like Me.” Tickets from $40.25; children under 2 don’t need a ticket. Does your kid have a question for Blippi? Upgrade to the photo experience to meet him in-person after the show. 817/272-9595; utatickets.com

SWAN LAKE HIGH TEA

April 12

THE CRESCENT HOTEL, FORT WORTH

For your little kids who are addicted to their dance classes or just want to meet a real-life ballerina in person, consider splurging on this special tea party, ahead of Texas Ballet Theater’s production of Swan Lake

BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL TRAILS FESTIVAL

April 17–19

DOWNTOWN ENNIS

All month long—here in the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas—the public is welcome to explore 40 miles of designated trails with the most blooms. (For a map, look online or grab a printed map from downtown.) In town, the fun kicks up a notch on this weekend with live music, festival vendors and more entertainment. $5 admission for adults; kids under 13 free. Free to access public bluebonnet trails. 972/878-4748; bluebonnettrail.org

(in Dallas May 1–3 and Fort Worth May 15–17). Danceinspired crafts, a kid-friendly tea service menu, and drinks for adults too. $370 for an adult/child pair, $250 for an additional adult; $125 for an additional sibling or friend. 817/763-0207; texasballet.org

SENSORY-FRIENDLY DAY: OUTSIDE THE BOX

April 16

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER, DALLAS

In addition to its monthly Free First Saturday parties, the Nasher’s got another can’t-miss event in the pipeline—this one specially for neurodiverse learners to enjoy their time in the galleries and garden too. Expect scavenger hunts, art stations, sensory tents and another space for teens too. Siblings are welcome. Registration is requested. FREE 214/242-5100; nashersculpturecenter.org

MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

April 16–19

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH What is “art”? The beauty is that “art” is whatever you make it. And your kids can make and experience plenty of it at this four-day, 18-block-wide festival. You’ll find most of the kid-focused crafts and activities in the TCC Makers Zone, near the courthouse, but also stop into the Sid Richardson Museum, where you can decorate your own piece of western wear too. FREE admission. Cost for some craft activities. 817/3362787; mainstreetartsfest.org

COCINA FLAMENCA LIVE!

April 18

LATINO CULTURAL CENTER, DALLAS

Deeply traditional dance forms like the flamenco aren’t only for adults. Here your whole family is welcome to join in a free dance workshop inside the Black Box theater and watch the “Flamenkitos” group perform live. FREE; $55 tickets to another live show and for a paella dinner. cocinaflamencalivedfw.com

COMMUNITY IN BLOOM

April 18

THE KELLER POINTE

Want to get your hands dirty for Earth Day and make our area more butterfly-friendly? Here you’ll make your own seed bombs—some to toss around the rec center’s flower beds and more to take home for your own yard. Register online. FREE 817/743-4386; thekellerpointe.com

LOG CABIN VILLAGE’S 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

April 18

LOG CABIN VILLAGE, FORT WORTH

Since its opening in 1966, this city-owned living history museum has been frozen in time—in the best way— and dedicated to teaching droves of visitors about 19th-century pioneer life. Come mark this milestone at this free party (with no registration needed to attend) with games, live music and demos from historical interpreters. FREE 817/392-5881; logcabinvillage.org

➽ SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

playbook / THINGS TO DO

PETER & THE WOLF / SLEEPING BEAUTY

April 18

FRISCO DISCOVERY CENTER

April 25

ROBINSON FINE ARTS

CENTER, PLANO Chamberlain Ballet stages both of these productions for its Family Ballet Series—an easy, all-ages introduction to classical music and dance. They’re both abridged versions, with Peter & the Wolf running only 30 minutes long, and the other 45 minutes. Plus, tickets to each show is only $5. 214/4128589; chamberlainballet.org

WALT DISNEY

ANIMATION STUDIOS: A DECADE IN CONCERT

April 18–19

WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM, FORT WORTH

I still cannot fathom that it’s been 13 years since Frozen first hit theaters. Time flies when you’re watching Disney movies … over and over again. And this concert features the best clips from Frozen and more beloved animated films—Moana, Zootopia, Tangled—on the big screen as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack live. Tickets from $45.50. 817/665-6000; fwsymphony.org

SESAME STREET LIVE

April 19

CREDIT UNION OF TEXAS EVENT CENTER, ALLEN

There’s no sitting still in your seat when Elmo’s on stage. In this latest touring show, Elmo’s Got the Moves, guests are encouraged to sing and dance along with him and the whole crew—Grover, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, even Oscar the Grouch. Tickets from $51. Children under 2 don’t need a ticket. 972/912-1057; cutxeventcenter.com

the other to high-energy activities (inflatables, rock climbing, games). You get the picture. FREE admission, fee for some activities. 817/9444408; artinthesquare.com

FISHIN’ FUN

April 25

GUSSIE FIELD WATTERWORTH

PARK, FARMERS BRANCH

New and experienced anglers alike will cast their lines into the park’s freshly stocked pond of catfish and bluegill. No gear? They’ll have free bait to use and fishing poles to borrow for the morning. Catch the most for prizes and drawings. For your kids not focused on the fish, they’ll enjoy activities like lawn games, bubbles and free face painting. FREE farmersbranchtx.gov

SPRING

JAPANESE FESTIVAL

April 25–26

FORT WORTH

BOTANIC GARDEN

A few of Japan’s most meaningful traditions can be experienced here at this twiceyearly festival in the Japanese Garden. Among them: the lively taiko drumming, the calming tea ceremonies, and playing kimono dress-up for kids and adults. Included with general garden admission: $12 adults, $6 children; under 6 free. Plus, it’s a great time to pop over and walk through the botanic garden’s indoor conservatory that’s filled with butterflies until April 30. 817/463-4160; fwbg.org

LAURIE BERKNER LIVE

ART IN THE SQUARE

April 24–26

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

Yes, the massive art show here is the focus of this 26th annual fest, but you can’t blame your littles for making a beeline to its two (yes, two) kids play areas—one dedicated to crafts (suncatchers, pinwheels, face paint) and

SURPRISE INSIDE

➽These Easter festivals caught our attention with their live bunnies available for meet and greets, a costumed dog parade, more games and activities, and a whopping number of eggs.

THE GREAT EGG HUNT

April 4

FAIR PARK, DALLAS

April 26

MAJESTIC THEATRE, DALLAS

Allow your kids to bring one stuffed animal with them for this live concert starring the kindie rocker of “Pig on Her Head.” (If you know, you know.) Berkner brings her acoustic guitar for this tour stop singing more of her greatest hits, including “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Chipmunk at the Gas Pump.” Come an hour before the show for the Toniepalooza party with Tonie trading, giveaways and activities. Tickets from $34.90. VIP seating includes a meet and greet. laurieberkner.com majestic.dallasculture.org

OK, the sheer number of eggs planned for this one shocked us: 100,000—and they’re all filled with candy too. (Thank you, Dallas Park & Rec!) So there’s no way your kid won’t fill their basket to satisfaction. Just remind them to share a piece with you too. Enter through gate 6 and head toward Cotton Bowl Plaza. FREE (Hungry for more? A dozen more egg hunts continue through April 18 at Dallas rec centers.) 214/670-4100; dallasparks.org

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 4

KALEIDOSCOPE PARK, FRISCO

Get up close with live rabbits and chicks (remember, gentle touches!), give greetings to a costumed Easter Bunny, and enjoy more lawn games and craft stations at this park-wide party. Register online in advance to join the egg hunts (organized by age) and be sure not to be late; they’ll step off at 2pm sharp. $10. The fun continues into the evening with live music from Jukebox Heroes at 7pm. 214/3465531; kaleidoscopepark.org

STOCKYARDS EASTER EGG HOP

April 4

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

Who says the egg hunts ought to be on grass? Explore beyond the green to throughout the Stockyards Station and Mule Alley in search of candy- and toy-filled eggs. And stick around for Easter Bunny photos and more kids activities. Have the means to splurge? Come on Easter Sunday, April 5 for a brunch at 97 West, then go in search of the golden egg and stay for a petting zoo with live bunnies. FREE for Saturday egg hunt. 817/625-9715; fortworthstockyards.com

EASTER IN THE PARK & POOCH PARADE

April 5

TURTLE CREEK PARK, DALLAS

After last year’s fest was canceled because of the forecast, we’re especially eager to come back to this party at this historic park—not only for the free Bunny photos and a huge egg hunt with more than 15,000 eggs but also the costumed dog parade. Come to watch or join in the parade ($25 day-of registration starts at noon) starring adorably clad pups. FREE to join egg hunt. 214/5212003; turtlecreekconservancy.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF KALEIDOSCOPE PARK; MIKE LEWIS

➽KALEIDOSCOPE PARK

BEST SUMMER EVER

Childhood summer memories and camp go hand-in-hand. Explore these fun camp options that will make this a summer to remember.

Find additional camps at dfwchild.com/camps

CosmoCamps at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas, have parents and campers raving! Our nationally-recognized, hands-on STEAM adventures, led by experts, offer a fun and unique way to introduce the exciting world of STEAM and space to campers from 3rd grade through 12th grade.The Cosmosphere’s progressive curriculum takes campers from the study of our solar system to simulations exploring it!

Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum

1100 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS 67501 800-397-0330 • cosmo.org

2 locations in Plano — ChallengerSchool.com

Since 1963, Challenger School has helped children excel by employing proven, effective methods in a fun and structured environment that inspires them to achieve.

The Challenger difference is evident from the moment you set foot on campus. Students bubble with enthusiasm as they make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts. In order to facilitate setting crucial learning patterns, Challenger accepts students as young as 3 years. Challenger School has two campuses in Plano.

6700 Communications Pkwy., Plano, TX 75024 • 469-573-0077

10145 Independence Pkwy., Plano, TX 75025 • 469-642-2000 ChallengerSchool.com

Step into the spotlight this summer with Dallas Theater Center SummerStage Camps! For students ages 6–18, these camps explore musicals, comedy, storytelling, and historical drama while building confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Campers sing, act, move, and create together in productions including SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical – Ensemble Experience, Stone Soup, The Unsinkable Mail: Letters from the Titanic, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon and A Year With Frog and Toad, Kids Each camp combines professional instruction with fun, ensemble-based learning, culminating in a live performance. SummerStage Scholarships available! Contact Brandi Giles at brandi.giles@dallastheatercenter.org. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

2400 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201

brandi.giles@dallastheatercenter.org • dallastheatercenter.org/summerstage

Journey with us into our 60th summer of unleashing student success! Since 1966, Key Summer Program has been a cornerstone of excellence for PreK–12 students in Tarrant County who learn differently. What began as a modest initiative to help students gain an academic boost has grown into a beloved tradition, one rooted in the legacy of our founder, Mary Ann Key, and ingrained in the fabric of our school’s identity. This summer (June 8–26), we’re proud to carry that legacy forward with a wide range of classes, highly qualified teachers, closing gaps, and building confidence for students! Register today!

Oil and Cotton Summer Camps

Since 2010, we’ve been making art, friends and life-long memories. If you’ve got a creative kid, this is the camp for them! Run by life-long educators, artists and people who love kids. This summer we’re saddling up for an exciting series of Texas-inspired camps! Your kids will draw, paint, sculpt and collage through the desert, the prairie, the gulf coast and the iconic city we call home to create big, bold artworks—just like each and everyone of us Texans. Choose from Toddler Takeover Camps, Classic Art Technique Camps for kids and our special series for tweens and teens. Morning, afternoon or stay all day. Join us in our bright and cheerful art studio located in the heart of Dallas!

2313 Beatrice St. #100, Dallas, TX 75208

972-373-4528 • info@oilandcotton.com • oilandcotton.com

Cooper Summer Camps 2026

June 1–August 7

Choose from Summer Fit & Fun Camp and Swim Programs to keep your kids and teens active with our health and fitness-focused programs.

Fit & Fun Camp: Ages 5–12

Our action-packed Fit & Fun day camps introduce various sports, physically-active games and overall wellness through daily fitness and nutrition lessons. Each week offers a different schedule of games and sports. (Must be 5 by Sept. 1, 2026 to enroll.)

Add-ons include: Splash Camp | Splash Academy | Extended Care.

Swim programs:

• Swim academy (ages 3–5) - beginning in June

• Splash Academy (for Kids Campers, ages 5–7) - semi-private lessons for campers with minimal swim experience

• Swim lessons (ages 6 months and up) – seasonally

• Swim team (ages 6–17) - year-round, for intermediate to advanced youth swimmers

Register today at cooperyouth.com

12100 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230

972.560.6310 • youth@cooperfitnesscenter.com

Is your child struggling with reading, writing, or math—and losing confidence along the way? Our Summer Intensive Programs are the perfect opportunity to turn that around. Summer provides focused time to make real progress without the pressure of the school year, allowing students to strengthen foundational skills through individualized, data-driven instruction.

Using structured interventions, we target each student’s specific needs while building mastery. Just as importantly, students gain confidence as they experience success and see their hard work pay off. By the end of the summer, students are not only academically stronger, but more confident and ready to start the next school year ahead.

6170 Sherry Lane, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75225 admin@pacioretty.com • 469-466-9385 • pacioretty.com

Adventure Camps for all girls and boys entering grades 3–8 let kids explore new interests, experiences, and skills all summer long! Campers will make new friends and have fun, enjoying engaging, unique programs in a nurturing environment! Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity, spark innovation, encourage collaboration and embrace the spirit of Ursuline’s motto, Serviam (I will serve).

2026 Summer Camp Dates:

Week 1: June 1–5

Week 2: June 8–12

Week 3: June 15–18

Week 4: June 22–26

Week 5: July 6–10

Week 6: July 13–17

Week 7: July 20–24

Week 8: July 27–31

4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 • 469-232-1800 camps@ursulinedallas.org • www.ursulinedallas.org/summer

Texas Ballet Theater’s Summer Dance programs invite dancers starting at age 3, with offerings for all abilities, to grow in a joyful and inspiring environment. Young children (ages 3–6) discover creativity and confidence through imaginative movement, while students ages 7–14 build strong technique and expressive skills. Intermediate and advanced dancers (ages 12–22) experience focused, immersive training that refines artistry and performance quality. Adults of all levels are also welcomed. Guided by expert faculty, each program nurtures discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance through meaningful, high-quality instruction.

Locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Richardson 817-763-0207 | TexasBalletTheater.org/summer-programs

Are you looking for a meaningful experience for your 8–11-year-old this summer?

The Visiting Nurse Association’s Meals on Wheels Kids Camp was created to empower the next generation of volunteers and philanthropists by teaching campers:

• The reality of senior hunger in our community

• How to combat social isolation

• The importance of good nutrition

• The gift of volunteerism

Campers will deliver Meals on Wheels, participate in craft projects, create and enjoy nutritious snacks and more!

Register today: vnatexas.org/kids-camp. For questions, please contact Ryan Jackson at ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org or call 214-689-2653.

Camp SOAR is an exciting aviation and STEM camp where young learners explore the science of flight through hands-on activities and real aircraft.

Hosted at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, campers build problem-solving skills, work as a team, and discover how pilots and engineers think—all in a fun, inspiring environment where curiosity takes flight.

5657 Mariner Dr., Dallas, TX 75208 214-330-1700 ext. 114 flynaec.org/education/camp-soar

The DIS Summer Enrichment Camp is a six-week program offering all campers ages 3–17 the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities—from Cooking and Chess to Sports and Pottery—in a safe and caring environment. Campers may enroll in a full-day or half-day program for any combination of activities they choose. Lunch is provided at no additional cost to all full-day campers. Extended day options available on both campuses.

972-991-6379

camps@dallasinternationalschool.org dallasinternationalschool.org

Summer@Fairhill offers engaging programs for elementary, middle and high school students. All families welcome.

Elementary and Middle School Program

Grades 1–8 • June 8–26

Academic Enrichment: Reading, Math, Writing and Dyslexia Intervention Camps: Sports, STEM, Drama, Art and Chess High School Program

Grades 9–12, credit courses

June 1–12: Goverment and Health

June 15–26: Economics and Speech

16150 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75248

972-233-1026 • fairhill.org/summer

Game On is Fort Worth’s home for athletic potential. The largest premier indoor and outdoor multi-sport center in North Texas, serving athletes of all ages. Summer Camps are available for Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Multi-Sport, Soccer, Volleyball, and through our building partners, baseball, golf and sport performance camps

Game On Arena Sports

251 Settlement Plaza Dr., Fort Worth TX, 76108 Game On Sports Complex 2600 Alemeda St., Fort Worth, TX 76108 817-367-7800 • support@gameonfw.com gameonfw.com

Ready, set, MAKE! Summer Art Camps have something for every creative kid. Spend a week in the Museum exploring the galleries, making new friends, working in the studio, and creating amazing art in weeklong camps for children ages 4–12.

Unless otherwise indicated, the cost per camp is as follows:

Age Policy

Please register your child in the ageappropriate camp that corresponds to your child’s age as of August 31, 2026.

Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N. Harwood St. Dallas, TX 75201 214-922-1312

familyprograms@dma.org dma.org/programs/family-programs/ summer-art-camps

Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s Summer Program helps students build independence and confidence while exploring fun, engaging activities in a safe, nurturing environment.

Camp options include traditional day camp, STEM, art, sports, music, and dance. Designed for ages 4–15, the program runs June 1–July 31 and offers early and extended day care for families who need it.

11110 Midway Rd., Dallas, TX 75229 214-432-8146 • summer@gsesdallas.org gsesdallas.org/summer

At Kidventure, summer camp is designed with purpose. Every week builds confidence, independence, and real friendships through intentional programming led by trained, certified adults. With 31 years of experience, low camper-to-counselor ratios, and camp locations throughout DFW, families trust Kidventure to deliver more than fun—we deliver growth. Ages 3–15. Weekly sessions available June 1–August 6.

Kidventure Camps Dallas 3330 Keller Springs Rd., Suite 230 Carrollton, TX 75006 • 214-303-9789 kidventure.com/dallas-summer-camps

July 6–10, 2026

Full Day Camp 9am–4pm

Half Day Morning 9am–12pm

Half Day Afternoon 1–4pm Chess Camp is a super-fun, high-energy chess experience in which kids celebrate a new chess tactic each day with silly videos, music-driven puzzlers, colorful silicone Tactixbands, funny movies, and chess clock tourneys! Laughter, fast-clocks, and compelling teaching approaches make this camp the summer’s highlight. Have your breakthrough at chess camp with our great network of friends! Ages 6–12.

CARE Church, 1504 E. Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX 75081 205-541-2729 • theknightschool.com

Registration is now open for NTPA’s Summer Camps! Kids ages 5+ and teens can explore acting, improvisation, theatre games, dance, and hands-on visual art in a fun, confidence-building environment.

Film camps are also available for students who want to create and star in their own short movies.

Camps run all summer long in Plano, Dallas, Fairview, Frisco, and Southlake.

6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite B216, Plano, TX 75093

(The Shops at Willow Bend, 2nd floor near Dillard’s) 972-422-2575 • ntpa.org

Give your child a summer of adventure at River Legacy’s Summer Camps! For ages 3–12, kids enjoy hands-on nature exploration, wildlife encounters and outdoor activities that spark curiosity and a love for the environment. Led by experienced educators, campers build friendships while discovering nature. Spots are limited—register today!

703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006 817-860-6752 • riverlegacy.org

SPARK! Summer Explorers Camp is Dallas’ most creative, hands-on camp for kids—packed with painting, sculpture, mixed media, collaborative projects, imaginative challenges and immersive play in our underground play place. Designed to spark imagination, self-expression and confidence, it’s an exciting, active, unforgettable experience from the nonprofit igniting creativity in children—just $450/week with care available from 9am–5pm.

1409 Botham Jean Blvd. #004, Dallas, TX 75215 214-421-7727 sparkdallas.org

1

Family Fun

9 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES KIDS WILL LOVE

Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org/events/family-events 817/738-1933

Our family events offer playful experimentation and unique opportunities for all families. This includes classes for all ages, innovative workshops and more. See ad on page 24.

2

Art in the Square artinthesquare.com 516/884-4091

3

4

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org 817/255-9300

Grandscape grandscape.com/event/spring-fling-eggstravaganza-6/2026-04-03/

Get wild about art at the 26th annual Art in the Square at Southlake Town Square, April 24–26. Enjoy art, live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks and fun children’s activities—all while supporting local philanthropies! See ad on page 11.

Explore the new TCU Children's Gallery, a reimagined play space where curiosity leads the way! Designed especially for the Museum's youngest guests, this vibrant new exhibit is where children will explore, play pretend and learn. See ad on back cover.

Hop on over, there’s an egg-cellent adventure waiting! Join us for Spring Fling Eggstravaganza at Grandscape on Friday, April 3, from 11am–3pm, presented by Crest.

5

Celebrate the 54th annual Mayfest in Fort Worth, April 30–May 3, with live music, carnival rides, family-friendly activities, great food and vibrant entertainment across seven stages—creating unforgettable fun for all ages along the Trinity River. See ad on page 13. 6

Mayfest mayfest.org 817/332-1055

North Texas Performing Arts ntpa.org/camps 972/422-2575

7

Perot Museum of Nature and Science perotmuseum.org 214/756-5798

North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) offers award-winning theatre, camps and classes for youth across North Texas. With professional training and family-friendly productions year-round, NTPA inspires creativity, confidence and community on stage and behind the scenes. See ad on page 44.

Kick into the science of the world’s most popular sport at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Soccer: More Than a Game is an interactive exhibition for all ages, open through September 7. See ad on page 39. 8

Reunion Tower reuniontower.com 214/296-9950

9

Texas Ballet Theater texasballettheater.org 817/763-0207

See Dallas from a whole new perspective with 360-degree views, telescopes, interactive touch screens and fun photo ops! Day or night, the iconic Reunion Tower is the TOP spot for family fun. See ad on page 10.

Let your imagination take flight with Swan Lake. Share the beauty and magic of this beloved ballet with the whole family in Dallas, May 1–3, and Fort Worth, May 15–17. See ad on page 3.

the great indoors

THERE ARE 32 SCREWS, 64 wooden dowels and a few strategically placed washers tightened firmly into the bunk beds in the bedroom my boys call their own.

I know this because I helped put them all into place. The structure was built with comfort and open space in mind—two things my kids value most. Towards the end of the bed-building process, they stopped by constantly with questions.

“Hey, is it done yet??!!” they would ask like a pair of disgruntled foremen two weeks behind on a big job. “Is it close??!! Really??!! Fine, I’ll keep waiting.”

Thanks, kids. I look forward to your same pep talk in three minutes.

I’ve been thinking a lot about those wooden dowels and constant time checks lately. Not that I long for another assembly project, but for the irony of my kids’ favorite new hobby: camping overnight about 30 feet away in the living room.

For the uninitiated, let me paint you a picture. There are pillows, blankets and stuffed animals as far as the eye can see. The kids sprawl out in their makeshift sleeping bags, with arms and legs stretched out to make walking to the bathroom at night an unnecessary obstacle course.

As an adult, the sleeping arrangements boil down to two choices: get terrible back pain attempting to sleep on the hard floor or get moderate back pain sleeping on the couch. Either way, you find yourself publicly thanking your mattress the next night.

Of course, we are “camping” in the loosest sense of the word. There are no tents or trees, no fresh air at all. I suppose it’s on par with those who bring arena-sized RVs and tell everyone how much they “roughed it” last weekend, while they blend up another daiquiri and sit in their A/C.

One perk of this newfound hobby is the adjacency to our TV. They could watch a movie, drift off without moving a muscle and then, poof, awake within an arm’s length of the remote control.

an every-weekend ask. For my youngest, especially, camping in the living room is all he wants to do.

bed?”

Mom or Dad might have a sore back or neck in the morning?”

fine with it.” overwhelming sometimes.)

There are no mosquitoes, no tedious packing projects and no stumbling around with a flashlight in the middle of the dark trying to find a bathroom.

At first, I made the rookie mistake of telling them to wake me up and ask if they could watch TV. In those next early mornings, my eyes opened to two gentlemen standing over me like they were about to smother me in a home invasion.

Now they just have a time they can turn it on and must mute the volume.

“You know, there are no TVs when we camp outdoors,” I offered.

“Sure there are. Pretty much every RV had the football game going last time, remember?”

Touché. They never remember to zip up the tent to keep the bugs out, but they sure remember that. Selective hearing is alive and well.

What started as an occasional indulgence has quickly become

WE ARE

“CAMPING” IN THE LOOSEST SENSE OF THE WORD. THERE ARE NO TENTS OR TREES, NO FRESH AIR AT ALL.

experience, we’ve also introduced a few familiar concepts to make it more authentic. We sometimes use flashlights and read stories in the dark. Using an electric home s’mores kit that comes with a heater coiled furnace, we also sit around the “campfire” making the beloved outdoor treat—as long as the cord can be pulled out far enough. You know, just like a crackling firepit.

there is a tug-at-the-heartstrings ask to “Just sleep in the living room for one night” that eventu ally turns into a “Well, we already have our stuff here, so let’s make it two” persuasive argument.

one day to the next…”

the phrase, “Home is where you lay your head,” but it never felt truer than that moment. ( have been someone with a sore back, too, fort and space  most. It’s the four of us, exiting and entering the days together. I felt a million proud things.

there, too, so…”

that first thing. Selective hearing works both ways, right?

Josh Farnsworth award-winning parenting colum nist who lives with his wife and two goofball sons. You can reach him for column ideas at  josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com

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