Summer Fun for the Whole Family

     Summer break is next week and the Academy will be closed for that 1st week in July so our staff can go on vacation. Some of you may have the week already planned and filled with epic activities, or vacations of your own. However, some of you just read that first sentence and are panicking, because that means no summer camp next week. Whichever parenting category you fall into (prepared or panicked) we've got your back. This week's blog post is full of family fun ideas that are only a car ride away. Feel free to use them next week or anytime during summer break for some truly memorable family fun.

Little Eden Farm and Exotics:

     Located in Harrold, Texas and making it a little less than an hour drive from the Falls town this is a staycation experience unlike any other. Treat your kiddos (and let's be honest, yourself also) to some sweet animal cuddles. This is your not so average petting zoo experience that includes kangaroos, lemurs and more. They open their farm by reservation only. So give them a call at 940-733-5250 or contact them on Facebook. Whether you go next week or sometime during the summer this will be a fun adventure to share with your Little Warrior.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center:

     Located in Glen Rose, TX this fun little safari experience is worth the 3 hour drive. View over 1,000 endangered animals from the comfort of your own car or take one of the guided safari tours in their open-air buses. For a few extra bucks, you can even buy animal food at the front gate to hand out during your tour. We promise that if you're lucky enough to coax a giraffe over the experience of feeding them is unlike any other. Check them out at https://fossilrim.org/

Dinosaur Valley State Park:

     For the kiddos who love animals that are of the extinct variety Dinosaur Valley is a must go. Also located in Glen Rose, TX this is the perfect follow up to your Fossil Rim adventure. Here your adventures include geocaching, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and of course searching for dinosaur tracks. The dinosaur tracks in the river bed are amazing! But you can't always see them because they're in the river bed so be sure to check their site for more details on the water level and to bring swim shoes and suits. They also have an awesome FREE Junior Park Ranger Program that if completed earns your little adventurer a special edition Honorary Ranger Pin. For more information and to see if the dinosaur tracks are visible check them out at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley 
        

Graham Drive In Theater:

     For those of you looking for a fun summer adventure a little closer to home don't forget about the Graham Drive In. Open most weekends, they play a variety of family friendly new movies. Plus their snack bar is delicious! Check them out at http://grahamdrivein.com/ to see what's playing next and plan a family night under the stars. Bonus is most weekend performances are double features and they are waaaaaaaaaayyyyyy cheaper than going to the actual theater.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History:

     Maybe you've heard of them and maybe you haven't, but this kid centered play experience is different enough to be worth mentioning. With a dinosaur dig, rotating interactive exibhits, the innovative building studios, and the children's museum you can easily spend a whole day playing here. With activities for children toddler age to early teen they are definitely worth checking out. Plus there are so many things to do in the area for an ultimate midweek getaway experience. More details available at https://www.fwmuseum.org/explore/


   

Water activities:

     We all know nothing beats the Texas heat like a little water fun. The options nearby are endless with Castaway Cove, Hurricane Harbor, the multitude of splash pads in the DFW area, Great Wolf Lodge, and of course more homey things like a good ole' water balloon battle in the backyard. So plan on getting a little wet next week and let the good times roll!

Experimental play:

     Looking for something a little closer to home? Check out Downtown's Crashwork Studios! This creative play space has an assortment of odds and ends that provide hours of entertainment for all ages. And with a price of under $10 you truly can't beat it. Check them out at https://crashworkswf.com/about-us/ 

     This doesn't even cover a quarter of the Texas adventures you can fill your family's summer with, but we thought these were a few of the lesser known, and unique ones worth sharing with your Little Warrior. You could totally go to Six Flags, Legoland, the Zoo, or the Aquarium and fight the crowds again. Or you could go bigger and have an adventure unlike any other. In summer the options are endless. So have fun! And be safe during our Summer Break next week!

#RaiseAWarrior