Best Cheap Activities To Do With Kids In DFW
For kids, hanging around the pool and playing video games only goes so far during the long summer break. Fortunately, DFW is brimming with budget-friendly activities that will keep everyone in the family entertained.
Henrietta Creek Orchard
14255 Old Denton Road
Roanoke, TX 76262
(817) 439-3202
www.facebook.com/HenriettaCreekAppleOrchard If your kids think that fruits and vegetables come from the grocery store, they'll gain a better grasp of the farm-to-table concept after a visit to this pick-your-own farm. Not only can everyone pick their own peaches in the summer and apples during the fall, but they can also wander around the pizza garden to pluck up squash, lettuce, kale, okra, watermelon, cantaloupe and carrots. Pick as much as you like for $1.50 to $1.80 a pound. Phone ahead or check the Facebook page for daily updates.
14255 Old Denton Road
Roanoke, TX 76262
(817) 439-3202
www.facebook.com/HenriettaCreekAppleOrchard If your kids think that fruits and vegetables come from the grocery store, they'll gain a better grasp of the farm-to-table concept after a visit to this pick-your-own farm. Not only can everyone pick their own peaches in the summer and apples during the fall, but they can also wander around the pizza garden to pluck up squash, lettuce, kale, okra, watermelon, cantaloupe and carrots. Pick as much as you like for $1.50 to $1.80 a pound. Phone ahead or check the Facebook page for daily updates.
Allen Bowl – Kids Bowl Free
1011 S. Greenville Ave.
Allen, TX 75002
(972) 727-9108
www.allenbowl.com Bowling for free? It's true. Kids ages 15 and under can bowl two free games every day all summer long at Allen Bowl. All you need to do is register each child on the Kids Bowl Free website and you'll receive coupons via email. The center also offers good deals for parents to get into the game, ranging from 99 cents a game on Sundays to $1.99 games on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
1011 S. Greenville Ave.
Allen, TX 75002
(972) 727-9108
www.allenbowl.com Bowling for free? It's true. Kids ages 15 and under can bowl two free games every day all summer long at Allen Bowl. All you need to do is register each child on the Kids Bowl Free website and you'll receive coupons via email. The center also offers good deals for parents to get into the game, ranging from 99 cents a game on Sundays to $1.99 games on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Related: Best DFW Day Trips For Under $100
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Cinemark Frisco Square and 5655 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 705-9901
www.cinemark.com You can't beat seeing 10 kid-friendly movies for $1 each. Well, actually you can. You can see 10 movies for $5 if you purchase a clubhouse bundle in advance online and from any participating Cinemark box office, or come at showtime and pay $1 per show. There are 10 participating theaters around DFW (excluding Dallas locations) where you can see everything from "The Meltdown" to "The Croods" and "The Lego Movie." Check the website for hours and be sure to sign up for weekly emails so you won't miss out on the free goodies.
Cinemark Frisco Square and 5655 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 705-9901
www.cinemark.com You can't beat seeing 10 kid-friendly movies for $1 each. Well, actually you can. You can see 10 movies for $5 if you purchase a clubhouse bundle in advance online and from any participating Cinemark box office, or come at showtime and pay $1 per show. There are 10 participating theaters around DFW (excluding Dallas locations) where you can see everything from "The Meltdown" to "The Croods" and "The Lego Movie." Check the website for hours and be sure to sign up for weekly emails so you won't miss out on the free goodies.
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
www.klydewarrenpark.org There's never any shortage of free family activities to do at this urban park set atop the freeway. You'll find an assortment of kids programs going on during the daytime, ranging from storytelling and yoga to lawn games and acting sessions with the Dallas Children's Theater. There's also a playground where kids can explore and cool off in the water jets. Additionally, live music fills the air every Thursday evening throughout the summer, so bring along a picnic and spend an evening under the stars.
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
www.klydewarrenpark.org There's never any shortage of free family activities to do at this urban park set atop the freeway. You'll find an assortment of kids programs going on during the daytime, ranging from storytelling and yoga to lawn games and acting sessions with the Dallas Children's Theater. There's also a playground where kids can explore and cool off in the water jets. Additionally, live music fills the air every Thursday evening throughout the summer, so bring along a picnic and spend an evening under the stars.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
9000 Blue Mound Road
Fort Worth, TX 76131
(817) 231-4000
www.moneyfactory.gov It's not everyday that you can watch billions of dollars being produced. And there's only two places in the world where you can do it: Washington D.C. and right here in Fort Worth. Taking a guided tour at this money factory is not only exciting and interesting, but it's also free. Try to plan your visit during the weeks of June 24-27 or July 22-25 so that you can watch a variety of special demonstrations, ranging from intaglio engraving to plate making for the printing presses.
9000 Blue Mound Road
Fort Worth, TX 76131
(817) 231-4000
www.moneyfactory.gov It's not everyday that you can watch billions of dollars being produced. And there's only two places in the world where you can do it: Washington D.C. and right here in Fort Worth. Taking a guided tour at this money factory is not only exciting and interesting, but it's also free. Try to plan your visit during the weeks of June 24-27 or July 22-25 so that you can watch a variety of special demonstrations, ranging from intaglio engraving to plate making for the printing presses.
Texas Outdoor Family Workshops
Various Locations
www.tpwd.state.tx.us Paddle a kayak down the river, fish the streams, hike the trails or go on a fully furnished camping trip—the Texas Parks & Wildlife's Outdoor Family programs offer plenty of activities for little or no fees. Camp, fish and kayak at nearby Ray Roberts Lake State Park, May 31, June 7 or June 21 for $65, and that includes all of the equipment. Or check the website for an array of day excursions offered for free all year long.
Various Locations
www.tpwd.state.tx.us Paddle a kayak down the river, fish the streams, hike the trails or go on a fully furnished camping trip—the Texas Parks & Wildlife's Outdoor Family programs offer plenty of activities for little or no fees. Camp, fish and kayak at nearby Ray Roberts Lake State Park, May 31, June 7 or June 21 for $65, and that includes all of the equipment. Or check the website for an array of day excursions offered for free all year long.
Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.
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