Spring Break Staycation Ideas
It’s hard for many of us to take a fun road trip or vacation with the kids over Spring Break. If you don’t have travel plans and need to keep the kids busy during spring break, consider a “stay-cation”!
Note: If you do plan to take a mini-vacation, make sure and check out Ways to Save on Travel! And don’t forget about our Top 10 Weekend Getaways Near Dallas (all within 4 hours) post, too.
Here are some great affordable ideas for a spring break stay-cation with the kids. And remember, many memories are built with your children doing the “little” things. I bet you could build some great memories with some of these ideas…its all about “time” with your children in my opinion!
If you are thinking of doing multiple activities, consider buying the Dallas CityPass (GREAT SAVINGS!)- read all about it here. You can buy it here too!
Another option is the Pogo Pass. It is a year long, family based entertainment pass, that gets pass holders into some of the best venues in Dallas. If you’re staying in town and looking for fun stuff to do, get a Pogo Pass. Or if you’re going to San Antonio, Austin or Waco this is a super hot deal too!
Head over here and use code MYDFWMOMMY and get 60% off (you’ll pay $49.98 instead of $124.95). Just Hawaiian Falls and the Fort Worth Zoo are over $40 by themselves!
What does the pass include? Check this out!
This is truly one of the best deals in family entertainment out there. You’ll enjoy a FULL YEAR of admissions to places all over town (each place has their own details about how many times you get in with the pass).
A different pass is needed for use in each city (someone with a DFW Pogo Pass can’t use that in San Antonio, for example. They would need a San Antonio Pogo Pass.)
Be a local tourist
Tackle the local tourist attractions. Sure you know they’re there, but, often times, things are just simply too busy for you to go and check them out. Check out our post – 10 FREE Things to Do in Dallas, too! If you have kids, be sure to read our post about 10 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Dallas. Some key fun attractions in the area include:
Safari Spring Break Week at Texas Discovery Gardens/Butterfly House (Fair Park)
Texas Discovery Gardens and Butterfly House is offering mom/parent groups a complimentary ‘Stories and More’ play date which includes a book reading, craft, song and snack + general admission to the butterfly house and gardens.
Ninja Spring Break Camp at Chamberlain Studios (Lakewood)
Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense offers a complimentary private Mom’s Self Defense class (with option of a simultaneous kid’s stranger danger workshop for the children) at either your own venue or host you at their Lakewood studios.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art Offers Free Spring Break Fun Week for 5th–10th Graders
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art announces the return of Fun Week but with a new twist for 2017. This free program for children and their families is held during the week of Tuesday, March 14–Friday, March 17, from 1–3 p.m. and is geared this year toward middle-school and early high-school students.
Gallery games, creativity challenges, printmaking and an art project have been designed for older children to create, compete and consider American art in a new way. Parents and caregivers should plan on staying at the museum with kids younger than 16 during Fun Week hours.
Please contact the museum at 817.989.5030 or visitors@cartermuseum.org for more information and parking tips. Tag your Fun Week photos on social media with #amoncartermuseum. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. and Sundayfrom noon–5 p.m. Free admission.
Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower– Atop that big ball at the west end of downtown, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view, 470 feet above the ground, of downtown and farther afield. It’s one of the best places to see the layout of Dealey Plaza, and you’ll also get a great view of the Trinity River.
Enjoy free activities and entertainment, including bingo, Tall Tales story time, and activity sheets with your general admission ticket purchase for the GeO-Deck. Make new furry friends with special sky-high appearances by some of the Dallas Zoo’s residents. The Animal Adventures team will bring a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles for an up-close encounter on the GeO-Deck. For more information call 214-712-7040 or email info@reuniontower.com.
March 6 – 10, 2017
– Monday – Bingo at 11 AM
– Tuesday – Tall Tales story time at 11 AM
– Wednesday – Bingo at 11 AM
March 13 – 17, 2017
– Monday – Bingo at 11 AM
– Tuesday – Tall Tales story time at 11 AM
– Wednesday – Bingo at 11 AM
– Thursday – Dallas Zoo Animal Encounters at 11 AM
– Friday – Dallas Zoo Animal Encounters at 11 AM
Celebrate Spring Break at the Most Beautiful Place in Dallas
For families planning a staycation or visitors coming to Dallas for spring break, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has something for everyone. Encounter 100 varieties of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, violas, poppies and thousands of other spring-blooming annuals and perennials. The entire family will enjoy getting to experience what Southern Living boasts as one of the “South’s Best Botanical Gardens.”
Dallas Blooms: Peace, Love and Flower Power
Through April 9
Dallas Blooms is in full swing with the theme Peace, Love and Flower Power showcasing an explosion of color with a peace sign and vintage VW Bug and Beatle floral topiaries. As the largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms explodes with color from more than 500,000 spring-blooming blossoms throughout the gardens. The festival is sponsored by IBERIABANK. Dallas Blooms features unique weekends that highlight a different 1960s theme and incorporate headlines, music, TV, fads and fashion.
Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Children’s activities include face painting, a petting zoo and Kindermusik, located in the Pecan Grove.
Arboretum After Hours: Every Wednesday (excluding March 22)
Hours are extended until 8 p.m. each Wednesday evening. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a favorite book and have a mid-week escape from a busy schedule. Buy one get one free general admission is available at the ticket booth only, with a limit of one purchase per person.
Retro Crafts: March 15-April 5, 12 – 2 p.m.
Retro Crafts bring back memories of peace rallies, flower power and the generation that believed love could cure all the worlds’ ills. Kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy these crafts while hearing tales of another time in the Ann Stuart Courtyard on Wednesdays.
Hula Hoop Contests: March 11-April 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturdays + TONS more
Discounted Tickets:
Save $1 on each regular price ticket when you purchase them in-store at local Tom Thumb locations.
BOGO Wednesdays: Through April 5 (excludes March 15):
Buy one get one free general admission, is available at the ticket booth only, with a limit of one purchase per person.
Group Discounts:
Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520.
C.C. Young Senior Thursdays:
$11 general garden admission plus 20 percent discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Valid for visitors age 65+ during festivals. Discounted Senior Thursday tickets may be purchased at the ticket booth only.
Discounted Parking:
Pre-purchased online parking is $8. Regular parking is $15.
For more information about the Dallas Arboretum, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.
George W. Bush Presidential Center– A look at the eight years when the 43rd president was in office, including an especially poignant section on 9/11. 2943 SMU Blvd. (near the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and North Central Expressway), University Park.
AT&T Stadium– 3 million square feet! You might be surprised by the beauty of the place and by the collection of world-class art inside. Take a tour to see the field, the Cowboys’ and Cowboys Cheerleaders’ locker rooms, postgame interview room and more.
Goldstar has a ton of great deals available right now when you’re looking for things to do ~ most tickets are half price!
SEA LIFE & LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
Did you know that LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas / Ft Worth is just next door to the aquarium? Buy a Combo Annual Pass and enjoy 12 months of unlimited entry to both attractions!
SEA LIFE Grapevine is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051. For more information visitwww.visitsealife.com/grapevine or call 817-819-7677.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! 5-Way Super Combo Tickets – Save $47!!
INCLUDED IN THIS COMBO
- RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! ODDITORIUM- features the largest collection of the odd and unusual from all corners of the world.
- LOUIS TUSSAUD’S PALACE OF WAX- Experience the world of movie stars and historical figures, past and present. Over 200 life-like figures in amazing detail from the famous to the infamous!
- RIPLEY’S IMPOSSIBLE LASERACE- Can you beat the race? Navigate the maze of lasers without breaking a beam. The more lasers you miss, the higher your score!
- RIPLEY’S ENCHANTED MIRROR MAZE- Can you find your way out? With over 100 mirrors with LED lighting and digital sound, it’s a different experience every time! Compete for the fastest time through the maze.
- RIPLEY’S MOVING THEATER- State-of-the-art motion simulator where you are actually in the movies!
Children 3 & under are FREE!
601 East Palace Parkway
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
At Ticketmaster, buy one ticket for select performances and get a second ticket for free with coupon code “TMN241“. (Enter your ZIP to choose your area. After choosing your event, select this offer under ticket type. Available seats will display once you’ve entered the code.)
Do Something New & Unique
Dallas is known for bring hip, new and fun events to the area. Make a point to check it out. At least you can say… “I tried it!”
Here are some fun examples:
*Terrarium and Garden-Making Social Event from Plant Nite in Local Bars
*Two or Four Group Salsa and Bachata Dance Lessons for One or Two at Calirumba Dance Company (Up to 75% Off)
*Three-Attraction Quest Passes for One, Two, or Four at Adventure Landing (Up to 53% Off)
*Standup Comedy Shows Through April 22 at Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub Dallas
*$30 for $120 Worth of Services — World Arirang Artist Center, Inc.
*Medieval Times — Tournament Show and Dinner with Optional VIP Package Through April 30
*One Horseback Trail Ride or a Kids’ Pony Party for up to 15 at River Ranch at Texas Horse Park (Up to 46% Off)
Eat out: Explore new and local restaurants
With busy schedules, many families are stuck in a routine and don’t have time to explore new places to eat. Use your Spring Break as a way to discover new restaurants in your area. Take advantage of restaurants where Kids Eat Free. I think this would be a great time to introduce new and exciting foods for the kids. Who knows, you might just find your next new favorite restaurant.
Check out our suggestions:
*Top 10 Places for Brunch in Dallas
*Top 10 Burger Joints in Dallas
*Top 10 Places in Dallas for Lunch
Also, don’t forget to check out Groupon, Living Social and AdPages for restaurant deals to your local favorites. And, here are even more resources for you to save more when you eat at Restaurants:
- Restaurant Deals section for free meals and discounted dinners.
- Learn how to save the most when you eat out with our Restaurant Rewards post and Saving Money Eating Out post!
- Find out where Kids can eat for FREE!
- Get Restaurant FREE offers this week!
Gain some culture
We have a wide variety of museums, many of which include free admission and some beautiful exhibits.
Free Admission Museums: The Dallas Museum of Art is completely free and features more than 22,000 works of art spanning all mediums and time-periods, from ancient civilization to modern art. The Dallas Museum of Art presents a week full of hands-on activities that cater to all ages. Create masterpieces out of household items, use flashlights and laser pointers to draw in the air, wiggle and giggle your way through the galleries—the sky is the limit. Festivities will be held daily Tuesday through Friday, March 15–18, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All Spring Break programs are included in the Museum’s daily free general admission; some may require a free ticket the day of the program to reserve a space.
Other must-see museums include The Samurai Collection at The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Crow Collection of Asian Art, African American Museum and the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art. The Meadows Museum of Art, with one of the largest Spanish art collections outside of Spain, at Southern Methodist University is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.
Here are other local museums and attractions. The best advice I can give you is to go to the website or call ahead and ask for specials or discounts.
Amon Carter Museum – The Amon Carter Museum of American Art announces the return of Family Fun Week. This free public program for children and their families is held during the week of Tuesday, March 15–Friday, March 18, from 10:30 a.m.–noon, and brings the museum’s collection to life through art exploration and art-making activities. Parents are encouraged to call 817.989.5030 or email visitors@cartermuseum.org for helpful information and parking tips.
Dallas Arboretum
Fort Worth’s Botanic Gardens
Fossil Rim
Klyde Warren Park
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
Dallas World Aquarium
Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum/Ripley’s Believe it or Not
The Old Red Museum
Perot Museum of Nature and Science – From March 5-20 at select times, children can enjoy daily spring science crafts, bookworm readings, science trivia, slinky spring science, live “science on the spot” demos and drop-in activities involving making clouds, rainbows, egg dyeing, pinwheels/wind energy, marshmallows, mammoth/dinosaur toothpaste and mini kite flying, to name a few.
Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Sixth Floor Museum
Dallas Zoo
Dallas Museum of Art
Reunion Tower Observation
Grapevine SEA-Life Aquarium
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Library or Park:
Just because the kids are away from school doesn’t mean you the can unplug the brain. Many area libraries are holding activities through the break.
Better yet, get out of your local “hood” and show the kids the Dallas Public Library!
If you’re a suburbanite, get the kids downtown and check out Klyde Warren Park or take them to another one out of your area so they can see new things. KLYDE WARREN PARK is the Dallas version of Central Park, built atop a busy downtown freeway. The $110 million park offers games (pingpong tables and equipment on-site, for instance), a reading area with magazines and books, a dog park, a special kids’ area and oodles of activities and performances by local musical, theater and dance troupes. 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway (between Pearl and St. Paul streets on the northern edge of downtown), Dallas.
Take in a movie “on the cheap”
Whether it’s cuddling up with some popcorn for a good movie at home or capitalizing on inexpensive matinee pricing at the theater, catching a good flick is always fun.
Many cities have discount theaters in the area where you can pay as little as $1 a movie. If the weather isn’t nice, now might be a good time to have a movie marathon with you children! At $1-$1.25 per movie, you can’t go wrong! In my area, Cinemark offers movies during the day for $1!
Want to go at night? Right now, go here where you can pay $5.00 for a movie ticket at Studio Movie Grill!
Make sure and check out our Ways to Save at the Movies section so you aren’t spending a bundle!
Visit Local Retail Shops for Free Events
Make sure to check out Fun & Free Weekend Events in our “Around Town” section. Included in this are retailers that offer free events for the kids. Bass Pro, Lowes, Home Depot, Michaels, Lakeshore Learning, American Girl, Barnes & Noble & more have weekend events regularly. Check your favorite retailers websites for more information.
Here are some examples:
*American Girl
Every month at various locations, girls ages 8 and up can participate in events. Head over here to see the full list of dates and participating locations as well as a phone number to make reservations. Keep in mind that ticket prices will vary by event.
*Bass Pro
Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Saturdays, 11 AM Free! Join Bass Pro each week when kids are welcome to fish on their pond. Go here for details.
Burn Some Calories
Get ACTIVE and keep the kids off electronics. Your kids will thank you too for getting them off the couch. Trampoline parks, paintball, rock climbing… you name it our area has it.
Daily Deal Sites for activities and overnight deals:
This is where the daily deals sites come in VERY handy for my family. I use Groupon, Living Social and AdPages to find great events and activities going on in my area from concerts to climbing, go-karts to getaways. These deals will allow you to save at least 50% or more. It’s a great way to save a few extra bucks! Many cities have several daily deal sites to choose from.
Main Event Entertainment is rolling out its all-new “Spring FUNpass,” featuring all-you-can-play activities* – bowling, billiards, laser tag and more. *Activities vary by location.
Guests may choose from the following Pass options:
Ø 9 – 10:30 a.m.: Purchase the Spring FUNpass for just $12.95; pass is valid until 5 p.m.
Ø 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until 5 p.m.
Ø 5 p.m. – close: Spring FUNpass is $18.95; wristband is valid until close
Doors open at 9 a.m. from now until April 9, so come in early and maximize your FUN!
This offer is valid all day, every day from now until April 9. All of the Main Event centers will open early at 9 a.m. during this promotion. There’s no limit to the number of Spring FUNpasses a guest can purchase. So add “having more fun” to your to-do list this spring, because Main Event has you covered!
Here are just some of the deals offered in my area to give you an idea of what you can find:
*Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon on Sunday, March 19, at 8 a.m.
*Four Weeks of Unlimited Martial Arts Classes at Chungs Taekwondo (50% Off)
*$76 for $139 Worth of Soccer — HappyFeet-Legends Dallas LLC
*Warrior Open Play Passes for One to Four Children at Ninja Warrior Kids (Up to 50% Off)
*$25 for Mud Factor Dallas KIDZ Family Waves All-Ages Run on April 22, 2017 ($49 Value)
*Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental at Kayak Instruction (Up to 59% Off). Five Options Available.
*One or Two Months of Gymnastics Classes at ASI Gymnastics (Up to 65% Off). Eight Locations Available.
Note: If you want to do a “Texas” trip, remember, Sea World offers free tickets to pre-school kiddos!
Take in a Spring Break Camp
Let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t keep your kids entertained all day, right? That’s when I check out local spring break camps. They are a great break for the kids and for mom! Most are VERY reasonable. My daughters gym offers a Best Gymnastics Spring Break Camp or just $25 for 5 hours of jumping & fun! That’s $5 an hour!!! We can pick and choose which days she wants to go. I would suggest calling your neighborhood gym, art studio or whatever it is your child likes do to see if they offer spring break camps.
Here are some other great Spring Break Camps you might want to check out:
- Aqua Kids
- Escape Rooms HQ
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Mornings with Mommy
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Studio B Performing Arts
Make it “learning time”
Visit a pond, go to the Farmer’s Market, stage your own neighborhood production. Do things with the children that you never seem to find the time to do. Ask the kids what they would like to learn more about and “just do it!”
Forth Worth & Dallas Area Farmers Markets
Heritage Farmstead
Dallas Heritage Village
Dallas Farmer’s Market
+ Go HERE to view a comprehensive list of Forth Worth & Dallas Area Farmers Markets
Plan a day at the lake
Texas has some absolutely gorgeous lakes to enjoy with the family. Take a dip and cool off, plan a picnic to enjoy, go fishing, haul the boat out or explore the shoresides! This is a great way to get out and enjoy some of the beautiful features Texas has to offer, without spending a bundle! Find lakes near you at the Texas Lake Finder.
Things to do in….
Lastly, be sure to browse our must see places and activities that happen in our metroplex suburbs- you are sure to find something you and your family will have fun doing!
Things to Do in Arlington, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Art on the Greene Art Festival~ Each March, you will be able to see the Caelum Moor sculptures, a lake on the north side, Rangers Ballpark on the east and Cowboys Stadium on the west plus 80 incredible artists from across the country showcasing their work inside the park….it makes for one great art festival that you don’t want to miss!
Things to Do in Carrollton, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Sandy Lake Amusement Park– Walk back in time and have fun at this old fashioned amusement park that offers rides, swimming, games, mini golf, large group picnics, company event hosting and more!
Things to Do in Frisco, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Central Park~ Cattle sculptures, waterfalls and native Texas landscaping offer a perfect setting for walking, picnics and biking in this beautiful native landscape.
Texas Sculpture Garden & International Art~ You’ll find the largest private collection of Texas sculptures on public display without a charge. Forty large-scale pieces, all owned by Craig Hall, are featured in the sculpture park with an additional 100 pieces of artwork presented in and around the Office Park.
Things to Do in Garland ~ City Spotlight
For example, Landmark Museum– This cute little train museum is housed in the former Santa Fe depot. It displays some early settlers artifacts, old newspapers, farm tools and quilts.
Things to Do in Grand Prairie, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Lynn Creek Park~ On the northwest shore of Joe Pool Lake, Lynn Creek Park amenities include a new white sand swimming beach, playground, restrooms, showers, two boat ramps with eight lanes, a concession stand, almost 100 picnic sites, group picnic pavilions, and a sand volleyball court!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!~ The Odditorium boasts 11 galleries of interactive exhibits, featuring rare and bizarre artifacts inspired by the oddball collection of worldwide explorer Robert Ripley. Glimpse inside the Taj Mahal of the bizarre with astonishing and outlandish displays including odd inventions, ancient gewgaws, a conjoined calf, metallic prehistoric monsters, and a chance to spot a mermaid.
Things to Do in Grapevine, TX
For example, Grapevine Botanical Garden~ The Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park is a beautiful park with trails, streams, ponds, sitting areas and hundreds of varieties of plants for viewing. This garden really is a hidden gem in Grapevine that does not get the appreciation it deserves.
Grapevine Museums & Galleries~ Every month, the Grand and Tower Galleries host a variety of art, cultural, historical and educational exhibitions. The exhibitions offer a chance learn something new, to see something innovative or interesting and to be exposed to a wide variety of mediums and artists. Offering a mix of exhibits, one month we might display a traveling Smithsonian exhibition, the next month, a contemporary art show.
Things to Do in McKinney, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary~ Founded in 1967, the Heard consists of a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and a natural science museum for the primary purpose of educating children about nature. The Heard exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment.
Erwin Park Hike & Bike Trail~ Locals call this the best kept secret in TX. This is a great place to go mountain biking, hiking, and camping!
Things to Do in Plano, TX ~ City Spotlight
For example, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve~ Features many acres of open space in its 200-acre boundaries. People can use the pavilions, jog on the track, hike, play on the playground, bike, and climb the observation tower.
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve~ Over 800 acres are waiting to be explored and the park features 8.5 miles of hiking trails, bike trails, an amphitheater, and a pavilion.
See what else is going on around town HERE!
Be sure to go here to checkout discounted ticket prices for events in Dallas and Fort Worth! Also, keep in mind that Groupon and LivingSocial always have great deals on local shops, restaurants, spas and more. GoldStar also offers half-priced entertainment! For other ways to save on going out, try Pogo Pass or City Pass!
[…] forget to check out these posts, to: Top 10 FREE Things to do in DFW, Spring Break Staycation Ideas and Top 10 Weekend Getaways Near […]