It’s a great time to let the kids “go wild” and be the first to see the new Play Place at Galleria Dallas.

Kids Can Go Wild at Galleria Dallas, April 27 (graphic courtesy of Galleria Dallas/)

“Kids Gone Wild” at Galleria Dallas Play Place Grand Re‐Opening
April 27, 2013, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Galleria Dallas
Level 3, Near Saks Fifth Avenue
13350 Dallas Parkway/I‐635 at North Dallas Tollway
Dallas, Texas 75240

All activities are free and open to the public. Self‐parking also complimentary. Valet available.

Disclaimer: I am compensated for promoting events on the behalf of Galleria Dallas. 

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The kids and I visited the zoo last week, and, as always, had a great time.  I’ve been to the zoo when it’s hot, and I’ve been when it’s cold…and without a doubt, my favorite time to visit is the Spring and Fall, when the weather is *just right* and we are all happy to be outside walking around!

Zebras, visible from the monorail at the Dallas Zoo.

There are several events coming up that you won’t want to miss!

On March 23rd (and again on April 27th), you can participate in a Photo Safari and Workshop that runs from 8AM – 4PM. This guided tour will provide you with plenty of opportunities to take pictures of the animals, followed by a workshop that will teach you how to best edit your photos to show off your wild subjects. The Photo Safari is $150 for non-members and $125 for members and is open to everyone ages 18+.

This gorilla was enjoying his meal while we visited.

Did you know the Dallas Zoo was the first zoo in Texas? On April 6th and 7th, bring the kids and celebrate the Zoo’s 125th birthday.  The entire weekend will be full of fun, family-friendly activities.

April 8th is Homeschool Day at the Zoo.  Starting at 10AM, you can enjoy interactive and educational booths, talk with the keepers, and get fun ideas for new homeschool projects.  We unintentionally went to the zoo on Homeschool Day last year, and it was awesome!  Jack got to touch animal skulls and crocodile teeth and all kinds of cool stuff.  You’ll want to register for this event so you can be sure to take advantage of all the activities and experiences going on that day!

You can find the Dallas Zoo hours and ticket prices here.

The post Spring Events at the Dallas Zoo appeared first on DFW Mama.

Adopt an Ausie this Valentine's Day at the Dallas Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Dallas Zoo.)

Presented by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, this package comes complete with:

• a small plush koala
• frame-worthy photo
• adoption certificate
• a zookeeper’s report
• a subscription to Zoo publications
• and two admission tickets to the Zoo

The Dallas Zoo is the only place you’ll find koalas in Texas and one of only 10 zoos in the nation with these cute creatures…take one home this Valentine’s Day!

Adopt an Aussie for Your Valentine
The Dallas Zoo
$50 (application due before 2.10.13)
Order

$5 per person gets you into the Dallas Zoo until the end of Feb. (Photo courtesy of the Dallas Zoo.)

Some of my most favorite memories I’ve had with my kids is just taking off an afternoon and escaping to the Dallas Zoo. With an 18 month old and a 4 year, trying to tackle the whole zoo is impossible in one day. But at $5 a person during Penguin Days, we can afford to just do a few areas like African Monorail  (we love trains), ride the camels, visit the elephants and the lions and, of course, check out a few snakes before one of us gets creeped out and runs out! So take this opportunity to enjoy the Dallas Zoo as you should – at your leisure (unless of course, it’s a cold day!)

Penguin Days at the Dallas Zoo
Now until Feb. 28, 2013
$5 per person
Parking $8 per vehicle
Info

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The post Dallas Zoo To-Do: Adopt an Aussie and Penguin Days appeared first on DFW Mama.

Enjoy a Day at the Dallas Zoo for Just $5!

Visit the African penguins and all the other animals at the Dallas Zoo during Penguin Days for just $5 per person (ages 3 and up; children under 3 and members of the Dallas Zoological Society are free). Discount Admission is available in January and February.

Penguin Days is a great time to enjoy the warmth of the Herpetarium, Bug U!, the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, and the Simmons Safari Base Camp at Giants of the Savanna. Parking remains at $8 per vehicle. When the temperature goes up in March, so does admission.

The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas with 106 acres of developed land, thousands of animals, and an education department that offers programs for all ages. The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, download the free iPhone app, visit www.DallasZoo.com, or call 469.554.7500.

Be sure to dress in your most comfy clothes and shoes, and don’t forget hats for the kids.

Want to see more of my work? Visit my blog at themomsjournal.com

The post Penguin Days at the Dallas Zoo Means $5 Admission in January & February appeared first on DFW Mama.

Father’s Day Overnight

How cool would it be to spend the night in the zoo? June 16 to 17, 7:30 pm to 10:30 am, you can take Dad camping at the Dallas Zoo! This event is for children aged 7-10. You’ll get a special, after-hours tour of ZooNorth, a live animal encounter, a craft, and a Monorail Safari tour. The overnight includes an evening snack and a continental breakfast in the morning. Reservations required. For more information, contact Education@DallasZoo.com or call 469.554.7300. Cost is $45 per participant.

Animal Birthday Party

Join the zoo June 23rd 8am to 4 pm in celebrating the babies born this Spring and those with significant birthdays! Cost is free with zoo admission.

Photo Day At The Zoo

June 23 from 11 am to 3 pm is the Dallas Zoo’s first ever photo day! Arlington Camera and Canon are sponsoring this fun event. Visit designated photo spots and take photos of the zoo’s most photogenic animals. Capture a great shot? Use your discount coupon from Arlington Camera to print it and enter it into the Dallas Zoo’s 10th annual Feathers, Fur & Scales Photo Contest which runs thru 9/30. Bring your own camera and memory cards. Cost is free with paid zoo admission.

Dollar Day At The Dallas Zoo

To show their appreciation, the Dallas Zoo is offering dollar day on July 19th from 9 am to 5 pm! You’ll find $1 admission all day including dollar food deals at select locations. Two years and younger are free. Parking is $7 or you can ride the DART Red Line straight to the zoo.

Summer Camps

The Dallas Zoo offers summer camps for children entering Pre-K through 8. Day camps and week long camps are available. Families who enroll in multiple camps or multiple campers will receive 5% off of their total camp cost for Dallas Zoo summer camps! Registrations must be submitted together. Visit their website to see all the camps offered and the dates as well as to register.

Twilight Safaris

Want to see what goes on at the zoo after hours? Then join the Twilight Safari for an after hours peek into the night life. For ages 7 and up in organized groups of 4-40. Check their website for dates and registration forms. Group Twilight Safaris begin at 7 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. The zoo requires one adult chaperone per ten participants. Group Twilight Safaris cost $20 per person and chaperones are free at a 1:10 ratio.

Even if you find yourself at the zoo on a regular day, you’ll find there’s lots to do. Between feeding giraffe, goats, a splash in the water at the Children’s Zoo, and much more, the kids will have fun at every turn. Be sure to visit the new “Outback” featuring the only koalas in Texas!

Dallas Zoo on the web

Dallas Zoo on Facebook

Dallas Zoo on Twitter

For posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love.

Disclosure: I received 2 free passes to the Dallas Zoo in exchange for highlighting their summer activities. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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My name is Carrie and I’m the mother of two small kids…Jack (3) and Claire (whose first birthday is coming up in July).  I left my job of five years as an Insurance Agent to be a stay-at-home-mom.  This SAHM thing has been the most rewarding *and* the most challenging job of my life.  When I’m not wrangling kids or trying to convince a kid to sleep or cleaning up toys – AGAIN – I like riding horses, reading books, and writing.  I blog about learning to be a SAHM (it’s quite a journey!) at Burp Cloths and Saddle Pads.

I’ve been married for 11 years to a man I met at a Blackjack table in Las Vegas when I was 21 (no joke!).  We moved from California to Texas in 2004.  And that is a nice segue into my FIRST BLOG POST (yay!) for Today’s Mama.

I am a California girl at heart.  In the eight years we’ve lived here, I’ve come to love Texas and after five years of working in Dallas, I know the city well and can even say I don’t think I would live anywhere else.

But (and I blame this on California!), I am kind of a Zoo Snob.

I grew up with the San Diego zoo just a short drive away.  We had annual passes and would often go to the zoo in the evenings after the crowds had dwindled.  We’d meander through the Panda exhibit and admire the baby chimps in the nursery, then munch on iced lemonade while petting the deer in the children’s zoo.

I have such fond memories of the San Diego Zoo (and such high expectations) that I refused to go to the Dallas Zoo for six whole years.  It wasn’t until I had a kid (and needed something to do) that I caved and visited the Dallas Zoo for the first time.

And it turned out I was wrong, and all my Zoo Snobbery was for naught.  The Dallas Zoo was (is!) awesome.  We even bought annual passes that same day.

So, fast-forward two years, and the zoo is *even better* – we’ve see two new exhibits open since we became members.  The most recent exhibit to open is the Koala Walkabout, and the other day I took Jack and Claire to check it out.

Located in the northern tip of “Zoo North,”  the Koala Walkabout has…you guessed it…koalas!  Two of them.  And boy are they cute.  But that’s not all – they are housed in the Australian Outback exhibit, which also has kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.  And, doing what the Dallas Zoo does best, you can get up close and personal to these animals.   Most animals are behind glass, and it’s easy for the little ones to get eye-level with the wildlife.

While we were in the Australian Outback, we checked out the Rainbow Lorikeets.  These cheerfully-colored little birds are housed in an atrium, and the best part (aside from their pretty colors!) is that you can join them.  Many will let you touch them…some will even let you hold them.  And if they don’t want to be held, or touched, they will let you know.  This bird let Jack know, in no uncertain terms, that he was not to be messed with:

Despite being severely reprimanded by a Lorikeet, this was Jack's favorite part of the day - and the hardest thing to tear him away from. He loved these little birds!

Also located in Zoo North is the Children’s Zoo.  At the Children’s Zoo you’ll find farm animals, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a playground.  If that isn’t enough, let the kids stare at the fish in the gargantuan trough/tank, or let them splash in what Jack calls “the pool” (it’s really more of a creek-like fountain).  Be warned, though: if your child is a toddler or older, it’s going to be very hard to get through the Children’s Zoo without them wanting to get wet.  If you’re up to it, bring a change of everything…because for all the wonderful animals and exciting things to do at the zoo, the kids seem most enthralled by the water!

The other side of the zoo is known as the Wilds of Africa, and let me tell you…this part is awesome!  This is where you will find the gorillas, the crocodiles, and the Giants of the Savannah exhibit (which opened recently and includes elephants, lions – which can often be viewed from the air-conditioned comfort of the Serengeti Grill – zebras, giraffes and more).

Again – you get to be so close to the animals.

For $5, you can feed a giraffe (they provide you with a head of lettuce, and the giraffes come up and munch away – from your hands!).

When you’re ready for a break, enjoy a picnic lunch from home in the shaded picnic area (which is located next to bald eagles), or grab something from one of the several restaurants.  Or, take the kids for a monorail ride.  The monorail circles the Wilds of Africa and gives you views of some animals you can’t see just by walking the park (a word from the wise, though…in the middle of summer, when the zoo is all quiet and deserted and admission is cheaper – don’t think you’re going to cool off on the monorail…we tried this once, and it was HOT – so, enjoy the monorail now, while the weather is still amazing).

On your way out, you can talk to the parrots (they are located right next to the restrooms, and one of them does indeed talk – or say “hello!” at least) and let the kids ride the Endangered Species Carousel (my kid likes to ride the gorilla).

If you are close enough to the zoo, you might consider an Annual Pass.  For a family of four, a basic pass is $119, tax-deductible, and includes free parking and several free rides on the carousel or the monorail.  This is a great value, and we have an annual pass – that way, I don’t feel like I need to “do everything” every time I am there.  It’s nice to just go visit for a couple of hours and then be able to leave as soon as someone (and I admit, sometimes it’s me) starts to get cranky or tired.

And one more thing – everyone who works there is so nice.  They must screen employees for helpfulness and friendliness, because I always feel like I get a real dose of Texas Friendly when I go to the zoo.

Zoo hours are 9-5.  Admission prices vary by season, but tickets right now (March, April, May) are $15/adult, $12/childen (3-11). More details, and prices for the rest of the year, are here.

Have you been to the Dallas Zoo?  What is your favorite exhibit?

The post Springtime at the Dallas Zoo appeared first on DFW Mama.

Enjoy a Day at the Dallas Zoo for Just $5!

Visit the African penguins and all the other animals at the Dallas Zoo during Penguin Days for just $5 per person (ages 3 and up; children under 3 and members of the Dallas Zoological Society are free). Admission is discounted every day through the rest of February; no other discounts apply. Note that parking is $7 per car.

It’s a great time to enjoy the warmth of the herpetarium, Bug U!, the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, and the Simmons Safari Base Camp at Giants of the Savanna. When the temperature goes up in March, so does admission.

The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas with 106 acres of developed land. The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit DallasZoo.com or call (469) 554-7500.

Be sure to dress in your most comfy clothes and shoes, and don’t forget hats for the kids.

Here are a few other DFWmama.com posts you might enjoy:

Collin County Home and Garden Show

Need a latte lift? Check out Lighthouse Coffee!

Planet Shark: Museum of Nature and Science Exhibit

The post Penguin Days at the Dallas Zoo – $5 Admission Through February appeared first on DFW Mama.

2012 Daddy Daughter Dance in Frisco ~ Saturday, February 4th is the 16th Annual “How Sweet It Is” Daddy/Daughter dance.  What a sweet way for dad to show their little girls how much they love them!  Times are according to ages of daughters.

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Dallas Zoo ~ Throughout the months of January and February, zoo admission is only $5 per person! Parking is $7 per car.

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Valentine Card Creator at Lowe’s Build & Grow ~ Saturday, February 11th, take your kids to Lowe’s to make their own personalized Valentine’s Day cards!  Workshop is free but be sure to sign up beforehand to ensure a spot!

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Keepsake Box at Home Depot Kid’s Workshop ~ Saturday, February 4th, head to Home Depot anytime from 9 am – 12 pm to make a cute keepsake box!  Workshop is free but get there early before supplies run out!

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Do you have any special plans with your kiddos on Valentine’s Day?

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love.  For more Valentine’s Day posts, visit…

Valentine’s Day Crafting

Valentine’s Day Mailboxes

Hearts and Roses Ball – February 4

Dallas Area Valentines Photo Special

The post Dallas Area Valentines Day Activities For Kids appeared first on DFW Mama.

Dallas Zoo

Two Mondays ago (while on our day off from work), my hubby and I took our toddler (unfortunately, big sister had school) to the Dallas Zoo. The weather was brisk yet sunny enough to still enjoy the outdoors! We relished being outside while getting much needed exercise (pushing the umbrella stroller) from the holiday feasts. Unknown to us, adults and children are only $5  (score!) during the months of January/ February.

Because we had to be home early enough to greet our oldest daughter at the school bus stop (across the street from our house), we took a self guided three hour abbreviated tour. However, we still had fun.

This Lioness Eyed My Lunch

We headed over to the Wilds of Africa (my favorite place) to have lunch before beginning our tour. It was awesome! This was the first time we got the chance to sit inside the restaurant (normally, it’s too full with people). We had no idea we’d be alongside  lions/ lionesses who were literally staring at us while we dined on food. No worries though – we were safe. We were protected by thick durable glass. But it was still so very cool (and scary at the same time).

Giraffe Feeding

Next, I had my hubby wait in line to purchase lettuce so that we could feed the giraffes. It WAS amazing! Though our three year old was too scared to feed the giraffe, she still enjoyed being strapped to my hip and watching me feed this beautiful creature. We were so close that I noticed (for the first time) the giraffe’s black colored tongue and its long and luscious lashes.

Camel Ride

We trekked our way visiting all the exotic zoo animals and ended our trip with a ride on top of a camel. We had to pay extra to ride the camel, but let me tell you, it was worth it! I was worried our three year old wouldn’t end up riding (initially, she hesitated) but once I put her on the camel’s hump and secured myself behind her, she was good to go.

All in all, it was such a great trip.

-          Cool Playground Mommy

The post Dallas Zoo Winter Discount appeared first on DFW Mama.

Get up close and personal at the Dallas Zoo!

Now that the weather is getting cooler, it is a great time to explore the Dallas Zoo again. If you have never been, it is a great zoo to visit with small kids. Not so overwhelming as the Fort Worth Zoo but it still has  a good variety of animals and close encounters! I find that there aren’t quite as many areas where you have to pick small kids up to see over bushes either.  Make sure that you check out the bug house and reptile house, both are favorites with my kids. The children’s area also has a very cool circular fish tank that is sure to mesmerize the younger set, as well as a playground and water feature if it is still warm enough for wading when you go. Arrive by DART for an added treat for the kiddos too.

You might consider a family membership if you enjoy the zoo. We are family passport members, so we get free parking as well as free carousel and monorail rides every time we go, and we go quite a few times a year! We can also bring a guest, which is handy when grandma is visiting or to bring a friend for my oldest to pal around with.  The first year we joined, we figured out that our family of  five pretty much paid for the basic family membership in one visit! You can check out the different levels of memberships here.

Another good reason to check out the Dallas Zoo this fall is to get a peek at all the babies that arrived over the summer! We saw baby flamingos, baby warthogs, a baby giraffe and even some baby snakes! I love how awesome the workers at the Dallas Zoo are with my kids too: on Labor Day weekend, one of the elephant keepers talked to us for 10 minutes about the sensor that one elephant was wearing to track their movements and told us how to identify each elephant by name. (Did you know that Jenny and Gypsy still hang out together? We do now!)

Cutest Thing Ever!

Baby Flamingos

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