Mari's Moments
Free spring break activities in Dallas-Fort Worth
The question on every parent’s mind during spring break: What am I going to do with the kids?
Most Tarrant County schools are on break next week. However, some of these activities are available year-round. Whether you are visiting from out of town or staying close to home, these 10 things to do will keep the kids busy. And best of all? They’re free.
Nature Rocks at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Texas Parks and Wildlife has a new mobile app available in the Apple Store and on Google Play. Get more info at TexasStateParks.org/app.
Pack a picnic lunch and head for the great outdoors. During spring break, families can enjoy nature walks, crafts and more. No registration is needed except for tram tours; call 903-786-2826 to reserve.
Recommended ages: All
Good to know: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 7-11 and March 16
Where: Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman
Info: www.fws.gov/refuge/Hagerman
Spring Break at the Stockyards
This year, there will be two days’ worth of spring break activities at the popular Fort Worth tourist attraction. Families can enjoy live music, face painting, armadillo races and games. There will also be gunfight shows at 11:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 11-20.
Good to know: Don’t miss the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Recommended ages: All
When: 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, March 13
Where: Stockyards Station, 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Info: 817-625-9715; www.stockyardsstation.com
Couldn’t get away for Spring Break? Find out how to win a Fort Worth staycation here.
Bancroft Family Concerts
The series, presented by the Fine Arts Chamber Players, is a great casual introduction to classical music for youngsters. During spring break, you can attend a mini version of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale) performed by members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Good to know: Seating is first come, first served.
Recommended ages: 10 and older
When: Doors open at 2:30 p.m., performance at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12.
Where: Horchow Auditorium at Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas
Info: 214-922-1200; www.dma.org
Spring Break Wonders at the Modern
Usually closed on Mondays, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will open its doors and offer free admission Monday, March 14, so students can celebrate this special gallery program. Each session is led by a docent and includes a gallery project designed by the education department. The tour and project focus on selected works in the Modern’s collection. Attendance is limited to 45 children per session. Registration is not required.
Good to know: Don’t forget to check out a sketchbook at the admission desk for free.
Recommended ages: All
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday; sessions continue through Thursday, March 17.
Where: 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth
Info: 817-738-9215; www.themodern.org
Family Nature Hikes at River Legacy
Hikes depart from the River Legacy Living Science Center at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Monday, March 14.
Good to know: During spring break week, River Legacy is also offering inexpensive science and nature activities that include a bug adventure walk, an opossum adventure, a reptile adventure and art projects. Cost is $2 per person; children 2 and younger get in free and must be accompanied by an adult.
Recommended ages: All
When: Activities run Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18.
Where: River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
Info: 817-860-6752; www.riverlegacy.org
Family Fun Week at the Amon Carter Museum
The popular family program returns with a week of activities that revolve around the “All-American Road Trip.” Each day focuses on a different region of the United States — northern, southern, eastern and western. The atrium will be filled with arts and crafts so that children and parents can get their creative juices flowing. Parents are encouraged to call 817-989-5030 or email visitors@cartermuseum.org for helpful information and parking tips.
Good to know: Admission to the museum is always free.
Recommended ages: 5-12; a snack will be provided.
When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 15, through Friday, March 18
Where: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Info: 817-989-5030; www.cartermuseum.org
Spring Break Week at the DMA
Get more Dallas-Fort Worth spring break events and activities here.
The Dallas Museum of Art has a fun-filled week of activities for families, including tours, story times and gallery activities inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock.
Good to know: 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.
Recommended ages: All
When: Tuesday, March 15, through Friday, March 18
Where: 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas
Info: 214-922-1200, www.dma.org
Spring Break Art Extravaganza at the Kimbell
There will be ongoing art activities, interactive family tours, storybook readings, teen studios led by guest artists and films provided by the Lone Star Film Society. No reservations needed.
Good to know: There is no charge to visit the permanent collection.
Recommended ages: All
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, through Thursday, March 17; noon-4 p.m. Friday, March 18
Where: Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Info: 817-332-8451; schedule at https://www.kimbellart.org
’til Midnight at the Nasher
Got an angsty teenager? Tell him or her to grab a friend and take them to the Dallas Arts District Spring Break Block Party. It will include music from Kirk Thurmond and the Millennials and an outdoor movie: 1990’s Edward Scissorhands (PG-13). There will also be social media scavenger hunts and progressive tours. While you’re there, don’t miss out on viewing the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Good to know: Nasher Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will offer reserve-ahead picnics for two, as well as grab-and-go snacks and street tacos.
Recommended ages: 13 and older
When: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, March 18
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas
Info: 214-242-5100; www.nashersculpturecenter.org
Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour
See how billions of dollars are printed from an enclosed walkway above the production floor of the U.S. Treasury’s printing plant. More than half of the nation’s paper currency is produced in Fort Worth. Reservations are not required.
Recommended ages: All
Good to know: The visitor center has a gift shop where you can purchase uncut currency sheets and other specialty products.
When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
Where: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 9000 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth
Info: 817-231-4000; www.moneyfactory.gov
Maricar Estrella: 817-390-7720, @maricare
Win a staycation!
Go to Mom2MomDFW.com to find out how to win a two-night stay at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
Spring break fun!
Gadgets and gear for your getaway
Monday: A week’s worth of crafts
Tuesday: The hottest new video games
Wednesday: Recipes kids can help prepare
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