So what fun adventures are you experiencing with your family this summer? Here’s a postcard about one family’s local adventure.
By Erin Parsons, Red Apple parent
Recently, our family took a one-day “stay-cation.” We live and work in Fort Worth but we were enjoying the unique sites and adventures of “Big D.” (We Californians don’t play by the Fort Worth vs. Dallas rules.) Our adventure landed us on the “east side” where we found some inviting places to play with the kids, but one stood out above the rest: Klyde Warren Park.
“Texas Highways” magazine recommended Klyde Warren Park as an ideal place to play and relax with the family. Boy was the recommendation spot on! Located in downtown Dallas, this urban green space, playground, concert venue and hang-out sits over the Woodall Rodgers Fwy, separating downtown and the Arts District from the Uptown. Parking was easy and cheap ($2 per hour) with no walk required. We found two splash pads, with cute bistro table seating and a clear view to watch the kids. After water play, we walked through the outdoor library and reading area filled with wooden racks of books, magazines, and periodicals for all ages and free to use. A wagon wheel kiosk sat near by, loaded with games: Chess, Checkers, and High HO Cherry’O. All you need to show is a driver’s license and let the games begin!
Just west of the outdoor library sits a large fenced in playground with turf covered berms, climbing structures, a storytelling tree, kid-size amphitheater and a merry-go-round. The fun zone is complimented with clean bathrooms, diaper changing station, and a counter top with built in sink for hand-washing. Changing from bathing suit to dry clothes is super easy! Hungry? The city of Dallas has generously lined the park with independent food trucks offering diverse and trendy options for lunch. Sushi, vietnamese, BBQ sliders, snow cones, deli-style hotdogs and cupcakes. YUM!
As if all of this wasn’t enough KWP offers free community classes. Every Tuesday and Thursday beginning at noon you can sharpen your knitting, horticulture, ceramics, or poetry skills. If you’d rather limber up, yoga classes are offered on Saturday mornings on the lawn. Super moms are welcome to stroller boot camp and Zumba. The park features a large, covered stage for concerts on the weekends and a portion of this recreation-utopia is open to your favorite quadruped. Needless to say, you could spend hours here and not get bored. KWP is definitely worth the drive from Fort Worth. It’s ideal for play dates, quick get-aways or a pit-stop while enjoying other Dallas attractions.
If you’re up for a play date, let us know! Our family is hooked and we don’t mind the drive! KWP is open daily from 6am to 11pm.
More information: http://www.klydewarrenpark.org/Visit-the-Park/index.html
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