Book Review - New Mexico Family Outdoor Adventure by Christina M Selby

Finding activities for children is always a challenge because you have to take into consideration their energy level, their hiking ability, and their idea of fun. The author of this travel guide is also a mother and has gone on these trips with her two children and her experiences shine throughout with lots of good info and tips. I really appreciate the detailed instructions on how to get to the different hiking trail heads (which can be challenging to find without good signage or maps). If you enjoy camping, be sure to check out the suggested campgrounds listed in here for the different locations.

Another great feature of this book are the fun activities that most children can participate in (like Class 1 White Water Rafting). You'll find mountain biking, paddling, fossil hunting, and more. Also, there are suggestions throughout each adventure where you can teach your children valuable science or history lessons without being annoying. Little tids bits of goodness, I call them. I'm looking forward to finding similar books on other states.

Title: New Mexico Family Outdoor Adventure: An All-Ages Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Getting Outside
Author: Christina M Selb
ISBN: 978-0826362933
Pages: 322

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Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Arboretum - Bugtopia and the Pumpkin Patch

2021 marks the 16th anniversary of Autumn at the Arboretum (or what our family likes to call the Pumpkin Patch). This year, the pumpkin village has moved from the wide open field on the right to a more cozy tree-covered area on the left behind the Jonsson Color Garden. And there is Bugtopia (giant bug sculptures) running at the same time which kids will love. You will see the bugs integrated with the pumpkin village.



Pre-registration and pre-purchase of tickets is still required - you can do this at the gate via a QR code. When you purchase tickets on the website, you will select the time slot you desire to enter (sold in increments of 15 minute slots) and it's a great way to see which times are busier than others. Also be sure to add parking to your order and if you desire to visit the Children's Gardens, add those tickets too. Members must also pre-register (and add parking and Childrens' Garden as well). Link to info is at bottom of post.

Pumpkin Village:


Bugtopia:

The Arboretum has over 90,000 pumpkins/squash/gourds throughout the entire park. You can even purchase one to take home with you (while supplies last). Kids will find a fun little maze to run through. Lots of spots for pictures. It does get busy on weekends so try to come early or late in the day.


Details:
Dallas Arboretum website for tickets, hours, directions, etc.
Bugtopia and pumpkins are on display until October 31st 2021.


Overall Family Review:

• 16 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 12 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 7 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 1 yeaar old - Was fine taking pictures with pumpkins

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Arboretum - Dallas Blooms

Next weekend is the last weekend for the Dallas Blooms event at the Dallas Arboretum. Dallas Blooms is the spectacular annual Spring event whereby thousands of tulips and other flowers bloom in amazing displays. This year they have the theme "America the Beautiful" with some nice photo-op vertical planters and a giant American flag.



Pre-registration and pre-purchase of tickets is required - this event does sell out. When you purchase tickets on the website, you will select the time slot you desire to enter (sold in increments of 15 minute slots). Also be sure to add parking to your order and if you desire to visit the Children's Gardens, add those too. Members must also pre-register (and add parking and Childrens' Garden as well).

America the Beautiful photo-ops:



It looked like a lot of the Covid precautionary tape and directional signs had been removed. Water fountains were still unavailable so be sure to bring your own bottled water (and snacks!). A lot of people enjoy picnics in the gardens. There were also several outdoor weddings set up in several of the garden areas and you could see bridal photo sessions going on throughout. The busiest area is actually the Woman's Garden (with the infinity pools and the picture-frames).

If you arrive at the gate without tickets, you may still be able to purchase last-minute tickets if they didn't sell out:

The Children's Garden is open and all the activities were running. Be sure to check the daily guide ahead of time to see what hands-on activities will be taking place when and where (usually in the discovery center or outside of it).



Overall Family Review:

• 16 year old - Was fine taking pictures in the gardens
• 11 year old - Enjoyed the Children's Garden activities
• 6 year old - Enjoyed the Children's Garden activities

Review - Texas - McKinney - Heard Muesum

Dinosaurs Live, the animatronics dinosaurs outdoor walking trail, has re-opened at the Heard Museum located in McKinney, Texas within short driving distance of Dallas. The exhibit will end February 15, 2021.

 

The Science Museum located on the main level (2nd floor) inside the visitor center is available year-round as is the children's Pioneer Village western-themed playground and the Animals of the World exhibits just past that area.

 

 

In front of the museum you can explore some natural plants and photo-op statues (be careful as some can get hot in full sun).

 

 

 

On the lower level you will find restrooms, party/conference rooms and a few animal exhibits, such as this turtle.

Normal hours are 9-5pm CST Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5pm CST Sundays; closed Mondays. You can purchase tickets in advanced online.

 

The trail has been expanded this year to allow for social-distancing. You can also find photo-op statues along the way. There's even one dinosaur that spits water (you will see the large puddle).

 

 

 

Occasionally you can find deer hiding in the trees.