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By: Claudia King & Gretchen Sparling
Date Posted: 12/3/2009
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Best for Families
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
To help answer that dreaded question, we found the best dining options (from bakeries to ready-made meals) that will satisfy any child’s hungry tummy.
KID-FRIENDLY, UPSCALE RESTAURANT / Cheesecake Factory
Known for its delectable cheesecakes, this restaurant does much more than serve up sweet treats to hungry patrons. At lunch or dinnertime, the airy dining rooms set the scene for a sophisticated meal (as well as mask the sometimes embarrassing loud noises that come from the kids’ end of your table!). Kids can choose from an extensive menu all their own, while adults pick their selection from their own vast list of dishes.
Cheesecake Factory’s main course dishes can be overwhelming (the portions are very, very generous), but now the eatery offers new “Small Plates and Snacks,” such as tasty stuffed garlic rolls, Ahi tartare, sweet corn fritters and more.
Allen, 972/908-3900; Dallas, 214/373-4844; Frisco, 972/731-7799. www.thecheesecakefactory.com
PIZZA / Campisi’s
This longtime local pizzeria chain, established in 1946, remains Dallas’ favored spot to grab a slice (or two, or three!). Kids will not turn their noses up at the fresh and simple ingredients—especially the generous helpings of cheese on each slice of pizza.
Don’t have time to sit and sup? Take home a bake-it-yourself pizza for your hungry housemates. Or, check out the catering menu to feed family members at your next get-together.
Various locations, 214/752-0141. www.campisis.us
FROZEN TREATS / Paciugo
Reward little taste buds to a frozen treat at Paciugo, the preferred spot for readers to enjoy gelato of all flavors. Founded in Dallas by the Ginatta family, who hail from Italy, each Paciugo location through the Dallas area serves up handmade seasonal flavors like pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate eggnog, peanut-butter caramel and much more.
Various locations. 214/654-9501. www.paciugo.com READY-MADE MEALS / Central Market
Think fresh meats, organic produce and the highest-quality ingredients—that’s what you’ll find in each of Central Market’s ready-made meals. Perfect for busy moms (or dads), these kid-approved dishes, like smoked salmon cakes with rémoulade, roasted tomato basil soup or Yankee pot roast (and more), will satiate hungry appetites.
Check out the online menu, available monthly at www.centralmarket.com, and plan your meals with the help of trained culinary chefs.
Dallas, 214/234-7000; Plano, 469/241-8300. www.centralmarket.com
IT'S PARTY TIME!
Make your party planning easier—and get the biggest bang for your buck—with this list of Dallas party spots and shops.
PRESCHOOL-AGE PARTY VENUE / Pump It Up
Get your little one’s party started at Pump It Up, where kids can jump on indoor inflatables and then retreat to a party room to share pizza, cake and refreshments. Tots will love the colorful jumping arena, while moms will enjoy the easy party planning. Opt to bring your own food, or order special treats through Pump It Up’s catering menu.
Pump It Up Plano specifically satisfies kids ages 1-6 with “Pump It Up Junior,” a pint-sized inflatable playground with interactive wall games and rides.
Dallas, 972/792-9663; Frisco, 214/387-9663; North Dallas, 972/820-0777; Plano, 972/ 792-9663; South Dallas, 972/337-0100. www.pumpitupparty.com
ELEMENTARY-AGE PARTY VENUE / Amazing Jakes
What happens when you combine a pizza buffet with go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf and video games? Birthday paradise! And parents love it too—The Plano location’s staff makes it easy to book reservations and order specialty-baked goods.
Plano, 972/509-1300. www.amazingjakes.com
TWEEN PARTY VENUE / Sweet & Sassy
Beauty-conscious ‘tweens adore Sweet & Sassy’s birthday party packages, including “Pajama Jam,” “Fashion Diva,” “Lights, Camera, Limo” and more. With select packages, the bright-pink limo will arrive to sweep your partygoers off their feet—leaving a lasting, over-the-
top birthday memory. Once at the spa, kids will enjoy lavish treatments that are tailored especially for young women.
New this winter and spring is the “Peppermint Spa-tacular” package, which includes a minty mini-pedicure and manicure, nail art, a mint facial, a keepsake photo and a peppermint treat.
Allen, 972/359-1994; Frisco, 972/668-4922; Plano, 469/546-1010. www.sweetandsassy.com
BAKERY FOR CUPCAKES / Society Bakery
The Greenville Avenue sweet shop is a reader favorite—particularly the bakery’s new series of cupcakes: “Grandma’s Favorites.” Including flavors like banana pudding, apple pie, red velvet, carrot cake and more, these yummy treats are all topped with homemade cream cheese icing and are made from scratch with real butter (no shortening). In addition to satisfying sugar fixes, the bakery donates to hundreds of local charities throughout the year in an effort to give back to the community.Dallas, 214/827-1411. www.societybakery.com
LOCALES TO LOVE
Treat your tots with a trip to these destinations, where they’ll learn, play and maybe make a new friend or two.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOPPING / NorthPark Center
From its luxurious family bathrooms (and comfortable nursing lounges), to the complimentary strollers and valet parking—not to mention Neiman Marcus, Barneys and more—this fashion haven is beloved by Dallasites young and old. With its award-winning architecture (boasting stunning sculptures throughout the center and CenterPark, a garden at the heart of the plaza), NorthPark Center continues the founding Nasher family’s dream of giving back to the community. The center joins fundraising forces with local nonprofits throughout the year, and it provides storefront for a public library, Bookmarks, to help cultivate education in Dallas-area children.
Dallas, 214/363-7441; www.northparkcenter.com
CULTURAL SPOT / Dallas Museum of Art
This popular museum of one of only a few art museums across the nation that offers programs and learning spaces dedicated to educating children under the age of 5 about art and creative expression. At the DMA, visitors can explore the Center for Creative Connections, a hot spot for families that opened in 2009. Here, families will find a learning environment that connects kids with works of art and artists. The center is often host to playful, kid-friendly art experiments, storytime readings and technique lessons.
Dallas, 214/922-1200. www.dallasmuseumofart.com
FAIR-WEATHER FAMILY HANGOUT / Dallas Arboretum
Whether you’re looking to stroll along the garden pathways, sit on a bench and take in the view or enroll your kids in one of the many educational garden tours, the Arboretum is a safe and enjoyable outdoor hangout for area families. And, 2010 will see the start of construction on a new Children’s Garden at the Arboretum with kid-friendly activities and intriguing plants and ecology lessons (opens in 2012).
Dallas, 214/515-6500. www.dallasarboretum.org
RAINY-DAY HANGOUT / Dallas World Aquarium
Visit the indoor lair of hundreds of marine life and rainforest animals at the Dallas World Aquarium. This stroller-friendly building welcomes visitors for a walk down a main pathway. Stop off at exhibits featuring rainforest amphibians, reptiles and fish. Kids will ooh and ahh at the aquarium’s 40-foot tunnel that traipses under a 360-degree tank replete with sharks and rays swimming above.
Dallas, 214/720-1801. www.dwazoo.com
JUST FOR KIDS
Let kids be kids at these youthful destinations for entertainment, fun and fitness.
KIDS’ HAIR SALON / Cool Cuts 4 Kids
Tame your little one’s mane at the kids’ salon preferred by readers, Cool Cuts 4 Kids. With movies flashing across flat-screen TVs, coupled with courteous and kid-friendly stylists, kids won’t wince at the notion of getting their hair snipped.
Allen, 972/727-1411; Dallas, 214/252-9800; Frisco, 972/712-9009; Plano, 972/867-9225; Richardson, 972/735-8275. www.coolcuts4kids.com
STORYTIME / Bookmarks
Engage young readers (or listeners!) at a Bookmarks storytime, like Wiggly, Waggly, Words
; Tickles for Toddlers; Bilingual Books and Boogies; and much more. Located at NorthPark Center, this book haven is a great spot to reward shoppers with a bit of kid-friendly fun. New to Bookmarks this year is storytime for children with special needs.
Dallas, 214-671-1381. www.dallaslibrary.org
CHILDREN’S THEATER / Dallas Children’s Theater
Witness a spectacular show at the favored Dallas-area kids’ theater—featuring professional actors and actresses in beloved children’s plays. Next up on the theatre’s playbill is “Cirque Banquista,” a circus extravaganza set to celebrate the arrival of 2010. The theater is also prepping for How I Became a Pirate and Hansel and Gretel, both scheduled to hit the stage early next year.
Dallas, 214/740-0051. www.dct.org
INDOOR PLAYSCAPE / The Shops at Willow Bend
When you’re not pleading with your tots to try on the stylish new shoes you’re coveting (for them, of course!), let your youngsters unwind at The Shops at Willow Bend’s indoor playscape. The maze of climbing equipment, slides and more just got a facelift with a brand-new Looney Tunes-themed features for kids to play on.
Plano, 972/202-7110. www.shopwillowbend.com
WEEKEND WARRIORS
When your kids need to blow off a bit of steam, these family favorites fit the bill.
NATURE TRAIL / Arbor Hills
Get outside and savor the mild Texas weather (excluding summer, of course!) at West Plano’s Arbor Hills nature trail. Perfect for posh trail runners and walkers who prefer pavement, the nearly three miles of stroller-friendly trails are suitable for family outings or solo workouts. Additionally, the park offers a playground, unpaved hiking trails and about two miles of mountain biking trail.
Plano, 972/941-7250; www.planoparks.org
TEXAS FAMILY GETAWAY / San Antonio
Buckle up and rev your engine for the perfect weekend family road trip (only about a five-hour drive!). San Antonio welcomes families, boasting Sea World, Schlitterbahn, the River Walk and the San Antonio Children’s Museum. Looking for a lively way to teach Texas history? Pay a visit to the famous Alamo. Whatever you choose, the convenience of San Antonio makes the city a family favorite.
San Antonio, 210/207-8500; www.sanantonio.gov
MOVIE THEATER / AMC Theatres
Parents have a lot to love when it comes to movie-going at AMC theaters, like whizzing through ticket lines utilizing AMC’s automated machines and nabbing indulgent treats at the expansive concessions counters to satisfy hunger of any proportion. No matter the show, parents and kids appreciate AMC Theatres (located throughout Dallas and Collin counties) for their ease and cleanliness.
Various locations, 888/262-4386. www.amcentertainment.com
KID-FRIENDLY BRUNCH / Breadwinners
Forget about whipping up homemade pancakes, waffles and bacon (who needs another mess to clean up anyway?). The next time your family fixates on a morning meal, head to Breadwinners for a more-than-filling selection of favorites, like fruit-topped pancakes, scrambled eggs and more. Mom and dad are free to dine on more health-conscious choices like the Crunchy Garden Salad, California Club sandwich or soups galore.
Dallas/Inwood, 214/351-3339; Dallas/Uptown, 214/754-4940; Plano, 972/312-9300. www.breadwinnerscafe.com
GROWNUP GOODIES
Indulge your need for “me” time with a spa treatment, shopping excursion or workout at one of the following Best for Families winners.
BABYSITTING SERVICE / Adventure Kids Playcare
The drop-in daycare, with locations in Frisco, McKinney, North Dallas and Plano, serves up fun to kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Activities include storytime readings, a playhouse area, arts and crafts projects, a karaoke stage and much more. New this year is the center’s half-price discounts on Mondays and Tuesdays (from now through Dec. 29).
Frisco, 972/668-5990; McKinney, 214/491-4088; North Dallas, 214/295-5877; Plano, 972/612-5400. www.adventurekidsplaycare.com
PAMPERING / The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa
Soothe tired eyes and muscles with a famed Red Door Spa treatment (adored by readers!). Whether it’s a facial, massage therapy or over-the-top luxury packages (such as the “Ultimate Indulgence,” with a desert hot-stone massage, facial, spa lunch, olive oil manicure and pedicure with a shampoo and style), the Red Door is the ultimate place for parents to unwind.
Dallas, 214/373-8338. www.reddoorspas.com
PLACE TO WORKOUT / YMCA
Fitness is fun for the whole family at YMCA locations throughout Dallas and Collin counties. Whether mom is looking for a yoga class, dad is seeking an indoor basketball court or the kids are on the prowl for an entertaining jaunt through a playscape (with the various locations’ childcare programs), the Y is the place to be! The Downtown Dallas YMCA was recently renamed the T. Boone Pickens YMCA, after the Pickens family pledged millions of dollars to help renovate the site with a new 10,000-square-foot cardio and weight center, an expanded childcare center and much more.
Various locations, 214/880-9622. www.ymcadallas.org
CONNECT WITH LOCAL MOMS / Stroller Strides
Moms across Dallas gather here to get fit—with their kiddos in tow. In fact, strollers are a critical element to the exercise routines at Stroller Strides sessions in Allen, Dallas, Frisco, Highland Park and McKinney. Readers not only love Stroller Strides for its get-fit weekly routines (pictured at left), but also for the group’s Luna Moms Club, which hosts playdates, moms’ night out and family activities to nurture moms’ relationships with one another (as well as their kids’ friendships!). The Luna club is free to all Stroller Strides members ($15 for a one-class pass or $60 per month for unlimited classes).
Dallas, 713/876-9811. www.strollerstrides.com
NEWBORN NECESSITIES
This list of mommy-approved destinations will take some of the guesswork out of the game.
PLACE TO HAVE A BABY / Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas
DallasChild readers voted Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas the best place to have a baby for the third consecutive year. Thanks to the hospital’s New Family Center, which was completed last year, new parents and infants enjoy private rooms with hardwood floors and a daybed for tired partners. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, a work area and high-speed Internet—not to mention the hospital’s most advanced medical technology and skilled physicians.
Dallas, 214/820-0111. www.baylorhealth.com
PLACE FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES / Target
Savvy moms looking for fashion and bargains choose Target for its cute styles from labels like Liz Lange Maternity, Cocoon Maternity and Moody Mamas Maternity. You can find everything you need to dress up your burgeoning belly—from pretty wrap dresses to comfy camis. The store’s full menu of maternity offerings online (www.target.com) includes nursing bras, belly bands and leggings, and pajamas.
Various locations, 800/440.0680. www.target.com
PLACE FOR BABY ESSENTIALS / Babies R Us
It’s no secret: Babies require a lot of gear! Toys, clothes, bottles, diapers—the place to get it all is Babies R Us in Addison, Allen, Dallas and Plano. You can also test drive strollers, practice putting crib rails up and down and take a spin in a glider rocker before your little bundle arrives. Don’t miss the fashionable new Hooray by Cynthia Rowley line, featuring sweet layettes, bibs, blankets and more by the renowned designer.
Various locations, 888/222-9787. www.babiesrus.com
MOMMY-AND-ME CLASS / Gymboree Play & Music
Kids ages birth to 5 will love the creative and confidence-building classes offered at the Dallas or Plano Gymboree Play & Music classes. These early-childhood development sessions, including music, art, sports, family fun and school skills classes, help children establish cognitive, physical and social skills to build a strong future upon. New families can call ahead to schedule a free introductory class.
Dallas, 214/363-8585; Plano, 972/473-2124. www.gymboreeclasses.com
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