Let's be honest. Hanging out poolside is always cool, but in the summertime, having access to the swimming lakes near Dallas and Fort Worth is as essential to North Texans as a working AC unit. After all, if you love being outdoors and showing off your grilling skills, you'll need a body of water nearby when the heat takes its toll. Luckily, plenty of spots perfect for families in and around the metroplex are within an hour's drive of your home.

And, since we live in Texas and you know we go big or go home, you'll find the biggest inflatable obstacle course in the state at one of these places and waterslides at another. So, as you gear up for hot weather, consider planning a day with your crew at one of these spots where you can run, jump, and swim to your heart's content. And remember, always wear a lifejacket! 

Finding unique Easter basket ideas for teens isn’t easy! Once kids hit the teen years, you can’t just throw in some Peeps, a coloring book, and rabbit ears and call it a day. No, teens are a tricky lot, so finding the right collection of goodies for them to enjoy on Easter Sunday requires a little more thought.

Some of the moms at Mommy Poppins have a few years of experience with this particular age group, so we put our heads together and came up with this list of great easter basket ideas for teens that aren’t a new iPhone or a slew of gift cards.

Check out our Easter Activities Guide more fun Easter ideas, like these Easter movies for kids and families and Easter egg decorating ideas; because kids are never too old for holiday fun!

All DFW parents know that indoor birthday party places are a must. After all, this is Texas, and if there’s one thing we know, the weather is unpredictable. There’s a reason WFAA weatherman Pete Delkus is a local legend, after all. Luckily, Dallas and the rest of the metroplex have safe and entertaining kids’ birthday party spots for almost every interest or hobby. From running a mini city or taking a cooking lesson to having a Nerf gun battle, this list of indoor birthday party places has the best of the best when it comes to celebrating your kiddo.

For other fun indoor birthday party places, check out the best indoor playgrounds and indoor play spaces in Dallas and Fort Worth.