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When our kids were younger and money was tighter, my family was all about free things. When we left the house, we mostly explored local parks. We collected miles and points to get free flights and hotels for trips, but we didn’t spend a lot of money on local attractions.
But since the pandemic, we’ve started putting more of an emphasis on local splurges. Maybe it’s because we have a different perspective on time and money now, and our disposable income has increased over the years. Also, with our oldest going off to college next year, I feel a sense of urgency to spend more quality time together.
Whatever the reasons, my family has been revisiting local attractions and loving it. Last summer, I took two of my kids on a local staycation to Downtown Dallas. We saw things they hadn’t seen since they were little, so everything was brand new to them. In the past year, we’ve seen plays and comedians and local sporting events. It’s been a blast!
Local Wish List
I hope to continue our local exploration in 2022. Here are some ideas on my list:
Dallas World Aquarium: My kids loved this place when they were little. There’s so much to see, including sloths!
Medieval Times: Sure, it’s a cheesy dinner theatre. But sometimes cheesy is good.
The Sixth Floor Museum: When I first moved to Dallas, I visited this JFK museum many times. Everyone who visited me wanted to go there. But, I haven’t been in many years. Plus, my son loves U.S. history and has expressed interest in visiting this museum.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: I’ve seen friends go to this on social media, and it looks like fun!
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: Never been!
Lower Greenville: My husband and I went out to eat in this part of Dallas last year. There are so many different restaurants with outdoor seating. It’s a bit of a pain to get to from our suburban bubble, but I’d like to try more options here.
Theatre: We have some touring Broadway plays in Dallas and Fort Worth, but I’d also like to see some local high school productions.
Epic Waters: This is a relatively new water park that gets rave reviews.
San Antonio River Walk: Ok, this isn’t exactly local. But, I love visiting San Antonio, and it’s been too long.
Sporting Events: My boys hope to attend an ATP 250 tennis tournament in Dallas early this year. My daughter and I hope to attend a college gymnastics meet.
Concerts and Comedians: I have no idea who is coming to town in 2022, but I’m keeping a lookout.
Do you have a list of local places or events you’d like to hit this year?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
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Sounds fun. There are so many neat attractions in Texas. I’d suggest the Ranger Hall of Fame in Waco, The Alamo (while you are in San Antonio) of course, The USS Lexington in Corpus, The self guided Mission Trail Tour in San Antonio is neat also. You might also check out sites on Atlas Obscura. Texas has a lot of odd cool places like the Newman Castle or the DeLorean museum.
Thanks for the recommendations!
“Also, with our oldest going off to college next year, I feel a sense of urgency to spend more quality time together.”
I can’t imagine. Our oldest turns 12 soon and I’m already feeling the urgency.
High school flies by! College applications open up in July in Texas. I can’t believe my son will start his applications in just 6 months!