All posts by Discover Farmers Branch

Escape This! Dallas featuring Tracy Howe in Farmers Branch

FAMILY FUN FOR NINJAS, WARRIORS & DETECTIVES

Community, Sports, , ,

Summer is officially heating up and there are so many fun things to discover in Farmers Branch! Do your kids need to run around and burn some of that endless energy? We’ve found the perfect places for them to literally bounce off the walls, swing from ropes, jump into foam pits, and test their physical skills. Here are three indoor activities to experience that range from $8 to $29 and have something for all ages: Escape This! Dallas, Soar! United, and Obstacle Warrior Kids.

Want to discover more things to do this summer? Stay tuned into our blog as we continue to share activities at the library, in the park, new restaurants, and upcoming special events!

Escape This! Dallas

The new rage this year is all about the Escape Rooms. Grab your friends and family and head over to Escape This! Dallas in Farmers Branch. Work together as you unlock, decode and solve puzzles and clues to escape the room. Each room offers a different them and challenge level and no experience is the same. All rooms are appropriate for kids of any age although more thrilling for those seven and up.

This is a fun way to be interactive with your children this summer while also beating the heat! Challenge yourself by taking on one their four rooms: The Epicurean, The Society, Pathogen and/or the Heist. The fee is $29 per person and advance booking online is strongly recommended to make certain the room and time slot is available.

4372 Spring Valley Road, Farmers Branch, Texas 75244
469-828-1663 | www.canyouescapethis.com

Soar! United

Two hours of continued non-stop play is what you will get at Soar! United in Farmers Branch, Texas. Bursting with the vibrant colors of blue and green you immediately begin to smile as you walk into the vast open gym. This obstacle fitness and athletic complex is fit for all ages of children. Open play passes start at $10 per person and a Soar! Super Pass is $150 for 20 hours of fun.

All the course areas are sectioned off in colors: green for littles, blue for beginner and intermediate, and black for a challenge. With cargo nets, rock walls, trapeze and foam pits you’re sure to ware out any active kid. If that’s not enough take them over for a round of dodgeball monitored by staff or kick around the soccer ball for sport. They also have a designated party zone called the Summit and a lounge area for tired parents.

Soar! United also hosts a Parents Night Out on Fridays from 6-10:00 p.m. with dinner, snack and fun provided with cost. They offer ninja classes weekly to hone in on your obstacle training and with obstacles updated weekly your guaranteed to have a different experience with every visit.

4207 Simonton Road, Dallas, Texas 75244
972-373-4062 | www.soarunited.com

Obstacle Warrior Kids

Wondering where to go on a raining day or during the Texas Summer heat wave? Check out OWK-Obstacle Warrior Kids for all ages. A fun interactive kids obstacle course that was motivated by the show American Ninja Warrior. Children can play, jump and leap to different obstacles set to their skill level throughout the space. A special 5 and under age-appropriate zone is sectioned off to ensure your littlest can still be a ninja at play.

The fee for 2-4 years of age is $8 for 1 hour, $10 for 90 minutes, $14 for 2 hours, and $6 for each additional hour. The fee for ages 5 and up is $10 for 1 hour, $14 for 90 minutes, $18 for 2 hours, and $10 for each additional hour .

Head to the back of the facility to watch or participate in a few rounds of dodgeball with the kids. Obstacle Warrior Kids is the perfect location for an energetic birthday party and with party staff to help it’s an easy win.

They offer 1-hour, 90 minute and 2-hour time slots Tuesday through Sunday this summer. Saturday mornings they offer Lil’ Ninja and Warrior classes for children to perfect their balance and strength. If the kids are looking for more of challenge, sign-up for the 2019 Ninja Games held August 10-11. Spots fill up quickly so don’t delay! The Ninja Classes are $20 per person.

4310 McEwen Road, Farmers Branch, Texas 75244
972-385-7467 | https://owkdallas.com/

Discovered and written by Tracy Howe with What’s Going On Dallas.

Vintage Base Ball in Farmers Branch

VINTAGE BASE BALL TEAM SWINGING FOR THE OUTFIELD

Farmers Branch Historical Park, Sports, , , , , ,

The Farmers Branch Mustangs are a vintage base ball team that will be swinging for the outfield during the 2019 season hosted by the Farmers Branch Historical Park. These come-and-go games are free to the public and a unique way to discover more about the early years of base ball. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs and enjoy watching these dedicated players compete in a timeless tradition.

  • Farmers Branch Mustangs and Carrollton Elites in replica uniforms.

The 2019 game schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 2, 2019 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Practices are held at the Farmers Branch Historical Park on August 28 and October 23 at 5:30 p.m.

The historical structures in the park provide a nostalgic backdrop for vintage base ball, which is as much about presenting history, as it is about the game. Yes, that’s two words for base ball. Baseball as one word wasn’t used until the 1890’s. It’s similar to a re-enactment of a Civil War battle in that it’s authentically bringing history to life, but unlike it in that no one knows who will win the friendly competition.

Everything about vintage base ball is done according to the rules, style and customs of base ball in the 1860’s. These were the formative years when the sport was beginning to gain in popularity, but before professional teams and the National League were established. The Vintage Base Ball Association encourages clubs to research the history of the game in the off season, so they will be able to faithfully represent the sport. Players wear replica uniforms, use the terminology common to 1860’s base ball and educate spectators about the origins of the game. Game watchers are encouraged to wear period dress, though this is optional.

Long before the days of stadiums and ground crews, clubs would play base ball in open fields, making parks and museum meadows good spots for America’s favorite pastime. Modern baseball rules haven’t changed much since the early 1900’s, but notable differences between today’s rules and those observed in vintage base ball include:

  • Fielders do not use gloves but rather catch the ball bare-handed, usually after a bounce.
  • Balls and strikes are only called by the umpire when the pitcher is trying to delay the game.
  • The vintage ball is larger and slightly softer.
  • There is no sliding, stealing or bunting.
  • Pitching is underhanded.

The Farmers Branch Mustangs’ inaugural season was fall 2007. The co-ed club is part of the city’s historical education initiative and is a member of the VBBA. To get involved with the Mustangs, follow them on Facebook and Pinterest, or call the Farmers Branch Historical Park at 972-406-0184.

Farmers Branch Vintage Base Ball
Farmers Branch Vintage Base Ball

ADULT HOPPY HOUR AT FROG POND WATER PARK

Events, , , , , ,

The Farmers Branch Aquatics Center is hosting “Hoppy Hour” for adults age 21 and up at the Frog Pond Water Park. The event is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and the upcoming dates are June 14 with a mermaid on-site, July 5 is Poker Night, and August 2 is the end of summer celebration.

This is an enjoyable evening for grownups to stay cool in the pool and float the 500-foot-long lazy river. Or, awaken your childhood spirit and make a splash at the bottom of two 30-foot-tall water slides. If you’re feeling extra adventurous gather your whole crew to stand under the 35-gallon dump bucket!

Farmers Branch Frog Pond Water Park
Farmers Branch Aquatics Center – The Frog Pond Water Park

Nuevo Leon Mex Mex Restaurant provides concessions and drinks, including beer and wine. Please bring a photo ID to show at the gate.  No outside food or beverages may be brought into the facility.

Need a babysitter so you can make it a date night? Kids Night Out is happening at the Farmers Branch Recreation Center and the fee is $20 for members plus $14 for siblings and $24 for non-members plus $18 for siblings. Children ages 2 to 13 may participate. Drop-off begins at 4:45 p.m. and  pick-up is required by 8:15 p.m.  Click the date for more info on registering for Kids Night Out: June 14, July 5 and August 2. Call 972-247-4607 for additional details.

Hoppy Hour at The Frog Pond Water Park in Farmers Branch

The Farmers Branch Aquatics Center offers free wifi, lounge chairs, and inner tubes. There are lockers on-site to use for valuables if you bring your own lock.  The center is located at 14032 Heartside Place. Individual memberships for residents start at $50 for the season and can include up to four family members for $130.  Visit www.fbh2o.com for more info or contact 972-919-8720.  

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Farmers Branch Historical Park, Special Events, , , , , , , , , , ,

Farmers Branch proudly hosts the Independence Day Celebration for the community, and welcomes the entire metroplex. We provide one of the few, low-level firework shows in North Texas! This yearly tradition of patriotism also includes a high-energy band on stage, a FREE KidZone area and festival favorite concessionaires for a fun evening in the Historical Park!

The Independence Day Celebration is July 3, 2019 from 6:30 -10:00 p.m. and located at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.  Admission is free for Farmers Branch residents with the Firecracker Fast Pass. The pass is mailed out in advance to residents in the July edition of the Branch Review. Clip the voucher and present it at the gate. The pass allows free early entry at 6:00 p.m. but does not guarantee event admission because the gates will close when the Historical Park reaches maximum capacity.

Firecracker Fast Passes are also available to be picked up in person beginning June 11 for residents who present a current photo ID or utility bill that shows a Farmers Branch address. There is a limit of one pass per household and here are the locations:

  • Farmers Branch Aquatics Center – 14032 Heartside Place
  • Farmers Branch Historical Park – 2540 Farmers Branch Lane
  • Farmers Branch Recreation Center – 14050 Heartside Place
  • The Branch Connection – 14055 Dennis Lane
  • Information Desk at Farmers Branch City Hall – 13000 William Dodson Parkway

Non-residents may purchase tickets for $5 each and children ages 3 and under receive free admission.  Tickets are sold at the gate and guests may purchase using cash or credit cards.

Limelight the Band is going to spark up the stage and bring the party to life by getting the crowd up on their feet and dancing in the grass. This 10-piece band is an unforgettable experience for all ages to enjoy.

The KidZone & Lawn Games have a new location this year. It’s going to be crazy fun for kids to jump around in the bounce house, get an airbrush tattoo, custom crafts, colored hairspray, and lawn games!

Celebrate the Birth of our Nation with the patriotic General Store display. Come peruse the shop to see 1920’s merchandise you could have purchased for your Independence Day party. Items include patriotic ready-made decorations, create-your-own crafts, costumes, glassware, and even baked goods. Reproduction circa 1920’s candy will be handed out during the Independence Day Celebration on July 3. The exhibit runs through Labor Day and additional events hosted by the Farmers Branch Historical Park are held throughout the year.

Free Parking (including handicap parking) is accessible at the Corner of Ford Road and Villa Creek. Click HERE for a map of parking location.  Ride in on the Trails of Farmers Branch and use the bicycle parking inside the VIP gates.  Or go green and ride DART to the event! The Farmers Branch Historical Park is a few hundred yards south of the Farmers Branch DART Station.

The event has three marked gates.  The Red Gate is on Ford Road at the Bridge. The Blue Gate is at Ford & Farmers Branch Lane. Admission tickets are sold at both Red & Blue Gates. The Back Gate is a VIP Entrance only. All gates will close when the park reaches capacity. An alternate viewing site of the firework show is at Liberty Plaza.

The Park has a lush green field that allows for open general admission seating.  Blankets & Lawn Chairs are encouraged and the Friends of the Historical Park offer chair rentals for $2 each.

Patrons are permitted to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages into the event. Please note that all bags will be inspected by local authorities. If you want to make your own picnic upon arrival then these vendors will be able to fill your plates all night long. It’s not a party without the smell of turkey legs and street corn. Beer and wine is available to purchase for guests age 21 and up.

  • Farmers Branch Independence Day
  • Texas Corn – Roasted Corn
  • Donovan Concessions – Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Curly Fries
  • Bartley’s BBQ – BBQ and Turkey Legs
  • Knights of Columbus – Burgers and Hot Dogs
  • Nuevo Leon – Mexican Food
  • Kona Ice – Snow Cones
  • Gypsy Scoops – Ice Cream and Snow Cones
  • J Bob’s – Kettle Corn
  • Totally Nutz – Gourmet Roasted, Cinnamon Glazed Nuts
  • Waffle O’licious – Dessert Waffles
  • Cross My Heart & Hope For Pie – Pies

Due to the large crowd and loud sounds of the fireworks the only animals permitted are service dogs. There is no smoking inside the event site. Alcohol is not permitted to enter or leave the event grounds. We also ask that you not bring frisbees, tents or canopies to this celebration because we want to be respectful of the many people who will be visiting the Historical Park for the evening.

Farmers Branch Independence Day

The Fireworks Show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. but you’ll want to come early or you might find that the gates are closed due to maximum capacity. Stay cool and optimize your firework experience by picking up a 3D viewing fan sponsored by Dallas Medical Center and Mustang Station Apartments.

Call 972-919-1433 for more information about the Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration.  

SHERATON DALLAS HOTEL BY THE GALLERIA COMPLETES $17.5 MILLION RENOVATION

Hotels, ,

Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria unveiled $17.5 million renovation that included an all-new patio bar, Club Lounge, and fully transformed guestrooms. They’ve even added three Executive Suites increasing the count to 317 guest rooms and they have all been designed with connectivity in mind.

You’ll discover USB and electrical outlets in every nightstand, desk, and throughout the room. Stay in and relax in front of a 55” LED TV that is wall-mounted in every room. The traditional connection pack is included along with Marriott’s new Entertainment Platform that provides the ability to stream wireless content from your device. You can even sign-in to your own Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Crackle or Pandora accounts to watch movies or stream music playlists.

Download the app!

“Every aspect of this renovation was designed to elevate the guest experience at each touch point of our hotel and make guests’ stay premium and seamless,” says Rob Auman, General Manager. “We have been steadfast in making thoughtful updates from the lobby up to cater to the needs and necessities that are important to our guests and ensure they can experience more and make the most out of their stay with us.”

The Sheraton Club has been relocated to the ground floor and offers a complimentary full hot buffet breakfast for all Club and Elite guests. Guests reserving a Club Floor room receive a full-size standing shower in place of a tub and a robe and slipper set. Guestroom corridors have been freshly painted with new lighting, carpeting and wireless access points providing complimentary WiFi at speeds of up to 250mb!

All In addition to the technological updates, each room features a laptop sized safe, refrigerator, individual coffee service and complimentary bottled water. Guest bathrooms were updated to include sliding doors to maximize space, and feature all-new vanities with backlit mirrors providing the illumination travelers appreciate.

“The hotel offers over 12,000 square feet of flexible event space and features linenless and green meeting programs. Our new “Red Eye Restaurant and Bar” (named for a cowboy term for whiskey) is a lively re-imagined dining experience. Hotel guests and visitors will discover a new refreshing patio as the perfect place to unwind and enjoy happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The fully enclosed veranda accommodates 40 people with seating at the bar, high top tables, cushy lounge chairs, and umbrella shaded areas.”

The restaurant dining area inside provides ample seating for 112 and offers a “15 minute” menu for prompt service during the busy lunch hour. The items featured include pulled BBQ beef, chicken or pork sandwiches, salads, chicken quesadillas, and more.

Situated at the hub of North Dallas, Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria offers uninhibited access to 635 LBJ Freeway and the Dallas North Tollway. The hotel is a convenient 8-minute walk to Galleria Dallas, which features a unique collection of boutiques, restaurants and experiences, and is just five minutes in their complimentary local shuttle to the areas 175+ restaurants and bars.

Read the full Press Release or for more information about the Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria, visit http://marriott.com/dalsl.

RED EYE RESTAURANT AND BAR IS LOOKING FOR YOU