The start of a new school year can bring excitement, anticipation, and plenty of uncertainty. New teachers, classmates, schedules, expectations, and routines can feel like a lot to take in, especially for children who have experienced other changes in their lives.

Rather than expecting everything to fall into place on the first day, think of the first month of school as an adjustment period. With preparation, patience, and support, families can help children gradually settle into a rhythm that feels safe and manageable.

July sits right in the middle of summer like the cream in an Oreo: sweet, a little messy, and best enjoyed before it disappears.

A museum visit can open the door to discovery, creativity, and connection and foster a life-long love of learning. Whether children are exploring dinosaurs, airplanes, art, gardens, history, or hands-on science, museums give families a chance to learn together in a fun and memorable way.

Each Fourth of July, families across the country gather for cookouts, parades, fireworks, and time together. For many children, the day is full of excitement: bright colors, waving flags, red-white-and-blue treats, and staying up late to watch the sky light up. This year carries even more significance as our nation recognizes the United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a milestone worth noticing, not just with celebration, but with reflection.

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to reflect on our nation's history, celebrate African American culture and achievements, and continue pursuing unity, understanding, and equality for all. 

It's summer, the perfect time for family fun, outdoor adventures, and making memories together! It’s also a time when a few extra precautions can go a long way in preventing accidents and injuries. As you enjoy all that summer has to offer, keep these safety tips in mind.

Water Safety

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even when adults are nearby.

Summer break is here, when families everywhere are looking for ways to keep kids active, learning, and entertained without spending a fortune. Thankfully, there are plenty of free and low-cost opportunities available, from movie deals and reading rewards to free fitness memberships and report card freebies.

Summer Movie Deals Around DFW

Several theaters are bringing back discounted summer movie programs featuring family favorites kids will love.

Looking for a simple, hands-on activity to enjoy with your kids this spring? Try planting strawberries in a hanging basket! It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to grow something delicious together, and it doesn’t require a big yard or garden space.

Hanging baskets are especially great for strawberries because they keep the fruit off the ground and away from curious critters. They also help manage the plant’s natural tendency to spread, making this a tidy and practical option for families.

On a sunny afternoon, it doesn’t take much to turn an ordinary day into something memorable. A little fresh air, a bit of creativity, and a simple activity can lead to laughter, movement, and connection as a family.

That’s exactly why we love this easy DIY kite. There’s something about getting outside, feeling the breeze, and watching something you made lift into the sky that never gets old. It’s great for all ages, even grownups!

I was at the family farm near Bradford, Texas, recently. My wife’s family has been on the property since 1845! The creek that runs through the land carries her surname—Landis. I can show you crossing areas where the original inhabitants crossed the creek to go to “town.” There are native mounds on the backside of the acreage. I have fished and explored down there for thirty-five years.