Infographic - The Real Cost Of Flying

Family Fun in Dallas - Some Free. All Fun !

Family Fun in Dallas comes in all shapes and sizes.  So much to see and do in the Big "D" it's not possible to do in one day. Take a look at just a sample of the diverse activities that there are to enjoy in Dallas.

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

September 27, 2013 to October 20, 2013
State Fair of Texas
Fair Park, TX
3921 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75210
 http://www.fairpark.org/

All eyes will be on Big Tex Circle when the Fair's 52-ft host returns to his place of honor on opening day. But there's much more than the return of Big Tex at the 2013 State Fair of Texas, where the theme is "The One & Only."
Enjoy free concerts on the All-New Silverado Main Stage.
Visit the Hall of State to see "The Life & Times of Big Tex" exhibition, chronicling the giant cowboy's 60-year history with the State Fair of Texas.
New this year: ostrich races in the Pan American Arena! Those birds can really hoof it!
Hop aboard the one-of-a-kind 500-ft.-tall Top o' Texas Tower ride for a panoramic view of the DFW metroplex.
The State Fair of Texas claims the title of Fried Food Capital of Texas for 24 days each year. Don't miss the chance to experience food and fun at the Fair.
Enjoy the State Fair Auto Show - see 2014 models - filling two exhibit halls and the Truck Zone outside. It's the largest new auto show in the Southwest!
Buy tickets on the website or at your local Kroger food store beginning September 1.
General admission is $17. Seniors ages 60 and over $13. Children age 3 up to 48" in height $13. Children age 2 and under - Free.

GALLERIA DALLAS

13350 Dallas Pkwy
Dallas, TX 75240
(972) 702-7100
www.galleriadallas.com/‎


From the moment you arrive at Galleria Dallas, you’ll know you’re in for an experience unlike any other. Our unequalled shopping environment includes a unique collection of boutiques, restaurants and experiences. To get better acquainted, visit our Guest Reception Center on Level 1 near Center Court. Our associates can provide an abundance of information about Galleria Dallas and the surrounding area.

ADDISON CIRCLE PARK

4950 Addison Circle Dr.
http://www.addisontx.gov/Departments/parks/News___Articles/Addison_Cicle_Park.asp


Bounded by Addison Rd., Addison Circle Dr., Quorum Dr., and Festival Way, this 10 acre open space serves as the special event site for Addison's Taste Addison, Kaboom Town, Oktoberfest, and many other events throughout the year.   The park features a pavilion, restrooms, interactive fountains, water features, two stages, an impressive pergola, benches, and off-street parking.

ATT STADIUM

1 Legends Way  Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 892-4000
http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/

It serves as the home of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. It replaced the partially covered Texas Stadium, which opened in 1971, and served as the Cowboys' home through the 2008 season. It was completed on May 27, 2009. The stadium seats 80,000, making it the fourth largest stadium in the NFL by seating capacity. The maximum capacity of the stadium, including standing room, is 105,000. The Party Pass (open areas) sections are behind seats in each end zone and on a series of six elevated platforms connected by stairways.[12][14]
It has the world's largest column-free interior and the fourth largest high definition video screen, which hangs from 20-yard line to 20-yard line.[15] The facility can also be used for a variety of other activities outside of its main purpose (professional football) such as concerts, basketball games, boxing matches, college football and high school football contests, soccer matches, and motocross races.

ZERO GRAVITY THRILL AMUSEMENT PARK

11131 Malibu Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75229
972-484-8359
info@gojump.com


Texas is all about going big, so to become one of the favorite Dallas, Texas attractions, we had to go even bigger!

Welcome to Zero Gravity Thrill Park, the #1 home of big thrills in North Texas.

Just what makes us one of the top attractions in Dallas? Simple! Zero Gravity is an amusement park like no other. We only feature extreme thrill rides for extreme fun. Check out our rides:

Bungee Jumping – A classic! You won’t forget this incredible 7-story drop.
Skycoaster – Feel the unforgettable sensation of gliding over 100 ft. off the ground.
Texas Blastoff – One of the fastest Dallas attractions. Rocket straight up at 70 mph.
Nothin’ but Net – Can you handle the 16-story free fall?
Skyscraper – Hit four G’s in our newest sensation, voted one of the top things to do in Dalla

RORY MEYERS CHILDREN'S ADVENTURE GARDEN

Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6500
dallasarboretum.org‎

At this 8-acre garden, visitors can wander the treetops on a skywalk and explore a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids landscape of giant petals, stems and ants. Science lessons are revealed on an outdoor "video hedge." And not only is touching allowed, it's encouraged in a dedicated plant petting zoo.

"The new Dallas garden is a milestone," says Casey Sclar, executive director of the American Public Gardens Association. The site features 150 displays and activities, from an energy island where visitors can shoot a water cannon to generate electricity to CSI-like video games where kids follow clues to solve mysteries like who's killing black flies in a swamp. Spoiler alert: Plants can be carnivorous too.

Most significantly, the exhibits, which are grouped in 17 indoor and outdoor galleries, are based on national school science and math standards – the idea being that a garden field trip will reinforce class lessons and help raise test scores. "It will have immediate impact," Sclar says.

Where to stay?

Embassy Suites Dallas Near the Galleria 

1401 Noel Road

Dallas, TX  75240

1-972-364-3640

Centrally located in North Dallas/Addison Texas are, Embassy Suites Dallas Near the Galleria provides:

• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite
• Free High Speed Internet
• Packages that include Bonus HHonor Points, Gift Cards and more

CLICK HERE to choose the over night package perfect for your Family Fun Stay-cation in Dallas.

BIg Tex is Back ! State Fair of Texas 2013

The State Fair of Texas is an annual festival event held at Fair Park in Dallas. It's food, it's football, it's farm animals, it's fun for all ages. It runs from September 27 through October 20.

An estimated 3 million people attend the fair each year, bringing nearly $350 million to the Dallas economy. The State Fair of Texas kicks off each year with a parade through downtown Dallas.  On the final day of the 2013 Fair, Big Tex, the giant cowboy that has greeted visitors for 60 years burned due to an electrical fire. But thanks to many donations and hard work, Big Tex is back for 2013.

Plan to spend money on the great food, rides or games but don't forget that there are a lot of fun things to do at the fair that are free. Concerts, livestock shows, the car show and more attractions don't cost any money. Pick up a visitor's guide when you enter the fair so you don't miss a thing.



The Fair


There really is something for everyone at the State Fair of Texas. The fair showcases unique foods, exciting carnival rides and games on the Midway, livestock shows, concerts, football, shopping and so much more.

If you love to shop, this is the place. You can shop for almost anything at the fair. Spend hours shopping at The Embarcadero for arts and crafts, pet-related items, jewelry and more. Shop for a new car in the Truck Zone or Automobile Building.


Check out the photo gallery for the sights and scenes from the fair. It includes everything from the midway to hands-on attractions for the kids -- and every fried food I could sample over a 3-year span.


Where?

Fair Park  3921 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210


When?

Hours: The Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Exhibit buildings open at 10 a.m. daily and close at 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursdays. Buildings remain open until 10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday.


Tickets

• General Admission: $16
• Kids under 48" tall: $12
• Seniors 60 and over: $12
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Seniors 60 and over: Free every Thursday (October 6, 13 and 20)
• Dallas Fall Garden Getaway: $19
• Parking $15 per space
• See the Discounts and Deals section for special pricing

Discounts and Specials

Angela Patterson

There are many special discounts during the State Fair of Texas. There's even an opening day deal on September 28, 2012. Bring a full 20 oz. Dasani water bottle or any Coca-Cola product for donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at Fair admission gates and enter the State Fair for $6 per donation per person. Check the updated list of discounts and specials here and for information on when you can catch most rides for only 5 coupons!

Parking / Directions

Angela Patterson

Self parking is available on official State Fair lots for $15 per space. Look for "Official State Fair Parking" signs. Valet parking offered at Grand Avenue (daily) and Haskell/Parry (Saturdays/Sundays only) for $30.

Spaces marked for the disabled are located in each lot. First come, first serve. If spaces are filled, an attendant will direct you to the next available spaces.

Where to Stay?

Embassy Suites Dallas Near the Galleria

14021 Noel Road

Dallas, Texas  75254

All State Fair of Texas guests enjoy:

• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Free Internet Access
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite

Click Here and choose the overnight package perfect for your State Fair of Texas Adventure !

Addison Oktoberfest - Time to Get Your Polka On !

ADDISON OKTOBERFEST 2013 

September 19 - 22, 2013

Celebrate the most authentic Oktoberfest outside of Munich! Join more than 70,000 fans of polka, German food, and Paulaner Bier, in Addison's spectacular Addison Circle Park for four days of music, schnitzel, folk dancing, sing-longs, children's entertainment, and more!

Where?
Addison Circle Park


When and How Much?

Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM FREE                                  
Friday, September 20, 2013- 6:00 PM - Midnight $10
Saturday, September 21, 2013 - Noon - 5:00 PM $5
Saturday, September 21, 2013 - 5:00 PM - Midnight $10
Sunday, September 22, 2013 - Noon - 5:00 PM $5

CHAMBERLAIN'S BRAU HAUS
Enjoy an authentic Bavarian dining experience featuring a 3-course tasting menu prepared by one of America’s leading chefs, Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain's Restaurants.

Limited seating on Thur, Fri, Sat only

$49 per person

Includes admission, souvenir stein and a memorable dining experience for a client gathering, a night out with family and friends or a date night with someone special!



MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT!
There is so much to do at Addison Oktoberfest, you can't do it all in one day.  So why not make it an Oktoberfest Weekend?

Embassy Suites Dallas Near the Galleria is only 6 minutes/2.5 miles  away from Addison Circle Park and is offering all guests of Addison Oktoberfest:

• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Complimentary Evening Reception (think of it as the "mini-me" of Ocktoberfests)
• Two Room Suite
• Free Hotel Shuttle in three mile radius of the hotel
• Packages that include: Free Internet Access, Bonus HHonor Points, Gift Cards and more

Click here to choose the overnight package perfect for your Addison Oktoberfest Weekend !

Take a look at last year's festivities: