Kidcore Toy Store at Arlington Highlands Shopping Center

Kidcore Toys, winner of the Best Toy Store Award in the FW Child Magazine ‘Best for Moms & Babies 2011’, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Locally owned and priding themselves as the best in quality & value, Kidcore invites you come by & play with them at the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center. Melissa & Doug Toys is the #1 seller and Kidcore boasts the largest Melissa & Doug selection in the metroplex.

Kidcore Toys
Arlington Highlands Shopping Center (northeast corner of I-20 @ Matlock)
4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd, Suite 161
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6; Fri-Sat 10-7; Sun 12-5
(817) 548-0498
www.kidcoretoys.com

http://www.facebook.com/kidcoretoystx

Kidcore Toys is a specialty toy store, not some giant box company like Toys R Us or WalMart. Kidcore is into quality and value. These people own their store and go the extra mile to help you find the specialty toy you’re looking for. If they don’t have it, they’ll get it so that you have the perfect gift for any occasion..

Kidcore carries the largest selection of Melissa & Doug products (pretend play food, hand puppets, classic toys, stamp sets, etc) in North Texas, but also have a great selection in other specialty brands including Alex Toys, Green Toys, Taggies, Toysmith, Playmobil, International Playthings, Kidkraft, Sprig Toys, and many more.

Want to personalize your gift? They personalize gifts like totes, lap trays, and other products.

The thing I appreciate about this store is the fact that, in addition to educational toys, there are arts & craft supplies and project kits. While Squinkies is the right gift for my niece, my older nephew will get more out of the science kit.

Kidcore also has lots of travel games. So if you have any family road trips planned for the summer, stop by and get some travel games to keep the kids occupied while you’re on the road.

To make shopping easier for friends & family, kids can come in and fill-out a wish list (almost like brides-to-be registering before a wedding). That makes it easier for my mom & aunt when she’s trying to choose something for upcoming birthdays or Christmas shopping.

If you’re buying a birthday gift for another child and aren’t sure what to get, you can stop by for a grab-n-go gift. Kidcore offers Grab & Go birthday totes whi are between $30-$40 or, you may choose $30 or more of your own items to be put in the complementary tote ($12.99 value). There’s gift wrapping available. And they can personalize the tote.

For discounts and giveaways, be sure to “Like” Kidcore on their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for specialty toys but can’t visit Kidcore in Arlington in-person, please take a look at their Web site. You can order on-line. Or just give Kidcore a call and order by phone (817-548-0498 or nationally toll-free at 1-888-KIDCORE). Ask about the offer for free shipping on orders over $100.

Here’s the link to their Web site: http://www.kidcoretoys.com/

Kidcore is located within the Arington Highlands Shopping Center which is at the northeast corner of the intersection of I-20 at Matlock. Here’s a map/directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,9514097846921958604&fb=1&hq=kidcore+toys+arlington+highlands&hnear=0x864e62d2e40898d3:0xb5ef6ac1fa05351,Arlington,+TX&gl=us&daddr=4001+Arlington+Highlands+%23+161,+Arlington,+TX+76018-6034&geocode=848094505968673279,32.679759,-97.108036&ei=dqTSTbK3IKON0AG-vvXqCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=directions-to&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQngIwAA

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Two Paddling Trails in Arlington: Lake Arlington and the new River Legacy Parks Trail

Kayakers and canoe enthusiasts can have double-the-fun in Arlington following the May 11th dedication of the new River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail. In addition to paddling the Trinity River inside River Legacy Parks, there’s also Lake Arlington which provides a taste of nature inside our urban center.

River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail sign near access point.

Kayaking the Trinity River in North Arlington.

Access point for River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail is under this bridge.

Lake Arlington’s Paddling Trail has 3 access points.

River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail & Lake Arlington Paddling Trail
River Legacy Parks: 3020 N. Collins St.
Lake Arlington: (3 entry points, see addresses below)
http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/simple/lake_paddling.html

The new River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail is 2 to 8 miles total (1-6 hour float time, depending on water level, flow rate & wind speed). Paddlers will start at the River Legacy Parks access site and paddle as far up the trail as you wish before heading back where you started.

The first set of riffles that require a portage going upstream are about 1 mile from the access site. You can turn back at that point, or keep going upstream as long as you want before turning back downstream to return to the launch. Future access sites are being planned

The water quality is suitable for kayaking and canoeing, but not for swimming.

The access point is located within River Legacy Parks, under a pedestrian bridge.

To enter River Legacy Parks (3020 N. Collins Street) in far north Arlington, take Collins Street one block north of Green Oaks Blvd. Turn west. Click here for map/directions: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/arlington_riverlegacyparks/index.phtml#getthere

The put-in/put-out is under the walking bridge. When you turn into the park entrance, drive ahead; you will see the bridge on your left as well as the sign for the paddling trail. The road will dead-end in the parking lot; park there to access the put-in/put-out.

For more information about River Legacy Parks Paddling Trail, click here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/arlington_riverlegacyparks/index.phtml#getthere

The Lake Arlington Paddling Trail is the first paddling trail in the DFW metroplex as well a the first flat-water paddling trail in the entire state of Texas! The trail is 10.9 miles total (4 miles from Richard Simpson Park to Eugene McCray Park; 7 miles from Bowman Springs Park to Eugene McCray Park; no connection between Richard Simpson Park and Bowman Springs park on eastern side of lake).

There are 3 put-in/take-out areas along the Lake Arlington Paddling Trail. Here are 3, including addresses (all in Arlington; the lake is on the far west border of the city):

*Richard Simpson Park – 6300 W. Arkansas Lane. Click here for map/directions: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=richard+simpson+park+arlington+tx&fb=1&gl=us&hq=richard+simpson+park+arlington+tx&hnear=richard+simpson+park+arlington+tx&cid=9033877749010079282

*Eugene McCray Park – 3449 Quail Road (click here for map/directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3449+quail+rd+arlington+tx&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x864e7b2030aad30b:0xd6b64a28d35f5281,3449+Quail+Rd,+Fort+Worth,+TX+76119&gl=us&ei=qnvQTeL3A8jj0gH_2fSXDg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ8gEwAA

*Bowman Springs Park – 7003 Poly Webb Road (two blocks west of Shorewood Dr.)
Click here for map/directions to Bowman Springs Park: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=bowman+springs+park+arlington+tx&fb=1&gl=us&hq=bowman+springs+park+arlington+tx&hnear=bowman+springs+park+arlington+tx&cid=7191840755147988066

Lake Arlington Paddling Trail is open dawn-to-dusk. Daily lake passes are $5. Save money with an annual lake pass for $25 (annual pass for senior citizens only $12).
Simpson Park on the eastern edge of the lake
Click here to link to a map of the Lake Arlington Paddling Trail: http://www.arlingtontx.gov/parks/PDF/Lake/paddlingtrail_map.pdf

For more information about Lake Arlington, call the Lake Office between 8am-5pm at (817) 451-6860.

You don’t have to own a kayak or canoe to enjoy the river or Lake Arlington. Here are local Arlington businesses which rent/sell kayaks and equipment:

*Arlington Paddle & Outdoor Rentals – 1922 Glenhaven St; (817) 301-5646.

*Flatwater Kayaks – 5300 Falcon Wood Court; (817) 451-9230; www.flatwaterkayak.com

*Mountain Sports – 2025 W. Pioneer Pkwy; (817) 461-4503; www.mountainsports.com

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BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar at Lincoln Square

With over 110 high-def TV’s, patio seating, and all-day drink specials, BoomerJack’s is a great place to watch a game. But don’t think of BoomerJack’s as just some sports bar. It’s family-friendly, too, with a made-from-scratch menu featuring homemade half-pound burger and fresh-cut fries. Come on Rangers game day and catch a ride to Rangers Ballpark from the front door of BoomerJack’s for just $3.

BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar
Lincoln Square Shopping Center
522 Lincoln Square
(817) 275-5400
http://www.boomerjack.com/web/guest/home

Some cool Boomerjack’s promotions include:

*Ride to the Ballgame catch a shuttle to Rangers Ballpark in front of BoomerJack’s beginning 90 minutes before every Rangers home game. The price is $3 per person (children under 12 are free) and no restaurant/retail purchase is required. The return shuttle begins at the top of the 7th inning to bring you back to BoomerJack’s.

*Facebook — get a free appetizer when you like them on Facebook.

*Wednesday Night Live Band Karaoke — every Wednesday at 9pm with House Quake Karaoke; includes drink specials like $12 Buckets of Beer as well as $3 Tito’s vodka.

*At your table, grab the little blue card and sign up for the E-Club so that you can get e-mails about promotions, special events, and other cool BoomerJack’s stuff.

The menu now has 28 new gluten-free items

If you’re not counting calories, you may want to try their new Chipotle Blue Cheeseburger. Yes, it’s bleu cheese crumbles, fried onion strings and bacon crumbles on top of the meat/cheese patty, plus chipotle-flavored mayonnaise. If you are counting calories, there are several choices of salads including a bottomless soup & salad for $6.99.

But to heck with being diet-conscious. Not when there are Ballpark Garlic Fries, hand-batter onion strings, Philly cheesesteak, Sandy’s homemade banana pudding, and Jack’s cookie explosion on the menu.

Also, I’ve had the grilled catfish (choice of lemon pepper or Cajun spice) and usually choose the cajun, but you can ask for it blackened.

BoomerJack’s is family friendly, not a smoke-filled sports bar. The kids’ meals (ages 12 & under) are only $4.99 and include a soft drink and ice cream sundae. Kids’ menu choices include: hamburger; wings; grilled cheese; homestyle mac-n-cheese; chicken tenders; and quesadilla.

The menu now has 28 new gluten-free items

Click here to take a look a the full menu: http://www.boomerjack.com/web/guest/menu

BoomerJack’s also caters and has a big mobile smoker for grilling which they’ll bring to your event. They do custom catering menus. To contact them about catering, click here: http://www.boomerjack.com/web/guest/catering

BoomerJack’s is located in the Lincoln Square Shopping Center which is on Collins Street, just a block south of I-30 (between Road to Six Flags and I-30). It is only 3 blocks west of Rangers Ballpark, 2 blocks north of Cowboys Stadium, and 4 blocks west of Six Flags. Here’s a map/directions to Lincoln Square: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lincoln+square+shopping+center+arlington+tx&fb=1&gl=us&hq=lincoln+square+shopping+center&hnear=Arlington,+TX&cid=16704576961429266169

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