Let’s face it: Fort Worth weather feels like a case of two extremes. One season it’s too hot to be outside. The next season it is too cold to be outdoors. We enjoy very few of those in-between, ideal-temperature kind of days. And that’s why we love the indoor play space, a.k.a. the life saver.
Fort Worth Moms Blog new favorite indoor play space is The Happy Lark. In fact, we love it so much we talked ’em into letting FWMB readers take it over for an entire day. Ta-da, the Mom & Me Play Date at The Happy Lark. And, boy howdy, was it FUN!
So we could play with as many friends as possible, FWMB hosted two play events on November 9, 2015. Both the morning (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and afternoon (3:00 – 5:00 p.m.) groups were full of excitement and energy. When attendees arrived, they were divided into four groups so that everyone could experience all that The Happy Lark offers. (The morning group earns a gold star for perfect attendance too!)
Play Time
Each group enjoyed two time slots in the open play area, which is the main attraction for the kiddos. This area is full of interesting, unique toys that spur creative play for all ages. The Happy Lark owners, DFW mamas Suzanne and Caitlin, call it “unplugged play.” With dress up clothes, castles and dragons, tents, blocks, play houses, push toys, balance beams, and on and on, the space is perfect for all littles ages 0-6.
And it’s not just for the kids. While parents are encouraged to rough and tumble and build and explore, moms and dads can enjoy complimentary coffee and modern seating if a “moment” is what you need. (We all need a MOMENT every now and then.)
Crafts & Snacks
Behind the play area is a great room well suited with lots of little seating and a kitchenette. The Happy Lark uses this area for birthday parties and/or when guests need to grab a snack or meal.
The FWMB turned this spot into our snack and craft time! The Happy Lark staff provided snack gold to the kids: Goldfish, apple sauce pouches, and water. What else could a wee one desire, right?
Van Grow Art Studio for Kids provided supplies for the craft, which was an adorable collage of a happy lark. SO CUTE!
Shop Until . . .
Each group also spent a few minutes perusing The Happy Lark shop, which . . . friends, well, just don’t go in there. You want to know why? Because the shop is full of the most unique, melt-your-heart clothing, gifts, and toys. The owners pride themselves on finding items not sold in other Fort Worth stores, including organic, modern clothing; free play toys; literature based books; modern decor; and accessories for kids. (This is for sure a perfect spot for Christmas shopping. For sure.)
While the mamas shopped and their kids tried out the wares, it was giveaway central! Each group had the chance to enter a giveaway for an item from the shop and get their names in the hat for the big prizes at the close of the play date.
Those just-for-mom giveaways included prizes from:
- The Happy Lark (books, toys, and one-month memberships)
- Athleta (gift card and accessories)
- Kendra Scott (jewlery!!!)
- Legoland / Sea Life (family four pack of tickets)
- Pure Barre Fort Worth (free class and goodies)
The moms were not the only winners; each child, who attended the play date, received a swag bag of his or her very own. The goodies included treats from:
- Fresh Wave (full-size odor removing gels. love these.)
- Love Child Organics (yummy fruit pouch)
- Neat Cheeks (sweet wipes)
- Pearl Snap Kolaches (free treat)
- Pollo Tropical (coupon for dinner)
- Fort Worth Child Magazine
- The Pencil Grip, Inc (pencil grips and new KWIK STIX paint. Must try this!)
- Steel City Pops (one free popsicle)
- The Happy Lark (20 percent off coupon)
The Mom & Me Play was a great success and heap of fun. Most everyone left with a smile on their faces. Oh, who are we kidding? Plenty of kids cried because they didn’t want to leave! (And truthfully, we were sad when it was over too.)
Next Time!
If you didn’t get a chance to snag a ticket for the Mom & Me Play Date, be sure to check out The Happy Lark. Here’s the schedule:
- Mondays. You can secure The Happy Lark for a private play date.
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. open play
- Saturday – 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. and available for private birthday parties
- Sunday. 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. open play
The Happy Lark offers monthly memberships so you can get the most bang, er, play for your buck. Or, you can choose drop-in rates of $10 for one child or $12 total for more than one. Adults are always free!
Stayed tuned to the Fort Worth Moms Blog for our next Mom & Me event coming February 2015!
All the lovely photographs at the event are compliments of Bree Linne, Lifestyle Photography. To see a complete album capturing all the fun, visit Mom & Me Play Date at The Happy Lark on the Fort Worth Moms Blog Facebook page.
