Get Your Memorial Day Fun with Animals, One Way or Another

Memorial Day heralds the beginning of summer, and for all but the hardiest of us it also signals one of the last times we can comfortably be outside until late September. Early forecasts put the temperatures in the low 90s, and we all know that’s nothing. We can grease the kids up with sunscreen, put on their floppy hats and arm them with plenty of water for one final hurrah before the 100-degree days move in. And there are lots of fun options for families this Memorial Day — including a celebration starting at 11:30 a.m. at Lone Star Park (1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie). Kids will while away their time in bounce houses and on pony rides at the Family Fun Park while you figure out where to place your bets and hit up the vendors at the food-truck festival. General admission is $5 per person — kids younger than 3 and members of any branch of the military get in for free. Visit lonestarpark.com for more information. If you prefer your animals a little more laid back, head to the Dallas Zoo (650 South R.L.Thornton Freeway) for their Memorial Day Cookout from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The whole crew can feast on a special lunch in the shade and check out the elephants and giraffes in the Giants of the Savanna exhibit. Lunch is $10 a person (except for those younger than 3, who get in free), in addition to regular zoo admission of $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3 to 11. Head to dallaszoo.com for more details.
Mon., May 28, 2012