A week of activities started Monday at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas to keep kids entertained during spring break. The park is hosting theater, music, STEM, and other events.
"We can catch up with friends we don't get to see often, meet up, and just let the kids have a good time," one woman said while she watched her kids play.
"To be able to hang out, see everybody and still keep active and learn about theater, it's great," another said.
Monday morning, Dallas Children's Theater held a workshop where kids could act out skits. The theater's Dana Proulx-Willis would tell kids a story and then they would tell the story again, with kids playing each part.
"It's a non-threatening form of theater," she said. "They don't have to memorize lines. I feed it to them and then give them the microphone and let them say it into the microphone."
Proulx-Willis said "Story Drama" can spark a kid's interest in theater but also help kids who might be shy come out of their shells and make new friends.
"One little boy, the first time he did it, he wouldn't talk into the microphone. He'd do actions, but he wouldn't talk into the microphone," she said. "The next week, not only did he talk into the microphone, but he wanted to be the lead part. In that story, I had a king, and he had to be angry, and he had to be depressed, curious and this whole emotional gamut, and this kid was all over it."
She said workshops give kids the ability to try new things to see what they might enjoy or have talent, learn about activities they might enjoy, and learn social skills.
"I've had 1-year-olds who can't even walk, but their mom might hold them up, and they might talk into the microphone," she said. "Really shy kids whose parents say, 'I have never seen them do this before,' they'll all of a sudden light up and become this phenomenal actor."
Klyde Warren Park is one of 20 finalists for USA Today's "Best City Park" in the country. The park is the only one in Texas on the list. Voting continues through April 8.
Klyde Warren Park has ongoing activities including its Imagination Playground, foosball, corn hole, Connect Four and chess on the East Lawn. The park is working with other organizations to host events all week.
Monday, March 11
Dallas Children’s Theater 10-11 a.m.
Creative Arts Center 12-2 p.m.
Cliburn Kids Live 3-3:45 p.m.
Gonzo Pet Portraits 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12
Piano in the Park 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Workshop Dallas 12-2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Piano in the Park 11 AM - 3 PM
Perot Tech Truck 11 AM - 2 PM
Thursday, March 14
KidLinks Therapeutic Music & Movement 9 - 9:45 AM
Story Time with Interabang Books 11 AM - 12 PM
Creative Arts Center 12 - 2 PM
AD|EX 12 - 2 PM
Friday, March 15
Dallas Children's Theater 10 - 11:30 AM
Dallasites Silent Disco 8 - 11 PM
Saturday, March 16
Fitness Classes 8:45 - 11:45 AM
Dallas Children's Theater 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Wildlife on the Move with Eric Brittingham 1 - 3:30 PM
Sunday, March 17
Fitness Classes 8:45 - 11:45 AM
Avant Chamber Ballet Performance 3 - 4 PM
Dallas Symphony Orchestra 6 - 7 PM
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