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Looking for a free, fun, family activity as the hectic holiday season is winding down?  The Cedar Ridge Preserve, formerly the Dallas Nature Center just 20 minutes outside downtown Dallas, Texas may be exactly what you need for a change of pace.  At an elevation of 755 feet, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area,  you may think you have discovered a bit of Hill Country as you explore the 633 acre preserve right off of Interstate 20 in Dallas, Texas.  10 miles of wooded trails offer hikers of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy the native juniper, grasses and wildflowers.  The Little Bluestem Trail, Butterfly Trail and Possum Haw Trail offer easy walks from 1/4 miles to 3/4 miles round trip.  The Cattail Pond Trail is one of the most popular hikes rewarding the hiker with a view of Joe Pool Lake if you climb the observation platform midway down and on a clear day the skyline of the city of Fort Worth is yours to enjoy.  Allow 1 1/2 hours for the moderate Cattail Pond Trail hike of 1.5 miles round trip.  More difficult trails include the Fossil Valley Trail and the Cedar Brake Trail.  Allow 2 hours for The Fossil Valley Trail, the most challenging trail at the preserve, requiring mostly climbing and then descending steep grades.  For the second half of the hike rather than backtracking you can continue onto the gentler Cattail Pond Trail for your return to the Visitor’s Center.  The Cedar Brake Trail is also for those desiring a more challenging hike.  Allow 2 hours for the sometimes steep slopes on this 2.5 mile round trip hike.  The shorter Mulberry Trail (1/2 mile round trip) intersects with the Bluebonnet Trail (1 mile round trip) offering generally easy walks with spectacular nature experiences.  The Cedar Ridge Preserve managed by the Dallas Audubon Society as a non profit natural habitat is open every day but Monday.  Winter hours are 630AM-6PM.  Summer hours are 630AM-830PM.  Admission is free.  A donation is requested for parking.  Most special programs are free however some may charge a fee.  Motorized vehicles of any kind are forbidden as well as bicycles and skateboards not allowed.  7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas Texas, 75249 972-709-7784   audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html

Popeyes’ Mystiqal is back for Mardi Gras on Saturday February 21st, 2009 as downtown Dallas Texas transforms to New Orleans during Mardi Gras.  Outdoor cafes will serve authentic Mardi Gras style food such as crawfish, beignets as well as Popeyes chicken and biscuits.  Street vendors will kick the festival off at 5PM selling tee shirts and posters along with food and drink.  At 530PM the 11th annual 5K Mardi Gras Run benefiting Captain Hope’s Kids takes place.  Day of race registration is at 4PM at Dallas City Hall. After the race get ready to catch some beads and baubles as the nighttime parade steps off at Main Street and Ervay headed towards Dallas West End District.  Parties spring up all along the parade route as the floats pass by and revelers dance and march in celebration.  Viewing locations for the parade are Pegasus Plaza (Main and Akard), Main and Lamar or The West End.  Tarot cards and palm readers will be on hand for the curious of heart.  At 11PM festivities will end for this Mardi Gras in Dallas, Texas.  Tip:  In keeping with true Mardi Gras celebrations no children’s activities are planned.  It is suggested that you book your baby sitter now for this adult theme event.  The main sponsor of this event is Popeyes’ Louisiana Kitchen.  Suggested transportation to and from Popeyes’ Mystiqual is DART. 

Enjoy Celebration Le Cirque the Holiday Lone Star Circus Show from December 27th-December 31st 2008 at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts.  Christmas season is a wonderful time to get together with the family and enjoy the circus with the kids.  Over 20 world fame performers from Russia, Europe, South America, Mexico and the United States including Dallas Texas will amaze and entertain you and your family.  Ticket prices range from $38-$65 for adults and $21-$40 for children 17 years of age and younger.  The Rosewood Center for Family Arts is located at 5938 Skillman Avenue on the corner of Skillman and Northwest Highway in Dallas, Texas.  75231  There are several choices of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure before or after the circus.  214-978-0110

On January 1st, 2009 the Comerica Bank New Year’s Day Parade steps out at the Dallas Arts District at 230PM.  This downtown Dallas Texas parade begins at Ross Avenue in front of the Dallas Museum of Art and ends at Houston Street next to the American Airlines Center.  More than 25 floats, 15 marching bands, equestrians and VIP’s will be on hand as Dallas and visiting fans for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic line the parade route.  The Ole Miss Rebel Band and the Texas Tech Raiders Band will entertain parade goers as well as the world reknown Kilgore Rangerattes.  

New Year’s Eve at Victory Park with Dallas Stars hockey is the place to be December 31st, 2008.  Ring in the new year with live music, food, drinks and a spectacular fireworks show.  Admission to the plaza is free.  Festivities for this 2nd annual New Year’s Eve at Victory Park kick off at 6PM in the plaza with the Dallas Stars pre-game show.  The puck drops at 730PM for the game against the Devils inside the American Airlines Center.  For those not attending the game concerts inside the House of Blues and on the Bud Light Stage at the AT&T Plaza are free and continue until countdown for the ringing in of the New Year and the fireworks show at midnight.  Dart will provide light rail transportation to and from Victory Station until 1AM January 1st, 2009.  BIGDNYE.COM