Fun Family Activities for All Ages

It is a busy time of the year, and it can be difficult to find time to spend together as a family. The time you do have is valuable. You want to spend it doing something that the whole family can enjoy. That means finding something that caters to different interests, different skill levels, and different ages, all without encouraging arguing (which you may have enough of already).

That is a tall order. The good news is that there are many fun family activities that work for a wide range of ages. You just have to be a little bit creative when planning your time. Here are some easy and fun ways for the whole family to enjoy time together.

Have a picnic.

Take advantage of a beautiful day by taking your family out for a picnic. Whether you hit up a popular Dallas location, like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, or choose a sunny patch in the comfort of your own backyard, the combination of food and fresh air is hard to beat.

Don't forget to splurge on some special food for your special picnic. You can even enjoy food from a local restaurant, like our chef-inspired American cuisine here at PINSTACK, and take it out to your favorite picnic location for a delicious meal at a glorious outdoor venue.

Go for a hike.

Those beautiful days in the Dallas area aren't just good for eating in the sunshine. They are also ideal for getting some exercise with your family. Hiking in particular is perfect for all ages. With the right trails, babies can ride in strollers, small kids can run, and adults can adopt a more leisurely pace. Consider combining a hike with your picnic for a whole day of enjoyable and relaxing activities that everyone can appreciate.

Go bowling.

You don't have to spend all of your family time outdoors. One of the best fun family activities for indoors is bowling. On a rainy or cold day, consider taking on the bowling pins at a classy and upscale bowling alley like PINSTACK. Bowling requires little to no skill and is safe for even the most daring child, while delivering enough of a challenge to keep all of the family members entertained.

Play video games.

We don't suggest setting everyone up in a separate room with their own game console and stack of games. Instead, turn gaming into family bonding by visiting an arcade together. Here at PINSTACK, we have a variety of games, ranging from classics to new releases. With so many choices, everyone can find a game they enjoy and are good at. Playing those games together gives your family some much-needed time to enjoy each others' company. Just watch out: You might find yourself in a showdown for highest score at your favorite game.

Play board games or card games together.

Gaming doesn't just have to include a video game screen. You can go old school with a stack of board games or card games and a few hours together at home. There are options for small kids, like Go Fish or Sorry, and more complex games for the big people, like Munchkin or Monopoly. Pick your favorites, set up a tournament, and see how much fun you can pack into a day at home.

Play laser tag.

When it is time to burn off some excess energy (and save your house from destruction), you might want to hit up the laser tag arena. Here at PINSTACK, our laser tag arena spans across two levels. This virtual war zone offers adrenaline-pumping music, obstacles to overcome, and the intense excitement and challenge of hunting down and taking out your opponents.

Try new food at a new restaurant.

Eating out is always one of the most popular fun family activities. Add to the fun by changing up your restaurant routine by trying out a new place or a new dish. Nervous about trying something new? Here at PINSTACK, our chef-inspired American cuisine offers familiar comfort food with a fun twist that you are sure to enjoy. When in doubt, have everyone order separate dishes and share with each other for the chance to try multiple meals, and each other's company.

Attend a sporting event.

Sports are not for everyone, but attending a sporting event is about more than just the game. From the food to the crowds, there’s something to please everyone. Whether it’s Baseball, Basketball, Football, or Hockey, Dallas has events for just about everyone. Find a sporting event near you and enjoy a few hours of fun and relaxation while cheering on your favorite team.

Bake.

There is nothing better than spending time in the kitchen together. Not only do you get to spend time together as a family, but you get something delicious to eat at the end. Bake cookies or pie. Make dinner together. No matter what you choose, the whole family can have a way to participate, even if it is only eating the meal at the very end.

Fun family activities abound. You just need to choose the ones that will work best for your family's interests. Have a picnic or go hiking on a beautiful day. Enjoy bowling, video games, or laser tag at a fun activities venue like PINSTACK. Stay home to play board games or bake. Whatever you decide, make sure you soak up every minute of time with your loved ones.

Here at PINSTACK, we offer a fun activities venue that caters to the whole family. From delicious food to amazing games, you can find something for everyone. Check us and our fun family activities out today.

6 Fun Things to Do Near Dallas, Texas This December

Christmas is quickly approaching, your kids are out of school for winter break, and you are attempting to find ways to entertain them, all while trying to fully embrace the holiday spirit yourself. If this sounds anything like you, then look no further. Dallas has a lot of fun things to do around town, especially during the most wonderful time of the year. Below are some festive ideas to keep everyone engaged with the holiday spirit this season.

• Dallas Zoo Lights Festival

In the evening, once all of the critters are asleep, the Dallas Zoo hosts a massive light display during the holidays. Festivities include the light show itself, a Santa meet and greet, musical performances, fun snacks, and much more! Take a trip with your friends and/or family to go check it out – and be sure to take advantage of some really neat photo ops.

• Lights All Night Festival

This one is for all of the EDM lovers out there. Lights All Night is a two-day dance festival located in Dallas. This year is Lights All Night’s 10th anniversary, so brace yourself for a big blowout bash. Acts include big names like Skrillex and Louis the Child, plus 37 more! This event takes place on December 27th and 28th and is open to those who are 18 and older for general admission (21+ for VIP admission).

• SNOWDAY

This year from December 13th to January 5th, an immersive experience known as SNOWDAY will be held at the Plaza at Preston Center. The event is essentially a wonderland that you navigate through to explore a sense of enchantment and nostalgia, all while snapping a few pictures in the provided photo booths. You even have the option of printing or instantly sharing your photos!

• Holiday in the National Parks: Christmas at the White House

Open until January 5th, this exhibit showcases holiday décor that had once adorned the White House in 2007. Models of historical sites such as the Alamo, Mount Rushmore, and Spanish missions will be incorporated into the exhibit alongside behind-the-scenes photos of Mrs. Bush’s involvement with the National Parks. Be sure not to miss the breathtaking replica of the official White House Blue Room Christmas tree!   

• Holiday at the Arboretum

This year, Holiday at the Arboretum is featuring “The Twelve Days of Christmas” outdoor exhibit. There will be massive gazebos (25 feet tall, to be exact) that will display each of the characters from the original carol (i.e. three French hens, twelve drummers drumming, etc.). The event lasts until December 31st, and from Wednesday to Sunday from 6-9pm there will be over a million lights beautifully illuminating the garden.

• PINSTACK

PINSTACK isn’t just your neighborhood bowling alley. At PINSTACK, you can enjoy a state-of-the-art bowling experience, with lane-side food and beverage service and private bowling areas. You can also enjoy their two-level laser tag arena, arcade video games, and more. They serve the entire DFW metroplex, so pick a day to take your family there this holiday season! If you are feeling especially wild, go ahead and book a group event! PINSTACK has 3 party package options, including Platinum, Gold, and Silver. We’re sure you will find something right up your alley!

Crowd Around: Fun Family Activities for the Whole Crew

It is spring, and the season of family reunions is upon us. If you have ever participated in one, you know what's coming: A deluge of family and the need to keep them all entertained. While finding fun family activities to do with a crowd of relatives may feel almost as difficult as keeping them all fed, there are actually a number of perfect options many of which are right here at PINSTACK.

Fun family activities for the whole crew include foosball (Yes, really).

If you want to keep everybody entertained, foosball at PINSTACK is the way to go. You won't even have to take turns. Here at PINSTACK, we have a 16-person foosball table. That's right, you can fit almost two whole baseball teams around our fun-filled table.

Designed for raucous fun, our huge foosball table promises you fun family activities that can handle a group of almost any size. Put Great-Aunt Maude at the end as a goalie and the over eager teens in the middle where most of the action is. Play the basic rules or adopt some house rules of your own (but no arguing). Take advantage of sibling rivalries by putting fueders on opposite teams, and let any pent up aggressions out on the ball instead of each other.

With a basic premise and lots of action, foosball is ideal for keeping just about anyone entertained. And with a giant table able to house all of your relatives, you will be coming back again and again for a fun family activity for the whole crew. 

Fun family activities for the whole crew include eating. 

That crowd has to eat, and we are guessing you don't want to do the cooking. You will be too busy playing foosball, anyway. Instead, let us turn mealtime into a fun family activity for the whole crew in our restaurant with a banquet room. 

Reserve a table for 10 or less in the main dining area, or plan ahead and reserve a private dining area and banquet room for a larger crowd. There you can have a special event, like a reunion banquet or birthday celebration, or just hang out in privacy. It is the perfect location for your rowdy crew to laugh at inside jokes, tease each other mercilessly, or reminisce about your favorite family memories in a beautiful and quiet space. 

At our restaurant, you will enjoy food that will please everyone in your party. Guaranteed crowd pleasers include Game Time Nachos, our Deluxe Sampler Platter, and any of our handcrafted, seasonally-inspired monthly chef specials. 

Fun family activities for the whole crew include bowling. 

Many sports have a limit on the number of people who can play. Baseball allows for nine. Soccer allows for eleven. But guess how many people can populate the bowling lanes? That's right, as many as you bring. Add to that the ability to create teams, and bowling is starting to look like a fun family activity ideal for the largest group you can gather. 

What else makes bowling a fun family activity? It is ideal for any age, including the octogenarians and the little ones among you. In addition, it is easy to play, easy to score, and pretty universally enjoyed. After all, who doesn't enjoy the chance to knock stuff over and play with a ball indoors?

If you want to enjoy some classy bowling for a crowd, stop by PINSTACK. We offer sleek, modern lanes, lane-side food and beverage service, and all the space you need for a crowd. In addition, we offer a private bowling area, where you can enjoy a bowling party, bowling-themed event, or just a private area for your group to bowl together. Fun family activities for a crowd don't get much better than a night of bowling at PINSTACK. 

Fun family activities have to include everyone if you have a crowd to entertain. And while that might make you feel as if your options are limited, the truth is that, at PINSTACK, there are lots of things to do for your group. Whether you want to enjoy scratch-made food at our restaurant, celebrate a special event in our banquet room, enjoy a round or two of bowling, or cozy up to a giant foosball table, we have the crowd pleasers you need for even the largest family. 

Fun and Flirty Date Night Ideas at Our Fun Activities Venue in Las Colinas

While February 14 might be THE date night of the year, there are 364 other evenings that you can put to romantic use. That is a lot of potential for creating fun connections with the guy or gal you are interested in. It's also a lot of pressure: Can you fill an evening with fun and flirty activities that don't have your date sighing, "Not again!"?

We are confident in your date making capabilities. And we are confident that our fun activities venue in Las Colinas has all the ingredients you need to whip up a date night to remember. Here are a few of our ideas for fun, flirty, dates right here at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas.

Fun and flirty date idea 1: Turn ordinary bowling into a VIP experience at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas.

Bowling is a pretty casual and not-so-unusual date idea (it also happens to be a great date idea, if you want something relaxed and fun that almost anyone can enjoy). However, finding time to have a conversation over the noise of other bowlers, or making your date feel special in the middle of a crowd can be difficult.

Instead, if you want to add an element of fun and flirty to your average game, consider coming to our fun activities venue at Las Colinas and turn an evening of bowling into a more exclusive experience. What goes into a VIP bowling experience at PINSTACK? Our VIP bowling area includes 8 lanes, separated from the regular bowling lanes at our venue, where you can enjoy all the fun of bowling, minus the crowd and noise. Add in some lane-side food and beverage service, where you can enjoy our from-scratch menu right next to the bowling lanes, and you have the perfect exclusive experience to make your bowling date extra special.

Fun and flirty date idea 2: Make drinks a sophisticated experience at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas.

Drinks are a great way to ease into getting to know that certain special someone. Short, casual, and low commitment, they still leave an opening to extend the date into dinner if things go well. However, things aren't likely to progress that far if you don't impress at the bar. And we can guarantee that any average bar, average beer, or average cocktail isn't likely to score you the points you want.

Instead, add sophistication to your date and create a fun and flirty feel at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas with a trip to our bar. There, we offer a variety of local craft beers that rotate seasonally. If beer isn't your (or your date's) thing, we also offer a wide variety of wine imported from California, Italy, and even France, and signature cocktails designed to impress because of their creativity and flavor. Combine that with an upscale atmosphere, and the chance to venture into our fun activities venue or from-scratch restaurant afterward, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun and flirty cocktail date.

Fun and flirty date idea 3: Set an indoor rock climbing challenge you can only complete together.

Indoor rock climbing makes a great date idea, especially for a first date. Fun, different, and interactive, it is way more creative and flirty than dinner and a movie. However, you can take this date idea to the next level at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas by using the time to set challenges you have to complete together.

For example, maybe you want to challenge each other to reach the top for the first time ever. A race to the top might just be the motivation you need to reach that milestone. Even if you are accustomed to climbing all the way, you can always use our timers to see who can make it to the pinnacle the fastest.

As an added bonus, make sure the loser has to pay up. We recommend taking on the cost of appetizers, dinner, or dessert in our from-scratch restaurant. Or, paying up for a round of video games or laser tag in our fun activities venue in Las Colinas. We are guessing that might be a good way to get out some pent up energy after a competitive climb up our 28-foot wall.

Fun and flirty date idea 4: Ditch dinner in favor of brunch at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas.

Dates mean setting aside an evening for fun, right? Well, sometimes. But if you want to think outside the box, you might want to ditch the stereotypical evening event in favor of something earlier--like brunch. Here at our fun activities venue in Las Colinas, we have crafted a mouth-watering brunch menu available on the weekends that will have you and your date wondering why you've never given romance a try earlier in the day.

Now, getting up too early is definitely not flirty or fun, so make sure you embrace a genuine brunch instead of breakfast. Ours is offered between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to give you lots of time to rest up after a long week. Once you arrive, choose from creative and delectable meals, like the pancake tower oozing with sweetness or the kale and quinoa salad for the healthier minded among us. Add in a Mimosa Carafe or the Bloody Mary Bar, and you will be well on your way to enjoying the type of fun and flirty date that will start your weekend off right.

Fun and flirty should be your goal for your dates this year. Create that kind of atmosphere at PINSTACK's fun activities venue in Las Colinas. We recommend embracing a VIP bowling experience, a sophisticated drinks experience, an indoor rock climbing challenge, or a deliciously fun brunch experience. Whatever date idea you choose, you can be sure that at PINSTACK, you have access to the variety, quality, creativity, and fun that you need to create a date you will both remember.

How to Create the Perfect Group Outing at PINSTACK

Birthday parties. Get togethers with friends. Corporate activities. Anniversaries and special events. PINSTACK is ready to welcome your large group no matter what the occasion. With a slew of fun activities, a full-service kitchen, and a quality bar, we are the ideal fun activities venue for any get together.

So how do you plan the perfect outing at PINSTACK? While the answer to that question depends on your personal preferences, there are a few elements that make up the perfect group get together. Whether you are using PINSTACK as a corporate event venue, looking for birthday party packages for kids or adults, or simply looking forward to dinner with your old college friends, here are the things that can make your group outing to PINSTACK a smooth, memorable, and fun event.

Purchase a group package ahead of time.

Can you show up unannounced at PINSTACK with a large group? Yes, but you are less likely to get the experience you want. Our group packages are designed to offer you a get together tailored to your needs and designed for convenience. Consider the benefits our group packages offer:

·         Reserved space for your get together

·         Guaranteed access to bowling lanes or guaranteed time in our attractions

·         Fresh, from-scratch menu items for guests

·         No wait times on getting your party started

·         Access to our on-site event planners’ expertise and support

·         Support of Group Services team members the day of the event

·         Amenities such as linens and party favors.

If you want to guarantee that your group has space, privacy, fun, and individual attention, purchase a group package when planning corporate team building activities, birthday parties, or other large get togethers. Our packages are diverse and designed for fun, allowing your group to enjoy a truly memorable time.

Budget for your group outing.

When you arrange for a group outing to any of PINSTACK’s fun activities venues, we will provide you with the payments and deadlines associated with your event. However, to help you better plan for your group outing, here is some helpful information:

• The remaining 50 percent of your bill is due the day of your event.

The first half is paid as a deposit prior to the group outing.

• You must purchase a group package in order to reserve space at PINSTACK.
• Events may be changed or canceled 7 days or more prior to the event date to receive a full refund of the deposit.
• There is a service charge covering gratuity, set up, and break down associated with every group event.

Take advantage of PINSTACK’s on-site event planners to tailor your event to your needs.

Party planning can be a lot of work. From major decisions like what activities you will offer to minor details like the color of the tablecloths, the hundreds of decisions that go into an event can be overwhelming if you have to make them all yourself. That is why, if you want to plan the perfect group outing at PINSTACK, you should take advantage of our on-site event planners who can help you both before and during your event.

First, when you purchase a group package, such as one of our birthday party packages, banquet packages, or corporate event packages, you will receive access to our on-site event planners. They will help you plan all of the details of the event, from making sure that the menu accommodates any allergies in your group to helping you understand what you can bring for decorations for a kids’ birthday party. With their help, you can put together the perfect event at PINSTACK.

Then, once you arrive at PINSTACK with your group on the day of the event, our Group Services staff members will ensure that your event runs smoothly. This means identifying opportunities to extend your event if you are late or want a little extra time, answering your questions, and meeting any onsite needs you may have. With their support, you and your guests can enjoy a hassle-free party.

Make as many decisions as you can ahead of time.

The smoothest events are those that are planned early. To help you craft the perfect group outing at PINSTACK, therefore, plan as much as you can ahead of time, with the assistance of our support services.

First, think about your needs before you buy a group package. For example, do you want a bowling birthday party package for kids, or a regular birthday party package? Do you want your co workers to meet in one of our VIP rooms in the restaurant, or would you benefit from a corporate event package that will allow you to engage in team building exercises?

In addition, set your head count early so you know how much you are paying. If you reserve space for the highest number of people you think you will have at the event, you can always lower the head count up to 7 days prior to your event, instead of worrying about not having space for extra guests the day of.

There are many other details you can deal with ahead of time that can make your time at PINSTACK smoother and more fun. From choosing decorations to selecting menus and deciding on activities, setting these details early will mean that there is no delay between arriving at PINSTACK and diving into the fun of your event.

Planning the perfect group outing at PINSTACK means planning ahead and purchasing group packages that fit your group’s particular needs. From purchasing a group package ahead of time to taking advantage of phenomenal on-site event planners, and making as many decisions as you can ahead of time, you can set your group up for an epic outing at PINSTACK.

A Guide to Planning a Company Holiday Party

With just a few months left until the holiday season, now is the time to start preparing for that season’s most revered corporate event: The company holiday party. Chances are, your employees are looking forward to relaxing for an evening on the company’s dime. But, as the party planner, you may be feeling a bit of pressure to put together a fun and memorable event.

Fortunately, there are really only 4 essential elements to a successful company holiday party: Location, food, drink, and entertainment. To help you nail each of them at your next event, here is a guide to planning a company holiday party that will ensure the maximum amount of fun with the least amount of stress for you and your planning committee.

Step 1: Select a date and time for your company holiday party.

Before you can commit to a location, you need to set the date and time for the party. This information will help you decide whether to have the party at the office or at a corporate event venue, will guide what types of food and entertainment you select, and will even help you pin down a theme. In general, you can choose either a shorter event during the lunch hour, or a longer event that is held during the evening.

The best approach to setting a date and time for your company holiday party is to look at what your company has traditionally done. For example, are employees accustomed to a lunch hour get together, or will they be expecting a 4-hour gala at a corporate event venue? Sticking with tradition can be a safe bet.

However, also consider factors such as (1 Have previous parties been well attended and received by employees? (2 What time slot will allow the most employees to attend? (3 What time slot will allow you to craft a corporate holiday party that meets your budget? (4 What time slot will allow you to have the most FUN and show the most APPRECIATION for employees?

Once you have settled on a time (lunch or evening), send out a survey or email with a variety of dates from which employees can choose. Follow up with reminders to RSVP. Then, pick the date that works for the majority of people in your company. That way, you will maximize attendance without needing to make the party mandatory.

Step 2: Select a location for your company holiday party.

Next, you will need a place to hold your holiday party. Lots of companies have the party right in the office, especially if it is taking place over the lunch hour. If you are going to go this route, however, you might want to invest in extra decorations to make your space look less like the office your employees spend most of the day in, and more like a destination for fun.

A better choice, however, is to actually take your party to a fun destination. A corporate event venue, restaurants with banquet rooms, or a fun activities venue make great choices for a holiday party. Not only do you give employees a chance to leave the office and relax, but you often receive amenities from the event venue that reduce your workload and make the party more fun.

Here at PINSTACK, for example, you and your holiday party can enjoy the following amenities, depending upon which banquet package you select:

• Private banquet room that seats up to 200 people
• Access to bowling and/or any of our other fun activities (Think laser tag, indoor bumper cars, a rope climbing course, and more)
• Selection of buffet menus
• Water and soft drinks
• Dessert packages
• Video games
• Customized packages to fit your company holiday party needs

Step 3: Select food and drinks for your company holiday party.

Providing a wide variety of good food and drink can go far in making your company holiday party a memorable and relaxing event. When it comes to providing food and drink, you have a number of options. For instance, you can stick with appetizers (depending on when you have the party), serve a potluck, order a plated meal, or offer a buffet. Whichever option you choose, strive for the following qualities that will ensure the enjoyment of everyone at the party:

• Provide ample amounts of food.

A good rule of thumb is to order food for 30 percent more people than you have attending the party. This ensures that everyone can eat their fill throughout the entirety of the event.

• Take allergies into consideration.

Chance are good that at least a few people within your company suffer from food allergies. In order to accommodate any allergies (even those of which you may not be aware), ensure that the menu includes several different types of food, including foods known to be allergen-free.

• Include a variety of drinks.

Similarly, ensure that there is a variety of drinks from which people can choose when at the company holiday party. For example, serve soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and water so everyone in attendance can find something to eat and drink that they will enjoy.

Perhaps the easiest way to go about the menu for your company holiday party is to find an event space that provides the food and drink for you. Not only do you not need to worry about caterers and potlucks, but you may also save money by bundling your corporate event venue and food/beverage.

With the right venue, you can enjoy top notch food for that affordable price. For example, here at PINSTACK, we offer a variety of buffet menus from which to choose, from a company picnic to Texas BBQ to Southern Italian. Each menu features made from scratch foods that are designed by our chefs to be both seasonal and delicious.

Step 4: Decide whether and how to make alcohol an element of your corporate holiday party.

Alcohol can be a tricky element of a company holiday party. You want to avoid having employees becoming inebriated or acting inappropriately at the party. At the same time, creative cocktails and craft beers can make an already fun party even better. The choice regarding alcohol will be up to you (and perhaps be determined by your company’s policies).

However, if you want to have a limited amount of alcohol at your company holiday party, here are a few suggestions for incorporating alcoholic drinks in a fun and moderate manner:

• Create a signature cocktail or two for the party.

Choose from one of PINSTACK’s cocktails, or create one with a holiday theme.

• Limit drink choices to wine and/or beer.

PINSTACK’s wine and craft beer menus offer lots of choices without hard liquor.

• Provide drink tickets

This way, you can limit drinks to one or two per person.

• Cut off drink service an hour before the end of the event.
  
• Make alternative transportation available at the end of the night.

For example, comp people’s taxis or Ubers or arrange for carpools so no one feels the need to drive home after drinking.

Step 5: Select entertainment for your company holiday party.

Spice up your company holiday party with fun activities and events that show your appreciation for the hard work of your employees. Doing so can make the event more fun and give everyone the chance to get to know each other better.

For example, choose a corporate event venue that has built in entertainment. A fun activity center like PINSTACK, for example, gives your employees the opportunity to cut loose with bumper cars, bowling, indoor rock climbing, an arcade, laser tag, and more. Adding music, dancing, raffles, or karaoke can introduce a festive spirit that will keep everyone happy throughout the event, while adding an employee appreciation event and/or award ceremony can showcase your star employees and boost overall morale.

The best company holiday parties start with a great event space. Whether you need a fun activities venue in Las Colinas for a corporate event venue in Plano, PINSTACK offers space and banquet packages to fit any of your company’s holiday party needs.