Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Dallas-Fort Worth Area, TX

If there's one thing we've got right all the way - it's story time around town! The free half-hours [and sometimes even more] give parents a chance to participate and share in the art of storytelling. Many books we've never heard of before were discovered here. Our first story time we ever attended was at Barnes & Nobles - and we listened to Chicka Chicka Boom - that story has changed our lives forever. My daughter loves the alphabet letters falling over themselves trying to climb a coconut tree!

Story times, hosted at libraries and bookstores every where, is the place to be mid-mornings with your tots. Some of our favorites are:

Richardson Public Library - We love this library! The librarians enrich the experience with their enthusiasm for children and literacy! The story time readers, keep our kids entertained and parents educated with routine tips on how to extend the reading experience at home. Richardson residents can sign up for the 6-week Storytime, Family Story time and/or Lapsit program by calling 972-744-4358. Story time, for children ages 3-6, visit the program independently, while the Lapsit program is for tots 18-36 months old with their parents or caretakers. The Lapsit program is only for 20 minutes, just enough time to get 3 stories in, learn concepts, and even take home a themed craft. Nonresidents are open to attend the Family Story time program, held once a week in the evenings.

Bookmarks Dallas Public Library - Tucked inside NorthPark Center Mall, Bookmarks is the secret that's been let out of the bag. Their encore presentations, from puppetry to magicians and musicians, are unmatched to any other public library. We were thrilled when its doors first opened earlier this summer, but disappointed in how popular this library became so quickly [sigh]. The floors are covered with children and parents alike. And I don't blame them. We find ourselves pegged to the floor and captivated each time.

• Read & Learn program, Weds at 10:30, ages 0-6 [readings by guest performers]
• Tickles For Toddlers, Thurs at 2pm, ages 2-3 [jump around, hear a story, sing a song and finger play...]
• Every Child Ready to Read, Fridays at 2pm, ages 2-4 [Pre-reading basics, rhymes and music]