Dallas-Fort Worth has been home to Andrea Nelson’s family for eight generations now. Nelson (a stay-at-home mom, or “chaos coordinator,” as she prefers to be called) and husband Craig—who works in sales—moved to Southlake seven years ago, and there’s nowhere else they’d rather call home. They have four sons: Nolan, 12, Fletcher, 10, Knox, 7, and Miles, 5.
Favorite Family Restaurant: HG SPLY CO.—HG Supply—is a great place to take family or meet up with friends. It’s a big restaurant that’s very welcoming to kids; they have a covered patio with games for everyone. Good food options for gluten free as well. 2980 SH 114, Trophy Club; 817/755-0111
Best Park: We love Bob Jones Park. I can take my boys, and one can be playing at the park while another fishes or explores around the pond. Horseback riders, walkers and runners frequent the trails. 3901 N. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake; 817/748-8019
Favorite Family Outing: My kids love Urban Air. They have everything from dodgeball to race cars, bumper cars and trampolines. We also love Corky’s. They have old-school video games and pinball machines with a great casual atmosphere and full menu. For older ones, they have ax throwing and escape rooms. Urban Air Adventure Park, 2201 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake; 817/203-8686; Corky’s Gaming Bistro, 3520 Grapevine Mills Blvd. N., Grapevine; 817/532-5000
Go-To for Going Out: For date night and girls’ night, Moxie’s is a favorite. They have great tuna salad and a nice atmosphere with an outdoor patio. I love TruFire and Perry’s as well. Moxie’s, 1472 Main St., Southlake; 817/764-2767; TruFire Kitchen & Bar, 1239 Main St., Southlake; 817/488-6280; Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 2400 W. SH 114, Grapevine; 682/477-2261
Self-Care Spot The best-kept secret is Foot Joy near Hobby Lobby. I was so relaxed after an hour that I could have taken a nap there. 2125 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 365, Southlake; 817/310-0599
Where They Get Active: It’s easy to be active in Southlake, with all the great trails that many neighborhoods have. We chose our neighborhood, Timberlake, based on the pretty walking trails. We don’t have to drive anywhere—we can just walk out the front door.
For Cooling Off To cool off in the Texas heat, we frequent Bicentennial Park—or as my kids call it, “The Dragon Park,” for the dragon-themed spray pad they have. We go in the mornings. And we love frozen yogurt at Yogurtland. The kids say they have lots of good toppings. Bicentennial Park, 450 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake; 817/748-8019; Yogurtland, 1251 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 327, Southlake; 817/310-6390
How They Give Back: To give back, we randomly drop off treats and food at our fire station and the police station, so those men and women feel appreciated. My husband volunteers to coach as much as he can for Dragon youth sports as well. Dragon Youth Sports Associations
Why Southlake is Great for Families: Southlake is a great place to raise a family because of the Dragon pride. When I first moved to Southlake, I didn’t really know what that meant—until we went to our first football game. You have to see it to believe it! Dragon fan energy makes you proud to be a part of the community. It’s a sea of green in the bleachers.
How She Met Her Mom Friends: I have found great friends in my neighborhood just out on walks. I love the Southlake Tennis Center and have met so many nice women there. Jazzercise is a great place to get a good workout in and dance off any stress with a community of strong ladies. Southlake Tennis Center, 450 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake; 817/421-5605; Jazzercise Southlake, 2059 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake; 817/456-2821
Featured photo courtesy of Lindsay Kelso Photography.
