Rowlett Area Top 5 Summer Family Fun Spots

This summer is really proving to be a scorcher and the relentless heat is enough to make us want to hide in the house all day. We've managed to persevere and have some fun with the kids in spite of the weather. Get out and play!

1. Wet Zone  Although smaller than other water parks, Wet Zone is inexpensive and easy to access. We also love it that they allow us to bring in our snack cooler at no extra charge. Season passes make it easy to pop in anytime and stay just long enough to cool down. 
2. Lakes of Springfield Park  This park offers a little something for everyone. Go for a walk or bicycle around the ponds, feed the ducks, bring fishing poles, enjoy the shaded woods, play ball, climb on the playground or enjoy a picnic in the pavilion. This park is complete with restroom facilities. There is plenty of shade to shelter you from the sun.
3. Rowlett Creek Preserve   The RCP trails are great during the summer because of the extensive shade. Either hike or ride the trails and enjoy a picnic while you're there. 
4. Rowlett Public Library  The library is the perfect combination of peace, quiet and air conditioning. They offer a variety of activities for all age groups but it's a great family trip too. Grab a new batch of books to feed your literary appetite and while you're there snag a video for family movie night at home.
5. AMC Firewheel 18 No summer activity list would be complete without a movie theater. To get the best ticket prices, make sure to choose a showtime before noon.

Feed Me Seymour!

Nothing seems to say summer like bright, sunshine-yellow squash. For the first time ever, we're growing four of these glorious plants in our garden this year. Having no previous experience with them, we had absolutely no idea what to expect.

The most surprising thing for us has been the plants' formidable size and the fact that they seem to actually have teeth. Yep, they're huge and when you pick the fruit, it feels like they're knawing your arm off if you aren't careful. Ours are all named Audrey.

Our variety is a straightneck, rather than crookneck. The plants have also been quite prolific, producing a constant supply for our family over the past few months. The really cool thing about that has been that none of us have ever really been big squash eaters. We hate to ever waste any gift from our garden though, so we've been challenged to find lots of different ways to enjoy this new staple.

Tonight for dinner, we had barbecued chicken legs accompanied by our favorite summer squash recipe. This squash is super easy-peasy to make. It's delicious enough to enjoy alone, but it is also fantastic added to tender homemade pasta or even tucked inside a fluffy frittata.

• Remove stem and blossom end from each squash
• Slice in half lengthwise and then slice each half into thin wedges
• Add chopped garlic, kosher salt and red pepper flakes to taste
• Either roast in 350 degree oven or on a grill until tender

Just like a bite of summer sunshine. Enjoy!