Being part of a local club helps strengthen family and community bonds while expanding the mind and, in some cases, getting exercise. Whether you like to read, play chess, or run like the wind, here are six local clubs you and your family can join in the Colleyville, Texas, area.
Rocket Readers
What better way for a child to develop reading skills in a safe and non-judgmental environment than reading books to therapy dogs? With Rocket Readers, kids can go to the Colleyville Library at select dates and times to read their favorite book to a dog from the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs program. Kids can come as often as they like, as long as space is available, to enhance their reading skills and spend time with these special dogs.
The dogs from Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs bring peace, love, and comfort to those undergoing hardship or a crisis, and the more attention they get from kids reading to them, the more these dogs can remain calm during their therapy visits.
Location: 100 Main St. at the Colleyville Library
Contact: 817-503-1000
Texas Chess Center
Kids as young as 5 can learn and play chess at the Texas Chess Center. In the group classes, instructors use a curriculum created by chess players with years of experience. Students will learn chess techniques, etiquette, and strategies to help them elevate their chess game. Once your child becomes proficient in the game, they can join the Texas Chess Center Youth Club where kids ages 6 to 14 can play each other on open play night or join a club tournament league with other members.
You can also take your kids to a chess camp where kids learn tips and strategies in a fun environment. Chess campers get open playtime, snacks, and prizes based on their chess performance and good behavior. Chess is a great way for your child to develop cognitive and critical-thinking skills, learn patience and respect for the other players, and develop fine and gross motor skills. After a day of playing chess, your kids will appreciate a good meal at one of these restaurants that serve healthy food in the Colleyville area.
Location in Plano: 4105 W. Spring Creek Parkway
Contact: 469-498-7296
Location in Carrollton: 3730 N. Josey Lane Suite 124
Contact: 469-900-8014
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
When girls join the Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas, they gain confidence and the courage to try new things. They also build character and self-esteem while developing essential social skills. This club encourages inclusivity and aligns with the core values of the national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA. This organization is over 100 years old and offers girls opportunities to delve into hands-on activities and cooperative learning while cheering on and supporting their fellow girl scout companions.
Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas programs include outdoor and life skills, entrepreneurship lessons, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematic skills (STEM). Girls receive badges for accomplishments achieved, and new badges include Automotive Engineering, STEM Career Exploration, Entrepreneur, and Civics badges. Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas has several tiers to join including:
- Daisies for grades K-1
- Brownies for grades 2-3
- Juniors for grades 4-5
- Cadettes for grades 6-8
- Seniors for grades 9-10
- Ambassadors for grades 11-12
Location: 6001 Summerside Drive in Dallas
Contact: 972-349-2400
Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers Club
Families can walk and run together with other like-minded community members when they become members of the Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers Club. The group meets every Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. to run from the clubhouse. On select days, the group comes back for a pancake breakfast, to organize litter pickups, or other special events. Kids will get a kick out of family runs with special themes, and adults will enjoy making new friends. Membership includes:
- Discounts at select local running stores.
- Reduced entry fees for races.
- Access to club socials and events.
- Receiving water and Gatorade along the course.
- Access to the clubhouse with amenities such as restrooms, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and running water.
Location: 2615 Dove Loop Road in Grapevine
Contact: info@lgraw.com
Creative Arts Center of Dallas
When you become a member of the Creative Arts Center of Dallas, you and your family will have access to classes, workshops, and special events aimed at visual arts. This art center offers hundreds of classes in ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and jewelry making. Members of the thriving art community of the Creative Arts Center of Dallas can collaborate on ideas and share techniques in their artistic medium. The center offers outreach programs for youth, like the teen mural painting program, photography course, and Arts as a Second Language for families and low-income older adults.
Location: 2360 Laughlin Drive in Dallas
Contact: 214-320-1275
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers many recreational opportunities for the entire family with great programs for teens. When you sign your teenager up for the Y-Achievers program they’ll get support and help to ready them for reading at the college level. If you have teens interested in political science, they can get involved with the Youth and Government program, teaching them the mechanics of government and media with hands-on activities held at the YMCA.
Teens can also get babysitting certifications, earn CPR and first aid training and certificates, and join in after-school programs. Other YMCA programs include youth sports, swimming, sports for adaptive and special needs, and a dynamic Esports video game competition program perfect for the whole family.
Location: 146 Town Center Blvd. in Coppell
Contact: 214-880-9622
With so many clubs to join, your kids can meet new friends, learn new skills, and have fun at the same time. Which club does your family enjoy being part of the most? Do your kids like the social or academic aspect of being part of a local club? If you know of other clubs in the Colleyville, Texas, area you can recommend, let our team at Crème de la Crème know. We always enjoy learning about family-friendly organizations to join.