Explore the Great Outdoors at Yellow Jacket Park
Our family’s mini-excursion kicked off at Yellow Jacket Park in Rockwall, Texas—a hidden gem nestled behind the Hobby Lobby and a car wash off Yellow Jacket Lane. Unsure of what the weather would bring, we decided to make the most of the day by getting some outdoor action at a park that offers plenty of shaded areas.
Yellow Jacket Park is a well-maintained space with a clean and welcoming atmosphere. It was refreshing to get out and enjoy the breezy weather before the Texas heat became unbearable. The park was moderately busy, with a handful of parents watching their children play. The social scene was quieter than expected, making me wonder if, like me, other moms are also seeking new friendships.
Fun and Safety at the Playground
The park’s playground is a delight for children. After passing through the secure, kid-proof gate, my children darted toward the large play structure. The setup includes metal bridges, a variety of slides, climbing walls, monkey bars, and crawl-through structures. The play area also features oversized games, bells, bead shakers, swings, and xylophones. My kids spent most of their time exploring, sliding, climbing back up the slides, and swinging.
The Aero Glider was a particular favorite—this large, boat-like structure with bench seating allows kids to rock back and forth, providing endless fun. The ground is covered with a foam material that feels spongy when wet, so wearing shoes is recommended.
Adjacent to the playground are baseball and softball fields, each with covered dugouts for both home and visiting teams. The presence of janitorial staff ensured the park remained clean and inviting, though we didn’t need to use the restrooms during our visit.
Thrills at Shenaniganz Go-Karts
After the park, our next stop was Shenaniganz, where we indulged in some thrilling go-kart racing. If your child is at least 36 inches tall, they can ride as a co-pilot in the double-seater karts, which is perfect for families.
My husband Jason waited patiently in line while I took our daughter Vivi for her first race in a Thundercats-branded kart. With a firm grip on the steering wheel and her seatbelt securely fastened, she was ready for an adrenaline rush. As soon as we started, Vivi couldn’t contain her excitement, shouting, “WOO!” as we hugged the curves of the track.
Next, it was our daughter Nic Nic’s turn. She confidently got into the seat and was just as enthusiastic as her sister. We were the first kart out, and like Vivi, she was full of chatter and waved at her daddy on the sidelines. Watching our son Corban and Jason race was just as exciting, especially when Corban yelled, “We’re coming to get ya!”
The cost for a double-seater ride is $9, and it’s worth every penny for the thrill and joy it brings to the kids.
Lunch Break at Chili’s
After all that excitement, we made a pit stop for lunch at Chili’s, arriving after the noon rush. Finding a kid’s menu that goes beyond the typical pizza, corn dog, and chicken Alfredo options can be a challenge, but Chili’s offered some decent alternatives.
We started with an appetizer of chips with salsa and ranch. For Corban, we ordered sliders from the kid’s menu with a side of french fries. I chose the steak and chicken fajitas, sharing some of the meat, rice, and beans with our girls, who paired them with their macaroni and french fries. Jason opted for one of Chili’s new Big Mouth Burgers, “The Boss Burger,” which lived up to its name. It was huge, and he enjoyed every bite. The fries were more than generous, and we ended up taking some leftovers home. My fajitas were flavorful and well-seasoned, making for a satisfying meal.
Sweet Treats at Hypnotic Emporium
To cap off our day, we visited Hypnotic Emporium, a nostalgic 1920s-style malt shop located at 9005 Garland Rd in Dallas. This charming spot is right next door to the Hypnotic Donut Shop and offers a delightful selection of classic candy, soda, and ice cream.
The ice cream is crafted on-site at their Denton facility by the award-winning creative genius Beth Marie. The selection of flavors is impressive, ranging from classic options with traditional toppings to more inventive creations.
We decided to try the Dream Sandwich ($6), choosing the Old South Chocolate flavor, which had delicious hints of fudge. The ice cream was sandwiched between a room-temperature Hypnotic Donut that had been cut in half and flattened. The combination of the soft donut and the rich ice cream was a hit, though the donut itself was somewhat bland.
The Emporium’s décor is as charming as its treats, with marble countertops, bar seating, and shelves filled with a wide variety of candies and classic games. There’s even a fun photo prop for family pictures, though we weren’t successful in getting a good shot this time.
For those looking for something special, the Emporium also offers ice cream cart rentals and a catering van, perfect for adding a vintage touch to any event. I’m already planning to return to try more of their flavors—perhaps the lavender or margarita options next time.
