▼ Culture Hipster to Be Square Denton is a family-friendly town worthy of a day trip from Big D. BY DIAMOND RODRIGUE AND DANIEL RODRIGUE be a reason to make the 40-or-so-minute drive from Big D to come back for an afternoon. But lean in, because this is impor- tant: Denton is best experienced with kids. Forget the libraries and museums and playgrounds for a A little while and have actual adult fun with the little people you made by visiting bar patios, record stores, a gnome-themed snow cone shop and more. It’s the least you can do for yourself after a long week of parenting, and you’ll get to reconnect with your own inner child. Plus, the kids will have fun. Below we list some of our favorite places to take our kids and not feel like we’re boring ourselves to death. Free Play 101 W. Hickory St. This newly reopened two-story, neon-lit arcade has more than 100 vintage and modern games, including Galaga, Pac- Man, Skee Ball and over a dozen pinball machines. The nostal- gia goes down as smooth as the drinks at the arcade’s full bar — with a Dallas Observer Award-winning beer selection — and the kitchen serves flatbreads, sandwiches and appetizers. Toddlers 3 and under are admitted for free, and step stools are available so they can reach all the fun buttons and joysticks. Regular admission is $12 per person, but they do offer half-off admission from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Be ad- vised: Nobody under 18 is allowed after 9 p.m. Minifigs, Bricks and More 116 N. Locust St. With thousands of mini figures, $10 grab bags to fill with any kind of Lego part you can think of, assembled Lego vehicles, collectible items, Duplos for the younger kids and more, this Lego resale shop is a great place to kill some time before heading off to lunch on the square. Take it from us: A few bucks to fill up a bag of Legos is worth every penny to be able to sit through a full meal with a happily occupied 4-year-old. Recycled Books & Records 200 N. Locust St. Recycled Books & Records is a Denton staple. But it’s got so much more, including vintage toys, comic books, CDs, graphic novels, buttons, movies, posters, novelties and a siz- able section dedicated to children’s books and teen litera- ture. Introduce your older kid to some of your favorite albums, or let your little one wander and explore the various cubbies, stairs and “secret” rooms. Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor 308 E. Oak St. Here’s a great spot to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail with friends while the kids enjoy a large, enclosed back patio to play (and a pingpong table). And Feta’s, an on-site food truck with Greek cuisine, will feed the whole family on a budget. Inside, the bar feels like a home, with comfy couches and cushioned chairs for cozy seating. Harvest House 331 E. Hickory St. Another great hangout spot with a full bar, Harvest House also offers coffee, teas, a pool table, a food truck, sodas and snacks. They have live entertainment most nights of the week on a large, fenced-in patio, and outside food is welcome. UPCOMING SHOWS AT BILLY BOB’S TEXAS 4/10 10TH s a college town, Denton has long been synon- ymous with DIY concerts, 21-and-up bars and a lot of hangovers. And those who experienced this version of Denton in their 20s — or before having kids — may wonder why there would Denton is a family-friendly town worthy of a trip from Big D. Diamond Rodrigue Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Fountain 17 W. Hickory St. The sweet smell that lingers on the sidewalk outside of Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Fountain will draw you in immediately. This picture-perfect parlor located on the square smells like all the best parts of childhood and hand- makes more than a hundred ice cream flavors. Bonus: there’s an old working jukebox in the back so you can explain to your kids how music used to be played before Spotify existed. More Fun Toys 115 W. Hickory St. After downing a cone at Beth Marie’s, step next door to More Fun Toys for a wide variety of toys, Funko Pop figures, puzzles, plushies, Legos, kites, action figures and more. (Fun fact: More Fun Toys recently took over the space that housed Mad World Records for nine years. Now, you can check out the online-only record store’s website to order a record and pick it up during your stop at More Fun Toys. Win-win.) Also check out More Fun Toys’ sister business, More Fun Comics and Games, also located on the square, for a wide array of comics, figurines and board games. 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