At least one in seven children in the United States have experienced some form of abuse or neglect in the past year, and an estimated 1,840 children have died from child abuse or neglect. To recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative, is highlighting several ways to detect, prevent, and spread awareness about child abuse.

Four ways to help prevent child abuse are: 

• Support prevention programs in your community. 

• Intervention often occurs after abuse is reported. Greater investments are needed in programs that are proven to stop abuse before it has occurred, like counseling and home visits. 

• Learn to identify signs of abuse.

• Unexplained injuries are not the only signs of abuse. Other signs include depression, anxiety, fear of specific adults, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility. 

• Invest in kids. 

• Encourage leaders in your community to be supportive of children and families. This includes asking employers to provide family-friendly work environments and asking lawmakers to support legislations to better protect children. 

• Wear blue for awareness.

• Spread awareness for child abuse prevention by wearing blue. This is a simple act that anyone can do to help promote prevention and education.

“As a community, we must confront the harsh reality of child abuse,” says Senior Vice President of EMPOWER Randy Neff. “Our organization is committed to raising awareness and encouraging preventative measures to protect our children. We also hope that programs like the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program help older youth in the foster care system distinguish between healthy and toxic relationships and empower them to succeed in adulthood.”

To find local volunteer opportunities in Dallas, please visit https://www.dallascasa.org/about-dallas-casa/. For volunteer opportunities outside of Dallas, please visit https://texascasa.org/how-to-help/. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call 1-800-252-5400.  

Get ready to shrink down, turn blue and journey into the land of the Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel! With sold out crowds and over 2 million happy visitors across Europe, The Smurf Experience is officially making its U.S. debut in DFW, Texas for a limited time. 

Opening May 7, 2025, at Arlington’s Esports Stadium located at 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011, this 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. 

The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It’s hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike. The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of the Summer.

Tickets are now available at www.SmurfExperienceUSA.com, with options for the whole family. 

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but. From their origins in Europe in the 1950’s to their increasing global popularity, we are excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW! Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe US audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience,” said SBX Group’s CEO, Danny Fritz. 

“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world. It is wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way,” said Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of Peyo Company and daughter of Peyo.

Located inside Arlington’s Esports Stadium at the Arlington Museum of Art and just steps away from AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Six Flags Over Texas—The Smurf Experience is perfectly placed in the heart of Arlington’s entertainment district.

Timed perfectly with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new Smurfs movie (hitting theaters July 2025), this summer-long adventure builds on the excitement of the big screen. The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s hottest musical hits. The Smurf Experience lets fans step into the world of the Smurfs ahead of the film’s release—creating unforgettable moments for families to share together.

The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Company. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Company to adapt the experience for North American audiences. SBX is also partnering with Leap Event Technology as the Official Ticketing Provider for The Smurf Experience in North America. Leap provides a suite of technology, marketing, and data solutions for some of the world’s biggest sports and entertainment brands.

FAN EXPO Dallas, the ultimate pop culture celebration, invites local fans, creators, and organizations to become an integral part of this year’s event. Whether through fan meetups, exhibitor booths, or community collaborations, there are numerous ways for the Dallas community to get involved and make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Showcase Your Group in the Community Zone

FAN EXPO Dallas is committed to celebrating local fan groups, charities, and creators through the Community Zone. This special area of the show floor allows fan clubs, cosplay groups, creators, and nonprofit organizations to connect with attendees and showcase their passions. Past participants have included Broadway Dallas, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, the 405th Halo Costuming Community, and the DFW Astromech Builders Club, bringing fandom to life with incredible costumes, interactive exhibits, and information about the North Texas non-profit communities.

Apply for a booth at: FANEXPOHQ.COM

Join a FAN EXPO Dallas Meetup

FAN EXPO Dallas brings fans together year-round with virtual and in-person meetups such as movie screenings, trivia nights, game tournaments, and cosplay gatherings. Additionally, through the Fan Meetup Ambassador Program, passionate individuals can host their own local events, build fan communities, and create shared experiences with fellow pop culture lovers.

Learn more at: MEETUPS.FANEXPOHQ.COM

Exhibitor and Artist Alley Applications

For local artists, vendors, and businesses, FAN EXPO Dallas provides the perfect platform to showcase art, collectibles, comics, and pop culture merchandise. With thousands of attendees expected, this is an amazing opportunity to engage with fans and expand your reach.

Reserve your space at: FANEXPOHQ.COM

Paid Crew Opportunities

For those looking to go behind the scenes, FAN EXPO Dallas offers paid crew positions that provide hands-on experience in event operations. Crew members play a key role in supporting the show, assisting with ticketing, celebrity autograph sessions, panel management, and more. This is a fantastic way for fans to engage with the event, meet fellow enthusiasts, and gain valuable experience in live event production.

Sign up at: FANEXPOHQ.COM

Why Get Involved?

By participating in FAN EXPO Dallas, local fans and businesses become part of one of the biggest pop culture events in Texas. Whether you’re working, attending meetups, joining a fan club, or showcasing your work, you’ll be contributing to a dynamic community that celebrates everything geek culture has to offer.

For more information on how to get involved, visit FANEXPOHQ.COM.

DETAILS:

WHEN: FAN EXPO Dallas runs Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1, 2025

Friday, May 30, from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Saturday, May 31, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, June 1, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

WHERE:

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, located at 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202

COST:

Advanced prices for single tickets start at $32 (thru May 15, 2025). Full-price tickets start at $37. Advanced price for 3-day passes starts at $99 (thru May 15, 2025). Full-price 3-day passes start at $115. VIP Packages start at $519.

Hours and information are available at fanexpodallas.com.

ABOUT: With over a million fans and counting, FAN EXPO HQ attracts pop culture enthusiasts, locally and internationally, to come together to celebrate all things fandom. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Dallas™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Canada™, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, VidCon Anaheim, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, and EDMONTON EXPO.  The latest schedule of events is available here on their website, along with up-to-date ticket information.

Southlake Tennis Center (STC), a beloved fixture in the Southlake community and one of the premier public tennis facilities in the country, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a fun-filled day of tennis, games, and community connection on Saturday, May 10, starting at 9:30AM, followed by a special Pro Exhibition at 11:30AM.

Since opening its doors in October 1999, STC has grown from a small complex with 13 hard courts and a temporary pro shop into a nationally recognized tennis destination. This year’s celebration is even more special as May is National Tennis Month, a time when tennis communities across the country promote the physical, social, and mental benefits of the sport. May 10 also marks “Hit to Be Fit Day,” a nationwide initiative encouraging people to get active through tennis—making it the perfect day for players of all ages to hit the courts and celebrate.

Over the last 25 years, STC has received numerous honors, including the USTA Outstanding Facility of the Year Award—twice—and most recently being named a USTA Premier Facility in 2024, an honor shared by only 50 facilities nationwide and only two in Texas.

STC’s impact on Southlake has gone far beyond the court. Through community events, charitable partnerships like the Mid-Cities SOS Tennis Benefit for SafeHaven of Tarrant County, and hosting tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels, STC has remained a cornerstone for recreation, socialization, learning, and connection in the city. 

“Reaching 25 years is an incredible milestone for the City of Southlake,” said Mia Gordon-Poorman, general manager and long-time leader at STC. “We have been so fortunate to partner with the City to provide a public facility that has been honored both locally and nationally for its excellence in facility management, innovative programming, and meaningful community engagement.”

To celebrate its silver anniversary, Southlake Tennis Center invites current and former players, families, and fans to come out and enjoy a morning of exciting activities for all ages:

Event Highlights – Saturday, May 10 (Starting at 9:30AM)

Adult Activities:

• Cardio Triples Drill: Co-ed, three players per side, exciting points play.
• 105: A fast-paced doubles game with big points for winning shots (2.5+ level).
• Demo Court: Try out racquets from Yonex, Head, Babolat, and Wilson, plus serve speeds will be tested with a radar gun.

Kids Events:

• Parent-Child Red Ball Tournament: Fun for families, with players earning discounts on summer camps and classes.
• Kids Olympics: A tennis-themed obstacle course with age-based prizes and unlimited runs through the course.

All activities are $5 each, require registration, and include a $5 pro shop voucher—play and save while celebrating!

Pro Exhibitions (Starting at 11:30AM)

• STC’s talented coaching staff will take to the same red, orange, and green courts that kids use—showcasing advanced skills in a fun, fast-paced format for families and young players to enjoy up close.

“We’re proud to have been a part of so many lives in Southlake and to have helped grow the game of tennis here,” said Stephen Poorman, STC’s director of tennis since it opened in 1999. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you to the community that’s supported us every step of the way.”

To help celebrate the journey, STC is inviting the community to share its most memorable moments. Send your favorite STC photos and stories—past or present—to stc25anniversary@gmail.com to be entered into a drawing for a $250 Pro Shop gift card.

From its humble beginnings to becoming a state-of-the-art facility with indoor courts and a full-service clubhouse, Southlake Tennis Center has remained dedicated to making tennis accessible, inclusive, and fun for everyone. The May 10 celebration is a tribute to that mission and a glimpse into the exciting future still ahead.

For more information and to register for May 10 events:

https://playtennis.usta.com/southlake-tennis-center/EventsV2   

817-421-5605

info@southlaketennis.com

ABOUT SOUTHLAKE TENNIS CENTER

Located within Bicentennial Park in Southlake, Texas, STC is a city-owned facility with 17 lighted hard courts and two indoor courts that are climate controlled.  STC is the largest public tennis facility in Northeast Tarrant County. Open seven days a week, STC maintains a full schedule year-round with adult league play, a junior program for all ages and levels, private and group lessons, and tournaments.

Galaxy Theatres Grandscape is now offering an unforgettable experience with its exclusive D-BOX motion seats installed just in time for summer blockbuster season. D-BOX is an immersive seating technology that uses haptic effects to synchronize over 65,000 motion, vibration, and texture sensations with on-screen action, creating a lifelike, premium movie experience. The action is brought right to your seat with every jump, punch, turn on screen, and bass drop in the score.

The theater features 18 D-BOX seats across one of its 15 screens. This cutting-edge technology pairs perfectly with the theater's advanced Sony 4K laser digital cinema projectors, delivering stunning clarity, brightness, color, and contrast for an exceptional picture quality.

D-BOX seating is revolutionizing the moviegoing experience and will bring films like Thunderbolts, Final Destination, and Mission: Impossible to a whole new level. For an additional $8 per ticket, guests can elevate their movie experience on a first-come, first-served basis when purchasing through Galaxy Theatres’ website and box office.

Experience nonstop thrills with the new action-packed film Sinners, now in theaters, featuring state-of-the-art seats that move with every action-packed scene.

Galaxy Theatres is located at 5740 Grandscape Blvd Ste. 100, The Colony, TX 75056. 

Visit their website at https://www.galaxytheatres.com/movie-theater/grandscape to reserve your tickets today.