This post is part of our Neighborhood Fave Five Series. Check out our other entries to learn more about the different Dallas neighborhoods and suburbs from moms who live there!

Preston Hollow can certainly carry prestige, but it can also be the perfect spot to settle in for a fun and exciting young family life. My husband and I moved into this neighborhood 7 years ago when we bought a duplex together as newlyweds. We have grown to love so many conveniences here and seriously had the hardest time narrowing it down to our top 5 favorite places. We also have the BEST neighbors. I am not kidding. When we had 4 kids in under 4 years our neighbors brought us food, walked our dog, babysat in emergencies, repeatedly helped carry things inside, let my toddlers explore their houses and climb their trees, and provided friendship for me. Our family truly loves this beautiful neighborhood.

Our favorite things about Preston Hollow:

Preston Hollow Park

This park is just gorgeous! It has huge shade trees covering all three of the jungle gyms, making it the perfect spot to play year-round. My kids love some of its classic elements best like the tire swing and sand box. We have been frequenting this park since my oldest was born. Only a mile from our house, we sometimes walk here when I am in the mood for a little extra exercise making it almost feel like an extension of our back yard. Don’t forget to pack a snack or a picnic – there are plenty of picnic tables and benches.

Northaven Trail

This trail is a large paved path that runs under the huge Oncor power line that runs between Northaven Rd and Royal Ln. There are multiple rest stops along the way with benches, bike tools (which my boys love to play with) and water fountains. Not only is this a great spot to walk and jog safely through our neighborhood, but the Friends of Northaven Trail also host numerous free events for the neighborhood throughout the year including outdoor movie nights and a “light the trail” party at Christmas time.

NorthPark Mall

There are so many wonderful things to do with your littles (and alone) in this palace of a place that I can’t list them all, but I just love having this mall in our neighborhood. If we need something to do inside on a rainy or hot day we just bop on over there to watch the ducks and turtles in the little pond, hear a story at Bookmarks, check out some Legos or Disney toys, see a movie or grab some lunch in the food court!

But my very favorite thing at Northpark is the patio at Breadwinners in the center courtyard. It is the perfect spot to park your family to eat and sip while your littles run around the huge patio and courtyard and have a blast while you relax!

Town North YMCA

I honestly do not know how we would survive summer without this incredible establishment. Town North YMCA has beautiful indoor and outdoor pools including a kids pool and super fun splash pad. This is where we swim ALL summer long. The locker rooms have a hot tub inside, showers and hairdryers! Best of all they have a really great “childwatch” area with energetic and caring workers. It is so nice to be able to drop my kids off there and get a little work-out in, take one of their many awesome classes or even just take a break to read for 30 minutes while my kids play.

Northwest Bible Church 

Tucked inside of Preston Hollow at Northwest Hwy and the Tollway, Northwest Bible has been our home church for many years. My husband and I actually met in the singles group there! Aside from attending on Sunday mornings, I participate in many activities specifically for moms with young kids that our church hosts that are open to the whole community. These include MOPS, women’s Bible studies (with childcare!), a “Launch into Motherhood” group for brand new moms, parents’ nights out, mommy and me playdates, sprinkler days in their green space and popsicles in the park in the summer, and many special women’s events like “dinner on the green” just to name a few! I would be thrilled for you to come visit any or all of these events with me!

And just in case you need more convincing that this neighborhood is the bomb, here is a short list of a few more fantastic places to check out:

• The Tree Fort at Watermark
• The lawn by Starbucks in the Shops at Park Lane
• Hat Creek Burger
• Toy Maven
• Barnes and Nobles kids play area at Preston/Royal
• Small Pockets
• Royal China (best Chinese take-out anywhere)
• The “unofficial” dog park club that meets at the corner of Airline Rd. and Aberdeen Ave. every day around 5pm

Whether you live here, are considering moving here, or reside somewhere else in the metroplex, I hope to see you around the neighborhood soon!