Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back weekly for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

With that in mind, there’s no better way to kick off the season than enjoying some tunes with the kids on a blanket under the stars. Here are some fun outdoor concerts to help welcome summer.

The fun starts Thursday night at the Dallas Arboretum when the variety band PartiGras performs in the garden. Speaking from experience, these concerts never disappoint. Besides the oh-so-serene view overlooking White Rock Lake, the wee ones will have a excellent time chasing fireflies, rolling down the hill and dancing up close to the stage with the band.

Kids can groove along with David Chicken at Liberty Fest. Photo: davidchicken.com

Music fans of all ages will want to be in Arlington this weekend for the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival. This free event (did you hear me people? It’s free!) at the Levitt Pavilion is three days of musical awesomeness including Old 97’s, Sarah Jaffe, and the always kid-friendly Polyphonic Spree. You can purchase food from some of your favorite downtown Arlington restaurants while you kick back, relax and enjoy music under the stars.

If country music is your thang, check out Liberty Fest in Farmer’s Branch on Saturday. The concert line-up  includes Easton Corbin, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, and just for the kids, David Chicken and Professor Brainius.  In addition to the music, the munchkins can enjoy a FREE Kidzone complete with bounce houses and a bubble station. For a few bucks they can have fun in The Zone with large attractions like a velcro wall and a mechanical bull.

Head to Fair Park on Saturday for music with an international flare at the Dallas International Festival. You and the kids can enjoy three stages of global dance and music, an international bazaar, a parade of nations and sample exotic treats from other countries.  The kids can explore the Children’s Discovery Center where they can have their names written in a multitude of languages and play games and design crafts from other cultures.

Awww…music alfresco. What could be better?

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 8-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your  ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].