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Art&Seek Jr: Mother’s Day Outings The Whole Family Will Love


by Therese Powell 8 May 2018 6:00 AM

Sure mom loves breakfast in bed, but how about something different on her special day as well? Here are some picks that the kids will enjoy, too.

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Have you got your orders in for Mother’s Day yet?

Rather than candy, flowers, or even a macaroni necklace, I’m going more practical with my gift request this year. Since Mother’s Day falls smack dam in the middle of spring cleaning season, I’m cashing in all my mom chips for a day of deep cleaning from my offspring. And by deep cleaning I mean, she has to do all the jobs I hate, like wiping the cat nose prints off the windows, wrangling the cobwebs and spiders from the ceiling fans, and scooting around on the floor cleaning the baseboards. In addition to the day of hard labor, she also has to complete the tasks sans whining, because–you know, it’s Mother’s Day.

If you’re stumped for ideas for your mom on her special day, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Check out one of these mom-tastic events the whole family will love.

George W. Bush Presidential Library

George W. Bush Presidential Library

Does mom want to see the wildflowers, but you’re not quite sure where to find them? Here’s the perfect solution–head to the George W. Bush Presidential Center this Saturday morning for a docent-guided Bluebonnet Tour along the trails of their 15-acre park. Besides the seasonal wildflowers, you can also explore native Texas environments like the Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savannah, and Cross Timbers Forest in the 40-minute tour. The popular tours are free, but they’re only available on a first-come, first serve basis so be sure to get there early.

Tell granny to put on her dancing shoes and head to the annual Mother’s Day Concert and Picnic this Saturday at the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum in Carrollton. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and listen to the New Horizon Dixie Swing Band play from the front porch of the historic home. And if you’re feeling particularly proud of your picnic lunch, enter it in the annual picnic contest. You could win a prize in one of three categories: Best Family, Most Elegant, or Most Creative. There will be free ice cream and lemonade and the kids can make an old-fashioned handmade gift for mom.

Photo: Paper for Water

Paper for Water

Another springtime experience you won’t want to miss is the Fold to Flight art installation at Galleria Dallas. The artistic team at Paper for Water has created nearly 4,000 origami butterflies and installed them over the shopping center’s ice skating rink to celebrate the spring season and bring attention to the water crisis across the globe. The butterflies will be flying through June 30 but at a special celebration on Saturday professional origami artist Ekaterina Lukasheva will be on hand doing origami folding demonstrations and signing copies of her instructional origami books. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own origami butterfly, and learn about the world water crisis at an interactive station.

Texas Discovery Gardens

Texas Discovery Gardens

Speaking of butterflies, head out to the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park for a special concert just for moms. The hour-long concert features a performance by the Women’s Chorus of Dallas followed by a  live butterfly release in the two-story Butterfly House. This event sells out every year so be sure to grab your tickets early.

If it’s art you want this Mother’s Day, be sure to stop by the Irving Art Center for a free art event for little kiddles and their moms (or the special person of their choice). At Sunday Funday, you can celebrate the day by making some art together. Jump in with your own creation or get inspiration from the gallery exhibitions at the center.  The fun happens Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

If you really want to show mom a good time take her to the 45th Annual Swiss Avenue Historic District Mother’s Day Home Tour this Mother’s Day weekend. In addition to the seven early 20th century homes on the tour, there will also be music, refreshments, and a complimentary mini-coach staffed by neighborhood tour guides who will share all sorts of interesting facts and stories about The District.  There’s also a super cool children’s play area in the shady oasis of Savage Park. Kids can check out Big Thought’s rolling STEM classroom, take a mini train ride, or create a sidewalk chalk message to mom.

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