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 on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

It’s official.  Winter has passed us by – but no matter, we’re still happy to see springtime arrive in North Texas.  It’s no secret that one of the best places to see springtime in all its glory is the Dallas Arboretum.  Besides the spectacular floral show of Dallas Blooms – which opens this weekend – there are also a couple of things going on that will be of interest to the younger set.  The first is a twist on the playhouses scattered throughout the gardens.  Building on the Dallas Blooms theme “It’s a Work of Art,” several Dallas-area architects have partnered with Hoebeke Builders to create the “Small Houses of Great Artists” exhibit.  The houses reflect the location and work of artists Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.  Fun facts, biographical information and information on each artist’s work will be posted so you’ll have the opportunity for a fun, hands-on (and painless) art history lesson.

The second event is Hanami at the Arboretum.  The centuries–old custom of hanami – cherry-blossom viewing – is quite a sight. The trees only flower for about 10 days, so put this on your calendar.  This year’s celebration (March 11) is  hosted by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and will include bamboo flute music and family activities. Garden guests are invited to bring picnic lunches and eat under the flowering trees.  It sounds so serene, doesn’t it?  For those of you with “high energy” children, be sure to stop by the big hill over by the concert stage first.  I know that after rolling down the hill for a half an hour or so Rose is good to go in the serenity department.

For more family-friendly events, check out our listings.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 6-year-old daughter, Rose.