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.

Bluebonnets make everyone smile

If you’ve been holding out getting outside,  this is the weekend to do it people.  The forecast calls for temperatures in the low 80s and plenty of sun. And as every good Texan knows, you need to enjoy this weather while you can, because blistering heat is just around the corner.   Of course, besides our mild springs (that are the envy of our friends up North), one of the MANY perks of being a Texan is our beautiful wildflowers and thanks to recent rains we’ve got a bumper crop to enjoy this year.  This is your golden opportunity to get that adorable picture of the kids in a field for the Christmas card.  Don’t miss out again because you’re busy doing this or that.  Blah, Blah, Blah. Because here’s the thing: Texas wildflowers only bloom for a few of weeks and then they’re gone. Poof! And you have wait until next year for the adorable picture. So like I said, THIS IS THE WEEKEND TO GET OUTSIDE.

You probably don’t want to just drive up and down the highway aimlessly looking for wildflowers.  It’s always best to have a plan–especially if an adorable photo is on the line.  The Texas Department of Transportation has a nifty website that will help you find picturesque locations for wildflower snapping along Texas roads.  Proceed with caution because getting in and out of a car on a speeding highway can be hazardous to your health.

Photo Courtesy of Prairie Keepers

A better way to enjoy the wildflowers is to head out to Prairie Festx3 located on a 160-acre nature preserve called Tandy Hills Nature Area just five miles from downtown Fort Worth. It’s called Prairie Festx3 because instead of one event it’s actually three festivals throughout the spring on the last Saturdays of  March, April and May.   Besides the usual festival fare of  food, music and exhibitors, Tandy Hills is also known as one of the best places to see wildflowers in North Texas.  Snap the photo and then head out on a Prairie Keeper Discovery Hikes with one of the Master Naturalists. There are several guided hikes designed for children, tweens and adults to pick from.  Kids can explore the inner workings of plants,  go on a nature themed scavenger hunt and as a bonus get a little exercise.  Don’t you just love spring in Texas?

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.