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.

First Saturday at the Nasher Sculpture Center

I know I’ve said this before, but our kids are so lucky to live in North Texas, where some of the finest museums in the world are just a stone’s throw away. Of course, I know there are more than just a few of you out there who are intimidated by the idea of having your no-neck ice cream eater in the same vicinity of priceless works of art,  so you’ve opted to forgo Van Gogh for the time being. Well, fear not – here are some events at the local museums that are tailor made for the younger set.

The perfect opportunity for dipping those baby toes into the museum pool is Saturday when the Nasher Sculpture Center holds its Target First Saturday event. Kids and families are invited to explore the current exhibition and focus on a “Big Idea” through a hands-on craft, take-home activity and a scavenger hunt. They have activities all day long, but be sure to check out the artist demonstrations and the Yoga in the Garden. Oh, and did I mention that this is a FREE event? All the more reason to check it out, right?

Come celebrate 100 years of Dale Evans!

Also on Saturday, be sure to take the little buck-a-roos to the National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth to celebrate the 100th birthday of Dale Evans. They’ll be screening some old Roy Rogers films featuring the lovely Dale Evans, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet some local cowgirls who are truly awe-inspiring. While you’re at the museum, be sure to take the Bronc ride.  Don’t worry, mom, the kiddies won’t get bucked off.  Here’s a clip of Mia, daughter of fellow Art&Seek co-worker Gila Espinoza, showing off her stuff.

On June 9, the Dallas Museum of Art is holding its 2nd Annual BooksmART Festival, a daylong, free literally festival put together by the DMA’s Arts & Letters Live team. Your kids are going to love this – not only is it a chance to meet the authors and illustrators from some of their favorite books, but they can also get their books signed, too. Note to self: don’t forget copies of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and Library Mouse! There will also be illustrators workshops and presentations, and the Dallas Theater Center will perform scenes from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the atrium.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 7-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your time at the museum or clue us in to your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].