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.

I don’t know about you and your brood, but Rose and I love back-to-school time. It’s exciting thinking about new teachers, new friends and new beginnings. Rose is down with all that, but what she really likes is all the new stuff that comes along with a new school year–namely, sparkly tennis shoes that light up and a hot pink binder.

So I was thinking, what better way to celebrate the new school year then a ride on a school bus? Or better yet, a MAGIC school bus! That’s right, you’ve still got two weekends left to head down to the Museum of Nature and Science and check out Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm. This weather themed exhibit is bilingual and definitely hands-on. The wee ones can explore weather concepts and meteorology with hot air balloons, homemade snowflakes and concocting their own wild weather. But that’s not all, the woman herself, Ms. Frizzle, will make an appearance this Saturday from 10:30 to 11:00!  Don’t forget the autograph book.

Come get bitten by the science bug at BRIT in Fort Worth

And while we’re on the subject of science, the folks at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth have a pretty nifty event for the kiddos this weekend. The first Saturday of every month–which just happens to be THIS Saturday for those of you without a calendar–BRIT hosts a Science Saturday with special programming for kids and families.  You and the kids can explore the pocket prairie and wetland area and get to know the plants that grow in our neck of the woods. Got a plant growing in your backyard that you can’t identify? Well, you’re in luck, because botanists will be on hand to help put a name on those mystery plants. If you’ve got little ones be sure to check out Bella’s Storytime in the Burk Children’s Library. Bella, a hand-puppet, hosts an hour-long family story time where you and the munchkins can enjoy an interactive read aloud and then explore nature activities inspired by the story.

Both of these are fun places to help your students ease into the back-to-school groove, and who knows? With any luck, science will replace recess as the favorite subject in school!

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 quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].