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 can hardly wait until this weekend. Yesterday I found out my church is having a pie-making event on Saturday for moms and kids.  And although we won’t be sampling any pie, this event is tops in my book because the fruit of our labor (in this case, sweet potato pies) will be sent to a local shelter for their Thanksgiving dinner. Besides being a whole buncha fun, it gives Rose and me the opportunity to give back to our community, which makes it all the more sweeter.

Here are some upcoming events that will help you bring home the “giving” part of Thanksgiving to the kiddos:

You and the kids can kick off the holiday season this Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the annual Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting. There will be holiday music, live entertainment and, of course, the big guy himself, Santa, will be there taking requests. The event benefits The North Texas Food Bank, which will be on site collecting donations and frozen turkeys.

You and those energetic kids of yours can help the Dallas YMCA at the 45th Annual Turkey Trot

Speaking of turkey … you can run off that Thanksgiving dinner and help out some worthwhile programs at the Dallas YMCA at the 45th Annual Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot.  You have your choice between an 8 mile race or a 5K fun run/walk at this family friendly event. And as always, costumes, dogs and strollers are welcome. If you aren’t a runner (I, myself, fall into the NON-runner category) fear not, because there will be lots of fun activities for those of us cheering on the sidelines. Clowns, pony rides, bounce houses and live music round out the day’s entertainment.

On Dec. 2, join the New Conservatory of Dallas for the 26th annual performance of Symphony of Toys.  This unique family concert, put on by the young musicians of the New Conservatory of Dallas, helps collect toys for children in the area via the medium of classical music. The program features “toy” music – Toy Symphony, by Leopold Mozart, and “toy” soloists – cultural and civic leaders from the community. Best of all, admission is free when you bring a new, unwrapped toy for Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive.

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].