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.

Back when I was a kid–or as Rose likes to say–“back in the olden days”, the kids in my tiny town had one simple marker that celebrated the end of school and heralded the beginning of summertime fun. To us, it wasn’t “officially” summer until we took our first trip to the local public pool. It was probably 3:01 on the last day of school (which was always the Friday before Memorial Day, by the way) and we kids would already be swarming around our moms like a pack of whimpering puppies begging them to let us go swimming. The reply was always the same, “not until its at least 80 degrees out.” I know it’s hard to fathom, but I grew up in Nebraska and since the last snow had probably just melted a few weeks before, it was always a crap shoot as to whether or not it would be warm enough to break out the swimsuits that last weekend in May.

It’s a testment to the power of kid begging (even waaaay back in the olden days) because despite the nippy weather, it seems like we hit the pool as soon as we dropped our books on that last day of school. Or maybe our moms caved because they wanted summer to begin as much as we did.

School may not be out yet, but you and the kids can kick off the season with one of these summertime events.

Got a mini Picasso itching to get their fingers dusty with some outside art? Then be sure to check out the Chalk This Way! Sidewalk Art Festival this Saturday outside the Lewisville MCL Grand from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Activities include professional chalk artists, amateur sidewalk chalk competitions, arts and crafts, vendors, festival food, sidewalk games, live entertainment and a children’s gallery so your tyke can create an on-site chalk creation. Entry to the festival is free, although participating in some activities will carry a small charge.

It’s not quite warm enough to qualify for the dog days of summer yet, but no matter, you’ll still won’t want to miss Dog Days of Denton, a celebration of our favorite four-legged friends at Quakertown Park in Denton this Friday and Saturday.  Some festival highlights include live music, craft vendors, pet care information, pet rescue groups, a “Heinz 57” Dog Show, and my favorite, a Dancing with the Dogs Contest.  A couple of FYI’s for this event–All owners are responsible and liable for their pet(s). All dogs must be on a leash and have current vaccinations.

Finally, what better way to summon summer than with an outdoor concert. KXT’s Summer Cut at Gexa isn’t technically a kid concert, but yours truly knows plenty of people who are bringing their small fries to this happy fun fest. There will be music on two stages, vendors and food trucks. If you go, be sure to stop by and say howdy to all the cool kids from Art&Seek and KXT at our booth. We’d love to meet you.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 8-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].