Art&Seek Jr: Our Ultimate Fourth of July Megalist

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 have to admit, the Fourth of July is pretty low key around our house. I don’t even pretend I’m going to get up early on my day off, so we usually miss our neighborhood parade. And the traditional Fourth of July picnic? Let’s be honest – July in these parts is generally a skosh warm for grandma’s mustard potato salad, so midday noshing al fresco is out as well.

Careful. Don’t get too close or you’ll fall in. Photo: Carey Hurst

One Fourth of July staple that we do partake in is firework watching. Our tradition (if you can call five years in a row a tradition) is to head out to the Bathhouse at White Rock Lake with family and friends and watch all the displays from the shoreline. It’s probably not the best view in town, because all the firework shows are a good distance away. But it’s peaceful, and our small army of children can play along the banks of the lake while we parents look on from our lawn chairs and place wagers over whose kid is going to fall in first. (Relax. It’s only a foot deep)

Awwww….Summertime.

If you’re the type of person who loves all things red, white and blue and can’t wait to get out and celebrate, then you’re in luck. The Art&Seek Calendar has a megalist of Fourth of July fun just waiting for you to peruse. Here are a few highlights:

If you’re a kid and wanting to get a jump on the holiday, you’re going to really love the Bike Parade at the south branch of the Denton Public Library on Wednesday. Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters and tricycles and join the parade.

And speaking of bikes, the Lakewood Parade that started back in 1963 with just a few neighborhood kids on bikes will be celebrating its 50th year on Thursday. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Lakewood Boulevard. and Columbia Boulevard in East Dallas. I’m told there’s a strict “no squirt guns” policy, so consider yourself warned.

Irving loves to put on a parade. Photo: City of Irving

Like your parades a little bigger? Check out Irving’s Fourth of July parade. Voted best community event by Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber, this parade boasts numerous floats and displays. After the parade, head to Heritage Park in downtown Irving and enjoy a free watermelon reception and concert.

If patriotic music makes you proud to be an American, head to the Fort Worth Botantic Gardens for Concerts in the Garden featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday and Thursday. You can sit on the lawn or reserve a table and listen to a medley of marches, salutes and songs of American heritage. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show.

Those of you east of the Trinity won’t want to miss the Dallas Wind Symphony’s Star-Spangled Spectacular at the Meyerson on Thursday. Besides the great songs from the American soundtrack, they’ll also have hot dogs, a salute to our armed forces and, best of all, INDOOR fireworks. That’s got to be pretty cool.

And while we’re on the subject of fireworks, I’ve found one of the biggest dilemmas of the holiday is trying to figure out which night the fireworks actually happen in your town. Is it July 3 or July 4? Here’s a guide to help with planning:

July 3:

July 4:

Be sure to check the Art&Seek Fourth of July Megalist for more displays in your area.

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].