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’ve really been enjoying seeing all the first day, back-to-school photos on Facebook. Everyone is sporting new clothes, shiny shoes, big smiles and attitudes that just scream, “It’s gonna be a great year!” Looking at the pictures you’d never know that just three short days ago these same kids were mourning the end of summer with the same feeling as when the hamster died. Now, as they stand on the lawn waiting for mom to snap the obligatory photo, you’d think they were on their way to Six Flags. They’re bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and can’t wait to put those three-ring binders to use. I’m hoping that first-day excitement will stick around a little while at our house.

Here’s a few weekend activities that will help ease back into the school groove:

Sharpen your pencils and your creative skills at the Modern. (Photo: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth)

Dust off the colored pencils and get those creative juices going again with a drawing workshop just for children at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Two sessions of the program are offered, one for ages 5 to 8 and one for ages 9 to 12. Each session is led by an artist, who leads the children through informal drawing exercises that relate to works in the Modern’s galleries. Kids will need to bring their own sketchbook and pencils. This is a free program, but attendance is limited. Be sure to get there early.

Even though you’ve been doing back-to-school shopping since the Fourth, a lot of you still have to make one last trip to the mall this weekend (we’re on a quest for white anklets, ourselves). As long as you’re there, make the most of it. If you’re at the Galleria, be sure to stop by and see Dallas Cityscape. This is your last weekend to see the replica of Dallas built from more than 2.5 million toy bricks. The American Airlines Center, Klyde Warren Park, Reunion Tower and the Galleria are just some of the many mini landmarks on display. The always kid-pleasing David Chicken takes the stage at Bookmarks this Saturday at NorthPark. The Emmy Award-winning children’s entertainer – who bills himself as part superhero and part Elvis -will be on hand to sing silly songs and do tricks.

Take in a little nature at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. Stay up late one last time this Saturday night and watch the stars come out at Stars on the Prairie. If the sky is too cloudy for stargazing, they’ll do a night hike instead. On Sept. 7, mini anglers can take a fishing workshop just for kids. Expert instructors from LLELA will be on hand to teach youngsters 7 and up everything from baiting a hook and casting to fish identification and fishing ethics. They’ll also be able to practice their newly learned fishing skills from the banks of the Elm Fork for at least an hour.

Go burn up some pent-up energy at the newly opened Casey’s Clubhouse at Dove Park in Grapevine. Situated in the southeast corner of the park, the play area features eight swings, a rock climbing area, a fishing shack and a zip-Line. This playground is extra special because the equipment is handicapped accessible with ramps to all play areas.

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].