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.

During the flurry of Halloween activities last week a friend told me something that was way scarier than any slasher movie I’ve seen recently. Are you ready for this? There are only three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year! Yep, besides being “the most wonderful time of the year” it’s also going to be busy, busy, busy. But hold on, before you don your gay apparel and your track shoes, slow down and take in some laid back Second Saturday fun.

Kiddos wanting to be artistic should swing by the Latino Cultural Center and check out their Second Saturday offerings. Children of all ages can try traditional artisanal crafts, or go modern with digital photography on social media. The program will also feature architectural sketching and drawing, a variety of dance programs, pottery and clay making, and the creation of oil and acrylic pieces on wood and/or canvas. Best of all, it’s all free!

Bang your drum with Drum Circle in Forney this Saturday. (Photo: Forney Arts Council)

Take in the great outdoors this weekend at the Second Saturday Bird Walk at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, the walk is intended for beginning and intermediate birders. They’ll focus on bird spotting and identification techniques with plenty of opportunities for questions. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in the walk. FYI…remember that old adage about the  early bird? Well, that certainly applies here. These walks start at 8 a.m. sharp so be sure to set your alarm and be on time. Neither the worm nor the group will wait on you if you’re late.

And speaking of the great outdoors, you can help out the Trinity River Audubon Center at their Second Saturday Habitat Restoration event this Saturday from 9a.m.-12p.m. TRAC has 4 miles of established trails and many acres of wetland ponds and grasslands and they need your muscle to help clear and expand existing trails, remove invasive species, or restore prairie and wetland habitats.  Probably not the event for the youngest nature lovers–TRAC asks that participants be at least 11 years old and have adult supervision, but it might be a great group activity to do with your boy and girl scouts troops.

Feeling musical? See a free show at the International Conservatory of the Performing Arts.  The Second Saturday of every month the talented faculty and students perform for free. You can see the New Rainbows, a duo of flute and guitar, Dimensions Dance Company or Broadway Bound, the musical theatre performance troupe.

You can shop, listen and learn at the Second Saturday in Downtown Forney. Adults can take in a workshop or peruse the shops, artists, craftsmen and vendors in an outdoor setting while the little kiddles enjoy activities just for them, storytellers and crafts. If you’re too tired for all of that, you can chillax at nearby Bell Park and listen to some tunes or join in the drum circle.

C’mon enjoy the fall. Time’s a’ wastin’!

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