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.

This past weekend I got the bright idea to paint my bathroom. What seemed like an easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy job, turned into a huge mess that killed our entire  weekend and is currently in a state of limbo because of peeling paint issues. Our house looks like a crime scene because of the fallout created from this one teensy project. Seriously, if my sister were to let herself into my house today, she’d call the police and start looking for the bodies. It’s that bad.  The truth comes out; I’m no Bob Vila.

There was one little bright spot in the whole painting fiasco. A sure sign of spring floated in the window while I was trying to rid the house of paint fumes. No, it wasn’t a robin’s song or a stray dandelion seed, it was one of those huge, dangly-legged, mosquito-like bugs. Some people call them mosquito hawks, but I think they’re actually called crane flies. We call them “cat potato chips” in our house because the cat loves to eat them. Anyway, as I saw the little insect flutter in the window I knew that the best days of Texas weather were upon us. Sadly, he got stuck in the fresh paint and then the cat ate him, but never mind, spring has finally sprung!

Herald the changing of the seasons with one of these kid-friendly activities.

Come help George celebrate his “Hatch” day! (photo: Gecko Hardware)

If it’s spring that means it’s time for spring cleaning. Take part in the biggest cleanup of them all this Saturday in Denton at the Great American Cleanup. Volunteers from all over will gather at the Denton Civic Center to take part in this citywide cleanup event.  After the cleanup, head over to the  volunteers party and environmental fair where you and the kiddos can enjoy a free lunch, live music, bounce houses (for the kids) and fun environmental activities.  

You’ve heard the term, “spring chicken,” right? So what better way to celebrate spring than a birthday party for a rooster. That’s right, George the rooster will be celebrating his “Hatch-day” at Gecko Hardware this Thursday afternoon. The very unique hardware store in Lake Highlands is pulling out all the stops for the gala with cake for people and chickens, activities for the kids, and photo ops with the birthday boy himself. Hmmmm….what do you get for a rooster who has everything?

Learn to kayak this weekend at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. (photo: LLELA)

You can get boatloads-, or rather, kayaks-full of fresh air and sunshine at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area this Saturday. LLELA is holding an Intro to Kayaking workshop on McWhorter Creek where you and the kids (ages 7+) can become paddling experts. You’ll receive an introduction to kayaking on dry land before pushing off into the water and all the equipment is provided. Be sure to register in advance; these trips fill up quickly.

If you really want to become one with nature, get the kids out of bed early this Saturday morning and head to the Trinity River Audubon Center for their Magic & Mystery of the Great Trinity Forest event. The program starts with a family yoga class followed by a private tour of the Great Trinity Forest. Kids (ages 5 +) will learn all about the mysteries and the magic of the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in the United States and enjoy tree planting, nature journals and a picnic in the forest.

Enjoy your time in sun this weekend. I’ll be thinking about you while I’m inside repainting my bathroom.

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].