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.

Fourth of July is one of those days that seems to stuffed to the gills with fun stuff to do. From picnics to parades, to food and fireworks, it can make your head spin with all the possibilities. Of course, the down side to all the those choices is exactly that–how do you choose?

Relax, Art&Seek has done all the hard work for you and compiled a Megalist of Fourth of July fun to make the choosing a breeze. Here are a few highlights that definitely stand out. 

You never know who you’ll see at the Lakewood 4th of July Parade

If you or your tiny tyke are 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, July 2. Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters and tricycles and join the parade.

If you’re thinking you’d like to get a little exercise before you hit the Fourth of July picnic, check out the Hotter ‘n Firecrackers 5K in Frisco on Thursday night. Participants will race through Frisco Square sporting their brightest fluorescent outfits and flashing LED lights. But hold on, you’re going to want to get there early, because as a warm up to the 5k will be the Inaugural Frisco Dachshund Dash. Weenie dogs will compete for the gold and all the proceeds go to the Collin County Animal Shelter.

Everyone loves a parade! The famous Lakewood Parade started way back in 1964 with just a few neighborhood kids on bikes. Since that time it’s expanded to include the whole neighborhood, and some say most of East Dallas. The theme this year is Lakewood Loves the Beach and it kicks off on Friday at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Lakewood and Cambria in East Dallas. I’m told there’s a strict “no squirt guns” policy, so consider yourself warned.

Another hometown parade takes place during Waxahachie’s Crape Myrtle Festival on July 4. Here’s a fun fact–did you know that Waxahachie is the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas? Anyway, the parade starts at 10 a.m. and this year’s theme is Pink Petals & Patriotism. After the parade, head to Getzendaner Park for free hotdogs, water, old fashioned games and bounce houses.

Family, food and fireworks are on the bill at Southlake’s Star’s and Stripes Celebration on July 3, but there will be some pretty awesome fare for wee ones as well.  Little Kiddles can have the run of the Toddler Zone, give the inflatable slide or obstacle course a whirl, or try their luck in the gaming truck.

If patriotic music makes you proud to be an American, head to the Fort Worth Botantic Gardens for Concerts in the Garden: Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic on Thursday and Friday. 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 Friday. Besides all your patriotic favorites –everything from John Philip Sousa to the Grand Old Flag, we’re told–they’ll also have indoor fireworks in the form of CONFETTI canons! Now that’s got to be pretty cool.

And speaking 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:

• Addison Kaboom Town!
• Light Up Arlington
• Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration
• Sachse’s 7th Annual Red, White & Blue Blast!
• Southlake Stars and Stripes

July 4:

• Bedford 4thFest Independence Day Celebration
• Denton Kiwanis Club Fireworks Show
• East Parker County Boomin’ 4th
• Fair Park Fourth
• Fort Worth’s Fourth
• Garland Star-Spangled Spectacular
• Grapevine’s Fireworks Extravaganza
• Grand Prairie Lone Stars & Stripes
• Irving Independence Day Celebration
• Lewisville Red, White & Lewisville Fireworks
• McKinney Red, White and BOOM!

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].