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.

Animals and theater–the perfect combination!

Rose and I had a serious discussion about careers the other day. She reported that according to the wise and well-informed kids in her summer program, fourth grade is when you pick your career path, and oh by the way– it’s set in stone. No changies allowed.  She told me that she’d given it a lot of thought and decided she wanted to be a veterinarian/famous actor –not JUST an actor, mind you, but a FAMOUS actor. No paying your dues for years doing dog food commercials, dinner theater or off-off-off Broadway for Rose, no siree bob. Straight to the top of the heap is the game plan here. In her mind, if all those silly kids on the Disney channel can get their own shows, how hard could it be? I reminded her that most veterinarians are tied down with a practice and patients, so it might be hard to jet off to a location shoot with Brad and Angelina. After carefully considering this she concluded that the best course of action would be to pursue a career in traveling veterinary medicine. That way, she could treat furry patients in her dressing room while she’s doing a Broadway musical, or in her trailer while she’s working on a film. Actors have loads of free time between shots, right?

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at her career choices. She’s a huge animal lover (what 9-year-old girl isn’t) and she’s been a lover of theater almost since before she could talk thanks to all the wonderful plays she’s seen here in North Texas.

I say it over and over, but we really are lucky to live in an area that has such great theater available to us. And by “us,” that includes children. No longer do parents have to sit through mind-numbing “kid shows” for the sake of their toddlers. There’s a whole range of theater out there for every age group that’s fun for parent’s, too.

Here are our picks for some shows you and your little thespians should catch this weekend.

Check out Dora’s new adventure at the Rose Marine Theater (Photo: Michael C. Foster/ Artes de la Rosa)

If you’ve got itty-bitties, you won’t want to miss Dora the Explorer Live! at Fort Worth’s historic Rose Marine theater. It’s a pirate adventure this time for our travelin’ pal Dora and all her buddies as they embark on a trip to Treasure Island. Be prepared for lots of audience participation as kids get to sing songs, read the map, and help our heroes find their way over Dancing Mountain, through Silly Singing Bridge to the treasure. For an extra fee, the little kiddles can do a special meet-and-greet with the cast before the show.

For those who like their adventures with a more traditional flair, head to Ohlook Performing Arts in Grapevine for Peter Pan. Children can fly away with  Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, and John and clap for Tinker Bell in classic favorite. This is the original 1954 version of the famous musical which makes it all the more special.

You have your pick of two classic tales– The Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland at the Art Centre Theatre in Plano. This small, intimate theater is perfect for introducing your little one to plays. There’s not a bad seat in the house which makes it easier for little people to enjoy the show. Better hurry though, tickets are selling out fast and this is the last weekend for both.

Treat the kids to the Miyazaki classic “My Neighbor Totoro” at the Modern Art Museum of For Worth

Alice and Dorothy aren’t the only girls with dreams, Elle Woods dreams big when she hatches a plan to get her ex-boyfriend back– even if it means heading to Harvard Law School. Find out how she does it in Denton Community Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde, The Musical. The show is chocked full of fun musical numbers and  advertises that “it’s sure to thrill ages 6 to 106.” It opens this Friday at the Campus Theatre in Denton.

Lovers of animation are in luck because you’ll have TWO opportunities to see this great art form this weekend. First, take the kiddos to see the Hayao Miyazaki film My Neighbor Totoro  at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Saturday afternoon. The film is part of the Miyazaki at the Modern: Masterpieces of Art Film Festival put on by the Lone Star Film Society celebrating the famous animator’s work. Next, celebrate the one year anniversary of Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson and the fifteenth anniversary of the The Iron Giant with a special, one-time screening of the film. The movie will be presented in 35MM and will feature a Q&A session with writer/creator Tim McCanlies afterwards.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 9-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].