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.

Heads up everyone! A quick look at the calendar will reveal that this week is notable for a couple of reasons. First, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Autumnal Equinox, or fall, as it’s known in these parts, arrived yesterday at 10:29 p.m. EDT. For those of us who were tired of the hot, sticky weather back in June, this day couldn’t come soon enough. True–highs are forecasted to be in the 90s for the unforeseeable future, but this “official” start of fall means we can at least get our lonely sweaters out of shortage and reassure them–“it won’t be long now my pretties.” If that isn’t reason for celebration, maybe this is: Friday is opening day for the great State Fair of Texas, which as everyone knows, marks the official kickoff of fall festival season. That’s right. For the next 35 or so days it’s all pumpkins, autumn leaves, harvest moons and everything fallish.

It’s a cram-packed inaugural weekend for the Autumnal season, so put on your comfy shoes, grab your favorite Teeny Tiny and have some fun with one of these family friendly festivals.

Everyone say “Opa!” Photo: Greek Food Festival of Dallas

Celebrate fall and the annual migration of the monarch butterfly this Saturday at the Flight of the Monarch Celebration at Central Park in Grand Prairie. You and the kids can take part in a butterfly releases (be sure to get there early. It’s first come, first served and there are a limited number of butterflies available for release), fly a kite, or just have fun on the bounce houses in the KidZone. There will also be costume contest, and music from Vocal Trash and the Singing Zoologist Lucas Miller. What exactly is a “singing zoologist” you ask? Well, Lucas teaches the Lil’ Kiddles all about monarch butterflies, endangered species and other nature-related topics by incorporating music, puppetry, and “zoological comedy.”

No, it’s not technically a festival, but you and the family can check out 10 of Fort Worth’s cultural organizations for free at Fort Worth’s annual Day in the District. The Amon Carter Museum of American History, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Kimbell are just some of the museums that you and the tinies can explore for free on Saturday. It certainly will be a festival atmosphere because there will also be performances in and around each destination plus, there will be free transportation on the (T) within the Cultural District to boot!

Release the hounds! The Dachshunds, that is, at Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest. Photo: Panther Island Pavilion

Opa! It’s time again for the annual Greek Food Festival of Dallas at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Everything from gyros to spanakopita will be on the menu. I’m especially excited about the Panko-crusted feta bites that have been added to lineup this year. Besides all the good grub, there’s also a children’s area for the kiddos with sand art & crafts, caricature artists and face painting. But the best part of the Greek Festival is the music and dancing. I highly encourage you to get in touch with your inner Zorba and let loose on the dance floor. Go on! It’s fun!

Head to Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth this weekend for Oktoberfest. This family-friendly event has something for everyone. Mom and dad can sample German beer, and the kinders can enjoy the alpine dancers, live entertainment and music. There will also be various exciting competitions like stein hoisting, the beir barrel rolling race, and my personal favorite, dachshund races. Who doesn’t love a weenie dog race? They’re held Saturday  at 1 p.m. but the festival lasts the whole weekend.

If  Greece and Germany are international enough for you, take the kids to Klyde Warren Park on Sunday for the 8th Annual Fiesta Americano. There will be live music and dance on two stages, strolling musicians, a Children’s Discovery Center workshop, a Parade of Nations, and interactive activities the whole family will enjoy.

Enjoy Autumn while you can. The “unofficial” kick off for Holiday season starts November 1.

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].