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.
I’m generally one of those people who prefers the rain to sweltering heat, but three rainy weekends in a row of “I’m boooooored. There’s nothin’ to doooooooo” made me rethink that position.
We ran through our “rainy day” stash of puzzles, games, and craft-making supplies quicker than I expected, so by monsoon weekend number two I was forced to break out the dreaded interlocking plastic brick construction toy. I think most of you know what I’m talking about. Our set is girl-themed and features an opulent spa complete with a slide, waterfall, and a changing room with tiny privacy doors to the commode.
Now I know there are plenty of kids out there who can spend the day quietly putting one of these sets together without any help from mom or dad, but this wasn’t the case in our house. Rose made it clear from the get-go this task was above her pay grade and required my assistance. My plan of enjoying the rainy afternoon with a book was foiled.
The experience of putting the pink and purple, 432-piece retreat together felt a lot like assembling a chest of drawers from IKEA. Both have ambiguous “picture” instructions and teensy-tinsy pieces that get batted under the couch by the cat or disappear into thin air during the process. And like IKEA you can expect a massive headache and/or an epic meltdown before the project is completed.
If the devil had a hobby, it would be putting together one of these sets.
Yes, this past month has definitely made me appreciate sunny weather and the phrase, “It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t you go play outside.”
Celebrate outdoor play and the sun with one of these outside events.
How about music under the stars this weekend? (Photo: Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra)
Enjoy the pleasant weather with some tunes under the stars. Here are some fun outdoor concerts to help welcome summer:
The spillway at White Rock Lake has been the subject for plenty of exciting roaring water YouTube videos this past month. The flood waters have receded and the lake is once again the perfect backdrop for the Cool Thursday Concert Series at the Dallas Arboretum. Performing in the garden this Thursday is the Bruce Springsteen tribute band, Bruce in the USA. Speaking from experience, these concerts never disappoint. Besides the oh-so-serene view overlooking White Rock Lake, the wee ones will have a excellent time chasing fireflies, rolling down the hill and dancing up close to the stage with the band.
Let’s go fishing! (photo: City of Cedar Hill)
Relive the music of the Fab Four this Saturday when the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs Classical Mystery Tour- A Tribute to the Beatles in the beautiful setting of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. You can bring a blanket or reserve a table for extra comfort and best of all there will be fireworks after the show!
Another great place to listen to some tunes al fresco is Levitt Pavilion. You can bring in a picnic dinner and listen to a FREE concert on the great big open lawn. On the bill this Sunday night is Trout Fishing in America, a musical duo that puts on a terrific show for children that parents will love, too. You and the tinies can sing along to such ditties as “My Hair Had a Party Last Night“ and “When I Was a Dinosaur.“
Speaking of fishing, your little anglers can reel in the big one at Fishing for Fun this Saturday at Keller Town Hall Pond. This free fishing event for kids 16 and under is being put on by Keller Parks and Recreation and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Bring your own gear and try to catch the biggest catfish. There will be prizes for the biggest and smallest catch, as well as fishing skill challenges.
Shake off the “stir crazies” and enjoy the weather this weekend. (photo: Therese Powell)
The Kid Fish Tournament is another opportunity for the kiddos to try their hand at fishing. Bait and tackle will be provided. You can bring your own gear, or there will be a limited number of rods and reels there at the site. Kids can win a trophy if they catch the biggest fish. It happens this Saturday at Valley Ridge Park Pond in Cedar Hill.
While you’re soaking up all that vitamin D this weekend expose the kids to a little culture at the Nasher Sculpture Center‘s Target First Saturday event. In addition to enjoying all the art in the center’s garden-like setting, kids can also participate in a variety of programming geared especially for them. There will be an art scavenger hunt, yoga in the garden, and a craft activity. Best of all it’s free!
