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.
If you’re a parent you’ve probably already scoped out the weather forecast this weekend. Not to throw bad juju out there or anything, but it’s looking like it’s going to be a soggy Halloween. Yes, predicting the weather is a tricky business and yes, sometimes the weather forecasted isn’t even close to the weather that actually happens. But still. You’re going to need a Plan B for your little ghouls and goblins.
Here are some options for those of you who would prefer to skip trick-or treating that requires an ark.
He’s not so scary once you get to know him. Photo: 501st Legion
You don’t have to go to a galaxy far, far away to see your favorite Sci-Fi characters this Halloween. Just head to the Frontiers of Flight Museum for Star Wars Day. Kids can meet characters from “Star Trek,” “Stargate” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Plus, members of the world renowned Star Wars Imperial costuming organization, 501st LEGION “VADER’S FIST” will be on hand for all the Darth Vader superfans. Besides trick or treating with Stormtroopers, kids can also build their own R2-D2 Droid, snap their photo with Han Solo in Carbonite, play STAR WARS trivia, and compete in a paper Starship Kessel Run contest.
If Halloween had a soundtrack it would definitely include organ music. Introduce your little ghouls to the beautiful Morton Meyerson Symphony Center and the impressive Lay Family Concert Organ at the Halloween Organ Spooktacular this Saturday afternoon. The one-hour program features spine-tingling music guaranteed to put you in a Halloween state of mind and is perfect for a rainy afternoon. Arrive early for the most popular costume contest in the Dallas Arts District.
The musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra are putting on their own Halloween Concert this Friday night at Arborlawn United Methodist Church. Besides spooky music, kids can also enjoy an instrument “petting zoo” and a costume contest with prizes. Best of all, donations will be taken for the Center for Transforming Lives.
If scary is exactly what you want, then hold on to your head for Dallas Children’s Theater’s production of “The Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow.” The multi-talented DCT Teen Scene Players bring Washington Irving’s ghosts to life (err…death) as the Studio Theater is transformed into a frightfully, fun spookfest. Best for kiddos 11 and up, so leave the tiny monsters at home. The show closes this Friday so get your tickets today.
Explore SPARK! this Halloween weekend. (Photo: SPARK!)
For another twist on the classic tale check out White Rock Theater Project’s production of Legends of Sleepy Hollow. The matinee on Saturday is free and family-friendly so you can include the tinies on this one. The predicted rainy weather will add just the right amount of atmosphere to the production as the theater space at White Rock United Methodist Church has an abundance of windows. Stormy weather will definitely boost the thrill factor.
Burn off the crazy candy energy at SPARK!. In case you’re not familiar, SPARK! is a creative environment for kids located in the sub-basement of the South Side on Lamar building, In addition to hands-on art activities it also features a climb, crawl, and slide sculpture that spans over 6,000 feet and climbs 26 feet toward the ceiling. At their Halloween Spooktacular this Saturday kids can explore the newly renovated Creepy Crawl, see the Mad Scientist in action, decorate trick-or-treat bags and stop by 13 different treat stations. The event is open to children in 2nd grade through high school and chaperones are required. Costumes are discouraged for safety reasons.
For something really different take the kids up 470 feet in the sky for trick-or-treating at Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck . Highlights include trick-or-treating, face painting, balloon making, a craft and a spooky cookie decorating station at Cloud Nine Café. You have two chances to catch the fun, Saturday, and again on Sunday. Not that they’ll need a reason, but little Goblins ages 4 to 12 receive 50% off admission when they wear a costume. Don’t forget to bring your trick-or-treat bags!
