Welcome to the second week of summer vacation! We can now say we’re fully committed to and have accepted the idea that the kids are out of school and will be out of school for the next 10 to 12 weeks. This is good news and bad news.

Good news for kids who are looking at three months of lazy-daisy summer. Bad news for parents who have to figure out how to keep the lazy-daisy at a minimum.

I wish I could say I’m one of those parents who planned ahead and have every week covered with fun and stimulating activities for my little Chalupa, but I have to answer honestly and tell you there’s going to be more couch surfing than I’d like going on this summer.

Luckily for us non-planners, the Art&Seek calendar is chock full of activities for kids. You can be spontaneous and plan daily outings if you like, or take a look at what’s happening a few weeks down the road. And of course, the Junior is here for you every Tuesday with our picks for the week.  This week we’re highlighting Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and good old-fashioned summer fun.

photo: shutterstock.com

Head to Irving this Saturday for the city’s Juneteenth Celebration. Now in its 22nd year, this annual event, which commemorates the date Texans first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, has something for everyone.  The day-long event includes museum tours, children’s games, line dancing, vendor marketplace and a community picnic. Later in the evening visitors can enjoy a theatrical performance and a free concert. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.

Celebrate the warm balmy summer weather and ohana (family) with a traditional luau. Carrollton’s Lava Luau will kick off summer in a big way with live music, hula dancers, vendors, and contests like a Hula Hoop Contest and a Hawaiian Fashion Contest. And as we all know, no luau is complete without festive food, so be sure to come hungry. Choices from the menu include roasted pig, pulled pork, island style rice, and macadamia nut cookies. The Lava Luau happens this Saturday on the square in beautiful downtown Carrollton.

Stay out late on Friday night and enjoy a free outdoor movie in the street at the Dallas Farmers Market. They’ll be screening the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures” and area restaurants like Rex’s Seafood and Scardello Artisan Cheese will be open so you can grab dinner before the show. Get there early and enjoy swag and giveaways!

photo: shutterstock

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day present? Check out the Bacon with Dad workshop at Young Chef Academy in Fort Worth. Dad and the kids can satisfy their love for bacon and spend quality time together at this Friday night workshop. They’ll make Spaghetti Carbonara (with pasta noodles made from scratch) and a Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with Ice Cream. You have to pre-register for this one so don’t miss out. Mmmmmm….bacon.

One of the best Father’s Day presents a dad can get is one-on-one time with his kiddos doing something he loves, like fishing. Anglers of all ages can reel in the big one at Fishing for Fun this Saturday at Keller Town Hall Pond. This free fishing event is being put on by Keller Parks and Recreation and Texas Parks and Wildlife and is open to all ages (16 and over must have a Texas State fishing license). 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.

The Dallas Arboretum has all kinds of fun planned this Father’s Day weekend. You can picnic on the lawn and enjoy music from saxophonist Rob Holbert on Saturday, and guitarist/vocalist Randy Vrandenburg on Sunday. Don’t miss the Barbeque & Brews event. Café on the Green will serve barbeque paired with local beers, and they’ll have trivia about barbeque and Father’s Day. And at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, little kiddles can make dad a superhero mask from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.