We all know January 1 is the start of the calendar year. The name “New Year’s Day” pretty much sums that fact up. Some would say spring with all of its blooming, growing, and baby birds is the true start of the new year. But here at Art&Seek, we maintain the beginning of the year is fall. That’s because the autumnal season is when arts groups traditionally launch their upcoming seasons. Around here, finding out about all the cool new shows, programs, and exhibitions is like opening up presents at Christmas! It’s very exciting and we just love this time of year.

The kick-off of the new fall seasons in the North Texas area also means there’s plenty of arts-related programming going on for the kiddos, too. Here’s just a sampling of what’s coming up this fall.

Photo: Dallas Children’s Theater

Dallas Children’s Theater kicks off their 35th season with a new look at Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic coming of age tale. In ‘Treasure Island Reimagined,” the DCT has teamed up with Lone Star Circus, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts and Prism Movement Theatre to create a show that puts the audience in the center of the action. There are aerial stunts with ropes and silk sails, a marooned sailor who hands out bags of treasure to small audiences members, and an exciting chase scene featuring the boy hero and an angry mob of pirates. All of this happens inches from your seat. Besides all the action there’s also a giant pirate “ghost” puppet, an animated look at the constellations that draws you deep into the story, and a chance to say hello and get an autograph from your favorite salty dog character after the show. “Treasure Island Reimaged” is onstage weekends through Oct. 21 and is best for kids ages 7 and up –some of the action might be too much for the littlest buccaneers. Also, it’s a good idea to read up on the story before you go so you can fully appreciate the show.

Photo: Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is ushering in fall and their upcoming season Party on the Porch. You and the kiddos can enjoy outdoor games on the plaza or listen to live music from DJ Austin Patton, Charley Crockett, and Cut Throat Finches. The galleries will be open from 6–10 p.m. for you to explore. You can also make your own work of art, and unleash your creativity with activities in the galleries, have a caricature made, and add your thoughts to a community wishing wall. Be sure to come hungry because there will be food trucks galore.

Photo: LakeCities Ballet Theatre/Nancy Loch Photography

LakeCities Ballet Theatre kicks off its season Oct. 12 & 13 with their annual production of “Le Ballet de Dracula.” Just in time for Halloween, this slightly dark ballet features dancing gypsies, bats, vampire brides and of course, Dracula himself. If you’re wanting to introduce your kids to ballet I highly recommend this production. The dancing, costumes, and staging are all first rate and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you need another reason to go, there is a special “Bridal” workshop on the 13th at 12:30 p.m. prior to the matinee where young children will be given a bridal veil or Dracula’s cape and dance on the stage with the LakeCities Ballet dancers. There are only three performances of this out-of-the-ordinary ballet and tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait.

Photo: The Dallas Opera

Introduce the kids to the pageantry of opera at a special exhibit at NorthPark Center. “The Fabric of Opera” features 22 costumes created for The Dallas Opera and worn by some of the greatest opera artists of the 20th and 21st century. The rarely-exhibited, hand-detailed costumes represent a variety of characters from all walks of life. See everything from a matador to royalty. This free show is on view until Nov. 4

Photo: Alexandre Ayer Photography

Get the kids excited about art at “Loop” a free one-of-a-kind interactive art exhibit at Fort Worth’s Burnett Park.  The family-friendly illuminated musical installation consists of 12 giant zoetropes – an optical toy invented in the 19th century that shows images in rapid succession, creating the illusion of motion. People sit inside the giant wheel and pump the lever together to activate the images inspired by 12 different childhood fairy tales.  When the cylinder starts spinning, it lights up, making a series of still images appear to move through a flickering strobe effect that accompanies the black and white images. The animation is visible from both inside and outside the cylinder and can be viewed from up close or far away. The exhibit will be on display Sept. 28- Oct. 28 every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.