There are lots of things that are better outdoors. Take for instance SPAM–not the pesky email variety, but rather, the canned meat.

This observation about SPAM came on a summer camping trip with family friends when I was around 10. During this circa ’70s trip, we didn’t exactly forage for food, but we were far enough off the beaten path that the only food available (besides the milk and eggs stored in the niffy metal coolers) was lots of non-perishable canned goods. As a side note, besides SPAM I was also introduced to Cheese Wiz, Vienna Sausages, and Underwood Deviled Ham that same weekend.

I’ll never forget that first morning when I woke up to the smell of SPAM frying in a cast-iron skillet. I’m not sure if it was the cool morning air or the great outdoors, but I remember thinking that if heaven had a smell, fried SPAM would be it. I relished every bite of the crispy oblongs and when I got home I demanded SPAM for breakfast. My perplexed mother thought I was crazy but she complied. As you can probably guess it wasn’t the same without the accompaniment of the great outdoors.

Not to compare outdoor concerts to canned meat, but you’ve got to admit, there’s something special about music when it’s paired with the twinkly outside stars. Whether it’s the casual laid-back feel or the evening air, music played al fresco makes for an extraordinary experience.

As luck would have it, we’re right smack dab in the middle of outdoor concert season in our neck of the woods. There’s a concert for just about every taste in music and most are free or reasonably priced. Here’s a sampling of just a few of the family-friendly music events happening this week.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Join the fun this Thursday evening for the Twilight Tunes Concert Series on the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn. Now in its 26th year, the free concerts offer an eclectic assortment of music perfect for all listeners. Catch progressive acoustic group Texas Sky this week.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

White Rock Lake is the perfect backdrop for the Cool Thursday Concert Series at the Dallas Arboretum. Catch a performance from The Turnstiles this Thursday in the Garden. The group will play renditions of Billy Joel classics. Speaking from experience, these concerts never disappoint. Besides the oh-so-serene view overlooking White Rock Lake, the wee ones will have an excellent time chasing fireflies, rolling down the hill and dancing up close to the stage with the band.

The City Keller is also rocking Thursday nights in June with Keller Summer Nights. The evening is a doubleheader that starts with music on the front lawn of Keller Town Hall and ends with a family-friendly movie on the back lawn. This weekend’s free event features music from BackBeats and the film is ‘Back to the Future.’

Speaking of film screenings, this isn’t technically a concert but you’ll have a super duper good time this Thursday at Levitt Pavilion’s Family Movie Night. They’ll be doing a Sing-Along to the 2018 film ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.’ Spread out your blanket on the open lawn and sing to your heart’s content to hits like “Waterloo,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” and of course, “Dancing Queen.”

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra/Brian Luenser

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Well, look no further than the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for Concerts in the Garden this Friday night! Enjoy a tribute to the music of U2 as vocalist Tony Vincent and a full rock band leads the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra through an evening celebrating the legendary band. You can bring a blanket or reserve a table for extra comfort. If that isn’t enough, there will be fireworks after the show!

Stop by the Dallas Zoo Saturday evening for Safari Nights. This week, hear the sounds of the Tom Petty tribute band, Petty Theft. Besides great music, the evening also features a keeper chat and DinoSOAR, a 20-minute, an interactive animal show. You can also visit the Children’s Zoo and the Birds Landing exhibit until 8 p.m. And don’t worry about heat because the concerts take place in Cat Green, the zoo’s shady haven.  You can catch Safari Nights concerts Saturdays through July 6.

Photo: Visit Addison

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to jitterbug at Addison After Dark this Saturday night at Addison’s Circle Park.  The evening starts with some swingin’ dance music from The Singapore Slingers. Don’t like dancing? No problem, test your art skills with a free painting class with Pinot’s Palette. Finish off the night with a screening of the classic movie ‘Meet Me In St. Louis.’

For even more outdoor concerts and kid-friendly events, explore the Kids & Family section of the Art&Seek calendar.