While running errands last weekend I spied my first Christmas tree stand. And while I can’t understand why anyone would want to buy a Christmas tree on Nov. 2, I do (sort of) understand the tendency to hurry along the yuletide season. I mean, c’mon, Halloween was such a great time! It’s only natural we want the fun to continue. Bring on the hot chocolate, the gay apparel, and the fa-la-la-las!

But hang on there Rudolph. As we use to say in the 80s, “take a chill pill, Jill.”  We’re only a few days into November and the “most wonderful time of the year” with all its trappings will be here soon enough, so why rush it? Besides that, some of the best weather we’ll get all year is happening right now. Get outside and enjoy these fabulous (and fleeting) fall days.

Here are some events to help you slow down the pace a bit and take in autumn with some laid back fall fun.

Photo: Dallas Arboretum

Monday is Veteran’s Day. Celebrate those who served at the Dallas Arboretum this Saturday with some patriotic music in the garden’s pastoral setting. Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy a special jazz and brass live musical performance by 323D Army Band on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn. Besides being the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor concert and beautiful fall foliage, the acres of open green space is a great place to let junior run off that extra energy.

Photo: NorthPark Center

Spark a little creativity this Saturday at NorthPark Center’s free art program for children, ArtROCKS!  In this session, introduce the kids to the work of Renè Magritte, a Belgian Surrealist artist known for his witty depictions of often ordinary objects in an unusual or playful context. His art challenged the viewer’s preconditioned perceptions of reality. Children will enjoy art projects with Artist DIY, Creative Arts Center of Dallas, KidArt and Sour Grapes, as well as a Bookmarks scavenger hunt and walkSTEM by talkSTEM tours. The fun happens this Saturday between 1 – 4 p.m. on level one between Nordstrom and Macy’s.

Photo: Mansfield Parks and Recreation

Is your mini-angler ready to cast the bait and reel in the big fish this fall, but not sure how or where to start? Join Mansfield Parks and Recreation for beginning fishing classes at Oliver Nature Park this Sunday afternoon. No worries about finding a pole or digging up worms, the equipment and bait are provided. This class is for kiddos ages 3-16. (All anglers over 16 years of age must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in Mansfield Parks.) Registration is required and you must stay with your child while they fish. Meet in front of the pond in front of the park and don’t forget your fishing hat!

Photo: shutterstock.com

If relaxing isn’t your cup of tea, grab some aerial thrills this Sunday at the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney. You and the kids can take an exhilarating ride through a beautiful hardwood forest on a 700-foot long zip line during their Zip Line Day event. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to go down the zip line. Tickets are $12 per person and preregistration is required. But hold on, before you start handing out crash helmets to the littles; kids must be at least 8 years old and fit in a harness properly to participate.

Photo: Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

While you’re at the Heard be sure to check out the monstrously popular Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. The display features ten life-sized animatronic dinosaurs situated along a two-mile trail. A close encounter with these big reptiles that move, growl, and of course, roar will more than make up for that missed zipline ride.

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