Aah…summer. Sleeping late, popsicles, running through the sprinklers, and just plain old fun in the sun. Summer really is the best, especially if you’re a kid. But summer can be busy too. The calendar can quickly fill up with camps, family vacations, and other obligations and before you know it–POOF! Those lazy days can slip through your fingers.

Even if your kiddo’s summer is booked up with activities, just like Jell-O, there’s always room for more fun. Get jiggly with it at these family-friendly events.

Photo: The Shops at Willow Bend

Looking for romping, stomping good time that’s easy on the wallet? Head up to The Shops at Willow Bend for Summer Fun Thursdays. The free funfest happens every Thursday during June and July and features kid-friendly entertainers of all stripes including ventriloquists, magicians, and clowns. This week don’t miss David Chicken’s Live Show Spectacular. The three-time Emmy award-winning family entertainer is famous for his high-energy, interactive performances. The littles will love singing and dancing along with him to ditties like “Funky Fish Party” and ” Chickin’ Pickin’.” Pre-show entertainment begins at noon and the main act starts at 1 p.m. in the Grand Court, located on the lower level between Neiman Marcus and the Food Court.

If you’re a kid, one of the best things about summer is staying up late–even on weeknights. Celebrate staying up late at Fort Worth’s Sundance Square Movie Night. You and yours can catch a free movie under the stars every Thursday evening on the plaza from June 6 to July 25. This week they’ll be screening the family favorite “Secret Life of Pets.” The show begins at approximately 8:30 and moviegoers are invited to bring blankets or chairs for seating in the plaza. Coolers and outside food are not permitted but food and drinks can be from restaurants around the square that will be open throughout the evening.

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Boys looking for a way to bond with dear old dad should check out the Amazing Race Father Son Edition this Saturday morning at Parr Park in Grapevine. Enjoy a day outside together creating memories as you complete challenges and overcome roadblocks as a team to find your way to the finish line. You’ll get a chance to learn about different countries throughout Parr Park and participate in tasks indigenous to each country. Fathers may participate with up to three sons ages 5 and up. The first team of each age group who completes all challenges (in no particular order) in the time allotted wins.

Photo: Canal Fest/City of Irving

Come out and celebrate cultures from around the world this Saturday at Canal Fest 2019. The festival will feature entertainment by over 30 groups artists from around the world including Grace Hula, Ballet Folkorico Azteca de Fort Worth and Raices Argentina and many others. The kids can enjoy hands-on crafts and face painting, while adults get their fortunes read or get a henna tattoo at the Arts Zone. Be sure to come hungry. Indian and Latin American fare, as well as traditional festival food like pizza and barbecue,  will be available for purchase at the food court. The fun happens from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Las Colinas Urban Center along the beautiful Mandalay Canal in Irving.

Photo: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Have a sudsy good time this Saturday at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Bubble Fest! Kids can learn basic bubble science like what makes the best bubble solution, how to create the very best bubble wand at home and find out why soap bubbles form. Kids can check out hands-on activities like creating giant bubbles, exploring icy boo bubbles, how to make an un-poppable bubble, and much more.

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