Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back weekly for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

I love Mother’s Day, but not for the reasons you’d think. Sure I love the flowers, candy, and getting 20% off at the hardware store on my special day. But Mother’s Day is a great reminder of how being a mother has made me a better person. The best way I can describe it is, it’s like having a teeny tiny life coach following you around 24/7 prompting you to make good choices because…you know… it’s just not about you anymore.

Rose has taught me to be kind. She chides me for judging the performers on Dancing with the Stars, even though I’ve told her that’s kind of the point of the show. She reminds me to be patient. When Dallas drivers get on my last nerve and I get the hankering to lay on the horn, she pipes in from the backseat to “drive friendly.”  But I think the most important thing I’ve learned from my daughter is to greet each day with ebullience and laughter. True, the opera voice first thing in the morning can be a little off-putting, but I have to concede most days it brings a smile to my face and makes me glad I’m her mom.

Celebrate mom, being a mom, or your exceptional children with one of these family-friendly activities.

A homemade gift of a different sort. Photo: Vetro Glassblowing Studio

Create a pretty present for mom on Saturday at Vetro Glassblowing Studio. Kids (with adult supervision) can choose to make either a glass flower or flared bowl that mom will treasure forever at their Mother’s Day glass-blowing event. Reservations are not required – first come, first served. Families and friends are encouraged to come watch and take photos in the stadium seating area of the studio. One last thing – the present you make on Saturday won’t be ready to pick up until Tuesday. I’m sure mom will understand.

Is mom a fan of Texas music? Then don’t miss the Homegrown Music and Arts Fest this Saturday at Main Street Garden. As the name implies, all the featured acts have strong Texan roots or are “homegrown” in Texas. You and mom can groove to the likes of Spoon, Old 97’s, The Orbans and Sphynx. Later check out the food trucks, vendors and the festival’s newest addition, an art gallery space.

If tranquility is what you crave then the Mother’s Day Concert this Sunday afternoon at Texas Discovery Gardens might be just the ticket. The hour-long concert features a performance by the Women’s Chorus of Dallas followed by a  live butterfly release in the Conservatory. This event sells out every year so be sure to grab your tickets early.

Win a prize for the most creative picnic basket. Photo: A.W. Perry Homestead Museum

The Annual Mother’s Day Concert and Picnic this Sunday at at the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum in Carrollton is another opportunity for you and yours to soak up a little peace and tranquility. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and listen to traditional bluegrass music by The E Flat Porch Band. If you’re feeling particularly proud of your picnic lunch, enter it in the annual picnic contest. You could win a prize in one of three categories: Best Family, Most Elegant, or Most Creative. There will be free ice cream and lemonade and the kiddies can make an old-fashioned handmade gift for mom.

If you really want to show mom a good time take her to the 42nd Annual Swiss Avenue Historic District Mother’s Day Home Tour. In addition to the six homes and English garden featured on the tour, there is a lecture series, music and entertainment in Savage Park, a vintage and special interest auto exhibit, a children’s area with family-friendly activities, and an art fair featuring local artists and vendors. If the tot-lettes get tired from all the walking, hop on the complimentary mini coaches and horse-drawn carriage for transportation between tour homes.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 9-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your  ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org