This time of the year is interesting. Spring seems to be in the rearview mirror, but summer’s not quite here yet–even though climbing temperatures suggest otherwise. We’re busy, busy, busy with end of the year school activities, but so very ready for the lazy days of summer to start. So what do you do with kiddos who are ready to ditch the books and hit the pool even though there’s still two weeks of school left?  Well, lucky you. It just so happens that there is a bumper crop of seasonal festivals happening right now in our neck of the woods. They’re the perfect kick-off for the not-quite summer season and they’re also so much fun the kids will forget that the “no-more-books” time of the year is still a teeny ways off.

Get a preview of the good old summertime with one of these weekend, family-friendly events.

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Betcha didn’t know that this Saturday is National Day of Outdoor Play Day or Kids to Parks Day. The third Saturday in May is celebrated annually as a way to connect kids and families with their local, state and, and national parks. To commemorate the day Frisco Heritage Center is holding a Teddy Bear Parade. The family-friendly event celebrates the connection of our stuffed bears with that of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, a conservationist and supporter of our national parks.  Kids of all ages are invited to bring their teddy bears (or other favorite stuffed animals for a for a sidewalk parade around our park, led by National Park Trust mascot “Buddy the Bison” and “Ted E. Bear” from the Frisco Rough Riders baseball team.  After the parade be sure to stay for cookies and lemonade, old-fashioned games, and make-and-take crafts.

It’s only May but the weather is acting like it’s July. Chill out at the City of Dallas’ Summer Cool Down at the Ronald Kirk Bridge this Saturday evening. There’ll be snow cones, food trucks, bounce houses, and a balloon artist. Later, grab a blanket and stay for a movie featuring the coolest arachnid around. That’s right, they’ll be screening ” Spider-Man Homecoming” as soon as the sun goes down.

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Get a taste of summer while you’re taking in all glory of springtime at the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. Besides the impressive lineup of music for the adults (Kool & the Gang, Spoon, Rich Girls, and Radney Foster to name a few), the 3-day festival also has a WF! kids area, where little rockers can hang out and enjoy entertainment geared just for them. Highlights include Rock Star Karaoke, a student art contest, and a live butterfly habitat featuring over 250 native Texas butterflies. The fun happens this weekend in Richardson’s Galatyn Park.

Celebrate food and music this Saturday at Taste of Irving. The outdoor festival at Irving’s Cimarron Park features more than 20 food vendors, cooking demonstrations and live music on multiple stages. There will also be a free Children’s Fun Zone with inflatables, games, and face painting. New this year is a free Children’s Performance Zone where kids can see the ballet ‘Peter and the Wolf.’ Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s group Encore! uses classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz techniques to bring the animals and human characters to life in this fun presentation.

Photo: Visit Grapevine

Don’t miss Grapevine’s 34th Annual Main Street Fest this weekend. The theme this year for the 3-day festival is Lone Star State of Mind which means it will be a Texas-sized party that will have something for the whole family. Mom and dad can sample a variety of craft brews from breweries located across the United States; the kiddos can enjoy carnival rides, midway games, and street entertainers; and of course, everyone will be entertained by the wide range of live music on three stages.