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 on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

It’s only been a week since Halloween, but for some reason there are a number of houses in our area with holiday lights already on display. This is puzzling because I haven’t even stolen all of the Snickers out of my kid’s plastic pumpkin yet and here are people already Fa-La La-ing and decking their halls. Even though I know in my head Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, when I drive by their houses I get an unsettling feeling I’ve forgotten something really important. You know what I mean. It’s the same feeling you get when you come into work and none of your co-workers are at their desks. You immediately think, “Oh no. Did I forget a meeting?”

My thought on this is we should all take a chill pill and enjoy the beautiful fall season currently in process. The “most wonderful time of the year” and all its trappings will be here soon enough so why rush it? Here are some events to help you slow down the pace a bit and take in some laid back, second Saturday, fall fun.

There’s nothing more chillin’ than the beautiful and serene setting of the Kimbell Art Museum. Stop by the picturesque Renzo Piano Pavilion this Saturday and take part in their kid’s workshop, Fort Worth Bridges: Collages Inspired by Caillebotte. During the program you and tinies can learn more about the Gustave Caillebotte exhibition currently on display and then create your own artwork. The workshop is for kids ages 6–12 and their adult partners. Preregistration is required so get a move on if you want to get the creative juices going this weekend.

Get artsy this Saturday at the Kimbell. Photo: Kimbell Art Museum

For even more creative fun stop by the Dallas Museum of Art for their family workshop, Exploring International Pop. Kids will investigate works in the International Pop exhibition and learn how artists have historically used advertisements, celebrities, TV, brand names, and more to create art movements. Afterwards, you and your pint-sized Picassos can try your hand at creating your own colorful Pop art.

How about a little fresh air? You’ll get plenty at the Second Saturday Bird Walk at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, the walk is intended for beginning and intermediate birders. They’ll focus on bird spotting and identification techniques with plenty of opportunities for questions. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in the walk. FYI…remember that old adage about the early bird? Well, that certainly applies here. These walks start at 8 a.m. sharp so be sure to set your alarm and be on time. Neither the worm nor the group will wait on you if you’re late. If you’re more of a night owl catch the Fall Night Hike that evening.

Kids who like petting zoos but are hankerin’ for something a little bit different won’t want to miss meeting the Critterman this Saturday at Galleria Mall. In case you aren’t familiar, the Critterman is none other than Dave Kleven whose animal shows have an exotic flare. No, not THAT kind of exotic–‘Wild Kingdom’ exotic. Some of the critters in his show include a baby alligator, hedgehog, tarantula and a Burmese python. Kids can see some of these amazing animal ambassadors up close, and they’ll also get a chance to touch one too–if they want.

While you’re out and about on Saturday morning running errands at NorthPark Mall, be sure to stop by Bookmarks at NorthPark for a new (French) twist on Storytime. Members of the Dallas International School will read stories and nursery rhymes to the audience in French and in English. Don’t forget to check out some books while you’re there.

We built this city on rock and roll! Photo: Dallas Center for Architecture

The weather is suppose to be sunny and cool this Saturday, and that means there’s no better time than the present to head to Klyde Warren Park. Besides their uber cool children’s park, food trucks, and the five acres of green space, it also so happens to be the place where Dallas Center for Architecture is hosting their Build Your City! event. You and the little kiddles can construct buildings, parks and bridges and learn how a city comes together. It’s a drop-in event so come anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and build for a little while, or stay for the 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 10-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org.