During drop off today it was easy to see who had been sleeping in until noon every day this summer. That 6:30 a.m. alarm must have killer this morning.  I also noticed more than a few sad sacks on the school grounds mourning the end of summer. Seeing their woeful little faces I wanted to hug them and say, “Cheer up! Only 122 days until winter break!” But that would’ve been just plain mean.

If jumping back into the school routine has you and the kiddos out of sorts, take a break with one of these family-friendly events picked just for you.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Wanna know what’s better than a cat video when you’re feeling blue? Cat AND dog videos! Grab your gloomy Guses and head to the Texas Theatre this Thursday night for the Dallas VideoFest PawFest. The Video Association of Dallas has expanded its annual CatFest show to include videos of our canine friends too. Enjoy a whole slew of Fido and Fluffy cinema and feel good about it, too. A portion of the proceeds will go to organizations like Straydogs Inc. and Cat Matchers that help our furry friends.

Let the kids stay late one last time and enjoy an outdoor movie this Saturday night at Haggard Park in Plano. You and the family can bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy an outdoor screening of “A Wrinkle In Time” under the stars. And speaking of stars, City Lights Astronomical Society for Students will be on site for a Solar Observing Session before the film. Costumes are always encouraged, and food vendors will be on site selling refreshments. It’s a free event so the price is definitely right on this one!

Photo: Outcry Theatre

For all of those who wish they never had to grow up, Outcry Theatre’s production of ‘Peter Pan’ is for you. This version of the classic tale stays faithful to Barrie’s play and brings in additional material from the book. It also features artistic dances and intensely staged fight scenes making it fast-paced, full of adventure and truly fun for the whole family. Outcry Theatre’s motto is, “This is not children’s theatre. This is theatre,” They strive for their shows to be as good as any adult production. The boy who would not grow up has performances through Sunday, but don’t wait to get tickets. They’re selling out quickly.

Photo: David Jeffries/NTX Photography

Round up your little cowpokes and head to Denton for the final weekend of the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. In addition to rides, food, livestock shows, and of course, rodeo, there are lots more activities your little buckaroos will love. They can ride a mini-tractor in the Peterbilt Kid Zone, see Swifty Swine swimming pigs, and catch Magician “Special Head” from ‘America’s Got Talent.’