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.

I saw a funny meme on Halloween day. It featured the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella as she’s about to head off to the ball. The caption read, “And when the clock strikes midnight, Halloween will end. Then BAM! Christmas carols everywhere.” I laughed, but I also had a nagging urge to start my Christmas card list.

As much as we’d all like to bask in the after-glow of cute little Halloween goblins and eating our weight in fun-size candy bars, the retailers of the world really, really…really, want us to know the holiday season is upon us. And we should get a move on celebrating the most wonderful time of the year–i.e. spending money.

Family is a big part of the whole holiday hoopla. But the frenetic pace of the season can definitely affect the quantity and quality of that much talked about family bonding we’re all suppose to be doing (and enjoying).

Here a few events to help you reconnect with the tinies and savor that quality family time before it’s time set up the tree.

Have ‘together-time’ with the wee ones at Target First Saturday at the Nasher. Photo: Nasher Sculpture Center

If you’re a fan of togetherness, you’re going to love the family-friendly programming happening at the Nasher Sculpture Center this weekend. That’s because ‘Togetherness” is theme of the Target First Saturday event this Saturday morning. In addition to enjoying all the art in the center’s garden-like setting, kids can also participate in a variety of programming geared especially for them. There will be an art scavenger hunt, yoga in the garden, and a craft activity. Best of all it’s free!

Grab some aerial thrills this Saturday at the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney. You and the kids can take an exhilarating ride through a beautiful hardwood forest on a 700 foot long zip line during their Zip Line Day event. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to go down the zip line. Tickets are $12 per person and preregistration is required. But hold on, before you start handing out crash helmets to the littles; kids must be at least 8 years-old and and fit in a harness properly to participate.

Make some new friends at the Dallas Zoo this weekend. Photo: Dallas Zoo

Get a close up look at wildlife togetherness at the Dallas Zoo during their monthly Family Zoo Adventure programs. The theme in this month’s Saturday session is S.A.F.E Superheroes, or Saving Animals from Extinction. Highlights include activity stations, animal encounters, and special zoo tours. The program is from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.and is best for kids between the ages of 4 and 12.

Celebrate the last little bit of Halloween and alternative parenting styles with ICT MainStage’s production of ‘The Addams Family.’  This new musical comedy is every bit as spooky and kooky as the 1960s TV show. In this new version, a grown up Wednesday has a surprise for her unorthodox parents–an introduction to her new “normal” boyfriend and his parents. And you thought family dinner’s at your house were awkward. The wonderfully macabre musical runs weekends through Nov. 20 at the Irving Art Center.

There’s no better way to bond with your kids than to play with them. Head to SPARK! this Sunday afternoon for their first ever Family Day for Grade A parent/child togetherness. You and the kiddos can have all sorts of creative playtime making butterflies from soda cans and exploring the 6,000-foot Climb, Crawl, Slide Sculpture. Open to families with children in 2nd grade through high school.

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.