What to Do Today: June 1

DALLAS
Jam out to a live concert in Kidd Springs Park during the DSO's Community Parks Concert 8pm tonight at the Dallas park. Bring your own chairs and listen to the orchestra conducted by Rei Hotoda. Free.

FORT WORTH
Artistic kids ages 4-6 can let their imaginations flourish during Pictures and Pages 10:30am today at the Kimbell Art Museum. Today's program focuses on artwork complimenting the book Black? White! Day? Night! by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Let your little ones ages 2-6 listen to a story while you shop during Storytime at Brilliant Sky 10:30am today at the Highland Village store. Free.

What to Do Today: May 28

DALLAS

Take a walk on the wild side during the grand opening of the Dallas Zoo's newest exhibit, Giants of the Savanna, 9am-5pm today at the popular zoo. Kids can explore the new African habitats (home to elephants, zebras, lions and more), listen to live music and dance performances and much more. $12 adults age 12 and older; $9 kids age 3-11; kids age 2 and younger free (and members).

FORT WORTH

Bounce to the beats in this beautiful setting during Concerts in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Gates open at 6:30pm and the concert starts at 8:30. Bring your own picnic! $20 lawn tickets and other ticket packaging available for families, starting at $11.

NORTH TEXAS

Watch the favorite and energetic film Kung Fu Fighting on the outdoor big screen during Summer Movies in the Park 8:30-11pm tonight at Corinth's Community Park. $1 per person or free with donation of canned good. Bring your own seating.

What to Do Today: May 27

DALLAS

Watch as Arabian action is brought to life (with the help of a magic lamp) during Aladdin, 7:15pm tonight at the Plano Children's Theatre. $9 for all ages.

FORT WORTH

Go for a relaxing and educational hike during Evening Stroll With a Naturalist, 7:30-9:30pm tonight at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. $10 for all ages.

NORTH TEXAS

Enjoy stories, songs, dances and more at Toddler Time Flower Mound, 10 and 11am today at the Flower Mound Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: May 26

DALLAS
Back by popular demand, Wicked takes the stage today at 8pm in Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park (with continuing show times through June 27). While this showtime may be sold out, that doesn't mean you don't stand a chance at seeing a performance. Now, interested patrons can enter to win in the day-of-performance ticket lottery. Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, sign up at the Music Hall box office, and then thirty minutes later names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats available for purchase at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the Music Hall box office, with a limit of two tickets per winner. Regular tickets start at $15, but are limited in availability.

FORT WORTH
Join other toddlers and families for fun, excitement and laughter with activities like Bear Bounces, Parachute ball toss, safari hunt, hula hoop, bear band and more at Beary Active Mornings, 11am today at the Ridgemar Mall store location. Special prizes will be awarded for participation (given to every child). Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Listen along as local musicians perform Concerts on the Square 3pm every Wednesday in the lawn at Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square (through June 30). Free; bring your own seating.

What to Do Today: May 25

DALLAS
Check out the hard work (and raw talent) of area students on display in the Through the Eyes of Our Children — Something Beautiful exhibit open 11am-5pm today (continuing through August) at the Dallas Museum of Art. $10 adults; $5 students; children 12 and younger free.

FORT WORTH
Pajama-clad kids and Teddy bears are invited to this evening storytime for kids of all ages. Cody the Bear will read books and turn to the audience for helpers at Bearly Bedtime Storytime 6-6:30pm Tuesday at the Fort Worth Central Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Families will enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more during Family Time 7-8pm tonight at the Coppell Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: May 24

DALLAS
Ever wonder what it would be like to travel to India? Let your travel-hungry kids get a glimpse of the nation through photographs at Faces of India: Photographs by Hugh Adams 9am-5pm today (and ongoing through August 1) at the Irving Arts Center. Free.

FORT WORTH
Giddy up, cowboys and girls! Get ready for a Cattle Drive 11:30am and 4pm daily at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Kids (ages 5 and older) who love board and card games will love testing their competitive edge at Fun and Games 3:30pm at the Coppell Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: May 21

DALLAS
Your little tyke might not want to sit still to watch the action at this weekend's HP Byron Nelson Championship, but even little attendees will be all ears at a golf-themed storytime led by US Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin 3pm today at the TPC Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas. Free.

FORT WORTH
Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the ... Rangers! Your favorite North Texas team will face off against the Baltimore Orioles in the Arlington Rangers Ballpark at 7:05pm tonight. Tickets start at $3.

NORTH TEXAS

Ride a ferris wheel, eat all the snow cones you can stomach and enjoy a plethora of carnival rides at The Mighty Thomas Carnival, starting 4-11pm today, 11am-11pm Saturday and 1-6pm Sunday at Lake Dallas' City Park. Ride wristbands start at $15.

What to Do Today: May 20

DALLAS

Bring your own blanket and snacks to relax and unwind to local band Radiant at Patio Sessions, a new outdoor concert starting at 5:30pm every Thursday in Sammons Park in the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Free.

FORT WORTH

Get ready to move to the beat during tonight's Twilight Thursday performance by Vocal Trash, a stomp group. 7pm every Thursday at the Old Bedford School's South Lawn. Free, bring your own seating.

NORTH TEXAS

Ride a ferris wheel, eat all the snow cones you can stomach and enjoy a plethora of carnival rides at The Mighty Thomas Carnival, starting 4-10pm today and continuing 4-11pm Friday, 11am-11pm Saturday and 1-6pm Sunday at Lake Dallas' City Park. Ride wristbands start at $15.

What to Do Today: May 19

DALLAS
Preschoolers can listen to a story, dance to songs, create a take-home craft and more at Hand In Hand, 10am at the Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. Free program with museum admission, $9.50 adults, $8 kids 12-17, $6 kids 3-11 and kids 2 and younger free.

FORT WORTH

View a live Fish Feeding in the 200,000-square-foot tank at Bass Pro Shop in Grapevine, starting at 12:30pm. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Listen along as local musicians perform Concerts on the Square 3pm every Wednesday in the lawn at Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square. Free; bring your own seating.

Win It!

Adventurists young and old will go wild at this weekend's Main Street Outdoor Adventure festival in Grapevine. Try your skills at quad bungee jumping, scuba diving, kayaking, carnival rides, a kids zone, interactive gaming and much more—all inclusive to kids! Additionally, families can ooh and ahh at the sight of BMX stunt riders, music performances, Heritage gunfighters and the Skyriders trampoline show.

I don't know about you, but thinking about all of these activities makes me hungry! The festival will satiate your craving for carnival foods (read: funnel cakes!) and hot-off-the-grill fare. Adults can even partake in wine and beer tastings.

... Sound like a good time? We think so! And, two readers can win four three-day weekend passes to the festival for your family by sending us an e-mail answering this question: In our May edition, the main feature tells a heart-wrenching story about North Texas mom Julie Hersh. What condition is Julie raising awareness for with the release of her new memoir?

Send your answer via e-mail to editorial@dallaschild.com. We will randomly select two readers (with the right answer) tomorrow, Wednesday May 19, at noon. The tickets are good for entry all day Friday-Sunday May 21-23.

Good luck!

What to Do Today: May 18

DALLAS
Pack a picnic and get ready to dance the night away Twilight Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm tonight in the Dallas Arboretum. Held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage, spectators sitting in the grassy lawn will enjoy good music and a spectacular view of White Rock Lake. Tonight's performance will feature Jennifer Baldwin & The Vibes. Tickets start at $8.

FORT WORTH
Join a librarian for Toddler Storytime 11:30am today in the newly renovated Keller Public Library's Storytime Room. Featuring a book reading with songs and games suitable for kids ages 18-36 months. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more at Family Time 7-8pm tonight at Coppell Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: May 17

DALLAS
Learn brush techniques, color mixing and perspective at this Oil Painting Class for kids ages 5 to 12 4:15pm at the McKinney Community Center. Don't forget to wear an old T-shirt! $27 (including $15 supply fee).

FORT WORTH
Join artsy kids of all ages at Make-and-Take Craft, a free art program offered from 4-5pm at Southlake Public Library. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Children ages 3 to 6 can enjoy a Storytime with music and rhymes on their own with a librarian at 10am in the Flower Mound Public Library. Free. Parents/caregivers must remain in the library.

Stormy Storytime—Don't Miss It!

This weekend's weather forecast predicts rain and a smattering of thunderstorms ... what better time for you and the kids to retreat indoors for a story? And, we can't think of a better text to pour over than Kristine Kahanek's Katie and the Magic Umbrella: A Stormy Adventure. (This meteorologist mama was featured as Mom Next Door in the March 2009 edition of DallasChild!)

You can hear Kristine read this lively tale about a girl and her rainy discoveries 7-9pm tonight at Plano's Barnes & Noble Booksellers PJ Night (at the 15th Street location). Kids ages 4-10 are welcome and encouraged to wear pajamas!

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: May 14

DALLAS
Stay indoors today and learn how to make your own paper doll clothing during Fashion Fun Paper Doll Craft 4-6pm tonight at Dallas' American Girl Boutique and Bistro. For girls ages 8 and older. Free.

FORT WORTH
Airplane-loving kids will love checking out aircrafts in flight, on the ground and more at the Northwest Regional Airport Event 9am-3pm Fri-Sun at the Roanoke airport. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Kids will flip for the bounce houses, rock-climbing wall, face painting, train and pony rides, a petting zoo, games and more at the Wild About Flower Mound 5-10pm Fri and 10am-10pm Sat in Bakersfield Park. Free.

What to Do Today: May 13

DALLAS

Your family will be captivated during Little House on the Prairie, a comical and heartwrenching story about life on the newly settled heartland 8pm tonight (with continued showtimes through May 23) at Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park. Tickets start at $15.

FORT WORTH

Cheer on the Fort Worth Cats baseball players during their first homegame of the 2010 season starting at 7pm tonight in Fort Worth's LaGrave Field. Fireworks will follow the show. Tickets start at $4.

NORTH TEXAS

The students of Marcus High School will perform the hilarious stories of Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau during The Pink Panther Strikes Again 7:30pm tonight-Friday and 2:30pm Sunday at the Flower Mound school. $12 adults; $8 students; $5 kids 10 and younger.

What to Do Today: May 12

DALLAS
Kids ages 3 to 5 will work together (with a parent/guardian) at Arturo's Art & Me at 11am today in the Dallas Museum of Art's galleries. Groups will look at works of art, read a related story in the galleries and do an art-making activity. $10 per pair; members free.

FORT WORTH
Visit the works of Richard Serra and Deborah Butterfield during Wonderful Wednesdays, a special kids' program held at 4pm today in the Modern Museum of Fort Worth's galleries. After the tour, kids will make a take-home craft. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Watch and listen as local musicians perform during Concerts on the Square, 3pm every Wed afternoon on the lawn of the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square in downtown Denton. Bring your own seating. Free.

What to Do Today: May 11

DALLAS
You'll be wishing you could fly away at the Butterfly Festival 9am-6pm today (through Sun) at the Collin Creek Mall in Plano. $6 adults; $3 kids.

FORT WORTH
Geared toward children ages 2-3, Toddler Time Southlake features stories, songs, rhymes, puppets, fingerplays and more at 10:45 in the Southlake Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Children ages 3-6 will enjoy Storytime Flower Mound with music and rhymes on their own with a librarian at 10am in Flower Mound Public Library. Free.

What to Do Today: May 10

DALLAS
Treat young minds to some literary inspiration at Peter Rabbit's Village, a new showcase of four flowered homes open 9am-5pm daily at the Dallas Arboretum. Kids can venture inside the homes, inspired by Beatrix Potter's characters, for story times and more. $10 adults; $7 children 3-12; kids 3 and younger free.

FORT WORTH

Enjoy an evening of music at The MasterWorks Concert Series performance by Beatlegras 7pm tonight at Euless Public Library. Free.

NORTH TEXAS

Get your firstborn ready for your family's new arrival at the Siblings Class hosted 9-10:30am at the Medical Center of Lewisville. For children ages 4 and older who are expecting a new brother or sister (mom should be about eight months along in pregnancy). $10 per child.