What to Do Today: June 9

DALLAS
Immerse yourself in fluttering butterflies when visiting the Butterfly House and Butterfly Garden 9am-5pm today (ongoing through October 10) at McKinney's Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with monarchs and many more, in addition to learning facts about each butterfly species.$8 adults; $5 seniors and kids ages 3-12; kids 2 and younger free.

FORT WORTH
Kids ages 3-10 can catch a flick on the big screen and enjoy some tasty treats during Dinner and a Movie 5:30-8:30pm tonight at the Keller Public Library. Guests will enjoy G-Force (PG). Registration recommended. $21 first child/$14 each additional; member $15 first child/$10 each additional.

NORTH TEXAS
Get out of the box and expose your little one to a foreign language during Spanish Storytime 10:30am today at Highland Village's Barnes & Noble. Free.

What to Do Today: June 8

DALLAS
View the first U.S. exhibition by Luc Tuymans (brand new at the Dallas Museum of Art) boasting more than 80 inspiring paintings 11am-5pm today (ongoing through September 5) at the DMA. $10 adults; $7 seniors; $5 students; children 13 and younger free.

FORT WORTH
Join Artie the Monkey under the sea during The Monkey and the Jellyfish 10am today at Hurst's Artisan Center Theater. This production is filled with laughter and comedy suitable for kids of all ages. $5.

NORTH TEXAS
Jam out to the smooth tunes played by Canta Rythym and Brass at a 7pm performance tonight (and ongoing every Tuesday at varying shopping venues in the Shops) near Patrizio's in The Shops at Highland Village. Free.

Before You Lose the Booster Seat ...

If you think your child is ready to lose his booster seat, be wary of Texas' new booster-seat law—if not, starting this month you could be ticketed for not meeting state standards. Children must sit in a booster seat until they are either 8 years old or taller than 4 feet, 9 inches (and, of course, they must also always wear a seat belt).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises parents to check the following before allowing their child to ride in the car sans booster seat:

• Child must be able to sit with back and hips all the way against the back of the car's seat (without slouching).
• Child must be able to bend knees over the edge of the seat and keep feet flat on the floor.
• The child's seat belt must cross over his shoulder and the middle of his chest (not neck) and fit snugly over his hips (not stomach).
• The car's headrest must also be high enough to support the child's head.

The state's law was amended in September 2009, but starting this month fines will be issued.

For more information about child safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What to Do Today: June 7

DALLAS
Just in time for the out-of-school boredom, kids and families can watch Horton Hears a Who (and other kids' films) and enjoy a meal at the 2010 Summer Children's Series 11am today (through Thursday) at Studio Movie Grill Dallas (at Royal) and Plano. $2 adult; $1 child (food prices vary).

FORT WORTH
Tarrant County residents can catch a kids' flick at Summer Movies at Harkins Southlake 9:45am Monday-Friday (through August 13) at the Harkins Theatre in Southlake. Films include Charlotte's Web, Shrek the Third, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and more. Get individual tickets to 10 weekly family movies for $5.

NORTH TEXAS
Join players of all skill levels and ages at Chess Night 6-8pm tonight at Denton's North Branch Library. Free.

What to Do Today: June 4

DALLAS
Head to this favorite Dallas playhouse to see one of its last performances (the venue announced it will close its doors on June 6)! Jungle Book will take the stage at 10:30am today and Saturday, 1pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday for its final show at the Galleria's Slappy's Puppet Playhouse. $9 adults; $8 kids; children 3 and younger free.

FORT WORTH
Break out the picnic basket and relax under the stars as the Fort Worth Symphony (and friends) perform during Concerts in the Garden 6:30pm tonight gates open (show starts at 8:30) in the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. $20 lawn tickets; children 10 and younger admitted free to lawn with adult.

NORTH TEXAS
Dogs and their youthful best friends will enjoy "yappy" hour during Dog Days of Denton 5-8:30pm Friday and 8:30am-3pm Saturday in Quakertown Park. Kids and their four-legged pets (canines only) can take "glamfur" shots, enter a canine contest, get information on adoption, listen to live entertainment and more. Free.

What to Do Today: June 3

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 family fun at Starlight Storytime at 7pm today at Fort Worth's Summerglen Library. Kids of all ages will be treated to crafts, songs and more—and they can even wear their pajamas! Free.

NORTH TEXAS
Watch Journey to the Center of the Earth with your family (and enjoy marshmallow roasts and arts and crafts) during Movies in the Park 8pm tonight at Quakertown Park in Denton. Free; bring your own lawn chairs/blankets.

What to Do Today: June 2

DALLAS
Children ages 3-5 and a grown up can work together and look at art, read a story in the galleries and make an art activity in the studio during Arturo's Art & Me 11am today at the Dallas Museum of Art. $10 per pair; call for availability.

FORT WORTH
Take a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Railroad during daily jaunts down the track, starting 11am-5pm today (trains typically run on the hour). $3 adults; $2.50 children and seniors.

NORTH TEXAS
Make it a playdate! Bring your toddler and a group of friends down to the library for arts, crafts and reading during Storytime & Craft 10:30am today at Lake Cities Public Library. Free.

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.