Kids and family events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, July 16-21

by Alex Bentley

See all kids and family events.

On tap this week is a zoo-niversary in Fort Worth, Seussian art in Dallas, a new LEGO store in Dallas, Dora and Boots go exploring in Grand Prairie, and the latest Disney singing sensation in Arlington.

Starting today, Thursday, July 16, the Fort Worth Zoo will begin celebrating their 100th anniversary. Each week of the celebration, which lasts until September 24, will feature live Wild Wonders stage shows, animal enrichment activities and keeper chats so you can learn all about the Zoo’s exciting 100-year history.

On Friday, July 17, the 4th Wall Gallery in Dallas will feature The Art of Dr. Seuss -- A Retrospective and National Touring Exhibition. On loan from Storyopolis Fine Art in Los Angeles, the exhibition chronicles Seuss' life and career. It will be on display until August 8.

Also on Friday is the grand opening of the new LEGO store at NorthPark Center in Dallas. You can help construct an eight-foot tall LEGO Yoda, and special giveaways will happen on Saturday and Sunday for the first 300 customers to spend $35.

Friday is also the day for the first of six performances of Dora the Explorer -- Search for the Lost City of Toys at Nokia Theatre Grand Prairie. Dora, along with Boots, Swiper and all her friends, needs the help of the audience to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to find her lost teddy bear. Following Friday's evening performance, there will be three daytime shows on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Finally, the latest Disney singing sensation, Mitchel Musso, will be in concert on Saturday, July 18 at Six Flags Over Texas. The Hannah Montana/Phineas & Ferb co-star will be singing songs from his self-titled debut album, which came out on June 2.

(Special mention should also be made of the Harry Potter Wizard's Ball being held at Lonestar Comics in Dallas on Saturday, since the latest film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, just came out on Wednesday. However, since the event doesn't start until 9:00 p.m. and is labeled as for ages 18+, it doesn't sound exactly kid/family conducive.)

Know of any kids and family events we should have mentioned? Tell us about them in the comments section below.