It’s mid-summer, and perhaps the novelty of going to the swimming pool has worn off a little? Why not take a break from the heat and get a little splash of culture – that is, with your kids. This month, the Dallas Children’s Museum is hosting an exhibit that explores Japanese culture. Each Wednesday the museum will feature events that highlight different components of the exhibit, such as kite making to celebrate the Japanese “Spring Festival,” or Taiko drumming for the “Winter Festival.” Other activities include nature origami, calligraphy, brush painting, interactive dance performances, doll making, bamboo flute-making and more. Almost all of the activities are hands-on, and the Dallas Children’s Museum encourages parents to “get down on the floor” to learn and play alongside their children.

Arts & Entertainment

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Friday, July 8-Terri Hendrix; Friday, July 22-Texas Gypsies; Friday, July 29-Tim Grimm; Friday, Aug. 5-Emilie Aronson. All shows $12 unless otherwise stated. A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. All shows start at 8 p.m. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. For information: 214-363-0044 or unclecalvins.org.

DTC SummerStage Classes Through Friday, July 29. Students ages 4-18 will explore subjects including movement, visual art, acting, voice, music, dance and text analysis. All sessions culminate in a performance showcase for friends and family. Registration is ongoing throughout the summer. $150-$500. For more information call 214-252-3918 or visit dallastheatercenter.org.

Community

4th of July Parade Monday, July 4, 10 a.m. Kramer Elementary and the Hillcrest Neighborhood Association will hold their annual 4th of July Parade. The parade will begin, led by the local fire station, at the Kramer’s front entrance on Midbury and circle around the school. Decorate bikes, trikes, trucks, etc. and join in on the fun. For more information call 214-365-4343.

Canine Citizenship Saturdays, July 9 and 23, 9-11 a.m. Two-hour class presented by Laura Heath Dapkus, a former SPCA volunteer and long-time dog owner, will cover the basics of dog ownership. Free. Limited space. HSUS Animal Wellness Center, 4830 Village Fair. RSVP to Beth Hickman at 972-562-7297 or bhickman@spca.org.

Health & Fitness

Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 for JCC members and $15 for non-members per session. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.

Leukemia Society Every 4th Wednesday. All patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma are invited to attend these support group programs. Free. Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400. For meeting times or information, call Shelby Brangan at 972-354-8303.

Library

Where the Wild Things Are Tuesday, July 5, 10:30 a.m. Interactive presentation by Dorayne Breedlove of A Slice of Rainbow. For ages 3-6. Sponsored by the Preston Hollow Early Childhood PTA. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Esmeralda the Gypsy Storyteller Tuesday, July 5, 2 p.m. Join Esmeralda as she weaves wild stories from the Old Country. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

George the Magician Thursday, July 7, 2 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

African Stories Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m. Audrey McClure takes students on a journey through Africa with interactive folktales. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Library Live! Tuesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. Students learn to communicate thoughts and feelings through singing, playing instruments and sign language with the Pirtles. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Leyendo Juntos Saturday, July 16, 11 a.m. Celebrity reader from Telemundo TV Channel 39 will present bilingual stories for ages 3-8. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Van Gogh Stories In Art Kids will learn how to “read” a work of art. Monday, July 18, 2 p.m., Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376; or Tuesday, July 19, 2 p.m., Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Go Wild With Folk Tales Thursday, July 21, 2 p.m. Jiaan Powers tells tales from many cultures and places. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Kindermusik: Zoo Train Friday, July 22, 10:30 a.m. Don’t miss this story time with Miss Lisa. For ages 3-6. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Harry Potter Fest Tuesday, July 26, 2 p.m. Celebrate the highly anticipated sixth novel in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.” Participants are encouraged to dress as a favorite character from the books. For ages 6 and older. Space is limited, call the children’s librarian to register. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Computer Classes Mondays (except July 4), 5 p.m. and Thursdays, 6 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Literary

Preston Royal Book Club Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. Join a lively and fun discussion of “A Home at the End of the World” by Michael Cunningham. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Seniors

Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas Thursday, July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Morning activities include pilates, armchair exercises, tai chi and intermediate line dancing followed by a panel discussion. Programs feature speakers, book reviews and travelogues. Bring a brown bag lunch; coffee is provided. Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas is a group of interfaith, 55+ senior citizens eager to remain mentally and physically active. Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For more information call Anabel at 214-350-0465.

Exercise For Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. For information, contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.