By Julie Thibodeaux

Lots of ways to liven up your week and even help some great causes at the same time. Bowling, birding, geocaching, a musical and a community garden bash - all happening this week in DFW!

UP YOUR ALLEY

Enjoy a night out at Alley Cats in Arlington on Wednesday, July 24, and support wildlife conservation at the annual Bowling for Rhinos, hosted by the Dallas Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.

Since this fundraiser was launched in 1990, the Dallas chapter has raised nearly $200,000 for conservation groups such as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the International Rhino Foundation.

Cost is $20 and includes a $10 arcade game card and a choice of two of the following: 1 hour of bowling, 1 round of miniature golf, 1 game of laser tag or 1 round of rock climbing. There will also be T-shirts for sale and a silent auction. DETAILS. 

Photo: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

WATCH THE BIRDIE 

Get up with the chickens on Saturday, July 27, and join in the annual birding Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Fort Worth Audubon Society. Birders from beginners to experts compete for prizes by tracking down as many species as they can find in local parks. 

According to organizer Ann Hoover, in past years, teams have found as many 150 birds during the 6-hour event. “Some people take it very seriously. Others stop for donuts in the middle of it,” joked Hoover. Bring your binoculars or you can borrow a pair from FWAS. Sign in at Al’s Hamburgers in Arlington at 5:45 a.m. $5 entry fee. DETAILS. 

Photo: NCTexasBirds.com

CACHING IN

Here’s another scavenger hunt but this one uses GPS to find the treasures. Stop by Cedar Hill State Park Saturday, July 27, at 9 a.m. to learn about the popular outdoor recreation at Geocaching 101. No equipment or experience needed. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. $7. DETAILS.

Photo: TPWD

VEGETARIAN'S DAY OUT

On Sunday, July 28, at 1 pm, join the Black Vegetarian Society of Texas for lunch at Spiral Diner in Fort Worth. Then head to the Jubilee Theatre in downtown Fort Worth to catch the family musical, "Mirandy and Brother Wind" at 3 p.m. Tickets: $15. Make reservations at 817-338-4411. DETAILS. 

 Illustration: Jubilee Theatre

GARDEN PARTY

Help out the the Community Garden at Cliff Temple in Dallas by attending their Family Fun Day fundraiser Sunday, July 28, from 5-8 p.m. There will be barbecue, veggies, live music and a bounce house. Proceeds go toward replacing tools and a generator that were stolen a few months ago from the 3-year-old garden. $10/adults, $5/ages 3-12. DETAILS.

Photo: Cliff Temple

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Julie Thibodeaux covers environmental issues, green topics and sustainable living for Green Source DFW. Previously, she worked as an editor and writer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Send your green bulletin items to [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.