Parenting is full of things you say are for your kids but are actually all about you. (“Her hair was in her eyes, so I had to cut bangs.”)

Add Apple Park’s beanies and booties to the list. You’ll buy the cuter-than-a-button toppers and slippers in the name of encouraging imaginative play, but secretly it’s just to make you smile.

Representing all the Picnic Pals — bunny, monkey, cubby, lamby, and ducky — the coordinating combos are crafted from organic cotton and natural silk-blended hemp. Cozy booties in the shape of animal feet slip on without a struggle. And the soft beanies have a Velcro-like closure that fastens under the chin without inducing a case of the itchy-scratchies.

In fact, our usually antihat 1-year-old completely forgot she was sporting a lamb up top as she played around the house.

Much to our delight.

Available online at applepark.com, $24-$28.

WOW
Fairy Tale Castles
What: Seven local architects let their imaginations go wild, creating fanciful abodes based on Aladdin, Rapunzel, and other classics.
Why: Your princess will want to move in.
When: Sat.-Dec. 31.
Where: Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd. (214-515-6500). Adults and teens, $10; children 3-12, $8; under 3, free.

UNWIND
Target First Saturdays
What: Hear a story, go on a scavenger hunt, and tour the Nasher Sculpture Center.
Why: Kiddos polish up child’s poses with YogaSport.
When: Sat., activities, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; yoga (weather permitting), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: 2001 Flora St. (214-242-5100). Admission is free.

WATCH
Elmo’s Healthy Heroes
What: The Sesame Street star schools tots on exercise and nutrition in the energetic show.
Why: He’s down with Mrs. Obama.
When: Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri., 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m., 2 & 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 & 4:30 p.m.
Where: Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Pl., Grand Prairie (972-854-5111). Tickets at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Adults and children, $12-$35.

Photo: Courtesy of Apple Park