Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Sticking close to home this spring break? Here are some “staycation” adventures you and the kiddos can have during your time off.

Your local public library is a great place to start the fun this spring break. Not only do they have tons of programs for kids of all ages, they also have smart librarians that have read all the Harry Potter books to help guide you to the next big thing in Children’s Literature. Here are just a few of the many events to check out this week at area libraries.

• Head on out to the Davis branch of the Plano Public Library this Thursday and put those STEM skills to work in a unique way at the Family Robotics event. You can learn all about levers and how engery is transfered while building a drumming mechanical monkey. Bonus points: Think how impressed the science teacher will be when Junior reports back on what he did over spring break.
• Come celebrate Women’s History Month at the Fort Worth Public Library as they present a variety of programs throughout their branches recognizing achievements by women. Don’t miss Hit Like A Girl this Saturday at the Cavile Outreach Opportunity Library. Kids can learn all about exceptional female athletics from past and present and their impact on the world of sports. Yay! Girl Power!
• St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner so now is the perfect time for a Leprechaun hunt. The Haltom City Library is hosting the perfect St. Paddy’s Day event on Saturday, complete with stories, crafts, and, of course, a hunt through the library for that elusive leprechaun.

Say hello to the famous wascally wabbit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. (Photo: Chuck Jones/FWMS&H)

Hey, guess what? Some of our area museums are pulling out all the stops for the kiddos this spring break. You won’t want to miss these attractions:

• The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is pegging the good time, silliness meter with What’s Up Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones exhibition. You can introduce your kids to the genius who brought Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd to life. The show features sketches, storyboards, animation cels, photographs, audio-visuals, and interactive experiences that um…illustrate how Jones worked his magic. If you go this Saturday, be sure to check out Animation Studio: Drop By, Give It a Try where kids are invited create their own animated characters using materials like LEGOs, clay, and paper and then capture action using animating software.
• Did I mention it’s Women’s History Month? Come to Women of the Greatest Generation – Rosie the Riveter at the American Airlines C.R. Smith Flight Museum and find out more about this influential  gal from our past. Rosie herself will be on site Saturday for three presentations to talk about women’s roles during WWII.
• Last, but not least, the fabulous Perot Museum of Nature and Science has extended its hours during the spring break holiday. Those extra hours will give you plenty of time to explore the International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes or catch the 3D flicks Tornado Alley, Robots or Galapago: Nature’s Wonderland.

Stay up late for an Owl Prowl at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Heard Museum)

The weather will be spectacular and definitely spring-like this weekend, so head outside for these two outings.

• Pile the family in the car and motor on up to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary to see a live owl presentation and then stay for a guided night hike.  These nighttime hikes are completely different than those you take during the day. Landmarks change, as can your sense of direction. Even if you’ve hiked a trail several times, it can feel completely unfamiliar. But don’t worry, you won’t get lost. Trail guides from the Heard will be there to lead the way and answer any questions you have about our owl friends.
• If you’re wanting to enjoy nature but prefer something a little less strenuous, stop by the Dallas Arboretum this Thursday night and see the ’80s tribute band The Molly Ringwalds perform as part of the Arboretum’s Cool Thursdays Concert Series. Speaking from experience, these concerts are hugely popular and never disappoint. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the serene view overlooking White Rock Lake, while the wee ones have a excellent time rolling down the hill and dancing up close to the stage with the band.

Enjoy the rest of spring break. Aren’t you glad you stayed home?

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 9-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org.