Ever get in the mood for something completely different? The winter blahs can make you itchy to take a break from the same-old, same-olds and give something new a try. Check out these picks for some out of the ordinary fun with the kiddos.

Don’t worry, He only bites once. Photo: Erth’s Dinoaur Zoo Live!

For a little throwback fun–65 million years back, to be exact–check out Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live! Better than a petting zoo, this show gives your mini dino-lovers a very up-close and personal view of some of their favorite pre-historic pals. Paleontologists lead kids through a tour of pre-historic Australia where they will get to meet and interact with a collection of  life-like dinosaurs and other creatures. The big lizards are brought to life by a team of performers and puppeteers in this live theater performance. Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live will perform three shows February 9-10 at the Irving Art Center.

Spend the evening with these salty dogs at Pirates on the Prairie. Photo: The Bilge Pumps

There’s no better cure for boredom than a good dose of the sillies. Grand Prairie’s own local pirate band, the Bilge Pumps will be at Uptown Theater this Saturday night for an evening full of pirate music, great fun, and nautical nonsense for the entire family. Joining the Pumps will be their salty shipmates from the Houston area, the Pride of Bedlam, who will open the show with their own brand of pirate hijinks and music. There will also be pre-show of pirate poetry by Seadog Slam who will be entertaining everyone with salty rhymes in the lobby. The Pirates on the Prairie VI show starts at 6 p.m.so don’t be a scurvy dog and miss out!

Get inspired at ArtRocks! Photo: NorthPark Center

Chase away the winter doldrums with some creativity this Saturday at NorthPark Center’s free art program for children, ArtROCKS!  In this Valentine-inspired session, introduce the kids to the work of ’80s pop-graffiti artist Keith Haring. Kids can create their own artwork with Sour Grapes, the Dallas-based graffiti collective, and other local artists. There will also be dance tunes from DJ Jose G. The fun happens this Saturday between 1 – 4 p.m. on level one between Nordstrom and Macy’s.

“Gentlemen, start your engines.” Photo: Allen Parks and Recreation

The Super Bowl may be over and March Madness isn’t for a few weeks yet, but lovers of a good competition can get their fix at Allen Parks and Recreation’s Annual Duck Derby.  Purchase your “racing duck” at Rodenbaugh Natatorium, decorate it and then return it for judging by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.  The race will take place in the natatorium’s lazy river Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the fastest and best-decorated ducks.