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.

This time of year can be hard on a lot of kids. The hub-bub of Christmas is over and it seems like spring break is ages away. If it weren’t for the occasional late winter ice storm the tinies would have nothing to look forward to.

Fear not! The Junior’s got you covered.  Here are some picks guaranteed to chase away the winter blues.

Say howdy to a mama llama at the Fort Worth Stock Show. (Photo: FWSS&R)

You probably already know that the Dallas Children’s Theater puts on great plays for kids, but did you also know that the nice folks at DCT always cook up something extra special for the opening night of their shows? This Friday is opening night for Go, Dog! Go. DCT’s adaptation’s of the beloved children’s book by P.D. Eastman. An hour before the thespian dogs take the stage, kids can meet therapy dogs from Paws Across Texas and enjoy their special presentation. There will also be a balloon artist, crafts, giveaways, and free milk and cookies. One more thing, DCT is doing a pet toy drive for the no-kill shelter Operation Kindness during the run of Go, Do! Go. Bring a new chew toy or plush toy for dogs or cats and you’ll receive a free ticket to DCT’s summer show, Stuart Little.

Take a spin around the ice at Frisco Square. (Photo Frisco Square)

The Golden Globes, the Sundance Film Festival the Oscars-movies are in the air. So how about a film festival just for junior? Well, it just so happens that KidFilm is going on this weekend at the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station. This annual event, now in its 30th year, is chocked full of movies and movie fun for you and the kiddos. Highlights include, a visit from father and daughter team  Ed Emberley and Rebecca Emberley on Saturday. They’re the authors/illustrators of such favorites as If You’re a Monster and You Know It and Ten Little Beasties. You can see their tales come to life on screen and then get a  free autographed copy of one of their books after the show. On Sunday, there will be a special sing-along screening of the 1979 classic, The Muppet Movie.

If it’s January that can only mean one thing–it’s Stock Show time! Everybody scream “Yippe Ki Yay!” Seriously though, if you want to have some epic fun, grab the young’uns and mosey yourself on over to Will Rogers Memorial Center for the 118th Annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s 23 days of exhibits, rides, shopping, food, music, and well, livestock. But even with all that, what’s really great about the Stock Show is all the cool stuff there is for the little cowpokes. They can hold a brand-new baby chick in the Children’s Barnyard, say hello to a llama at the Petting Zoo, or see where milk REALLY comes from at a live demonstration at the Milking Parlor. After they’ve seen all the animals they care to see, head over to the Midway and try out the largest traveling slide in America.

If you’re wanting a rodeo without the crowds, check  out the Reading Rodeo at the Central Branch of the Fort Worth Library this Sunday. Children can become buckaroos and buckarettes for the day and do western crafts and explore Fort Worth’s history. Later, they can participate in a stuffed animal parade. Don’t forget to bring your favorite stuffed animal.

And speaking winter, the Winter Olympics are just around the corner. Take your budding Olympians for a spin around the ice at Skate in the Square at Frisco Square. Skate in the Square was so popular during the holidays that the folks at Frisco Square decided to extend this family-friendly, outdoor activity through the run of the Sochi Olympics.

Who says winter is boring?

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 7-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].