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.

I’m fine inside, thank you. photo: Therese Powell

We’re on our second “snow day” around here with the very real possibility of a third for tomorrow.  And while a day off from school and work is fun, they start wearing thin sooner than you’d think. You can only drink so many mugs of cocoa, build so many fires, and watch so many Disney movies before it all starts to get….well…old. It probably didn’t help matters that these snow days fell on a week where the kids in our school district had last Friday off as well. As a result, the weekend togetherness quotient in our house was satisfied before a single bead of sleet fell Sunday. Last night when the announcement of school closures came it wasn’t met with the same exuberance as the previous night–from either of us. Sort of like the all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet, it’s a great idea when you first dive in, but not so much after your third trip.

The perfect solution for cabin fever is to bundle the tinies up and head out for a change of scenery. Since it looks as if the weather won’t be cooperating any better this weekend we recommend one of these inside adventures.

Make up for the lost school days with a lesson on Texas history at the Hall of State at Fair Park. Learn all about Texas Independence Day (March 2) and see some really cool artifacts to boot. Outside on the lawn of the Hall of State will be a frontier kitchen, chuck wagon and cooking demonstrations. Kids can also check out games and toys from the period. But wait, don’t miss out on the special exhibit inside. Among the many historical artifacts are Santa Anna’s spurs, Fannin’s watch, minutes of first convention of the Republic, and Sam Houston’s report of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Join Ariel under the sea for Theatre Arlington’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid, Jr.’ photo: Eric Younkin/Theatre Arlington

Leave the ice and snow behind and journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her fishy friends at Theatre Arlington’s production of Disney’s Little Mermaid. Jr. In this youth musical a beautiful young mermaid longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. Catch it weekends through March 8. A couple of other need-to-know tidbits, no lap kids—everyone needs a ticket, and kiddos under 3 will have to sit this one out.

After three solid days of video games and Sponge Bob Squarepants it’s time to regain some brains cells and get the creative juices flowing. Head on over to St. Matthew’s Cathedral this Saturday morning from 10 to noon for a dose of artistic stimulation at their Open Art Studio for Young Artists program. Amy Hofland, the Executive Director of the Crow Collection of Asian Arts will lead kiddos ages 5 to 12 in a creative and engaging project. They’ll be able to explore the creative process using a diverse range of media and techniques. 

True, Mother Nature has been in a bit of a grumpy mood lately. But you can see a sweeter side of her at Peanuts… Naturally, a light-hearted look at nature as seen through the eyes of the characters of the Peanuts comic strip. At this exhibit, you’ll get a Peanuts-perspective of the universe, “web of nature,” trees, birds, the elements (snow, wind, rain and clouds), gardening and Charlie Brown’s escapades through comic strips, videos, objects and interactive stations. You can see this fun exhibit at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters & Museum Complex through April 22.

Stay warm! Come August you’ll be wondering why you ever complained about weather like this.