It was supposed to rain last Sunday. And when I say rain, I mean the forecast called for wide spread thunderstorms and generally yucky weather. It’s a good thing I decided to ignore the gloomy predictions, otherwise Rose would have missed out on a fun and exhilarating walk around White Rock Lake. She’s helping her Uncle Bill train for a 26-mile charity walk coming up in March and her presence would have been sorely missed. The term “train” is used loosely here. Her main role was to serve as a distraction. Having an energetic, giggly 10-year-old as a companion for a 6-mile walk can be very beneficial. It’s sort of like having a Golden Retriever that talks along.

No, it didn’t rain on them–not one drop, but this time of the year it’s a good idea to have a backup plan just in case. Keeping that in mind, here are the Junior’s picks for this week–some inside–some outside.

If the weather is foul this weekend, there’s no better place than the library. Check out the South Irving Public Library for their Many Voices: African-American Read-In.  You and the kids can celebrate African-American history month with readings and activities based on the works of famous children’s authors and illustrators of African descent. The event is part of their Many Voices cultural series.

Billy’s Globe House spins their Romeo and Juliet with an 80s vibe. Photo: Stolen Shakespeare Guild

Speaking of culture; expose your child to a kid-sized portion of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet this weekend at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center’s Sanders Theatre. This  G-rated version put on by Billy’s Globe House (the kid component of Stolen Shakespeare Theatre) is the perfect introduction to the Bard’s work because it’s only 45 minutes long. The interactive show focuses on accepting differences and features songs from the ’80s, which makes it fun for you and the kiddos. There are morning performances this Friday and Saturday, and one evening show next Saturday.

If you’re itching to get out and enjoy the weather, Klyde Warren Park has two opportunities for outdoor fun this Saturday.  School of Rock will be on site with their instrument petting zoo. A variety of instruments will be available for your little munchkin to try. This is also an excellent chance for you to see exactly what a 4-year-old with a drum set would be like in your home. Also at the park,  Trinity River Audubon Center presents The Secret Life of Pigeons. There will be live pigeons, pigeon origami, and at the end of the event kids will be able to release homing pigeons with messages to return home to the center. Kids will be able to see the messages posted at the center and on the Klyde Warren Park website.

Try out your musical skills this weekend at Klyde Warren Park. Photo: School of Rock

Pigeons aren’t the only animals your children can connect with this weekend. Head over to Holt Veterinary Clinic in Dallas for their PETiquette Camp where kids will learn the ins and outs of good pet ownership. Highlights include learning (and practicing) how to safely interact and care for pets; dog training basics for kids; and a demonstration of service dogs skills from MADE in Texas assistance dog trainers.  All kiddos must be accompanied by an adult and space is limited so don’t wait to sign up.

I bet you didn’t know that it’s Engineers Week. Okay, so you already knew. But did you know the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is hosting the exciting Engineer’s Week 2016 ? That’s right, the museum is ready to show you just how fun science, technology, engineering and math can be with loads of activities planned every day through Feb. 27. Kids can create a Maglev car racer, participate in the paper airplane challenge or be a pilot in the Lockheed F35 flight simulator. If you need another reason to go; Saturday is Girls and Engineering Day. Girls will have the opportunity to meet and work alongside engineers from a variety of fields.

This just might be the perfect weekend for a hike. Photo: Bob Jones Nature Center

Lastly, if you’re really ready to get a get a jump on spring, stop by the Bob Jones Nature Center in Southlake Saturday morning for a guided hike with Master Naturalist Leigh Langford.  You and the tinies can take a closer look at the native flora and fauna in this easy, family-friendly walk through the beautiful Cross Timbers.