Last weekend was the closest we’ve been to winter all season. In our house, we prepared by stocking up on the essentials like firewood, toilet paper, and cookie dough. Sure, it was cold and blustery but the weather never got “wintery” enough for my liking. Just like the spring thunderstorms, winter storms are exciting. Watching the accumulation is every bit as thrilling as the Super Bowl. We wait breathlessly as the school closing list scrolls by. Will we have the day off tomorrow, or won’t we? Only the Dallas ISD knows for sure!

My daughter keeps hoping for one of these thrilling snow days. I guess it’s still possible, but my gut is telling me it’s going to be a snowless winter. In our neck of the woods spring generally comes calling around the end of February so if we’re going to have a snow day it better happen quick.

Even if you’re not a cold weather person, get out this weekend and embrace the winter season. Check out these frosty events picked just for you by the Junior. Just be sure you don’t forget your mittens!

Photo: City of Irving

For Texas kids, frolicking in the snow isn’t an everyday sort of thing. In fact, most kiddos are lucky if Jack Frost visits even once during the winter. We’ll Frost Fest in Irving’s Cimarron Park is here to change all that. The free winter festival is your big chance to frolicking to your heart’s content. You and your snow bunnies indulge in fun activities like tubing on a real snow hill, a play area with fresh snow every 30 minutes, and train rides.  If you get chilly, head inside Cimarron Park Recreation Center and the Irving Public Library where you can sign up for a library card, do a winter craft, listen to a story or see a puppet show.

Photo: Ray Robert Lake State Park Isle du Bois – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Want to go walkin’ in a winter wonderland? Okay, so the weather’s not so “wintery” at the moment, but you can join a ranger this Saturday afternoon for a winter hike at Ray Robert Lake State Park. Breathe in the fresh air while you experience and learn about winter wonders in nature. Meet at the Hawthorne Campground parking lot for a 2-mile jaunt around the paved Randy Bell Scenic Trail. It might not be snowing, but be sure to dress for the weather and bring water.

It might be a little early for water wings and floaties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at the pool. Stop by the Dallas Fraternal Order of Eagles Pool this Sunday for the 7th Annual Hypnotic Donuts Polar Plunge. The name says it all in this fundraiser for the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Participants will jump in the (probably) cold pool at the FOE, swim the length and then enjoy food and beverages with new and old friends alike. You can take a plunge or stay dry on the sidelines and watch.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Hold on! Don’t pack away the noisemakers just yet! You may think New Year’s is over, but the Lunar New Year Festival at Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie reminds us that the Chinese New Year festivities are just gearing up. Celebrate the year of the pig with yummy food, KPOP dances, kids’ activities and more at this three-day festival.  If you can’t make it this weekend, no worries. It’s happening again next weekend.

Lastly, for those of you who really detest the cold weather and would really rather just stay and comfy and warm inside, there’s the Puzzle Party at Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Park (across from NorthPark Center) on Saturday afternoon.  Kids of all ages can enjoy word searches, jigsaw puzzles, and a puzzle tournament. Be sure to get there early for storytime and activities featuring “Pig the Pug.” It’s the tale of a greedy little pug who refuses to share his toys.