Home with the kids for spring break? Some ideas

Next week is spring break for many students across the Triangle. If you're looking to get out of the house with the kids, here are some ideas.

Posted 2:20 p.m. Apr 15, 2011 — Updated 2:20 p.m. Apr 15, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

It's spring break time for most students at Wake, Durham and Johnston public schools, along with countless preschools and some other private schools in the area.

And that means we have some moms out there looking for things to do with the kids. I'm among them.

So I thought I'd point out some resources here on Go Ask Mom and also list a few events as well. So here's your Spring Break Activities Guide!

There is just one week left of Animal Grossology at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. The special exhibit, which explores all things gross about the lives of animals, is open through April 24. It will be open Easter Sunday. Grade schoolers on up will appreciate this exhibit especially, though there's plenty to captivate younger kids too. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; $4 for children ages 5 to 11. Take a look at the exhibit in my earlier post.
And across from the natural sciences museum, the N.C. Museum of History will have its new exhibit "The Story of North Carolina" open. The first part of this major exhibit opens Saturday and covers early North Carolina history. This might be particularly interesting for those of you with fourth graders, who are learning all about this period in school. See my earlier post with information about the kid-friendly spots here.
Kazoom Puppet Theatre in Raleigh will have shows at 10 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The show is geared toward toddlers to early grade schoolers and features stories, puppets and songs. Tickets are $5. See my earlier post to see a bit of the show.
The Durham Bulls and the Carolina Mudcats baseball teams are at home this week. Both are fantastic family excursions. So excited baseball season is back! The Durham Bulls' schedule includes both afternoon and evening games. The Carolina Mudcats' games are in the evening. Both will have fireworks on Friday night. Both teams also will have other special events and deals. So check out the Durham Bulls' promotions and Carolina Mudcat's special promotions for more.
The Carolina Railhawks' season also started at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The soccer team has a game at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Marbles Kids Museum has three events this week. It's Target $2 Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The whole family can play for just $2 per person (normal admission is $5). There will be a special storytime and craft. From noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Capital Area Soccer League will offer some high impact activities as part of Marbles' Family Fit Series. And the Power Flower Blooming & Earth Day Celebration is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. It includes a 22-foot tall giant flower that's apparently powered by the sun. Kids can learn all about solar energy and participate in other activities to celebrate Earth Day. Also playing at Marbles' IMAX theater is the new "Born to Be Wild 3D" and "How to Train Your Dragon 3D," among others.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill has its full schedule of shows next week.
Erin, our crafty mom, offered some Earth Day crafts this week.
It looks like it's going to be a gorgeous week. So check out our list of park and playground reviews, local parks and state parks. It's also a great time of year to take a picnic and visit Duke Gardens in Durham, the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill and JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.
And we have other resources pages. So if you're still looking for ideas, go to our Triangle libraries for storytimes and other events for tots to teens; bookstore storytimes, in-store events and regular performances; museums, historic sites and zoos; and reviews of Triangle family destinations.
And strawberry season is really picking up. So check our list of strawberry farms, along with farmers' markets and farm stands to find out where you can get some fresh produce. This is a great time of year to visit the farmers' market too.