Need some snow day inspiration? We’ve rounded up our favorite snowy pastimes, reads and recipes here. We also found a few local events for weekend fun — from virtual storytime to AACF’s virtual spin on their 40th Anniversary Soup Sunday. Speaking of soup, check out these five kid-approved recipes here

Note: Please double check any in-person events via social media. Winter weather may still cause closures and cancelations through the weekend. 

Thursday

Mid-America Science Tots 

You can tune in virtually to the Mid-America Science Museum’s storytime every Thursday. This week, their educators will read “The Big Red Rock” by Jess Stockham. 

When: 11 a.m.-noon Where: Virtual | Facebook Live; In-Person | 500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs Best Ages: 5 and under Cost: Free (In-person is included with admission) More information: event page

Want more science? Check out Mid-America’s at-home activities for February here

MTCC Black History Storytime Showcase

Join MTCC Director Christina Shutt for a virtual story time that features authors and main characters of color. Each story will help families open dialog with children about how everyone, no matter their differences, can be amazing.

Sweet Tip: During the reading, Director Shutt will reveal a secret code for one free kid’s scoop of ice cream per family at Loblolly Creamery.

When: Thursday | 7 p.m. Where: Facebook Live or YouTube channel More information: event page 

Check out our guide to family-friendly Black History events and activities here

Thursday-Saturday 

CALS Virtual Storytimes

CALS storytime is on every morning this weekend. Tune in Thursday for a Read Aloud favorite, Friday for a Guest Reader and Saturday for Family Storytime. 

When: Daily at 10 a.m. Where: CALS Kids Facebook page | CALS Kids YouTube

Thursday & Saturday

Museum of Discovery Wiggle Worms

This week, your Wiggle Worm will learn more about “The Skin You Live In” at the Museum of Discovery’s weekly preschool program.  

When: Thursday and Saturday | 10:30 a.m. Where: 500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 150, Little Rock Best Ages: 5 and under Cost: Included in admission | Free for members 

Friday

CALS Family Fun Night Trivia: Black History & Culture

Join CALS this Friday for Family Fun Night Trivia! This month's theme is all about Black history and culture, and as always, prizes are up for grabs. Note: Teams must register via Zoom to participate.

When: Friday | 7 p.m. Where: Zoom | Register here Cost: Free 

Saturday-Sunday

Love Your Zoo Events 

The Little Rock Zoo postponed and extended their Valentine’s Day events. You still have a chance to show just how head-over-heels your family is for this local fave this weekend. 

Who Do You Love Fundraiser

Send a love note to the animal you come to see every time you visit. Your donation will go toward animal enrichment. You can buy a Valentine at the gate or online.  

When: Now-Feb. 21 at noon Where: At the Zoo Gate - 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock or online Cost: $10/Valentine More information: event page

Love Your Zoo Weekend 

There’s lots to love about Love Your Zoo weekend. Come for special keeper chats and other engaging activities.

When: Feb. 20-21 Where: 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock More information: event page 

Thursday-Sunday

Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza at Garvan Gardens

Garvan Gardens's Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza will (hopefully) kick off on Thursday. This gorgeous display is definitely in our worth-the-drive category. 

When: Feb. 18-Apr. 15 Where: 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs National Park Ages: All Cost: Free - members and ages 3 & under | $15 - adults | $5 - ages 4-12 More information: 501-262-9300 | garvangardens.org 

Methodist Family Health's 12th Annual Get Up & Give Collection Drive

This project allows Little Rock families to donate personal hygiene items, clothes, shoes, school supplies, bedding, funds and other necessities to the Methodist Counseling Clinic in their community. 

When: 2/17 - 4/1 Donation drop-off location: 1600 Aldersgate, Suite 100 B, Little Rock Virtual donations: website More Information: 501-906-4210 | email | website

Sunday

40th Anniversary Virtual Soup Sunday

While there’s no need to gather your usual Soup Sunday supplies for the 40th Anniversary event (muffin tin, anyone?), you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of warm soup in support of the youngest citizens of our state. Every ticket purchase to this virtual version of the annual Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) event comes with a delicious array of soup deals from local restaurants that you can enjoy for the rest of the month. 

What: Livestream event + auction When: Feb. 21 | 6 p.m. Cost: $35-$300 | Order tickets or become a sponsor here More information: