We're all looking for something to fill the time during the next couple of weeks. On Friday, I'll have a big story in The N&O's Weekend section, highlighting some ideas. And if you've been a regular reader of this blog, you've already read many of them.

They include volunteering at First Night Raleigh, hot chocolate at The Umstead Express and the Centennial Campus Center of Wildlife Education.

I also list the holiday hours for some of the more popular museums for kids in the Triangle. Maybe it's time to take a little cross-Triangle trip to a museum you haven't been to in a long time. The daily programs and new exhibits help make repeat visits new and interesting. You can read them here.

N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh.
The museum is closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, but otherwise open. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday.
The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit was recently extended to Jan. 4 and is best for age 10 and up. The museum has daily programs, including opportunities to visit with some live animals and, one of my favorites, story times featuring live animals. Story times are 10:30 a.m. on the weekdays and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission charged for Dead Sea Scrolls, all other programs are free.

Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh.
Marbles has a special schedule during the next two weeks. Though normally closed on Mondays, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. It will stay open until 1 p.m., Dec. 24. The hours are noon to 5 p.m., Jan. 1. The museum is closed Dec. 25, but the IMAX Theatre remains open. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sundays.
The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience was extended through Jan. 4. And if you haven’t been back since the summer, check the Magic School Bus exhibit, which opened in September and closes Jan. 25. It’s based on the popular Scholastic television and book series and is all about the weather. World Trek, another new exhibit that opened in October, is about cultures around the world. The staff at Marbles also will have some special holiday activities, such as crafts or stories, planned for next week. Ask about it when you get there.

Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham.
The Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25 and open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 31. It’s closed on Jan. 1. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m., Sundays.
Holiday Springs and Sprockets runs through Jan. 5. The exhibit features five large scale, holiday-themed sculptures and installations. Artist Steve Gerberich explores scientific principles in creative ways. Daily programs include regular butterfly releases and afternoon visits with the museum’s animal keepers. Go to www.lifeandscience.org for more information.

Kidzu Children’s Museum, 105 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill
Kidzu is closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays (when admission is free).
Kidzu opened its first original this year so if you haven’t been back for a while, it’s a whole new place. The exhibit, called KidZoom: The Power of Creativity! features three primarily areas — a garden-to-table market, a construction zone and an art studio. The museum also offers regular programs.

Other events this weekend:

Stacy Clearman's LittleLand Holiday Show is at 11 a.m., Dec. 20, in Apex. I met Stacy more than a year ago. Kids love his very energetic music and performances.

If you haven't been to see Santa yet, I have to recommend the North Hills set up. We went a couple of Saturdays ago. No line. The Santa was great (real beard and he took the time to encourage my daughter to eat her vegetables and listen to mommy and daddy). It was very low key and fun. Plus, you take your own photos.

Quail Ridge Books & Music has a couple of holiday events this weekend. Santa will pack them in at 1 p.m., Dec. 20. Go early because this can fill up. They'll have a Hanukkah concert at 2 p.m., Dec.21.

And speaking of Hanukkah, the Jewish Community Center in Raleigh will be attempting to assemble the largest human Menorah starting at 2 p.m., Dec. 21.

As always, be sure to check the full calendar for more events. There are lots of them.

Every Friday, TriangleMom2Mom highlights some best bets for the weekend.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!
WEEKEND: Relax!