The kids are home from school — again — and the prospects for them going back tomorrow aren’t so swell, either. The snow that kept them entertained the past three days has either melted or turned to ice. It’s cloudy, dreary, you’re staring at one another like members of the Donner party probably did. You need to get out of the house —

NOW!

Fortunately, it’s Groundhog Day and our friends at the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education inform us that there are Groundhog Day celebrations throughout the state today. Without further jabber …

Asheville

WNC Nature Center
Gashes Creek Road
3 p.m.
In the beginning, there was Punxsutawney Phil. Then, like Santa, imitations started popping up everywhere. In Asheville, for instance, “Nibbles” will make the winter/spring call. Appalachian music and folklore, too. Requires paid admission to the Center, $8 for adults, less for kids, seniors and Asheville residents.

Charlotte

Groundhog Day
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Dr.
Noon
Queen Charlotte doth maketh her prediction. Crafts and a groundhog puppet show, too. Free.

Groundhog Day
McDowell Nature Center and Nature Preserve
15222 York Road
10-11:30 a.m.
No word on whether there will be an official groundhog appearance. Free.

Chimney Rock

Chimney State Rock Park
US. 64/74A
10 a.m.
Grady makes his prediction at 10 a.m. Requires admission to this recent addition to the N.C. State Park system, $14 and under.

Garner
Groundhog Day
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Road,
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mortimer is the groundhog on duty in Garner. Moritmer will make his prediction, then hang with some of his other buddies from CLAWS, a non-profit that works to rehab wild and exotic animals. Plus, a good opportunity to check out the recently opened White Deer Park. Free.

Raleigh

N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Word is the Vegas oddsmakers have 1000 to 1 odds on what Sir Walter Wally (pictured) will find when he emerges at noon: leaden clouds with a chance of cold rain. Regardless, there’s plenty else to do: learn about animals and their weather forecasting methods, how arthropods spend their winters, what snakes are up to right about now and more. Free.

Or, do like we’ll probably do and rent the movie.