If it seems like the kids just had a week off school, that's because they did. It happened roughly a month ago. But guess what? Most area school students have February 15-19 off for absolutely no discernible reason, and that means parents are looking at five days straight of a house full of bored kids itching for something to do.

Thankfully Rochester is jam-packed with opportunities for kids, and this week is no different. Below find some activities to keep your kids busy during February break, but note that this is just a primer; for more options check the Kids Events section of the calendar, and don't forget that area libraries and recreation centers have a wealth of events going on almost all the time. No matter what you do, save the leads, since you'll likely need them again once Spring Break rolls around in April. (As a sidebar: did we have all this time off when we were in school? I don't think we did. Discuss.)

Rochester Museum & Science Center puts on "Masters of the Mesozoic: When Dinos Ruled," a week-long series of events based off of its current traveling show, "Be the Dinosaur." From Saturday, February 13, through Sunday, February 21, the museum's multiple levels will be transformed into different geologic time periods - Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic - and kids can learn about he various dinosaur species that lived in those eras. Because no matter how old kids get, dinosaurs are always cool. "Masters of the Mesozoic" activities run daily noon-4 p.m. The museum is located at 657 East Ave, and regular hours are Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10-$15. RMSC also offers several specialized day camps during the break, including one that explores robotics and one that takes advantage of the winter weather; for more information or to register visit rmsc.org or call 271-4320.

Strong National Museum of Play brings in Fat Brain Toys for break week. Kids can play with brain-building toys and games like Dado Cubes, Twig, Animalogic, and Tri-Spy, or play and learn from the museum's standard array of massive interactive exhibits, including the newest, "LEGO Castle Adventure." The museum is located at 1 Manhattan Square, and regular hours are Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun noon-5 p.m. Admission is $9-$11. For more information call 263-2700 or visit museumofplay.org.

City of Rochester Recreation Department puts on a free Biz Kid$ camp for older kids aged 13-18. The camp teaches teens about the excitement of entrepreneurship through games and activities. They'll develop real business plans, learn how to look and act professional, and more. The camp takes place Tuesday, February 16, through Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lake Riley Lodge in Cobbs Hill Park. Advanced registration is required; call 428-7371 for details.

Braddock Bay Raptor Research offers a cool event for nature-loving kids with "Owl Observations." Learn about the mysterious nocturnal creatures via owl pellet dissection and a presentation about a local screech owl family, plus a visit from the Incredible Hawk. The event takes place Tuesday, February 16, 10 a.m.-noon at the Lodge at Braddock Bay Park, 199 E Maintou Rd, Greece. Admission is $2. For more information call 267-5483 or e-mail information@bbrr.org.

Cobblestone Arts Center puts on free classes in music, dance, and visual arts for kids 2-8 at Best Foot Forward in Eastview Mall on Wednesday, February 17, and Friday, February 19, 9-11:30 a.m. Note that space is limited, and reservations must be made by calling 398-0220. For more information visit cobblestoneartscenter.com.