By Julie Tomascik

The cool, dreary weather is fading into warmer days filled with the sights, smells and sounds of agriculture coming to life in the spring.

Families are taking vacations. Teachers are recovering. And many farm kids are getting dirty. Because it’s finally spring break!

In Texas, spring breaks are staggered for the schools. Some are off this week. Others are off next week. And still other schools might have a different scheduled break.

But, regardless of the dates, this week offers time for a little fun and a little work. Like these nine activities…

Check the new calves
Newborn calves on wobbly legs try to explore the world, and fall a few times. Their protective mamas are never too far away. Those new calves need care and attention. Farm kids are right there, ready to help their parents with any chore!

Clean out the shop
Hello, spring cleaning. Now it doesn’t have to be Mari Kondo’s method of cleaning, but organizing the tools, neatly stacking piles and sweeping the shop floor are on the list.

Get windshield time driving or riding in the tractor
Seeds don’t grow without first getting planted. No matter how easy some say it is to do.

Teach the farm dog a new trick
Have an older dog? Or did you just get a puppy? Either way, it’s a good week to teach ol’ Fido a new trick, because you have plenty of time for consistent repetition!

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
The carnival, the livestock show and all the fried food you could want can be found inside Houston’s fairgrounds. And for many kids, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is an annual spring break event. It’s the culmination of months of work with their animal project. Good luck to everyone competing!

Clean stalls and tack
This isn’t just a spring break chore. Those who care for horses know the stalls and tack need to always be cleaned, but this is the week to get things extra shiny.

Ride horses
There’s nothing like the feel of wind whipping through your hair as you take off across the pasture.

Fix fence
Let’s face it. Fences break, and mom and dad know you have a week off to help them patch the holes.

Visit the farm’s old fishing hole
Bait your hook, cast your line and reel in the big one! Or a small perch. Because it’s all in the luck of the reel!

Each day is so much fun, and you won’t be able to wait to do it all over again. And if you aren’t covered in dirt at the end of the day, did you really do spring break right?