Take a break to the rain

Seattle

March 23-April 16: For much of the country, spring break is when the family drives 10 hours to the beach. In beach-close Southern California, well -- spring is a good time to take the kids to see rain. Where better than Seattle? Whirligig!, an indoor kids’ festival at the Seattle Center, will keep young ones busy with rides, stories, juggling, clowns, bouncing, bands, movies and a pirate ship. The center is also home to the Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center and Experience Music Project.

Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. Whirligig! ride passes $7 for kids, $4 for toddlers. Free Thursdays. (206) 684-7200.

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Whistler, Canada

April 14-23: Suffering from Winter Olympic withdrawal? The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival in British Columbia might help. The 10-day event includes the World Snowboarding Open; the Atomic Skiercross, which sends four skiers side by side down a you’ve-gotta-be-kidding course; and the World Skiing Invitational, featuring free skiers jumping and flipping before (it’s hoped) landing on their feet. Off the slopes, the “BRAVE ART” exhibit features works from street-culture artists and “Words and Stories” (April 17) showcases oral storytelling from the underground. The festival’s concert series includes Jurassic 5 on April 20 and Blackalicious on April 22.

Whistler Village and Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. (604) 938-3399, Ext. 28, or www.whistler2006.com.

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Las Vegas

April 21-22: Twenty minutes from the glitz of the Strip, there’ll be 14 hours of R&B; and jazz for a lot less than it costs for 14 hours at the casino tables. The Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B; Festival begins with a Stone Soul Picnic on April 21 (6-10 p.m.) featuring Cameo, the Ohio Players and Mint Condition. April 22 has jazz beginning at noon, including Mike Phillips, Phil Perry, Mindi Abair, Joe McBride and Paul Brown.

Hills Park at Summerlin, Hillspoint Road at Rampart Road. Tickets for Friday are $50; Saturday tickets are $60. Tickets, (800) 969-VEGAS [969-8342] or (310) 671-6400. Information, (702) 228-3780 or www.yourjazz.com.

-- Blake Hennon