It never fails: As soon as you start prepping dinner, your 3-year-old needs entertaining.

No need to shuffle things around just to keep kids happy. Turn the tables with an Imagination Mat.

While you chop, dice, and saute, ask them to create you something special. One side sports a colorful painted character on vintage fabric; the other is an easy-to-clean blank canvas that children can doodle on with washable markers.

It’s the perfect way to protect the table, keep your toddler busy, and give yourself a few minutes to get the food ready.

Without having to do the two-step.

Available at Baby Bliss, 6721 Snider Plaza (469-232-9420 or shopbabybliss.com); online at emilygreen.com.

EXPLORE
Trinity River Audubon Center Grand Opening
What: Plant seeds, create nature arts and crafts, build a bird’s nest, and eat bugs (ewww).
Why: No child left inside.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 6500 S. Loop 12 (214-370-9735).

FLY
Kites Over Granbury
What: From kite-making to trick and team flying, this annual fest raises money for kids in crisis.
Why: Got wind?
When: Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Field at highways 377 & 167, across from Jerry Durant Toyota, Granbury (817-573-5483).

PICK
Big Orange Pumpkin Farm
What: Pick a pumpkin, feed a farm animal, and take a hayride.
Why: Squash that chorus of “I’m bored.”
When: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 5518 County Rd. 126, Celina (972-382-4465).