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Join Elmo and pals as 'Elmo's Green Thumb' comes to the Patriot Center Dec. 11-14. |
TODAY
Toddler Time, stories, songs and movement activities for ages 18 months-3 years. 10:15 a.m.; Preschool Storytime, stories, acting, rhymes, songs and craft for ages 3-5, 11 a.m. Today's theme is stories about Thanksgiving. Both events at Wilderness Branch Library, 6421 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove. 540/854-5310.
Art and Tumbling, Paragon Training Center, 1410 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg. This class for ages 2-5 includes a half hour of each. $16 per class. Also runs Nov. 26. 540/846-8920, dmunros
"Willy Wonka Junior," Spotsylvania High School, 6975 Courthouse Road. Presented by the Christian Youth Theater Fredericksburg. Show dates and times are: today, 7 p.m.; tomorrow, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Purchase tickets at door or at cytfred.org. Information:
Email: cytfred@yahoo.com.
LiveSky: The Ringed Giant Planets. Find out about the rings around planets like Saturn at this interactive planetarium show. 6 p.m.; Sky Watch. Join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society on the front lawn of the museum as they share their telescopes. 7 p.m. Both events are free at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804/864-1400, smv.org.
SATURDAYCookies Around the World, Ten Thousand Villages, 1937 Carl D. Silver Parkway. Sample cookies from around the world and bring in the kids from 10 a.m. to noon for a scavenger hunt. Free. 540/785-9967.
Nature Crafts for Christmas, Motts Run Nature Center, Fredericksburg. Ages 8 and up will make hand-stamped leather bookmarks, leaf-printed stationary and more. Wear old clothes and dress warmly. 10 a.m.-noon, $10/includes all materials, registration required. 540/372-1086, ext. 213; fredericksburgva
Crafty Christmas Tree Decorating, Spotsylvania Towne Centre Food Court. Help Clifford the Big Red Dog decorate his musical Christmas tree. 11 a.m., free. 540/786-6660, spotsylvaniatowne
Awesome Orienteering, Motts Run Nature Center, Fredericksburg. Ages 9 and up will learn to use a map and compass in a combination hike and treasure hunt. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for weather. Compasses provided, bring water. 1-3 p.m., $6, registration required. 540/372-1086, ext. 213; fredericksburg
"Sleeping Beauty," Riverside Dinner Theater, Falmouth. Runs various times Saturdays and weekdays through Nov. 29. $15, includes meal. 540/370-4300, rsdinnertheater.com.
Star Parties on the Lawn, Caledon Natural Area, 11617 Caledon Road, King George. The Rappahannock Astronomy Club presents an evening of deep space viewing. Bring your own scopes or look through and learn from member's scopes. One-half hour after sunset. Free. 540/663-3861, caledonnaturalarea.com.
"Flights of Fancy," Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W., Washington. Story and art activity for children featuring "Lisa's Airplane Ride" by Anne Gutman. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free. 202/633-1000, nasm.si.edu/events/
Science Saturday: Method Day, Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. Hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, more. Included with admission. $9/children, $10/adults. 804/864-1400, smv.org.
Out of Sight Flight, a three-hour program designed to meet most of the requirements of the Girl Scout's junior aerospace activity badge. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Weather Watch, a three-hour program designed to meet most of the requirements of the Girl Scout's junior weather watch activity badge. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Both events are $15 per girl, and are held at the Virginia Aviation Museum, 5701 Huntsman Road, Richmond International Airport. 804/236-3622, smv.org.
TUESDAY
Turkey Tumble Fun Day, Stafford Gymnastics Center, 500 Nelms Circle. Ages 3-5 can have a fun day of gymnastics, obstacle courses, snacks and crafts. 10 a.m.-noon, $15, registration required. 540/658-5115, staffordparks.com.
UPCOMING"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Fauquier Community Theatre, Aiken Drive, Warrenton. A heartwarming story with an abundance of laughter and a few tears. Runs Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.; tickets are $14/adults, $12/seniors 60 and over, and students to age 23; Brunch with Santa, Inn at Vint Hill, 4200 Aiken Drive, Warrenton (across from the theatre). Sunday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.; prices are $29/adults, $27/seniors, $20/children and include brunch, photo with Santa, candy and show ticket; reservations required by Dec. 1. Ticket information: send check to FCT, c/o Evelyn Rice, Box 3046, Warrenton, VA. 20188 or fct stage.org.
Young Einsteins, Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Ages 3-5 learn about the wonderful world of science. Monday, Dec. 1, 4-4:30 p.m., $8, registration required. 540/372-1086 ext. 217; fredericksburgva.gov.
Little Scientists, Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Ages 6-10 learn about the world around them. Mondays, Dec. 1-15; 4:30-5:30 p.m., $24/city, $32/non-city; registration required. 540/372-1086, ext. 217; fredericksburgva.gov.
Polymer Clay: Holiday Jewelry, Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Ages 12 and up will learn how to make unique jewelry. 7-9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays Dec. 2-11; $45/city, $50/non-city, supplies included; registration required. 540/372-1086, ext. 217; fredericksburgva.gov.
Horseback Riding, White Buffalo Farm, Orange. Ages 7-12 can learn the basics in this hands-on, get in the saddle class. No special equipment needed. 4-5 p.m., Wednesdays, Dec. 3-Jan. 11; $120/city, $140/non-city; registration required. 540/372-1086, ext. 217; fredericksburg
Lunch With Santa, Rowser Building, 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford. Ages 1-5 will have fun, food and entertainment with Santa and his gang. Wednesday, Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-noon; $15/Stafford residents, $18/non-residents, parents may eat for $4; registration required. 540/658-4871, staffordparks.com.
Aikido Non-violent Self Defense, Rowser Building, 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford. Ages 13 and up will learn new ways to think and move. Wednesdays, Dec. 3-31; 7:30-9 p.m.; $58/Stafford residents, $63/non-residents; registration required. 540/658-4871, stafford
GYM FUN classes are available for ages 3 and up to stretch, climb, tumble and more at the Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation Department. The classes meet Tuesdays, Dec. 9-Jan. 25 or Thursdays, Dec. 11-Jan. 29. Ages 3-5, 4:30-5:15 p.m., $65; ages 6 and up, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $75. Registration required by Nov. 21. Information: 540/507-7529, spotsylvania.va.us/
GYM FUN Tumbling for Cheerleaders, Marshall Center, 8800 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania. Ages 6 and up can learn basic tumbling stunts including back handsprings and flips. Sponsored by the Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation Department. The classes meet Mondays, Dec. 8-Jan. 26 or Wednesdays, Dec. 10-Jan. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fee is $75 for resident/non-resident. Registration required by Nov. 21. Information: 540/507-7529, spotsylvania.va.us/parksandrec.
"Elmo's Green Thumb," George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets now on sale. Join Elmo and his friends as they try to find a home for Elmo's sunflower. Dec. 11-14 at various times. Tickets available through Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 703/573-7328.
ONGOINGDrawing classes, Spotsylvania YMCA, 5700 Smith Station Road. Students learn basic drawing techniques. $10-$12. Various times Thursdays through Nov. 21. 540/846-8920, dmunroscreativeside.com.
Preschool Gymnastics. Stafford Gymnastics Center, 500 Nelms Circle. For boys and girls ages 16 months to 5 years. Information on times and costs: 540/658-5115, staffordparks.com.
Craft classes, The Creative Side, Marshall Center, 8800 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania. Includes 2- and 3-D projects, seasonal crafts, printmaking, weaving, collage, texture and drawing concepts. $12/class. 540/846-8920; dmunros
Art Exploration, Paragon Training Center, 1410 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg; Spotsylvania YMCA, 5700 Smith Station Road; Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation, Marshall Center, 8800 Courthouse Road. A parent/child 2- to 4-year-old art class using a variety of art materials. $12/class. Various times through Nov. 27. 540/846-8920, dmunroscreativeside
Dynamic All-Stars, Stafford Gymnastics & Recreation Center, 500 Nelms Circle, Falmouth. Learn baton twirling,
"Itty Bitty Belmont," 224 Washington St., Falmouth. This new scavenger hunt is fun for children and parents. Free on the grounds. Sheets available at the Museum Shop. 540/654-1015, garimelchers.org.
Storytime, Borders, Central Park, Fredericksburg. Stories and crafts for a variety of ages. Saturdays, 10 a.m. 540/785-6171.
Tavern Toddlers, Gadsby's Tavern, 134 North Royal St., Old Town Alexandria. A special history program and open playtime for toddlers (walkers through 36 months). Mondays through Nov. 17 (except holidays), 10:30 a.m.-noon; $7/group of three (must include one adult), $3/additional person, $30/five-week pass. 703/838-4242, gadsbytavern.org.
IMAX Film: "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. All the characters from the first "Madagascar" movie are back with a crazy plan to make it home to New York. Through Dec. 11. $10. 804/864-1400, smv.org.
November Storytelling, Mount Vernon. Ages 3 to 8 can hear stories about "Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon" by costumed interpreters. Hear about Aesop's fables and George Washington's life. Parental supervision required. Saturdays and Sundays through November at 2 p.m. Included in regular admission. Adults/$13, ages 6-11/$6, under 5/free. 703/780-2000, mountvernon.org.
Earn Your Badge! The American Civil War Center, 500 Tredegar St., Richmond. Program designed for Boy and Girl Scouts of America and their affiliates. Earn a patch by completing a scavenger-hunt booklet that encompasses the entire 8.3-acre campus. Workbooks designed for grades K-5 and 5-12. Cost: $5, includes workbook, patch and admission. Other merit badges available. Open Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: Hilliary Turner, 804/780-1865, ext. 23;
Email: hturner@tredegar.org.
Backyard Play Area, Children's Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St. This 6,000-square-foot backyard allows children to engage in various activities. Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission $7. 804/474-7000.
--Compiled by Carol Lee
