10 for the Road

10 for the Road

You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.

1. Zoo Lights.

Washington, D.C. Most nights through Dec. 30. See the zoo lit up from the Kids Farm to Panda Plaza. Besides the animals, see animal-light displays and dancing trees. 202-633-4800,

» READ MORE: http://nationalzoo.si.edu

.

2. Hanukkah Celebration.

Baltimore. Dec. 25. See the movie

The Miracle of Israel

at the Jewish Museum. On Dec. 30 and 31, take your children and grandchildren to Schools Out! for hands-on activities and entertainment, including music and arts and crafts.

» READ MORE: www.jewishmuseummd.org

; 410-732-6400.

3. Holiday Festival of Trains.

Baltimore. Through Dec. 30. Ride the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad along the first commercial railroad track in America. And see displays of model trains, plus holiday entertainment.

» READ MORE: www.borail.org

; 410-752-2490.

4. Exploration at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Richmond, Va. Dec. 27. Science demonstrations, interactive exhibits and more for children. 804-864-1400,

» READ MORE: www.smv.org

.

5. Two-Step Tides.

Virginia Beach, Va. Dec. 28. Come to the Two Step Tidewater Virginia Dance for opera and Latin and ballroom dance music all night. 757-483-9410,

» READ MORE: www.twosteptidewater.com

.

6. Kilroy was Here.

Youngstown, Ohio. Through 2009. Celebrate the 1940s at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, with songs of the decade accompanying a detailed time line. See life-sized family scenes from before, during and after World War II.

» READ MORE: www.ohiohistory.org

, 1-800-262-6137 .

7. Birding for Kids.

Smithtown, N.Y. Dec. 27. After a short indoor presentation, head outdoors for a walk through the park to see how many types of birds you can identify. 631-265-1054,

» READ MORE: www.nysparks.com/events/info.asp?eventID=8286

.

8. Winterfest.

Dec. 27. Albany, N.Y. Outdoor and indoor family activities, including musical performances, a children's fun run, 5K run, and fireworks.

» READ MORE: www.albanyevents.org

; 518-434-2032.

9. First Night Alexandria.

Dec. 31. Alexandria, Va. Music, dance, performing arts and fireworks to ring in the new year.

» READ MORE: www.firstnightalexandria.org

; 703-838-5005.

10. Artworks Holiday Exhibition.

Through Dec. 31. New Bedford, Mass. Enjoy holiday shopping for specialty items and artwork.

» READ MORE: www.artworksforyou.org

; 508-584-1588.

- James R. Sanders