Events for the family

American Sailing Tours

Daily Delaware River tours on the only Chinese junk-rigged ship available for pulbic sailing in North America. Philadelphia Marine Center, 235 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-900-7758.

» READ MORE: www.americansailingtours.com

. $30-$60. Closes 11/1.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Tour Independence Park & Society Hill while hearing tales of the city's haunted history. Signers Garden, 5th St.; 215-413-1997. www.ghosttour.com. $15-$17; $8 children 4-12.

Halloween Arts Fest Art activities, face painting, Halloween parade & more. Fairmount Art Center, 2501 Olive St. 10/25. 2:30-4:30 pm.

Halloween Hikes Nght hike, go on a hayride, meet nocturnal creatures, roast marshmallows, paint pumpkins & make s'mores. Registration required. The Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Rd.; preregistration required: 215-482-7300 x 110. $7; $5 members. Closes 10/24.

Muralissimo at the Piazza Guided mural tours, art activities, children's activities, live music & more. The Piazza at Schmidt's, N. 2d St.; 215-685-0750. www.muralarts.org. 10/25. 11 am-2 pm.

NBC's America's Got Talent Season 5 Casting Call For show info or to register for an audition, visit www.agtauditions.com. Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.; 215-418-4700. www.agtauditions.com. 10/25. 9 am-5 pm.

Oktoberfest This Oktoberfest includes German food, beer, music, dancing, even raffles with great prizes. Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave. $35 advance; $40 day of event. 10/24. 5-8 pm.

Peoplehood Parade & Pageant Community parade & puppetry performance celebrating 10 years of expression through public art. Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut St. 10/24. 1-4 pm.

Pumpkinland Children's Halloween festival with holiday activities aiming to bring the farm into the city. Historic Headhouse Square, 2d & Pine Sts.; 215-413-3713. www.southstreet.com. 10/24. 11 am-4 pm.

Secrets of the Schuylkill Learn the history of some of the sites along the river. Schuylkill Banks, Market St. $20; $12 students & children 12 & under. Closes 10/24.

Spirits of the Wissahickon Tour Historic Rittenhouse Town by candlelight & encounter the spirits of the Rittenhouse family. Cider & cookies served. Historic RittenhouseTown, 206 Lincoln Dr.; Reservations recommended: 215-438-5711. $10; $7 children. 10/24. 6-9 pm.

Sunday Karaoke Sunday is Fun Day at Mar Bar with this weekly event featuring drink specials and lots of karaoke tunes. Marathon Bar, 929 Walnut St.

Tales From a Poisoned Past Tour focusing on seemingly harmless historical objects w/dangerous or deadly aspects. Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-10 Delancey Pl.; reservations required: 215-732-1600. Included in admission. Closes 10/31.

Tertulia This monthly program presents lectures and discussions on cultural topics. Be aware that most of the speaking is in Spanish, but staff is available to interpret for English speakers. At the end of each "tertulia," the microphone is open to individual or group who would like to share talents in music, poetry & dance. Raices Culturales Latinoamericans, 2757 N. 5th St.; 215-425-1390. Donation suggested: $5.

The 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship Sudoku competition w/cash prizes. Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.; 215-418-4700. www.philly.com. $63; $36 students & seniors; $13 spectators. 10/24. 11 am-4 pm.

The Yum! Show Art exhibit by Mark T. Mattson, who creates protraits of food out of recyled materials. High Point Cafe, 602 W. Carpenter Lane; 215-849-5153. www.mattsonstudio.blogspot.com.

Tours Informal tour of Yards Brewing's new facility. Yards Brewing Co., 901 N. Delaware Ave. Closes 10/31.

East Cheltenham Halloween Parade at Ryers & Myrtle Avenues

East Cheltenham Parking Lot, Ryers Ave., Cheltenham. 10/25. 2 pm.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk A dog-walk benefit. West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala-Cynwyd. www.thespayedclub.org. Donation accepted. 10/24. 9 pm.

Pet Adoption Day Animal Rescue Network will bring cats available for adoption. Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow, 701 Montgomery Ave., Narberth; 610-617-3300. Donations accepted. 10/25. 12-3 pm.

St. Peter's Thrift Shop Wide variety of items. Benefits local charities. St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 211 Main St., North Wales. Closes 10/31.

Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation

Exhibit displays artifacts, costumes, posters, photographs, songsheets, postcards, souvenirs & an array of Miss America memorabilia. Mr. Peanut greets visitors and points the way to a miniature Boardwalk and beach area featuring a collection of original sand art. After 100 years, Heinz pickle pins are still given out at the museum. Atlantic City Historical Museum, Garden Pier, Atlantic City; 609-347-5839. Closes 11/7.

Come as You Are, Leave as You Want to Be Every Sun. 8:30 am. St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 327 Marlton Pike W., Cherry Hill; 856-429-4469.

Fall Faire Features baked goods, handmade items, gently used items, raffle, refreshments, Kids' Korner & more. St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 409 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn; 856-854-7959. 10/24. 10 am-3 pm.

Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour Guided trolley trip featuring info on the paranormal findings of Craig McManus. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404. www.capemaymac.org. $10; $7 children 3-12.

Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tour Ghost stories & trip to the Cape May Lighthouse. Reservations required: 609-884-5404. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404. www.capemaymac.org. $20; $15 children 3-12. Closes 10/31.

Historic Haddonfield Ghost Tours Tours of the most haunted houses in Haddonfield. Haddonfield Public Library, 60 Haddon Ave., Haddonfield. $8. Closes 10/23.

Historic Haunts Combo Tour Trolley tour of "haunted" Cape May homes, tour of Physick Estate & talk on Victorian spiritualism. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404. $20; $15 children 3-12. Closes 10/23.

Historic Woodbury Walking Ghost Tour This tour blends the history of the town with true stories of hauntings. The tour guide will take you on a walk through town and to some of the oldest buildings in town. White House, 39 S. Broad St., Moorestown. $1-$5 kids. 10/23. 5:30 pm.

Light Up Your Lighthouse Juried exhibit featuring lighthouse-themed artwork. Ocean County Library-Toms River Branch, 101 Washington St., Toms River, N.J.; 732-349-6200. Closes 10/31.

Main Street Colonial Day A colonial celebration with old-time food and crafts. Downtown Woodbury, Main St.; 856-845-1300. 10/24. 11 am-4 pm.

Midnight at the Physick Estate Tour Late-night estate tour w/ghost investigator Craig McManus. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404. $25. Closes 10/24.

Riverton Halloween Trolley Ghost Tour The Historical Society of Riverton sponsors the Riverton Halloween Trolley Ghost Tour. Historic Riverton, Main St.; www.thenewleaftearoom.com. $12. Closes 10/24.

Sustainable Cherry Hill Oktoberfest Gathering Community fund-raiser with live music, food & refreshments. PJ Whelihan's Pub, 1854 E. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill. www.sustainable-cherryhill.blogspot.com. $28. 10/25. 7-9 pm.

Woodfest Live music along Broad Street between Cooper & Centre Sts. Also games for kids. Downtown Woodbury, Main St.; 856-845-1300. www.mainstreetwoodbury.org. 10/23. 6:30 pm.

ABC: An Exhibition of Alphabet Books

Alphabet-themed 18th- & 19th-century children's books, fine-press books, typographic specimen books & similar. Closes 12/18. University of Delaware, 114 College Sq, Newark; 302-831-6589.

Close Encounters of the Wild Kind Weekly programs on various animals & themes. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Dr., Edgemoor. Included in admission. Closes 11/1.

Pint Sized Pioneers: My Little Sister Ate One Hare Hear a story, meet some related animals & make a craft. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Dr., Edgemoor; Registration recommended. $8. 10/27. 10-11 am.

Sports Card, Comic Book & Collectible Show Presented by A2Z Promotions & featuring about 50 dealer tables. 302-559-7962. www.a2zshows1.com. Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Rd., Newark. www.a2zshows1.com. $2; free for children under 12. Closes 10/25.

Victorian Architecture Tour Historic District tour. First State Heritage Park, 152 S. State St., Dover; 302-739-9194. Closes 11/14.

A-Maize-ing Wine & Harvest Adventure

Corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, games & more. Paradocx Vineyard, 1833 Flint Hill Rd., Landenberg. $10; free for children under 3. Closes 11/1.

Boo at the Zoo Family-friendly Halloween celebration. Stories, entertainment, games & more. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Dr., Edgemoor, Del. Included in admission. Closes 10/25.

Can-Do Playground Integrated playground where both children with disabilities & enabled children can play together. Alapocas Run State Park & Blue Ball Barn, 1914 West Park Dr., Talleyville, Del. www.candoplayground.org.

Celebration Theater: Bunnicula: The Musical Based on the popular children's book series about a vampire bunny taken in by a family. 610-259-1800. Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; 610-259-1800. www.celebrationtheater.com. $15; $12 students and seniors; $10 children 10 & under. Closes 10/25.

Children's Storytime Stories & crafts. Barnes & Noble-Rittenhouse Square, 1805 Walnut St.; 215-665-0716.

Drawing Together Open sketching time for families. Ongoing; dates vary. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100. Included in admission.

Early Bird Read & Look Stories & crafts for preschoolers. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100. Included in admission. Closes 11/22.

Fall Fun Day Pumpkin painting, snack & story. Beneficial Bank, 2501 Merchantville Ave., Pennsauken. 10/24. 10 am-1 pm.

Fall Fun Day Pumpkin painting, snack & story. Beneficial Bank-Port Richmond Branch, 2514 Aramingo Ave. 10/24. 10 am-1 pm.

Fall Fun Day Pumpkin painting, snack & story. Beneficial Bank, 640 Cowpath Rd., Lansdale. 10/24. 10 am-1 pm.

Fall Fun Day Pumpkin painting, snack & story. Beneficial Bank, 700 Stokes Rd., Medford. 10/24. 10 am-1 pm.

Ghost Tours Experience the most haunted borough in Pennsylvania in this 90-minute walking tour through Phoenixville. Bring a digital camera and flashlight. Downtown Phoenixville, 100 & 200 Blocks of Bridge St. $11; $8 children 10 and under. Closes 10/31.

Glory of Stories Children's storytime & craft activity. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., West Side. $3. Closes 10/30.

Graveyard Party Costume party w/games, activities & prizes. Harleysville Books L.L.C., 674 Main St., Harleysville; 215-256-9311. 10/23. 6:30 pm.

Halloween Party For children whose families have been affected by cancer. Costumes encouraged. Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Dr.; reservations required: 215-879-7733. 10/24. 10 am-1 pm.

Halloween Spooktacular Giggleberry Fair presents this fall family fun event featuring pumpkin painting, a balloon sculptor, face painting & more. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. Peddler's Village, Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska; 215-794-4000. www.giggleberryfair.com. Free with purchase of activity pass. 10/24. 11 am-5 pm.

Hay Maze Days Giggleberry Fair presents this safe & fun kids event. Peddler's Village, Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska; 215-794-4000. www.giggleberryfair.com. $3; $5 for two people; free for parents with paid child admission. Closes 11/1.

Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch Hayride & pumpkin picking. Duffield's Farm, 280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell. $3.50-$7. Closes 10/31.

Jenkinson's A-Scare-Ium: The Plight of the Pillagin' Penguins. Pirates have returned to the aquarium to search for their treasure. Follow maps & clues so you can find it first. Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant, N.J.; 732-899-1659. $6. Closes 10/24.

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players Hip children's musician w/a folk-rock style comperable to James Taylor's. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. $15; $12 children 1-12; free for children under 1. 10/25. 10 am.

Kicking for Kids Kickball Tournament & Food Fest Charity kickball tournament with food, a raffle & prizes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Waterworks Park, Waterworks Park, Collegeville; 609-351-0467. $5-$8. 10/25. 1-6 pm.

Lemon Run 5K run, 2-mile family fun walk & kids' race, hosted by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Ridley Creek State Park, 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd., Media; 866-333-1213. www.TheLemonRun.com. $20; $5 children 10 & under. 10/25. 7:45-1 pm.

Pumpkin Decorating Pumpkin decorating for kids. Bring your own of you didn't register by 10/21. Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover, Del.; 302-674-2111. 10/24. 2-3 pm.

Pumpkin Junction Passengers can ride the train to the pumpkin patch & corn maze at Pumpkin Junction. Call 908-752-6622 for information. Black River & Western Railroad, Rte. 12, Flemington, N.J.; 908-782-6622. $14; $7 children 3-12; free for children under 3. Closes 10/31.

Read-Aloud Tours Storytime & related art project. Brandywine River Museum, Rte. 1 & Rte. 100, Chadds Ford; reservations required: 610-388-8382. Included in admission. Closes 11/19.

Saturday Morning Pajama Party Kids, wear your PJs to the Pop Shop on Saturday mornings and your breakfast is free. The Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. Closes 11/7.

Screaming's Run Hunted Walk Spooky candlelit tours for all ages. Leaming's Run Botanical Gardens & Colonial Farm, 1845 Rt. 9 N., Cape May. $7. Closes 10/31.

Shalom Yoga Children's yoga sessions that incorporate elements of Jewish culture. University of the Arts-Gershman Hall (Gershman Y), 401 S. Broad St.; 215-446-3033. $8 advance, $10 day of event; $45 series of six classes. Closes 11/10.

Story Time at the Zoo Weekly story program. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Dr., Edgemoor, Del. Included in admission. Closes 11/5.

Tedd Arnold: Fly Guy Children's author Tedd Arnold signs copies of his popular series. Harleysville Books L.L.C., 674 Main St., Harleysville; 215-256-9311. 10/27. 4 pm.

Thomas the Tank Playday Thomas movies, lionel electric trains, prizes, giveaways & more. 856-482-2700. Toy Train Emporium, 208 Creek Rd., Mount Laurel. Closes 10/25.

Thriller in the Park A Halloween event to set the world record for most people dancing to "Thriller." Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, 319 E. State St., Trenton. $3-$25. 10/24. 6:30-10 pm.

Youth Lounge Workshops, martial arts, open studio time & more. Asian Arts Initiative, 1219-1223 Vine St.; 215-557-0455.

Joey Vega

Vega takes an interactive approach to stand-up. Comedy Works at Georgine's Restaurant, 1320 Newport Rd., Bristol; reservations required: 215-741-1661. $15; $35 includes dinner at 7pm shows. Closes 10/24.

Mike Super Interactive show w/amazing illusions. Princeton University-McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). $45. 10/23. 7:30 pm.

Camden Children's Garden

3 Riverside Dr., Camden; 856-365-8733.

» READ MORE: www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Garden State Discovery Museum 2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-424-1233. www.discoverymuseum.com. Down the Shore. Fleet Backstage Theater. Arts & Imagination. Inky's Newsroom. Best Friends on Main Street. Recycled Rhythm Shack. The Discovery Diner. The Rock Climbing Wall. News & Weather. Storybook Castle. Little Discoveries. Raymond Nieves. 10/24. May-Sept.: Daily 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Oct.-Apr.: Sun.-Fri. 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-8:30 pm.

Insectarium 8046 Frankford Ave.; 215-335-9500. www.myinsectarium.com. Working Beehive. Cockroach Kitchen. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm.

Kix & Giggles Children's Playground 9356 Old Bustleton Ave.; 215-677-4140. www.kixandgiggles.com. Tue.-Thu. 10 am-5 pm; Fri.-Sat. 10 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-6 pm.

Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic; 215-581-3181. www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. Please Touch Museum's Collections. City Capers. Flight Fancy. Roadside Attractions. River Adventures. Wonderland. Centennial Exploration. Liberty Arm & Torch. Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel. ShopRite Supermarket Exhibit. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 11 am-5 pm. 7/23-9/3: Mon.-Wed. & Fri.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Thu. 9 am-8 pm; Sun. 11 am-5 pm.

Sesame Place 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne; 215-752-7070. www.sesameplace.com. Count's Halloween Spooktacular. 10/24. Weekends only thru 10/31.

Smith the Kids' Play Place in the Park 33d St.; 215-765-4325. www.smithplayhouse.org. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.