Events for the family

2010 Governor's Awards for the Arts

Ceremony recognizing individuals & organizations for artistic excellence & contributions to the arts. Gov. Rendell will speak. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. 11/30. 7 pm.

Christmas Tree Lighting In Manayunk Caroling, cocoa, cookies and a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Canal View Park, Intersection of Main & Gay Sts. 11/26. 6-8 pm.

Current State of Affairs in Haiti Presented by Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia. Olney Hall, Room 100. La Salle University, 1900 W Olney Ave. 12/1. 6-9 pm.

Haunted Trolley Tour Tour of approx. 20 "haunted" locations in the city, with 3 stops where passengers can disembark & look around. The Bourse Building, 400 Ranstead St. www.ghosttour.net. $30; $20 children 4-12. Closes 12/18.

House Tours 19th-century home of the Rosenbach brothers. Ongoing. Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-10 Delancey Pl.; 215-732-1600. Included in admission.

Military Muster Children are invited to learn the art of marching & musket etiquette. Signers Garden, 5th St. historicphiladelphia.org.

Pieces of Joan Put on your best heels and be sure to plan your Botox appointment a week out so you look Joan-fabulous for this fun night of cocktails, music and shopping! Wardrobe Boutique, 1822 Spring Garden St. 12/2. 6 pm.

Rodin Museum Public Tours Commissioned by theater magnate Jules Mastbaum in 1926, this building is home to one of the largest Rodin collections in the world. Franklin Parkway at 22d St.; 215-763-8100. Included in admission.

Santa Is Coming To Franklin Mills for pictures and chats with children. 1455 Franklin Mills Circle. Price varies based on photo package. Closes 12/24.

Shakespeare Cabaret Series Short new works inspired by Shakespeare & other classical works from around the globe. Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St.; Box Office: 215-496-8001. $15; $10 students & seniors. Closes 12/12.

Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour Visit more than 20 scary sites to hear Philadelphia's haunted facts & folklore during this 75-minute outdoor walking tour. Cosi Restaurant, 325 Chestnut St.; 215-574-9440. www.spiritsof76.com. $17.50; $12.50 children. Closes 11/26.

Tertulia Features discussion, live music, open mike, art exhibit, hors d'oeuvres & more. Guests welcome to share poetry, songs, art, etc. Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, 2757 N 5th St. $5. Closes 11/26.

Trivia Tuesdays Weekly event hosted by bartender "Smarty Pants" Wil. Sisters Restaurant & Nightclub, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735.

Women of Distinction Awards Banquet Networking opportunities, cocktails, dinner & awards program. Sheraton Philadelphia City Center, 17th and Race St.; 215-238-5106. $150. 11/30. 5:15-8:30 pm.

WWE Raw World Tour Action & fun with stars from the franchise. Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center), 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. www.wwe.com. $20-$70. 11/29. 7:30 pm.

Community Open House

Features a decorated tree, working model trains, cookies, mulled cider & more. Yardleyville Library (The Old Library by Lake Afton), 46 W. Afton Ave., Morrisville. Closes 12/4.

Pancake Breakfast Creekside Swim Club of Nether Providence is hosting a flapjack fund-raiser. Applebee's Restaurant, 320 MacDade Blvd., Folsom; 484-574-0431. $7; $5 children under 10. 11/28. 8-10 am.

Pierogi Sale Homemade pierogi for sale every Wednesday through Dec. 15. St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1545 Easton Rd., Warrington; 215-343-9809. $6 per dozen.

Pose Your Pet With Santa Domesticated pets are invited to meet Santa & have their picture taken in Center Court. Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Closes 11/28.

Saturday Morning Bird Walk For all birding enthusiasts. Bring binoculars, if you have them. Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Rd., Bristol; 215-785-1177.

13th Annual Lights of Love Community Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

Purchase lights to honor/remember loved ones. Seasonal music & refreshments. West Deptford Free Public Library, 420 Crown Point Rd., West Deptford; 856-845-5593. $3; $5 for 2 lights; $15 for a string of lights. 12/2. 6:30 pm.

Annual Holiday Parade Guests, costumed characters, Mummers, antique cars, Mrs. Claus, antique fire truck, toy train emporium float, holiday music & more. The G Boys, 801 W. Rte. 70, Marlton. 11/26. 11 am.

Buckets of Fun! Vintage Sand Pails & Beach Toys Exhibit featuring over 500 vintage pails & sand toys. Ocean City Historical Museum, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. Donations accepted. Closes 11/27.

Daily Animal Feeding See the aquarium residents being fed. Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant. Included in admission.

Historic District Trolley Tour Hear tales about the past. Downtown Cape May; 609-884-5404, 1-800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.org. $10; $5 children 3-12.

Historic District Walking Tour Guided stroll Downtown Cape May, 609-884-5404, 1-800-275-4278. $10; $7 children 3-12.

New Jersey Surf Museum Exhibit on the history of surfing in NJ. Pictures of Jersey surfers past & present, surfboards, memorabilia, info on beach conservation & more. Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton; 609-296-8868. Included in admission.

Patriot Pirates - Tales of Plunder & Privateers of Coastal NJ Exhibit based on the Revolutionary War Privateers of the Jersey Shore. Ongoing. Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton; Registration required: 609-296-8868 Ext 100. Included in admission.

Simple Machines

Exhibit on the six key components found in most complicated machinery. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hammock Rd., Dover; 302-739-3277. Donations accepted.

Tours of Nemours Mansion Tour the country estate of the late industrialist/philanthropist Alfred I. duPont. Nemours Mansion & Gardens, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington; Reservations recommended. $15.

USS Delaware The story of the Delaware is told through objects, photographs & ceremonial silver. First State Heritage Park, 102 S. State St., Dover; 302-739-9194. Included in admission.

Babies' Playgroup

Little ones meet friends and discover new toys. We provide the toys and books but no organized programming. Camden County Library - Voorhees Regional Branch, 203 Laurel Rd., Voorhees; Registration required: 856-772-1636.

Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs Interactive show with plenty of offbeat humor. Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. www.myspace.com/billykellysongs. $8; $7 children. 11/27. 2 pm.

Bouncy Booktime Children's Story Hour New story each week. Lambertville Free Public Library, 6 Lilly St., Lambertville; 609-397-0275.

Breakfast With Santa Family-friendly buffet, appearance by Santa Claus & holiday story. Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., Cape May. www.capemaymac.org. $15; $10 children 3-10. Closes 12/11.

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

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

Cuentos y Canciones Early education program entirely in Spanish for childen under 5. Lambertville Free Public Library, 6 Lilly St., Lambertville; 609-397-0275.

David Perry: Children's Entertainment Multitalented performer who utilizes music, art, puppets and props. Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Dr., Norristown. www.davidcperry.com/. 12/1. 10:30 am.

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.; Tickets required. Included in admission.

Glory of Stories Children's storytime & craft activity. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. $3.

Jitterbug Music and Movement Young children enjoy music, games, books and songs. Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd., Broomall; 610-356-1510.

KiDrockers Concert series w/indie rockers performing original tunes in an authentic & kid-friendly manner. Various alt-comics host. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. $13, $11 children 1-12 advance; $15, $13 children 1-12 day of show; free under 1. 11/27. 11:30 am.

Lights On! The lighting ceremony and holiday concert are accompanied by awards at the 6th Annual Gingerbread House contest. Grounds for Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Mercerville; 609-586-0616. 11/27. 1-5:30 pm.

Milk & Cookies Variety hour for local performers who specialize in family entertainment. MilkBoy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore; 610-645-5269. $5.

Model Railroad Open House Chelten Hills Model Railroad Club, 8000 Old York Rd., Elkins Park.

PAWS for Reading Children read aloud to friendly therapy dogs. Parkesburg Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg; Registration required: 610-857-5165.

Photos With Santa Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-399-2629. 11/27. Noon-3 pm.

Pint-Sized Planeteers: Animal Colors Children's program focusing on animals of various hues. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Dr., Wilmington; Registration required. $8.

Rittenhouse Square Tree Lightning Ceremony Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army's Joy of Sharing Toy Drive. 1800 Walnut St.; 215-625-9255. 11/30. 5 pm.

Santa Claus Takes the Train: Santa Express Passengers will enjoy a sing-along led by Santa's elves & complimentary hot chocolate. Black River & Western Railroad, 105 John Ringo Rd., Ringoes; 908-782-6622. $14; $7 per child; free under 3. Closes 12/12.

Santa's Trolley Ride Ride with Mrs. Claus, and afterward kids can meet Santa. Downtown Cape May, 609-884-5404, 1-800-275-4278. $8. Closes 12/18.

Saturday Morning Pajama Party Kids can wear their PJs to the Shop to receive a free breakfast entree. A paying adult must accompany. The Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood.

Storytime New story weekly. Borders Books & Music, 4221 Concord Pike, Wilmington. Closes 11/30.

Storytime New stories read weekly. Barnes & Noble - Wilmington, 4801 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 302-487-9677.

Stroller Rollers Parents & toddlers can get some fresh air & exercise together. Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington. $3.

Toddlers' Playgroup The library provides the toys & books but no organized programming. Camden County Library - Voorhees Regional Branch, 203 Laurel Rd., Voorhees; Registration required: 856-772-1636.

Tours for Tots Hands-on activities featuring movement & play. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; Tickets required. Included in admission.

Tree Lighting & Santa's Visit Watch the illumination of Yardley's official Christmas tree & visit with Santa. Yardleyville Library (The Old Library by Lake Afton), 46 W. Afton Ave., Morrisville. 11/26. 6:30 pm.

Wee Have Fun Club: Animals in Winter Programs offer nature, story & art activities for young kids. Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington. $3. Closes 12/2.

Youth Lounge Creative workshops & open art studio. Asian Arts Initiative, 1219-23 Vine St.; Registration suggested: Toni@asianartsinitiative.org. Closes 12/18.

Camden Children's Garden

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

» READ MORE: www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

. $6; $5 ages 3-11; free 2 & under. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

The Crayola Factory 30 Centre Square, Easton; 610-515-8000. www.crayola.com/factory/. Crayola Crayon Manufacturing. Crayola Marker Manufacturing. Crayola Chronology. Inside Out. Cool Moves. Crayola After Dark. Easton Press & Bindery. Crayola Color Carousel. Crayola Meltdown.

Delaware Children's Museum 110 S. Poplar St., Wilmington; 302-654-2340. www.delawarechildrensmuseum.org. Stratosphere. The Power of Me. ECOconnect. Bank on It. Training Wheels. Structures. Daily 9 am-4:30 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. Got Leftovers? 11/26. $10.95; $9.95 seniors; free under 1. 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. $7; free under 2. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm.

Kix & Giggles Children's Playground 9356 Old Bustleton Ave.; 215-677-4140. www.kixandgiggles.com. Kix & Giggles Attractions. $7. Wed.-Fri. 10 am-3 pm; Sat. 10 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic; 215-581-3181. www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. City Capers. Flight Fantasy. Roadside Attractions. River Adventures. Wonderland. Centennial Exploration. Liberty Arm & Torch. Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel. ShopRite Supermarket Exhibit. Space Station. Target First Wednesdays. $2. 12/1. $15; free under 1 & members. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 11 am-5 pm.

Sesame Place 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne; 215-752-7070. www.sesameplace.com. $50.95; $45.95 seniors; free under 2. Open daily.

Smith The Kids' Play Place in the Park 33rd St.; 215-765-4325. smithkidsplayplace.org. Playground. Playhouse. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.