Playing Doctor.
PHOTO courtesy of VDM

Wee ones can discover how amazing is the human body at the new Back Gallery exhibit at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Kids can check their vital signs, see real x-rays, and learn how blood is pumped through your body and where the air goes when you breathe in this interactive exhibit that helps explain the heart and lung systems. It’s a great introduction for all ages about how the heart and lungs work. Now through May 3, 2009. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

The Lamp Post of Narnia.
PHOTO BY Kathy Csus - Flickr

Old Michie Theatre presents a live performance of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic recreates the magic of the adventures of four children who accidentally wander into the mystical land of Narnia and features the talents of local children.977-3690.

North Branch School presents their 26th Annual production of St. George and the Dragon. Please bring a canned or non-perishable food item, otherwise admission is free. The play will be performed at Rockfish Valley Community Center, 190 Rockfish School Lane in Nelson County. Sunday’s performance is a special all-alumni production of the play with a catered dinner. $25 for two people. Show only, starting at 7:30, is free. Please RSVP by Friday, December 19 if you are coming for dinner. 540-456-8450.

MountainSide Petting Farm.
Publicity photo

Good girls and boys can warm up next to the campfire, cook up some yummy s’mores, and sit on Santa’s lap at MountainSide Petting Farm. MountainSide is a family-friendly petting farm offering young children the opportunity to explore and learn about farm animals, many of whom have been rescued from unfortunate circumstances. 141 Blundell Hollow Rd. (Rt. 633 off Rt. 151 in Afton). 434-361-0203.

Master Wang.
Publicity photo

Discover T’ai Chi or expand upon your practice during a series of inspiring weekend workshops with visiting master Wang Fu-Lai. Free Cheng Ming forms demonstration on Saturday 5:30 – 6:30pm. Schedule details and registration form available at the website. Hiromi T’ai Chi Dojo, 110 Old Michie Building, 609 E. Market St. 982-5810.

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Science Museum of Virginia presents The Day the Earth Stood Still in IMAX glory. In this contemporary reinvention of the 1951 science fiction classic, renowned scientist Dr. Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) finds herself face to face with an alien called Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), who travels across the universe to warn of an impending global crisis. December 12-January 22. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1400.

Rocketman.
PHOTO courtesy of the SMV

Did you receive one too many fruitcakes this year? Science Museum of Virginia has the perfect solution to those unwanted gifts that you just can’t return: a trebuchet. They invite visitors to load their superfluous surplus into the medieval siege machine and let it fly. (Gifts must meet size and weight limits. The museum reserves the right to decline any object.) While you’re there, check out all the great science exhibits and the IMAX theater. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1431.