The Blackfriars Playhouse brings to life the traditional holiday classic A Christmas Carol. Expect to be right in the middle of this beloved tale with new twists, surprises, and a production filled with music and cheer for the whole family. Reservations are required.Various times; please see website for details and directions. 10 South Market St., Staunton. 540-851-1733, 1-877-MUCH-ADO.

James Monroe talks to kids at Ash Lawn-Highland.
PHOTO courtesy of Ash Lawn-Highland

Ash Lawn-Highland, home of 5th President James Monroe, celebrates presidents past and present with special events daily, including a visit with President Monroe. Children can participate in hands-on presidential activities and crafts in the conference room. Games from the Monroe era will also be set up, weather permitting. As part of the celebration, presidential china will be on display in the Monroe home. James Monroe purchased the first china created specifically for the White House. Children will have the opportunity to design presidential china to send to First Lady Obama, who, like first ladies before her, will select a pattern for the Obama administration. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-8000.

Friendship.
PHOTO BY Joycee Yip - Flickr

“Tweens” (kids ages 8-12) can declare their affection or decorate their own wrist with colorful friendship bracelets they make themselves at Northside Library. Materials will be provided and you can try different styles. Registration required. In Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Kids ages 6 and up can recycle their favorite reads at Gordon Avenue Library. Simply bring along any book(s) that you’d like to trade for some exciting new ones that others are willing to swap. You’ll be able to take home the same number of books you bring in–from one to five. You can also play a few book-based games and have a yummy snack at the end. Registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave.296-5544.

Playing games.
PHOTO BY D.L. Kinney - Flickr

Teens in grades 6-12 can come and hang out in the game space at Crozet Library with video games, board and card games, and snacks. Learn a new game or bring an old favorite to play. Drop in and bring a friend. Registration requested. Find them at the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Blue jeans makeover at the library.
PHOTO BYTigerzeye - Flickr

Teens who are tired of the same old togs in their closets can reclaim their wardrobe at the library. That’s right! Crozet Library invites kids in grades 6-12 to join them for Fashion Fridays where you can reworking old clothing into something fabulous. When you’re done, flaunt your fashion at the next teen coffeehouse. No sewing experience needed for most projects. This month’s focus is on blue jeans. Registration required. Find them in the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Buffalo Soldiers of the Spanish-American War.
US Government photo

African-American soldiers have fought in military conflicts since colonial days. The name “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to them by Native Americans out of respect for the soldiers’ bravery and valor. Kids ages 5 and up can hear George Grady, an official Buffalo Soldiers reenactor and member of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry, tell tales about these proud and courageous men at Gordon Avenue Library. No registration necessary. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Snowman.
PHOTO BY Antony Pranata - Flickr

Young actors ages 7 and under can act out a wondrous winter tale and create a magical snow scene to take home in a special story time at Central Library. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.

Young geeks are invited to explore the world of technology at an open house at the UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science. This annual event allows visitors to meet faculty and staff, interact with current students, take tours of state of the art facilities, and attend interesting exhibits, presentations, and demonstrations. Special presentations include former astronaut and professor Kathy Thornton who will describe the sights and sounds of space flight, professor Larry Richards who will highlight some engineering greats, and a discussion of admissions and curriculum. Thornton Hall, McCormick Rd. 924-3072.

Fancy Nancy.
Publicity photo

Fancy Nancy fanciers are invited to celebrate their inner Nancy by dressing their fanciest and swishing on over to Barnes and Noble to read Fancy Nancy stories in French and Spanish (oh, so fancy!). A special fancy craft and fancy refreshments are also part of this special Valentine’s Day story time. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Dance with Daddy.
PHOTO BY Banjo Brown - Flickr

Dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to escort their little princess to the Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance at Carver Recreation Center. Girls ages 5-11can dress up and have an enchanted evening of fun dancing the night away with music of yesterday and today.  Reservations required; this popular program fills fast, so don’t delay. 970-3298.

Puzzling.
PHOTO BY John Hritz
- Flickr

The latest traveling exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia is a conundrum of the quirkiest kind. “Mindbender” gives quizmasters the chance to solve puzzles such as Tricky Triangles, Feeding Frenzy, Disco Hopscotch Fever (a spelling game!), Flying Machine, and more. Collect enough passwords in the quest for answers and you become a member of the Mindbender Society. But be careful: Not everything is as it seems. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1431.