Adventurers young and old can discover the dynamics of maps by land, air, sea, and space in a National Geographic exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia. Chart new territories and plan adventures. Navigate through new technologies and ancient mapping techniques. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1400.

Terri Allard.
Publicity photo

The award-winning television show “Charlottesville Inside-Out,” hosted by local singer/songwriter Terri Allard, begins its third season on WHTJ PBS on Thursday, February 4. The program introduces viewers to the people and places that define the Charlottesville area through interviews conducted on-location at a place where the featured guest is most at home and in their element. Each thirty-minute show features two interview segments.

This season’s guests include jazz trumpeter and composer John D’earth; Cove Creek Park founder John Grisham; Special Olympics World Champion tennis player Jon Fried; filmmaker Chris Farina; Virginia Polo Center head coach Lou Lopez; artist Lincoln Perry; acupuncturist Cali Gaston; Shelter for Help in Emergency Executive Director, Cartie Lominack; the UVa Cavalier Marching Band and many more.

“Charlottesville Inside-Out” airs on Thursday nights at 8:30 on WHTJ, channel 41.2 (over-the-air), Cable 7 (basic), Comcast 265 (digital cable), Dish 41 (satellite).

Waldorf watercolor painting.
PHOTO courtesy of CWS

The Early Childhood faculty of the Charlottesville Waldorf School present the marionette play “The Invisible Hunter” in the meeting room of the Northside Library. This play is particularly recommended for 3-7 yr. olds, and admission is free. 201 E. Market St. 973-4946, ext. 304.

Laughing Buddha.

Bring anyone you love to celebrate laughing for no reason, chocolate of many kinds, door prizes, and local gift certificates at the 3rd Annual Valentines Laughter Celebration at Carver Recreation Center. This Laughter Yoga program sponsored by Charlottesville Parks and Recreation promises boosted moods, less stress, social connection, and easy, tangible relaxation.  Email:

Edenbrook Farm.
PHOTO courtesy of Edenbrook Farm

Gardening experts help children ages 5 and up get down and dirty with a winter gardening workshop at Edenbrook Farm. Young farmers can spend a couple hours learning how to propagate plants, start seeds, plan a garden, and visiting with the animals. Parents are welcome to stay. Reservations are required. 4937 Mechunk Road, Keswick. 531-5005.

Monticello.
PHOTO BY Tony the Misfit - Flickr

In honor of Black History Month, the big house on the Little Mountain offers “Answering the Bell: Working in the House at Monticello.” These guided tours of TJ’s historic home highlight the experiences of enslaved men and women who worked in the Monticello household. Each tour covers the rooms on Monticello’s first floor and lasts about 30 minutes. 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway/Rt. 53. 984-9822.

Chinese dragon.
PHOTO BY Ivan Walsh - Flickr

January 1 has come and gone, but there’s still time to celebrate. Piedmont Chinese Association bangs the drum for the Lunar New Year with games, storytelling for children, dancing, Tai Chi, the Lion Dance, and more. Booths open at 1pm; live performances begin at 2pm. Fashion Square Mall. 973-9331.

PHOTO BY Emi Yanez - Flickr

The classic tales of a fabled storyteller have been turned into a 25-minute orchestra piece by composers Art Wheeler and Paul Reisler. Aesop’s Fables for Orchestra and Narrator has its world premier at Charlottesville’s Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center. Fables features a libretto by Tom Paxton, one of America’s best loved storytellers and singers. Sergei Prokofiev’s masterpiece Peter and the Wolf rounds out the program with narration by Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein.

The Charlottesville High School Orchestra’s String Ensemble is joined by some of the region’s top professional musicians on winds, brass, and percussion for the performances under the direction of Laura Mulligan Thomas. Tickets are available from www.mlkpac.tickets.musictoday.com or call (434) 981-6795 for more information.

Laser light.
PHOTO BY Nayu Kim - Flickr

Virginia Discovery Museum is all lit up with Illumination Station: Lights, Lasers, Lenses. It’s a new rotating exhibit in the Back Gallery with lots of fun experiments that let young explorers learn about things like lights, shadows, and things that glow. Try to get the laser beam through the maze of mirrors or use a prism to create a rainbow. Now through May 9 at the east end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Dog Effigy, Late PreClassic period, 3rd c. BC - 4th c. AD, Colima,West Mexico, Redware, 87.16 x 133.4 x 61.8 inches, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eric M. Heiner, 1980.76.2.

The University of Virginia Art Museum presents “Animal Statuary from the Collection,” a family program led by ceramic sculptor Aimee Hunt that will lead children through an exploration of animal statuary and then let them use Virginia clay to construct their own animals. The workshop for 5-7 year olds meets 1-3pm, followed by one for 7-12 year olds, 3-5pm. All children must be accompanied by adults. 155 Rugby Road. To register call 243-2050, or write .