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 (...)
City kids who need a break during winter break can join Charlottesville Parks & Recreation for a fun filled week of arts and crafts, sports, activities, field trips, and more at Carver Recreation Center. Early care is provided if needed. The camp is restricted to City of Charlottesville (...)
Teens can start their film making career and promote this spring’s Big Read in Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s YouTube Contest. Make a video that encourages people in our community to take part in The Big Read by reading “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston during February (...)
Registration begins December 1 for Charlottesville Parks & Recreation winter classes. The winter session begins in January and features a great variety of classes and programs for youth, adults, and seniors including aquatics, athletics, fitness, enrichment, 50+, therapeutics, and much (...)
The latest Back Gallery exhibit at the Virginia Discovery Museum is not what people expect from a children’s museum. In fact, the folks at the Smithsonian Institution, who created New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music as part of their Traveling Exhibition Service, wouldn’t even consider (...)
Folks are invited to cut their own Christmas trees from Ash Lawn-Highland’s fields of Virginia pine and cedar. This is not a tree farm, so choppers may do some hiking, and the trees are growing naturally, not shaped. Check in at the Gift Shop for directions to the cutting fields. Bring a saw and a (...)
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.
Teens who crochet, knit, do needlecraft, weave—or those who want to learn how—can join Susy at Scottsville Library for crafting, kibitzing, and fun on Monday nights throughout the fall. Bring your current project and hang out with others who enjoy the same pastime. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.
Northside Library hosts Game Night. Teens in grades 6-12 can get in on trivia, cards, board games, and more as they meet new friends and show off their skills. Try theirs, or bring your favorites. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Teens interested in creative writing can join the club and get inspired at Crozet Library. This writing group is a chance to practice your skills, learn new techniques, read what other teen writers are working on, and hear helpful comments about your own writing. 6:30pm. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 832-4050.
Young outdoor types can explore the natural world through stories, songs, games, and crafts at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Storyteller and nature educator Kate White shares the joy and fun with topics such as tree and plant identification, animal tracks and signs, stargazing, bird language, and more. Meet at the Education Building. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
Tree huggers and others can search out the plants, fungi, insects, and animals still visible in the winter at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Trail guides talk about the life histories, traditional uses, and how these woods residents survive the winter. Meet at the Kiosk next to the parking lot. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
The Albemarle High School Cheerleaders host a cheerleading clinic at Albemarle High School Gym. Participants register at the door. T-shirts and poms available at an extra cost. 953-8772.
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.
The Academy of Fine Arts in Lynchburg presents a magical evening with America’s hottest illusionist Jason Bishop I two performances at the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre. Anything could happen when Jason Bishop takes the stage: he might have a person passing through his body or make snow appear from nowhere. The Jason Bishop Show is the most dynamic illusion and magic performance in the US, featuring exclusive large illusions, award winning sleight of hand and “close-up” magic that is captured live and projected onto LCD screens for the audience to have a clear view of every detail. At the corner of Commerce and 5th Streets in Historic Downtown Lynchburg. 434-846-8499.
Montpelier’s Big Woods.City folks can tour one of the last remaining old-growth forests in the East with Montpelier’s annual Winter Big Woods Walk. A 200-acre old-growth forest lies just beyond the back lawn of the mansion. Designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as a National Natural Landmark, the “Big Woods” is recognized as the best example of an old-growth forest in the Piedmont. 11407 Constitution Highway in Orange County. Reservations required. 540-672-2728.
Central Library is Game Central. Players in grades 6-12 can brush up their skills on their favorite game in Wii Sports, then show off their footwork in DDR. There’s Boggle, checkers, and more in between turns at the video games. Snacks, too. No registration required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Teenage fans of Japanese animation can get a sneak preview of the latest releases and meet other enthusiasts at Northside Library’s Anime Club. There’s food, flicks, and lots of fun for kids in grades 6-12. Registration is ongoing. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory (weather permitting). UVA’s research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. McCormick Rd. 924-7494.
Kids of all ages are invited to dress warmly and bring a favorite stuffed animal for a fun-filled hike on the Rivanna Trail with the Rivanna Trails Foundation. Discover how our city forests help real animals stay warm in winter. Held rain or shine (or snow). Free. Meet at Riverview Park at the end of Chesapeake St. 964-1022.
Dede Smigh shares 200 years of local history through the intertwining stories of what we now know as Ivy Creek Natural Area. This presentation of the unique cultural and social history includes stories of Hydraulic Mills, Hugh Carr and Riverview Farm, and the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir. Talk at the Education Building followed by a trail walk to the Hydraulic Mills overlook. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
An inter-generational handcraft group for stitchers ages 8-108 meets at Crozet Library. Bring any handwork you’re working on and join a fun group of fellow crafters. As you work on your own project, we’ll highlight a variety of craft techniques, allowing you to explore and expand your interests and creativity. Registration is requested and is ongoing. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.
Volunteer guide Rachel Bush reads to kids ages 3-5 about the great outdoors then leads a walk along the trails at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Meet in the Education Building. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
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.
Everybody’s reading Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. It’s The Big Read, and during February and March folks throughout the Central Virginia area will read and discuss this modern classic. At today’s kick-off ceremony at the Free Speech Wall on the east end of the Downtown Mall the winners of the YouYube contest will be announced and the video shown, and proclamations will be read initiating the Big Read. All branches of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will host discussion groups and opportunities for people to join in. For more info, call Central Library: 979-7151.
