I Have a Baby and Ten Dollars... Now What?

One awesome thing about winter? Besides the garbage trucks/snow plows that throw dirty snow all over your car? Ice skating. The RiverRink opens for its 16th annual season of skating in a very big way. With live performances from the Give and Take Jugglers, the Enchantment Theatre Company and magician/illusionist Joe Holiday, along with kids' magic and juggling workshops, make and take crafts, face painting, and free photo keepsakes, RiverRink isn't fooling around. All ages are welcome when the doors opening at noon. While admission runs between $7-8 bucks, all the cool extras are free. Visit the website for skate rental fees and information.

In the same vein, starting November 26th, Longwood Gardens is hosting champion ice skaters (including Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre) as they perform 20-minute skating vignettes as part of their always-amazing holiday display. Longwood is highly encouraging that you arrive early as the "seating" isn't really seating—it's standing around the rink. For a complete performance schedule or to purchase tickets ($4-5 bucks) in advance, visit the gardens online. It is also important to note that these performances will continue all the way into January, so if you can't make it this weekend don't sweat it.

So maybe your family members don't like to lay around, letting the turkey grease congeal in their veins. If you are a member of one of these freak packs, the Thanksgiving Warwick History Hike might be up you ally. Participants will be meeting on the 28th at two o'clock at Pavilion 2, so reserve your space in this opportunity to explore the Iron Heritage Loop. Advance registration is required, and run you three bucks a head; and you can either download the registration forms here or pick them at the Chester County Parks and Recreation Department Office. This is a long trek (the hike lasts, roughly, an hour and half) and isn't recommended for children under 8.

It's a Winter Wonderland at Headhouse Square on the 29th. With a tree lighting, Santa's arrival (on the oh-so-traditional North Pole-friendly fire truck), a balloon artist, and complimentary hot chocolate, snacks, face painting and—wait for it—glitter tattoos, the festivities begin at 5 p.m. There will also be Victorian carolers, carriage rides, and all other kinds of assorted holiday fun times. (And with that, so ends my Christmas protest. It's official, we are giving holiday tips. May the flood gates open.)

The LEGO Store in King of Prussia Mall is hosting a mini model build session beginning this Tuesday, December 1st. Beginning at 5 p.m. kids will learn how to create a mini model and then get to take them home for free. This marks the beginning of a monthly build at the store, so keep in mind that model themes will be changing. There is a one project per child rule in effect and if you have any questions you can call the store at 610-337-3203.

Our last tip for the week is the Long Night Moon Hike at the Wissahickon Environmental Center on December 1st. Meeting up at 5 p.m. at the fire ring behind the Tree House, families are encouraged to bring hotdogs, or veggie dogs, or whatever you can cook over a fire on a stick. Once everyone's eaten, the hike will begin as a guide helps your family hunt for animal signs, listen for nighttime noises, and just enjoy what happens to forest once the sun goes down. All ages are welcome, there is no fee for the hike, and expect the experience to run for about a hour and half from the end of dinner.

So that's it for me this week. Have a great turkey day and an even better delicious stuffing after sandwich day. Happy Thanksgiving! And remember, if you have something you think belongs in this column, feel free to email me at amym@phillyist.com.

Help a mother out.