Kids, etc.

Big Fun for Little Ones

by Jessica Loughery

Halloweeny ParTEA

Sun., Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m., free, Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Ln., 215-844-1870, www.bigbluemarblebooks.com

Big Blue Marble's tea party introduces kids to Mexico's Dia de los Muertos. Themed art activities include crepe-paper flower making, edible sugar skull decorating and Frida-style self-portraiture. For traditional types, there'll be a low-key costume contest. Caffeine-free botanical teas and healthy snacks like popcorn and Veggie Booty will fill bellies. Ages 4 to 10.

Sat., Oct. 28 and Sat., Nov. 4, 1-4 p.m., $60, Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne, 610-688-3553, www.wayneart.org

Skateboarding may sometimes lead to bandages, but the sport can also serve as a canvas for budding artists. Leanne Biank will lead kids in personalizing their decks using everything from stencils to spray paint (pictured). She'll also provide some history to bring fledgling artists up to speed. Registration required. Ages 9 and up.

Fri., Oct. 27, 8-11 p.m., $2, Ridley Creek State Park, 1023 Sycamore Hills, Media, 610-892-3900

Adventurous youngsters meet at Ridley Creek's Area 17 for a one- to two-mile night hike and campfire complete with your standard s'mores, cider and kum-ba-yah-ing. Pack blankets, mugs, flashlights, sturdy shoes, guitars and other fireside instruments. Registration required. All ages; Girls under 14 must bring adult companions.

Sun., Oct. 29, 1:30-3 p.m., $5-$10, Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., 215-247-0948, www.woodmereartmuseum.org

Be it bugs or Barbies, kids have always taken pride in their ability to collect things. During this family session, young artists will use paints, paper, cardboard and other materials to create safekeeping boxes for their beloved trinkets. Ages 4 to 12; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fri., Oct. 27, 7 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 28, 2 and 7 p.m., $5, free under 12, The Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8881, www.thestagecrafters.org

These tyke-friendly Halloween readings feature spine-chilling stories from R. L. Stine and Shel Silverstein. Magician Jeff Ragan will astound with interactive tricks, and a costume contest will give parents a chance to see their hard work paraded around on stage. Evening performances for ages 8 to 12; matinee for ages 7 and under.