Kids, etc.

Big Fun for Little Ones

by Linnay Trail

Fri., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., $5-$7, International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 215-895-6535

Out with the dog and in with the pig — 2007 is all about abundance, so celebrate the Lunar New Year with some Chinese flair. Kids can watch the cultural stylings of the Mei Mei, young Chinese-American performers who do numbers like the lion dance, which is believed to ward off evil spirits. Ages 3 and up.

Sat.-Mon., Feb. 17-19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $7-$9, National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6647

Let your little one be commander in chief for a day by participating in Washington/Lincoln-related crafts. Kids can get the feel of a real campaign by creating buttons and slogans and even taking the oath of office. Ages 5 and up.

Sat., Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $20-$24, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and the Parkway, 215-763-8100

Get a new lease on art with this family-oriented scavenger hunt. Kids have the chance to travel the world deciphering clues without ever leaving the security of the museum. Each group will be sent searching for hidden messages in an Indian temple, a Chinese palace and a medieval courtyard. Advance payment required. Ages 7 and up.

Sat., Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m., free with admission, The Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th St. and the Parkway, 215-299-1000

Everyone's favorite exhibit, "The Scoop on Poop," has done well educating the masses on "the science of scat." Now, it's spawned a poop-themed game show. Kids will get a chance to be contestants in this interactive crapstravaganza, a fun mix of science and silliness. Ages 7 and up.

Mon., Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, $15-$18, Cheltenham Art Center, 439 Ashbourne Rd., Cheltenham, 215-379-4660

Bourbon Street's a little much for the kids, but you can still bring a little New Orleans charm to President's Day Weekend. Originally designed to protect the identities of krewe members, masks are now a timeless Mari Gras tradition. After being provided with templates and cardstock, kids can get creative with feathers, beads and colorful scraps. Ages 5 and up.