Hard to believe it’s already mid-November! Take advantage of some laid back fun this autumn weekend, before the holiday craziness begins. Little ones will love the National Teddy Bear Day Picnic at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts or the Train Celebration at Camden Children’s Garden. There’s also plenty of hands-on learning happening in every corner of our state including Lenape Family Day at the Morris Museum or the Kids Create: Again event at the Roebling Museum. And for an early dose of Turkey Day, check out the Thanksgiving Harvest Home festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

The charm and appeal of the new Peanuts movie spans generations, from the moms and dads who grew up reading the comics to the youngest who've only seen the TV specials. Sweet and entertaining, The Peanuts Movie (G) can be a great film for the whole family to see together—but does it retain the nostalgic glow of Snoopy and Woodstock without resorting to Lucy's jarring, outdated cries of, "Charlie Brown, you stupid idiot"? And is it worth seeing in 3D, or will the old 2D work just as well?

Being a mom Downtown and in South LA is a different experience from parenting in, say, Pasadena or the Westside, where it seems like parents can bring their kids to a different indoor playspace or park every day of the week. Places to safely let little ones run free around DTLA are not so plentiful, which is why it's such big news having a brand new playspace open up in Leimert Park—especially one created by a local mom. Kiddie City, which opened its doors on Crenshaw Boulevard in September, is offering moms on this side of town a haven for physical activity, mental stimulation, and free Wi-Fi.

For kids that love to compete--and also enjoy some glow-in-the-dark fun--there's laser tag. You can make your child's birthday party glow by throwing the celebration at one of these Long Island laser tag spots. And for more ideas, be sure to check out our Party Guide.

Craving some music and munchies? Both are hot themes on our calendar this week, the second full week of November. Get the little ones movin’ and groovin’ at Mommy & Me Kindermusik, Rutgers Children’s Choir Drop-In Day and Tom Chapin: Sensory-Friendly Performance. Enjoy creating treats at Make Your Own Pizza and Candy Corn Creations. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Those of us with school aged children need not be blindsided by the slightly inconvenient day off on Wednesday; if you work some place that doesn’t close for Veterans' Day and need child care, why not sign them up for beach camp? Remarkably, it is still warm enough to do that. When I’m not working, I tend to look at these days off as a gift of time with my kids. Find something cool to do! Southern California was home to two of our presidents, and regardless of how you feel about Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan, their libraries are rich with history. The Reagan Library has Air Force One and panels from the Berlin Wall. In Yorba Linda, it is possible to see the humble home where Richard Nixon began his life. Both libraries have special events planned for this day honoring those who have served. (Note that the Nixon library is open, but the galleries are under renovation.) Not feeling presidential? There is loads going on this week that's not remotely political.

This week, parents can take the kids to explore a variety of subjects ;at the Center For Science Teaching & Learning. Families can also make chocolate, create a craft to celebrate the four seasons and celebrate Veteran's Day with a special performance by a ventriloquist. And if you're looking to get rid of all that excess Halloween candy, be sure to check out the many buy back programs going on around Long Island.

For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.