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Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Dogs, Trains, Siege Weekend Nov 14-15

11/11/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

By mid-November, Philly families can sense the excitement of the holidays. So, does our Events Calendar, as it is jam-packed with events celebrating the season. Santa has arrived at the mall and holiday shows have already hit the stage.

However, if you aren't quite ready to delve into the holidays, there are tons of wonderful non-holiday events this weekend. Attend the National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Learn about the Native Americans at Great Valley Nature Center's Lenape Festival. Or, hear the West Philadelphia Orchestra at its free concert, held at Philadelphia's Central Library.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, which is delivered on Thursday mornings. And, don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to keep up with the latest postings. In the meantime, read below to check out this weekend's top picks.

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All Weekend

The National Dog Show- Oaks, PA
This weekend, visitors to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center can see 2,000 show dogs, representing 150 breeds. Family-friendly activities keep children entertained as well. Then be sure to watch The National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day.

Siege Weekend- Philadelphia, PA
Step back in time as the Revolutionary War comes to life at Fort Mifflin. Kids learn about battlefield medicine, see weapon demonstrations and play in a scavenger hunt.

Train Celebration- Camden, NJ
The theme at Camden Children's Garden is all about trains this weekend. Children can participate in train crafts, listen to train stories and even meet "Buddy" from PBS's Dinosaur Train.

A Christmas Story, The Musical- Philadelphia, PA
This Christmas classic presented at Walnut Street Theatre is bound to keep audiences laughing, while reminding us of our own childhood Christmas memories.

Saturday, November 14

Lenape Festival- Devault, PA
Explore the life and habits of the Lenape Indians at Great Valley Nature Center's Lenape Festival.

Family Clay: Holiday Light Ceramic Lantern- Haverford, PA
Children and grown-ups alike can take ordinary clay and create an extraordinary lantern at Main Line Art Center.

Tots on Tour- Hamilton, NJ
Meet in the Welcome Center and get ready to explore the Grounds for Sculpture. Along the way, visitors can listen to stories and participate in interactive workshops.

Craft Now Create- Philadelphia, PA
Family-friendly activities await visitors to the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza. Guests can expect to see demonstrations by The Clay Studio, The Center for Art in Wood, The Philadelphia Art Alliance and more.

Music for Aardvarks Drop-In Class- Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to rock and roll at a Drop-In Class with Music for Aardvarks and other mammals Philadelphia. Located at Rittenhouse's First Unitarian Church, these classes help children develop a love for music by exposing them to rhythm, beats and sounds.

Sunday, November 15

Family Program: Autumn's Bounty- Media, PA
Collect treasures from nature such as pinecones and nuts to create an autumn centerpiece at Tyler Arboretum.

Open House and Trail Walk- North Wales, PA
Put on your hiking boots or sturdy shoes to take a tour of Evans- Mumbower Mills and explore the path that lead to the mill to locate remnants of the dam in the Upper Wissahickon.

Open Arms-Family Evening- Cherry Hill, NJ
The Garden State Discovery Museum invites families with children on the autism spectrum to a relaxing evening where children can enjoy the museum in a safe, interactive environment.

West Philadelphia Orchestra- Philadelphia, PA
Attend a free performance presented by the West Philadelphia Orchestra at The Free Library of Philadelphia. Listeners can expect to hear music of South Eastern Europe and the Romani diaspora.

Photo courtesy of The National Dog Show