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.

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Live family-friendly theater is abound this weekend with Charlie Brown in Bellmore, Sleeping Beauty in Islip, Annabelle Broom in Elmont and Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny in Brookville.

Families can also get their fitness fix in at the Fairway 5k Turkey Trot in East Meadow, where kids can try their best to "Chase the Gobbler!"

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Somehow I think my family and I are not the only ones who cannot wait for the new Star Wars movie. In the meantime, we're happy to get a glimpse of favorite Star Wars™ characters and scenes (pictured) this weekend at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Believe it or not, it's time for parents to start looking at schools for next year, and lots of open houses are popping up on the calendar. You can also get a head start on your holiday shopping this weekend at one of many upcoming craft fairs. If you're looking for something musical to do instead, there's an amazing choice of concerts around town, featuring a wolf, some jumping monkeys, and a favorite Latino group. Finally, we get to check out the local skatepark opening up with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. Yeah!

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• It's that time of year again: The Nutcracker is in town and we have the lowdown on area performances.
• Thinking about taking the kids to The Peanuts Movie? Get the full scoop here!

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

A motley mix of fun and fascinating family events are in store for Westchester and Hudson Valley families this weekend. In addition to the live shows we highlighted in our fall family performances, there are two STEAM-themed programs: STEAM Fest and Poughkeepsie Mini Maker Faire. Learn the art of millinery—or, hat making—at Alice in Wonderland Hats; find out if the next celebrity hotshot will be discovered locally at Westchester Teen Idol; and let the force be with you at Lego Star Wars Days.

That’s not all! Read on for the rest of our top picks; then consult our Event Calendar where you’ll find more great events like a Diwali performance, a terrarium workshop and other diverse options to choose from.  Planning ahead? Consult our November GoList.

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.