Kids and Family

“The Christmas Toy Shop” Continues through Dec. 15. Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. In a quiet town, a mysterious man and his funny-looking assistant arrive in search of an empty store. Suddenly the store is transformed into a toy shop, immediately capturing the attention of the town folk. Shows are Friday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.; Dec. 6 and 13 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15 at 1 p.m. The Dec. 14 show will be signed for the deaf. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia St. $10-$12. (509) 328-4886.

Toy Drive Coulter Family Dentistry is holding a toy drive to benefit Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Drop off new, unopened toys at the office through Dec. 16. Coulter Family Dentistry, 12121 E. Broadway Ave., Building 2, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-1314.

Santa Express Continues through Dec. 23. The holiday store where kids ages 4-12 can find gifts ranging from 50 cents to $8 for everyone on their shopping list. Volunteer elves are on hand to help the children select and wrap their gifts, with proceeds benefiting the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Crescent Building, Skywalk level, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 535-3155.

Out of this World Storytime Come hear “The King of Space” by Jonny Duddle and other stories sure to send you up, up and away. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Pajama Party with Santa Bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket or book and capture a magical and memorable moment. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Make a $3 donation to Toys for Tots and receive a customized email from Santa on Christmas Eve. Tuesdays through Dec. 17 starting at 6 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, 14740 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley.

Teddy Bear and Blanket Drive Tuesday and Wednesday. Washington State University students will collect teddy bears for children and blankets for homeless teens each day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The bears will be delivered to children at Shriners Hospital for Children and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. The new or gently used blankets collected will be donated to homeless teens at Cross Walk. Donations of new teddy bears and new or gently used blankets can be taken to the first floor lobby of the center. Riverpoint Campus Academic Center, 600 N. Riverpoint Blvd. (509) 845-6767.

Kids Explore & Discover Club Marshmallow Engineering. How tall can you build a tower out of marshmallows? What shapes withstand the greatest pressures? Build amazing architecture out of marshmallows and other materials as you explore tension, compression and tensile strength. Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrom St., (509) 893-8250. Wednesday, 4 p.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., (509) 893-8280. Wednesday, 4 p.m., Moran Prairie Grange, 6004 S. Regal St., (509) 893-8340. Free.

Toddler & Me: Lil Buzzy Bees We are all buzzing about the bee exhibit. Join us in this special class to learn more. For ages 2-4. Offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $10/members, $12/non-members. (509) 624-5437.

“If You Take a Mouse to the Movies” Storytime and Party What happens when you give a mouse a cookie? Or take him to the movies? Come find out during this storytime. Stay for some popcorn and coloring as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

It’s Your Move Join your friends (or make new ones) and battle it out over Wii, board and card games. Held first Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. For sixth-graders and older. Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park. Free. (509) 893-8300.

Catching Fire! Join us in a “Hunger Games”-inspired competition. Strategy is everything. Test your survival skills as we compete in a variety of games and activities. For sixth-graders and older. Wednesday, 4 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.