kids and family

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater Family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. Each of the show’s 15 cats and 10 dogs were once strays, rescued from animal shelters. Now, they love to show off on stage - by performing a variety of stunts and skits! Shows continue today at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. SpokAnimal is partnering with Friends of the Bing and there will be an “Adopt a Pet” event before and after each performance in the lobby. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $22/general, $9/age 12 and younger. (800) 325-SEAT.

Spokane Chiefs Hockey All games at 7:05 p.m., unless marked. today, vs. Seattle; Wed., Wednesday, vs. Everett. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $10-$22. (509) 535-7825.

“The Christmas Toy Shop” Continues through Dec. 15. Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. Come and see a Christmas play for the whole family! In a quiet town, a mysterious man and his funny looking assistant arrive in search of an empty store. With luck they find what they need and set to work. Suddenly the store is transformed into a toy shop, immediately capturing the attention of the town folk. It becomes obvious that this is no ordinary toy shop, and a secret is revealed. Shows are Fridays-Sundays. Shows at 7 p.m. are Dec. 6 and 13. Shows at 1 p.m. are Dec. 7-8 and 14-15. Shows at 4 p.m. are Dec. 7 and 14. 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 their office through Dec. 16. Coulter Family Dentistry, 12121 E. Broadway Ave., Building 2, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-1314.

Free Horse and Carriage Rides Continues through Dec. 24. An enchanting 15-20 ride that holds an average of eight persons with children receiving candy canes, presented by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Downtown Spokane. Hours are Fridays, 3-8 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays, noon-5 p.m., and Christmas eve hours are noon-3 p.m. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservations required. corner of Wall Street and Main Avenue. Free. (509) 456-0580.

Teddy Bear Teas It’s time for our annual celebration of that great American icon, the Teddy Bear. Join us for a tribute to Teddy, and bring your favorite bear along for the fun. Today, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at Hillyard Library, 4005 N. Cook St., (509) 444-5380; Monday, 6:30 p.m. at South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St., (509) 444-5385; Tuesday, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at Downtown Library, 906 W. Main Ave., (509) 444-5300; Tuesday, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St., (509) 444-5300; Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave., (509) 444-5390; Thursday, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St., (509) 444-5385; Dec. 13, 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at Downtown Library , 906 W. Main Ave., (509) 444-5300; Dec. 13,10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children at East Side Library, 524 S. Stone St., (509) 444-5375.

“Sara Elizabeth, Little-Miss Know-It-All” Storytime Local authors Lorene Keen and Monica Brandner introduce their charming new book and we’ll hear how Sara Elizabeth learns to use her manners to cheer up a friend who is sad. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

December D’Lights Holiday season kick-off celebration featuring hay rides, Santa, children’s activities, vendors, chili cook-off, baking contest, food and beverages. We will light up Main Street followed by a lighted rig parade. Visit www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com. Saturday, 1 p.m., Main Street, Rathdrum. Free. (208) 687-2866.

“The mortal instruments: City of Bones” Teen movie with refreshments. Rated PG-13. Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 469.

WWE Live See your favorite WWE Superstars live including: CM Punk, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, The Shield, Ryback, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, The Wyatt Family, The WWE Divas and many more. Sunday, 5 p.m., Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $15-$95. (800) 325-SEAT.

Books are Fun Book and Gift Fair Monday-Wednesday. Items for all ages at discounted prices. Benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Daily, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open to the public. Rock Pointe III, 1330 N. Washington St. (509) 953-3246.

Kids Explore & Discover Club Marshmallow Engineering: How tall can you build a tower out of just marshmallows? What shapes withstand the greatest pressures? Build amazing architecture out of marshmallows and other materials as you explore tension, compression and tensile strength. Free. Monday, 4 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, (509) 893-8350; Tuesday, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley, (509) 893-8400; Wednesday, 3 p.m., Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake, (509) 893-8330; Thursday, 4 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley, (509) 893-8260.

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 for Toys for Tots. Make a $3 donation for Toys for Tots and receive a customized email letter from Santa on Christmas Eve. Held on Tuesdays, through Dec. 17 starting at 6 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, 14740 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley.

Home School: All About Bees! Let’s build on the bee education our new exhibit introduces and explore the fascinating biology, social life and lives of bees. For ages 4-8. Tuesday, 4-5 p.m., Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $20. (509) 624-5437.

Ladybug Girl and the Big Snow Storytime and Craft Come hear the newest book in the Ladybug Girl collection by David Soman. Ladybug Girl and Bingo are off to play in the snow and adventure is sure to follow! Stay to make part of your own ladybug outfit! Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Books are Fun Fundraiser Items for all ages at discounted prices, daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Benefitting Deaconess Hospital volunteers. Open to the public. Thursday and Dec. 13, Deaconess Hospital, outside Gift Shop, 800 W. Fifth Ave. (509) 953-3246.

Little Tykes: The Gingerbread Man Join us as fast as you can, you need to catch this Gingerbread class. After reading the rollicking story we will decorate our own Gingerbread boy or girl. For ages 2-4. Offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $12. (509) 624-5437.

Winter Wonderland at Bowl and Pitcher Thursday through Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m. daily Visit for a one-of-a-kind nighttime adventure. Meet Santa, view holiday light displays, enjoy hay rides, hot beverages, snacks and more. Riverside State Park, 4427 N. Aubrey L. White Parkway. $5/person. No Discover Pass required. (509) 465-5064.

“The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever” Dec. 12-22. The Herdman children are the worst kids in the history of the world. No one is prepared when they invade the church one Sunday and decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls. $15/general: $10/students. (208) 457-8950.

Teen Craft Cookie decorating and holiday cards. Thursday, 4 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, Gozzer Room, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315, ext. 469.