HANDS ON
Junior Naturalist Bat Program
Discover the secret world of bats and unlock the mysteries behind this mammal: how they use echolocation to fly and hunt and the important role they play in the Alaska ecosystems. Learn how you can help the Alaska Citizen Science Program by reporting your bat sightings, and help paint bat houses. 2 p.m. Saturday, February 20, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Free. (694-2108, ernc.org).

Imagination Station: Next Stop... Theme Park!
Students will learn theatre games and exercises specific to each theme. From spies to dinosaurs to the realm of music.10 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Saturday, February 20, TBA Theatre, 8200 Homer Drive. $40, (677-7529, tbatheatre.org).

Sing-a-longs at the Zoo
Musician Annie Reeves shares her time and talent with young kids and parents, leading groups in singing children’s songs while she plays guitar. 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 22, Alaska Zoo, 4731 O’Malley Road. Regular admission rates apply, no extra fees, (346-2858, alaskazoo.org).

Science in the Library - Rocks That Have Been Squished
Participate in a child/adult learning experience featuring theme-centered activities, crafts, and games. This program is for children age 4-10 and their adult partners.12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, Chugiak-Eagle River Branch Library, 12001 Business Blvd. Free. (343-1531, anchoragelibrary.org).

Tinker Time
Dynamite Dino Skeletons: Preschoolers make their own dinosaur noodle skeletons, match dinosaur skeletons to the correct body, and examine dinosaur bones. Drop in. 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 - 24, Anchorage Museum of Natural History, 201 N. Bragraw St. $5 with accompanying adult. (274-2400, alaskamuseum.org).

$2 Tuesdays at the Museum
$2 per person. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum, Wasilla (376-1211, museumofalaska.org).

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Art Night at Chugach Optional
Sale of artwork by students, parents and teachers of Chugach Optional School to benefit the Malawi Childrens’ Village, Mauni School in Malawi, Africa. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, February 19, Chugach Optional School, 1205 E St.

Anchorage Montessori School Auction and Casino Gala
Enjoy a bite to eat, bid on auction items and hit the tables for casino-themed games. All auction proceeds and table winnings benefit the school. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, February 20, Coast International Inn, 3450 Aviation Drive. $25 (276-2240, anchoragemontessorischool.org).

Canstruction
Annual design/build competition of local architects, designers, engineers, and contractors. Eight teams will build giant structures made entirely out of canned food. Awards ceremony starts 3 p.m. Saturday, February 20, on display through March 5, University Center Mall, 3901 Old Seward Highway. Free. (272-3663, foodbankofalaska.org).

Westchester Lagoon Family Skate
Shake away the winter blues while getting some exercise. Music, warming barrels and special theme days. Prizes and fun for all ages. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays Westchester Lagoon, U Street and W 15th Free. (343-4121, muni.org).

LITERARY ARTS

Landspeeder Readers
A sci-fi reading and art club that is out-of-this-world. Children ages 5 to 8 are inspired by stories and the “Star Wars” exhibit to build starships, futuristic inventions and robots. Taught by artist and early childhood educator Kelly Hebert. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25, Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. $70 members/$90 non-members (includes admission to “Star Wars” exhibit)

Story Time with the Flowers
Grab your favorite book and a blanket for story time, followed by arts and crafts at the greenhouse. Ages 2-5. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Mann Lesiser Memorial Greenhouse, 5200 Debarr Road. $1 per day, (343-4138)

Story time
Story time under the apple tree. 1 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. Wednesdays, AppleTree Book Shop 12212 Old Glenn Highway, Eagle River (622-7323)

Family Storytime
A half hour of books, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills for children 5 and under and their caregivers.10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Muldoon Branch Library, 1251 Muldoon Road. Suite 158, 11 a.m. Fridays, Samson-Dimond, 800 E. Dimond Blvd. Free. (343-4223, anchoragelibrary.org).

Lapsit
Twenty minutes of short stories, songs and lots of repetition to build early literacy skills for children 3 and under and their caregivers.10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Muldoon Branch Library, 1251 Muldoon Road. Suite 158, 10:15 a.m. Fridays, Chugiak-Eagle River Branch Library, 12001 Business Blvd. Suite 100, 10:30 a.m. Fridays, Z.J. Loussac Public Library, 3600 Denali St., 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20, Scott & Wesley Gerrish Branch Library, 250 Egloff Drive. Free. (343-2841, anchoragelibrary.org).

”Read Across America” - Books on Buses Storytime
Take part in the National Education Association’s “Read Across America” initiative. This annual event calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult and is scheduled to coincide with Dr. Seuss’ birthday. 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 25, Z.J. Loussac Public Library, 3600 Denali St. Free. (343-2841, anchoragelibrary.org).

Pajamarama Storytime
Put on your pajamas, grab your blanket and listen to a bookseller read books about a new theme each month. 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, 200 E. Northern Lights Blvd.

Preschool Storytime
A half hour of stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and prepare your preschooler ages three to five for Kindergarten., 11 a.m. Fridays, Scott & Wesley Gerrish Branch Library, 250 Egloff Drive. 11:15 a.m. Fridays, Chugiak-Eagle River Branch Library, 12001 Business Blvd. 11:30 a.m. Fridays, Z.J. Loussac Public Library, 3600 Denali St. Free. (343-4024, anchoragelibrary.org).

MOVEMENT

Pony Rides
Pony Rides for children ages four-six. Certified instructors, safe and indoors. Must call for reservations., 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, Huffman Horse Center, 12401 Gander St. $30 (345-6677, huffmanhorsecenter.com).

KinderGym
Expel some extra energy and bond with your pre-schooler. Experience a variety of play equipment including scooters, parachutes, hula hoops, jump ropes, cage balls, and others to enhance balance, coordination, and cooperative skills in a fun and supervised atmosphere. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fridays, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spenard Recreation Center, 2020 W. 48th St. $5 per family. (343-4121, muni.org/parks).

Toddle Time
Toddlers have time to move and explore with a variety of play equipment. Parents are encouraged to stay and interact. Infant to 2 years old. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Spenard Recreation Center, 2020 W. 48th St. $5 per family. (343-4121, muni.org/parks).

After School Youth Hapkdio Tae Kwon Do
Children will Increase self esteem, build discipline, concentration, self defense and personal safety techniques in this after school program. For grades K-6., 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Begich Middle School, 7440 Creekside Center Drive. $34 for seven week session. (343-4138).

Mat Su Junior Nordics
Children ages 6 to 14 of all abilities are welcome to join and learn cross country skiing. 3:45-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays, John Shaw Elementary, 3750 E Paradise Lane $25 per child, $40 for two or more children (forthe whole season). Must join Mat-Su Ski Club. (745-9961).

PARENT RESOURCES

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Education Class
Learn about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Symptoms, medications, communication and problem-solving skills, self-care, recovery, and more. 12-week class begins 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25, VA Domiciliary, 3001 C St. Free. (272-0227, nami.org/sites/NAMIAnchorage).

Parent Involvement Policy
As part of Title I requirements, every Title I school must have a parent involvement policy (PIP) on file. This workshop will provide parents an opportunity to become familiar with the PIP and provide feedback. This workshop will be presented in Spanish. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, Tudor Elementary School, 1666 Cache Drive. This workshop will be presented in Hmong., 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, Williwaw Elementary School, 1200 San Antonio St. This workshop will be presented in Samoan, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, February 25, Clark Middle School, 150 Bragaw St. This workshop will be presented in Nuer., 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, February 25, North Star Elementary School, 605 W. Fireweed Lane.

Anchorage Montessori School Elementary Parent Observation
Parents of elementary-aged children (K-6) interested in Montessori education can tour the school and observe the elementary classrooms. 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, and Thursday, February 25. Open House 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, Anchorage Montessori School, 5001 Northwood Drive (anchoragemontessorischool.org).

Family Law Education Class
This class is for people who are representing themselves in divorce and custody cases. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, Boney Courthouse, 303 K Street, courtroom 47. Free.(264-0858, courts.alaska.gov/selfhelp.htm).

The Independent School Fair
Learn about Alaska’s independent school options for pre-school through 12th grade education. Meet with teachers, parents, and students from some of the private schools in Anchorage. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, February 20, BP Energy Center, 1014 Energy Ct. Free. (333-1080, akais.org).

SPOTLIGHT

Mirror Lake Middle School Jazz Band Concert
This is a silent auction fundraiser and donations go to assist students in participating in a music competition in Orlando, Florida, April. 7 p.m. Friday, February 19, Community Covenant Church, 16123 Artillery Road. (mlmsmusic.com).

Favorite Tales & Stories
Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of great dance for all ages, 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Alaska Dance Theatre, 550 E. 33rd Ave. $8-$15 (alaskadancetheatre.org).

Magic Mondays
The MagicGuy, Don Russell, amazes and amuses guests with fun tricks and illusions. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Mondays, Dairy Queen, 611 W. Tudor Road.

Connecting Past to Present
A juried student art exhibition, local high school and middle school students bring past events to life. The students’ art was inspired by interviews with their elders, important historic events and family photos.10 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily, Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Free -$10 (929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org).

TEEN
Teen 2 Teen Sewing and Craft Group
Teens Teaching Teens how to do their favorite crafts and sewing projects. 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Aurora Creative Designs Sewing Studio, 820 Hilltop Drive. $12 (841-7429, learning2sew.com).

The Teen Advisory Board
All teens in grades 7 - 12 are invited. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, Loussac Library Public Conference Room, 3600 Denali St. Free. (343-2841).

Magazine Bowls and Coasters
Local artist Jerelyn Miyashiro will show how to create bowls and coasters from folded magazines or catalog paper. Pre-registration required. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, GrassRoots Fair Trade Store,1300 W. Northern Lights Blvd. (929-5835).

Pine Needle Basket Weaving
Using a long-standing method traditional in the Southeastern U.S., weave a coiled basket using 10-14 inch pine needles, threaded through a pre-drilled wooden base. For ages 13 and up. 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25, Lidia Selkregg Chalet, 1600 Lidia Selkregg Lane. $29 youth, $36 adult. (343-4138)

--Compliled by Gretchen Weiss