‘Play with the Past’ at the historical society

The Bristol Historical and Preservation Society will hold its annual “Play with the Past” event on Monday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at society headquarters, 48 Court St., Bristol.
This year’s event will explore the history of the burning of Bristol by British troops on May 5, 1778. The day includes historic games, puzzles and coloring, as well as a craft where kids will make their own (pretend!) fire torch. Bristol historian Rei Battcher will have his “Amazing Box of Bristol History” on hand for all to see.
At 11 a.m., the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment will lead a march around the Common, weather permitting. They also will unpack their bags so kids can see what soldiers carried with them to war.
At 1 p.m., Mr. Battcher and his assistants will lead the group around Bristol to sites that were burned by the British in 1778. Kids will bring the torches they made and imagine themselves as British soldiers.
event costs $5 per child with a $20 family maximum. BH&PS Kids members and those wearing Colonial dress will be admitted for free. For more information, call 401/253-7223 or visit www.bhpsri.org.


East Providence libraries hosting puppets, movie night

Sparky's Puppets, which have delighted children and family audiences throughout New England for over 30 years. will presents Stories from Snowy Lands at the Weaver Library, 41 Grove Ave., East Providence; Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Family Bingo Night, when kids and families can play Bingo for prizes, will be held at the Weaver Library on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Family movie at Riverside Library, 475 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside —  bring the whole family to see Smallfoot (rated PG, 96 min). Snacks will be served, but feel free to bring your own. Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Legos at the library: Join other LEGO fans for a morning of building.  Bring your imagination and engineering skills to the Weaver Library on Friday, Feb. 22 at noon.


Audubon to offer a full slate of special programs

Special programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. Registration is not required. Nature crafts will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, as well as a Nature Story at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and an animal interview at 1:30 p.m.
The following special programs are also available each day at 11 a.m. and are recommended for children ages 6+:
February 18: Extraordinary Raptors
Learn all about the adaptations, behavior, ecology and natural history of birds of prey. Demonstrations, hands-on activities and biofacts will help illuminate the fascinating lives of these birds. Families will get up-close a live raptor!
February 19: Light and Color
Test your sensory abilities by experimenting with bubbles and color science. What happens when you mix colors with salt water, milk or oil? Are bubbles always round? How do animals use color to survive? Come and solve the mystery! Wear clothes that can get messy.
February 20: Hooked on Fish
Be a sea researcher and dive in to get a fish-eye view into the fascinating world under the sea. Learn about the strange and unusual fish that call Narragansett Bay home from the tiny mummichugs to the great white shark.
February 21: Surviving the Cold!
It’s cold out there! Join Audubon and conduct some experiments to find out how animals survive in the winter.
February 22: Winter CSI
Nature offers some unique learning opportunities. Use your investigative skills to find clues in nature and learn about our living landscape. Come and find out “who-dun-it?” This program will take place outside, so please dress for the weather. 
 The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is located at 1401 Hope St., Bristol.
 

February Vacation Week at The Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum launches February Vacation Week on Monday, Feb. 18 with family-friendly activities celebrating one of New Bedford’s most remarkable figures, Captain Paul Cuffe, a 19th century abolitionist, entrepreneur, whaler, merchant, and visionary. Vacation Week continues February 19-21 with hands-on fun focused on the Museum’s newly expanded exhibition “Whales Today.” A special ocean-themed New Bedford Science Café Kids takes place on Friday, February 22. The Whaling Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. Full details and scheduling are at www.whalingmuseum.org.


Providence Children's Film Festival

The annual Providence Children’s Film Festival takes place February 15 through 24 at multiple venues within walking distance of downtown Providence, with over ten days of screenings, filmmaking workshops, and free activities, along with post-film conversations that help deepen the film-watching experience and foster critical thinking skills.
During the festival, PCFF screens an average of 18 feature-length and over 100 short films—including live-action, documentary, and animation—made by filmmakers from around the world. Beginning in 2014, PCFF added the Youth Filmmaker Showcase, a juried program of films made by youth, followed by an opportunity for young filmmakers to talk about both the fun and the challenges they face during the creative process.
For more information and a full schedule, visit providencechildrensfilmfestival.org.


New Bedford Art Museum Frosty February vacation workshops

Multimedia; Ages 6-9; Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kids will use painting, sculpture, drawing, and more to create unique artworks of their choice. Cartoons, landscapes, animals, doodle, still life and more! Imagination is the only limit in this class. $280 Non-Members/$252 Members.
Tweens on Wheels; Ages 9-13+; Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students will get their hands dirty and have fun learning how to make pots, bowls and sculptures using the potter’s wheel and hand-building techniques. $280 Non-Members/$252 Members.
Prop-a-paloosa  | Ages 9-13+ |  Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We will be creating props of all shapes and sizes to be utilized by students of the Zeiterion Theatre in a performance at the end of the week. The class will be inspired and engaged as they dream up various props and execute the objects that will motivate the Z’s student group to perform imaginative and spontaneous dramatic skits.  This will be a fun collaborative experience.  $280 Non-Members/$252 Members.
Intro to Photoshop & Animation  |  Ages 10-13+  | Wednesday–Friday  1 to 4 p.m.
Learn how to become a digital wizard with this excellent introduction to Photoshop and GIF animation. Students will learn how to create and manipulate images, manage layers, and use the timeline function to create their own unique animated drawings. This class only meets Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. $135 Non-Members/$122 Members.
Aftercare for students is available every day from 2 to 5 p.m.; $30. The New Bedford Art Museum is located at 608 Pleasant St., New Bedford. For more information visit www.newbedfordart.org.