Stories

3 THURSDAY: A Day in the Life of a Pirate: Discover why pirates wore an eye patch and one gold earring, how to talk like a pirate and maybe even walk the plank! Don’t miss this interactive storytime  where you become the pirate. Every 15 minutes from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St. (414) 223-4676, www.mpm.edu.

4 Friday: Little Red Riding Hoodie: Forget the cape, Red is updated with a zipped-up hoodie. Grandma thinks beyond the wolf’s big ears, big eyes and big teeth, and doesn’t judge a book by its cover. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Racine Children’s Theatre, 2519 Northwestern Ave. (Hwy 38), Racine. (262) 633-4218, www.racinetheatre.org.

5 Saturday: Winter Tales by the Fire: Put on your PJs, grab your pillows and join us for winter stories and music with a local storyteller and musician, followed by warm treats. Ages 2−6. 6:30 p.m. $5. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, 19805 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield. (262) 781-9520, www.wilson-center.com.

6 Sunday: Fête Des Rois: Celebrate the The Feast of Kings with a traditional French potluck buffet of international dishes and hors d’oeuvre, which features la galette des rois, a cake baked with a fève (toy) inside. 5–7:30 p.m. Free. Alliance Française, 1800 E. Capitol Dr. Pre-register (414) 964-3855, www.afmilwaukee.org.

8 Tuesday: Wee Wonders—Sounds of Winter: Explore nature through hands-on activities. Ages 2–4. 9:30–10:30 a.m. $4. Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha. Pre-register (262) 548-7801, www.waukeshacountyparks.com.

11 Friday: Pirate Camp: Ahoy, Mateys! The Jolly Roger will be raised to experience the Golden Age of Piracy aboard the Whydah, one of the most successful pirate ships of her day, and learn about her crew and their jobs, her flags, and of course, her treasures. Ages 4–5. 3–4:30 p.m. $25/child, $32.50/child+adult. Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St. Pre-register (414) 278-2714, www.mpm.edu.

12 Saturday: Family Snowshoe Hike: We supply the snowshoes and instructions, you come with enthusiasm and excitement, and together it’ll be a fun, educational experience for everyone. 1–3 p.m. $4–$7. Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville. Pre-register (800) 287-8098, www.riveredgenaturecenter.org.

15 Tuesday: Reading to Abby: Abby is a trained therapy dog who is happy to listen to children read to her or watch as they show her their books. Pre-register for 15 minutes between 6–7:30 p.m. Merton Town Hall Library, N76 W31429 Hwy VV, North Lake. (262) 966-2933, www.townhall.lib.wi.us

16 wednesday

Heads and Tails: Kids learn about the world around them through fun activities. Part of Nature Sprouts Series. Register by Jan. 11. Ages 4–6. 10–11 a.m. or 1–2 p.m $4. Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St. (262) 548-7801, www.waukeshacountyparks.com.

 17 Thursday: Neighborhood Night: Enjoy music, art and programs sponsored by U.S. Bank and Fox 6. 5–8 p.m. Free. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 390-KIDS, www.bbcmkids.org.

18 Friday: Waukesha JanBoree: Three-day event at several Waukesha area venues features outdoor and indoor events including ice skating, ice carving, dogsled races, pancake breakfast and family activities. www.janboree.org.