Kids Calendar

compiled by Katy Berry

Harlem Globetrotters

January 17, Stockton

For 85 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been wowing audiences with their impeccable athletic ability, sense of humor, and undeniable skills with a basketball. Not only do they know how to run opponents up and down the court, but these mavericks will impress you with their amazing tricks as they spin balls, slam dunks, and keep you guessing throughout their 2012 world tour. Come see the team's new rookies this year, including the shortest Globetrotter ever, the tallest pro basketball player, and the first female Globetrotter in 19 years. 7 p.m. $16-$83. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St. Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonarena.com

 

Monster X Tour

January 6-7, Stockton

For the first time ever, Stockton will be the motorsport entertainment epicenter, as the nation's most competitive Monster Trucks and Metal Mulisha FMX Stunt Riders invade the Stockton Arena for this exciting, family-friendly event. See the biggest performers on four wheels weighing in at 10,000 pounds as they compete in racing, wheelie contests and much more. Then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the Metal Mulisha FMX! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party. 7 p.m. $7-$32. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St. Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonarena.com

Monster Jam

January 20-22, Sacramento

Professional drivers will amaze with the power of their trucks and their amazing stunts. This mix of racing and showmanship draws more than four million fans into arenas and stadiums every year, making it one of the largest touring family shows in the world. Show times vary. $22.50-$52.50. Powerbalance Pavillion, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, www.powerbalancepavillion.com

Insectfest

January 21, Lodi

Creepy-crawly experts from the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis and the Lodi Serpentarium will be bringing their fascinating displays and other surprises to share with fellow bug lovers at the WOW Science Museum. Kids and parents will have much to explore and discover as they learn all about their favorite insects from the experts. Insectfest will also have free face painting, arts and crafts, and games for all ages. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $6 adults, $4 kids. World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 North Sacramento St., Lodi (209) 368-0969, www.wowsciencemuseum.com

The Allure of Water

Through January 22, Stockton

This exhibit features over 100 new paintings by on-location painters from across the country. Members from the Plein-Air Painters of America and other guest artists will display their depictions of water in all of its forms, from rain and glaciers, to oceans and swamps. This multifaceted natural resource has captivated artists since the earliest times, and viewers will delight in its variety of moods, colors, and textures. Hours vary. Adults $5, seniors/students/kids $2.50. Free to museum members and children under 10. The Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.com

 

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3

February 8-12, Stockton

Join Woody, Buzz, and all their pals in this new ice spectacular. Watch as your favorite toys escape from the toddlers of Sunnyside Daycare and try to find their way home. Relive memorable moments from the original Toy Story and Toy Story 2 movies, and get acquainted with new faces like Lots-O'- Huggin' Bear and Barbie's new beau, Ken. It will be a night of adventure, friendship and fun! Dates and times vary. $14-$65. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonarena.com

Stockton Thunder

January 27, Stockton

Come support Stockton's own hockey team and get rowdy with the Thunder mascot as you watch our boys battle the Alaska Aces on ice. You don't need to know much about hockey to take in the energy and excitement of this sport. The Thunder will also be giving away a free adult black replica jersey to the first one thousand fans (ages 18+) to arrive, so you can sport your team pride all year long. 7:30 p.m. $7-$28. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonarena.com

McKee Student Art Contest & Exhibition

February 2-April 12, Stockton

Join the Haggin Museum for their 81st annual McKee Student Art Contest & Exhibition, the longest running student art contest in the nation. The exhibition was the vision of founding patron Robert T. McKee, and features the artwork of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Hours vary. Adults $5, seniors/students/ kids $2.50. Free to museum members and children under 10. The Haggin Museum, 1201 Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

Cinderella

February 9-12, Sacramento

This ballet tells the classic story of love, humor, pumpkin coaches, and midnight deadlines. Ron Cunnigham's take on this beloved fairytale has graced stages across the world with its phenomenal dancing and beautiful music, but hasn't been seen in Sacramento since 1997. Come see the familiar characters you know and love-with a twist-or, shall we say, pirouette? Show times vary. $17-$68. Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento, (916) 808-5181, www.sacballet.org

Adventures of a Comic Book Artist

February 9-18, Stockton

This comic book musical spoof offers singing superheroes, dancing villains, and lots of laughs. Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz, a janitor at Wonder Comics, dreams of becoming a comic book artist. When a set of magical pens brings the staff's creations to life, mayhem ensues and Stanley's own superheroes must save the day. Show times vary. $10. KUDOS Children's Theater, 1943 W. Lucile Ave., Stockton, (800)-838- 3006, www.kudosct.com

Dangerous Dinos

February 17-18, Tracy

Join three pre-historic superheroes, Ty Rex, Rocko Gecko, and Bubby, as they share with you their mission to be earth-friendly, resist violence, and follow the 4 D's: "Dinos Don't Do Drugs!" These adventurous dinosaurs will take you on a fun journey filled with music and surprises, as you learn about respecting yourself and others. Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Adults $10, children $8. Eleni Tsakkopoulos-Kounalakis Theare at the Tracy Grand, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6TKT, www.atthegrand.org