Freewheelin'

The Pinewood Derby is not a wooden hat. It’s an event in which Cub Scouts carve
miniature racers out of wooden blocks and race them down a sloped track in a
battle for coveted uniform badges. This weekend you can watch the little woodsmen
of Pack 11 wield sandpaper and saws as they gear up for the competition. And
if you’re feeling a little industrious, you can even make a car of your own.
For all you pinewood newbies out there, here’s a little advice: When it comes
to winning the big race, don’t worry too much about aerodynamics. Weight and
lack of friction are what will shoot you past the finish line. Make sure your
car weighs exactly five ounces (that’s the max) and be sure to grease up those
axles. Dale Earnhardt would be proud. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 3.
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 4. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848
Main. For information, call 713-529-4848 or visit www.crafthouston.org.
Free. — Keith Plocek

Get the Blues

Model airplanes are a pain. If you want your little fly-boys and -girls to
learn about the wonders of flight without worrying about expensive crashes,
take ’em to see the 3-D animated film Flight School. They’ll follow the
swooping and soaring adventures of two bluebird siblings in the forest canopy.
No batteries required. Daily. Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. For information
and showtimes, call 713-522-1138 or visit www.cmhouston.org.
$7 (general admission included). — Keith Plocek

Sunny Days

When Martians land on Sesame Street, we learn how much all earthlings — even big yellow birds and grouchy garbage dwellers — have in common. Sesame Street Live: Out of This World! will show your little monsters how big (and small) our planet can be. Friday, January 2, through Sunday, January 4. Reliant Arena, 8400 Kirby. For information and showtimes, call 713-629-3700 or visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. $12 to $22. — Keith Plocek