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Arts & Entertainment

Ballroom Dancing, A History Tour and a Children's Author

Ballroom dance classes for teens, an award-winning children's author reads from his book, a history tour, a flying experience (on the ground) and a sneak preview of an opera for children are our suggestions for this week's Kids Planner.

Where/When: , 1707 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. 

Why Go: Partner dancing, true partner dancing can be fun. Let your teen try it out by taking a class at Dance Spectrum and if it sees right for them, then you can consider the monthly classes. Basic ballroom and Latin dance styles are covered. If your teen has had an eye on Dancing with the Stars, this might be the right move for them.

Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pricing: $12 for a drop-in class; $40 for a four-week month, $50 for a five-week month.

Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where/When: , 1875 S Bascom Ave., Saturday, 1 p.m. 

Why Go: If you are ready to take your slightly older young ones on a literary outingmight be the place to go this Saturday. Children's author A.R. Silverberry will be there to read from Wyndano's Cloak, his award-winning fantasy novel. But don't bring the really little ones. This event and reading is for kids age 9 and older.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum,  21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Why Go: Give your kids a chance to look to the past and see what life was like when mining was king. They will ride in a van to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park.  Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. The meetup place is at the museum. Pack water, lunch and sun protection for your child. Reservations required.

Where/When: Children's Discovery Museum,  180 Woz Way, San Jose, Saturday,  1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Why Go: This is a sneak preview of Opera San Jose's performance of "Hansel and Gretel," specially aimed at children. Opera San Jose artists will present this one-act, condensed version of Engelbert Humperdinck's classic opera performed in English, by  performers in full costume. Great way to introduce your children to opera and you will enjoy it, too.

Pricing: Free with museum admission

Where/When: Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Why Go:  Take Flight is a half-day adventure for kids who are elementary-school age to explore the world of flying.  Kids get to build and fly a model glider , take the controls of an aerobatic plane in the flight simulators and more.  Great fun and a very different experience for kids who spend time on the ground.

Pricing:$40; $35 members.  Parents must sign their children in and out of the program,  but otherwise, are not required to be present.

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