One of the best Christmas presents you can give your children is a memory of a great holiday family outing, even if it's indoors. And the local "elves" have been very busy this year setting up a wide variety of activities that are perfect for children. From boats to trains to snow to theater, and usually including Santa, here are some of the fun things families can do:

Photos with Santa
Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 West Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 287-9050
Visit Santa every day through Christmas Eve at Santa's Village in front of Forever 21. Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community Holiday Celebration
Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park
26233 West Faulkner Drive
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
(661) 222-9536
Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Santa arrives at 11 a.m.) Free of charge for all ages. Games, holiday crafts, jumper and refreshments.

‘A Christmas Carol'
Canyon Theatre Guild
24242 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 799-2702
www.canyontheatre.org  
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19 (at 8 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively, with 2 p.m. shows on Dec. 11 and 18).

Gentle Barn Winter Wonderland
15825 Sierra Highway
Canyon Country, CA 91390
(661) 252-2440
http://gentlebarn.org  
Sunday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - To Support the rescued animals and violence prevention program, activities include sled rides and play in 20 tons of real snow, food, holiday gifts, music and more. $10 per person.

Family Snow Day
Ice Station Valencia
27745 North Smyth Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 775-8686
Sunday, Dec. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. An opportunity for the entire family to play in snow, ice skate, drink hot cocoa, meet Santa and have a fun family holiday experience. Child admission includes a snow play area on the "pond" where you can play in snow with tennis shoes (no skates so it is great for whole family, especially smaller kids, to play while older siblings skate), a large skating area to ice skate with instructors giving skating tips, hot cocoa, and the opportunity to meet with Santa. Face painting and pictures with Santa will also be offered for a nominal fee. Child admission (17-under) $10, adult admission - free to play, $3 for skate rentals.

Winter Wonderland
Castaic Sports Complex
31230 North Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 775-8865/8866
Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free of charge for all ages. Santa's visit, games, food and snow.

Fillmore & Western Christmas Trains
351 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA 93015
(805) 524-2546
www.fwry.com  
The Fillmore & Western Railway offers holiday season fun with a variety of train rides:
Through Dec. 12, Saturdays and Sundays - Christmas Tree/Holiday Train.
Through Dec. 27 Wednesdays through Sundays - The North Pole Express.
Dec. 10 and 17 - Dinner with Santa.

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights
Ventura Harbor Village
www.venturaharbor villagecom
(805) 477-0470
Dec. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. - The 34th annual Ventura Harbor parade of Lights will feature a Holidays in Whoville theme. The two-day celebration includes a carnival early in the day, with Santa greeting kids between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fireworks immediately following the parade.

‘The Snow Queen' ballet
Glendale Community College Performing Arts Theater
1500 Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
(800) 938-3006
www.snowqueenballet.com  
Dec. 17, 18 (7:30 p.m.) and 19 (2 p.m.) - "The Snow Queen" marks the 13th annual presentation of a great holiday and wintertime fairy tale presented by the professional non-profit company, California Contemporary Ballet. The principal cast will be accompanied by the California Contemporary Youth Ballet. Alyssa Thompson of Canyon Country stars as the Snow Queen.

Bob Baker's ‘Nutcracker'
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 W. First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-9995
www.bobbakermarionettes.com  
Through Jan. 31, 2011, the famous, yet funny version of "The Nutcracker" featuring the Baker marionettes.