Ever have a childhood fantasy of surviving in the wild? Take the Plants and People Tour for Kids at UC Berkeley’s Botanical Garden to learn how California Indians used plants for everything from food to games. The tour will cover customs and skills used by the native Californians, and include a take-home project inspired by native crafts. The workshop is Nov. 19, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Preregistration is recommended; cost is $15 for each adult and child pair, $12 members, $5 each additional person.

‘Tis the season for ice skating outdoors. Outdoor rinks are opening up in San Francisco, San Jose, Marin, and the Peninsula, but the most unique may be in Redwood City where the ice isn’t ice at all, but a synthetic imitation. It’s plastic polymer coated with a non-toxic lubricating solution that allows the ice skates to glide. For those who enjoy ice skating, it may be a fun experiment to skate on the synthetic ice, then skate again on a regular ice rink to see if any differences were noticed. More information about the synthetic ice is available on the Redwood City website.

Much bigger than he was, Lego Yoda is. Young Lego aficionados can catch a 12-foot Santa Yoda constructed out of Lego this weekend in San Francisco next to the Union Square ice skating rink. Construction begins Friday, Nov. 18. It will take three days to build and will be removed on Monday.

Explore the creatures that live in the dark lagoon at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve during a Family Fishing event Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. As a group, nets will be cast into the lagoon and gently pulled up to capture aquatic creatures for a closer examination before returning them to the water.  Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children are free, adults: residents $5, non-residents $7.

Step back in San Francisco history while exploring the Conservatory of Flower’s exhibit on Playland at the Beach. Models of the city’s west end, featuring miniature versions of the rides and attractions from Playland go on display beginning Nov. 18. Playland opened in a smaller form in 1913 and grew until it closed in 1972. See the Big Dipper rollercoaster, the vintage attractions and concession, and teach kids about the evolution of amusement parks.