Weekend Plans: Hockey, Shimmer, I Heart Play Day, Swap-O-Rama, more

Valentine’s Day weekend is nearly here! I hope you have a great time with the ones you love! Here are some activities this weekend to keep you busy! As always, check WRAL.com's Out & About calendar for more ideas.

The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill will host a Father-Daughter Valentine Dance on Saturday. Tickets are available (at last check). Some other Valentine’s Day dances also are scheduled for this weekend. My earlier post lists them (just know that tickets may be sold out).

The Carolina Hurricanes has one of its family nights during the 7 p.m., Saturday, game against the New York Islanders. For $99, you get four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and four popcorns. You also get four vouchers for IMAX tickets or museum admission to Marbles.

If you love hockey, you can head over to Crabtree Valley Mall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, when the Stanley Cup will be on display. Mike Maniscalco of 99.9 The Fan, will be there. They’ll be giving away tickets to Saturday night’s game. This is the Stanley Cup’s only outside appearance in the Triangle this year.

This looks fun and different: Shimmer: The Art of Light is scheduled at venues across Carrboro and Chapel Hill from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday (the earlier hours are probably best for families). The event will feature pieces that glow or light up the night. The public is invited to be a part of the art by donning their most creative glow costume. You could win cash prizes in the event’s Anything Glows costume contest.

Saturday is Darwin Day at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, the museum will take a closer look at Charles Darwin’s theories and their impact on modern science. Visitors can meet some of the scientists who are continuing his work. The annual event is free.

Marbles Kids Museum will host I Heart to Play Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. The day will feature activities to get your heart pumping, including a jump rope jam and dynamic dance party. Snack stations will spotlight heart-healthy foods and recipes. It’s free with admission, which is $5 per person.

For the crafty among us, the Scrap Exchange in Durham will host its annual Swap-O-Rama-Rama from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. Bring in your unwanted clothes and accessories and swap them for something new. There will be DIY sewing and embellishing stations so you can make those new duds your own. A "trashion show" will be held on the hour every hour so you can show off your new creations.

There will be a family comedy show called Improv Wildcard at 3 p.m., Saturday, at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill. Tickets are $6. High energy, interactive comedy is promised.

From noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, downtown Cary’s Food & Flea will host a Valentine’s Day Market. The afternoon includes more than 20 vendors - from food trucks to fine artists. There also will be live music and more.