Here are a few of the best bets for the weekend and, as always, there's much more on the calendar.

FRIDAY

Santa arrives at Brier Creek in North Raleigh around 6 p.m. There's refreshment. Bring your cameras for the kids-on-Santa's-lap photo.

SATURDAY

And the big guy is at Crabtree Valley Mall at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast followed by the first day of photos at the mall.

Or you can have breakfast with Twinkle, the WakeMed mascot from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. There's food and live entertainment at WakeMed Apex Healthplex.

The folksy Red Grammer is back at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro for an 11 a.m. performance. The long-time, Grammy-nominated kids performer is a regular at The ArtsCenter and his concerts can sell out.

The huge aquatics center next to Cary Towne Center is hosting a fundraiser with UNC. Donations at the Fall Beach Blast from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will help pay for swim lessons for kids. There will be relays in the pool and games on the edge, including baggo (AKA corn hole). An instructor in the pool will give swim lessons to anybody interested. The event is free, but donations are encouraged if you participate (and that sounds like a great cause). If you haven't been to the aquatics center, this is a great place to go just for a swim especially during the winter. It's all inside.

SUNDAY

The Old Reliable Run makes its way through downtown Raleigh. Fun to watch - or participate in. There's a 100-yard kids dash.

Every Friday, TriangleMom2Mom highlights some of the best family friendly events of the weekend.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!