ICE AGE CREATURES WALK PEARLRIDGE

The trumpeting of a 7-foot-tall woolly mammoth will resonate through Pearlridge Center this summer.

"Planet Ice," a traveling exhibit of Ice Age creatures, opens Friday and remains on display during mall hours through July 31.

The display features an array of animatronic mammals including a saber-tooth cat, a sloth and human ancestors that lived between 60 million and 3 million years ago. A Doedicurus, a creature resembling an armadillo with a weaponlike tail covered in spikes, is among the beasts.

Kelly Kauinana, marketing director of Pearlridge Center, said, "Animatronic beasts have been successful in the past. Everyone loves them. … We’ve even had families come from the neighbor islands."

Previous robotic exhibits hosted at Pearlridge include "Giant Insects" and "Dinosaurs."

Four major areas will be constructed and spread throughout Uptown and Downtown, providing an interactive and educational experience, Kauinana explained. "The viewer actually becomes a part of the scene."

On Saturdays throughout July, a special events room, located Uptown between Price Busters and Aloha Sushi, will host free storytelling, puzzles and hands-on activities keeping in theme with the Ice Age exhibit. Hours for the activities will vary, so check www.pearlridgeonline.com for details.

"For me personally, it’s been an education … and I hope it’s educational for families. It’s a period of time where unique creatures evolved into modern-day creatures," she added. "It’s a good reinforcement of what kids are learning in school. It definitely takes learning to the next level."

Uptown Center Court also features the Pearlridge Explorer Train for children under 48 inches tall. The tour takes keiki through the tundra and grasslands. The cost for train rides is $3.

For mall hours and more information, go to the mall website. — Nancy Arcayna

READ ALL SUMMER!

Several programs around the island are designed to keep kids reading during their long summer breaks. Public libraries host their summer reading program from Tuesday to July 1. Readers of all ages may participate. By visiting the library and reading at least one book per week, participants are eligible to receive incentives while supplies last. Contact your local library for more information or visit www.librarieshawaii.org to access information on summer storytelling performances and other special programs at local libraries.

Barnes & Noble’s program, called “Imagination’s Destination,” allows kids who finish eight books and complete a reading journal before Sept. 6 to choose a free book. Download the journal at www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp. Parents can also obtain activity and educator kits to accompany the program on the website. A list of the available free books is included in the downloadable journal. Borders, Borders Express and Waldenbooks are hosting a similar program, the “Double-Dog Dare Challenge,” for children 12 and under. Once 10 books are read and logged on a designated form, the participant will receive a coupon for a free book. Complimentary book coupons may be used for selected titles through Sept. 5. Forms may be downloaded at www.borders.com; click on “Kids.”

HARRY POTTER AND THE AIEA FLICKS

A Harry Potter movie marathon will be presented at the Aiea Public Library starting Thursday with movies playing every Thursday through July 14. This all leads up to the release of the second part of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final installment of the popular fantasy series, which opens in theaters on July 15.

The free showings will start at 5 p.m. each week in the library’s meeting room. Due to licensing restrictions, the library cannot publicize what titles will be shown during the marathon, but will begin Thursday with the film series’ first movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and the movies will be shown sequentially. Call the library for specific titles each week.

Suitable for audiences ages 12 and older. Refreshments will be served while supplies last. Call 483-7333.

LIGHT A LANTERN, WATCH IT FLOAT AWAY

More than 3,000 lanterns will illuminate Ala Moana Beach Park on Monday at the Annual Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony.

The 90-minute program begins with a Buddhist service at 6:30 p.m., followed by entertainment including a performance by HAPA. This year’s theme is “Many Rivers, One Ocean.”

Attendees can float their own lanterns constructed by volunteers or write a remembrance or prayer on a form that will be placed on a community lantern. The lanterns will be available from 1 p.m., first come, first served. Submissions of messages or memories of loved ones may also be sent online at www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com. Lanterns are free, but donations will be given to the City and County of Honolulu.

Free parking will be available at the Hawai‘i Convention Center with complimentary shuttle service to Magic Island beginning at 4 p.m.