Child’s Play

September marks the beginning of back-to-school activities; here are just a few of the many events this week:

• The Silver Sun Alpaca Farm hosts its 3rd Annual National Alpaca Farm Day (Sat.-Sun., Sept. 26-27, 11am-4pm), a whole weekend filled with furry alpacas and fun. Kids will be invited to meet the cute critters up close with adult supervision at Silver Sun Ranch (3030 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez). Call 637-0637.

• During the South Coast Railroad Museum’s 27th Annual Depot Day (Sun., Sept. 27, 11am-4pm), a yearly celebration of all things rail in S.B. County, kids can take three different rides on a miniature train around the station at 300 North Carneros Road in Goleta. Call 964-3540.

• The Around the World with the Reptile Family show will be making appearances at several area libraries, where a show-and-tell featuring a variety of exotic reptiles will inspire many kids’ imaginations: Goleta Public Library (500 N. Fairview Ave.; call 964-7878) on Thursday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m.; Carpinteria Public Library (5141 Carpinteria Ave.; call 684-4314) on Friday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m.; Solvang Public Library (1745 Mission Dr.; call 688-4214) on Saturday, September 26, at 10:30 a.m.

For more fun events for kids and families, visit independent.com/events.