Blocks are great, but your little builder is ready for something different. Keep him or her occupied with these creative sets.

The Q-Ba-Maze (Black Ink, 5 Brattle Street, Harvard Square; 617-497-1221) allows kids to build their own steel marble run with interlocking cubes. No hard hat needed.

The 120 pieces in the Totem Construction Set are made from recycled cardboard. Use them to create a spaceship, sailboat, reindeer, or witch’s house. Or pick up a MobileHome — a customizable dollhouse also made of recycled cardboard (Greenward, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; 617-395-1338).

The wooden Quadrilla Twist Set (Magic Beans, 312 Harvard Street, Brookline; 617-264-2326) has curved tracks; two funnels; and lots of blocks, rings, and accelerators with which to construct a marble speedway.

It’s all character-building stuff.

CELEBRATE
MFA for the Holidays
What: Enjoy seasonal music and check out the giant gingerbread museum.
Why: Get in the spirit.
When: Wed.-Sun. Times vary.
Where: 465 Huntington Ave., The Fenway (617-267-9300).

WOOF
Bay Colony Dog Show
What: Watch contests, shop ’til you flop, and meet the breeds.
Why: They call it puppy love.
When: Thurs.-Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Bayside Expo Center, 200 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester.

SEE
The Urban Nutcracker
What: Modern interpretation of the classic ballet with Irish steppers, hip-hoppers, and Duke Ellington’s music.
Why: It’ll keep you on your toes.
When: Fri.-Dec. 21. Times vary.
Where: John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Back Bay. Tickets at 877-548-3237 or online at tillingers.com.