The portable DVD player just died and your clan is starting to bug out. Plug them into endless entertainment: their own imaginations. Here, a few engaging compact toys to help time fly.

The smallest travelers will get busy with DwellStudio’s finger puppets (Giggle, 2110 Chestnut Street; 415-440-9034; online at giggle.com). The colorful animals play long and pack flat.

Preschoolers will love a Mudpuppy Sticker Set Play Scene (Dottie Doolittle, 3680 Sacramento Street; 415-563-3244; online at galison.com). Illustrated foldouts depict airports, pirate beaches, and a ballet stage, and come with restickable vinyl characters and props.

Little readers will be intrigued by the pocket-size Kids Topics to Go (Stacey’s Bookstore, 581 Market Street; 415-421-4687; online at tabletopics.com). The junior version of the adult conversation-sparker is packed with questions like What would be a really good flavor for toothpaste?

Sure beats Are we there yet?

AUDITION
Marin Youth Performers Casting Call
What: Junior thespians (ages 7 to 16) try out for director Steven Hess’s A Storybook Christmas.
Why: All hams on deck.
When: Wed., 4-6 p.m.; Thurs., 5-7 p.m.
Where: 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., near Miller Ave. Register at 415-383-9613.

SHOP
Tea Collection
What: Fashion-forward togs at discounted prices, with a portion of proceeds (and $10 entry fee) going to local schools and The Global Fund for Children.
Why: They’re bursting at the seams.
When: Fri., 1-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 1 Arkansas St., at 16th St., ste. b (415-621-9400).

GO
The Time Outs
What: Indie pop band gets tots bopping.
Why: Face the music.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd. (415-339-3900). Register online at baykidsmuseum.org.