When Kalon Studios’s Hut-Hut, a modern interpretation of the rocking horse, crossed our path last spring, we oohed, we ahhed, and then we sighed. The $870 price tag meant no way, no how, not in our house.

Which is why we screamed, “Yes!” when we spied the new version (pictured) for a much more affordable $125.

Fashioned from recycled resin in brilliant playroom-ready colors (red, yellow, green, blue, pink), it has the same unique shape (we’d describe it as a cross between a saddle, stool, and balance board) and charming star-patterned seat as its solid-wood older sib.

The most obvious difference (besides the price) is the weight. The resin Hut-Hut weighs in at a manageable five pounds, which we find less worrisome (watch out little fingers!) than the heavier version. It’s got more giddyap all around.

Preorder online at kalonstudios.com. Shipping starts December 15.

CHILL
Past Tense Yoga’s Playdate
What: Drop off bambinos for crafts, stretching, and stories while you get some much-needed downtime (ages 5 and up).
Why: Traipse down the block to Social for drink and dinner specials (and nary a mention of chicken fingers).
When: Sat., 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: 3253 Mount Pleasant St. NW (202-462-9642); Social Restaurant, 1400 Meridian Pl. NW (202-797-1100). Register online at clients.mindbodyonline.com. Cost is $25.

DRIBBLE
Washington Wizards FanFest
What: Drills, a scrimmage, and entertainment for the whole fam.
Why: Your junior Jordan will be slam-dunking in no time.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.
Where: Patriot Center, George Mason University, 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax (703-993-3000). Participation is free.

SEARCH
Archaeology Scavenger Hunt
What: Find the answers to clues throughout the museum.
Why: Exhibits of excavated artifacts captivate your little sleuth.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., std. 327, Alexandria (703-746-4399). Participation is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Kalon Studios