The Grab & Go Kids Planner

We’re glad you clicked on our new Grab & Go Kids Planner!

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events that we found for the following week.

You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable driving distance.

Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!

• AQUARIUM SPOTLIGHT DAY 

Where and When: Marine Science Institute (MSI), 500 Discovery Parkway, Redwood City. Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

Why Go: Spotlight Days are one of the few times each year that MSI opens its doors to the public and invites all to come and see the amazing marine life that calls it home. If you and your child have ever wished to learn more about the amazing sharks, crabs, fish and sea stars from the nearby Pacific Ocean, here is your opportunity. Trained docents will lead you on a hands-on tour and guide you in touching and handling real marine life.

Pricing: Free! But advance registration is required at msifebopenhouse.eventbrite.com/.

• OFF THE WALL ART WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

Where and When: Guadalupe River Park Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose. Friday, 3:30-5 p.m.

Why Go: Join the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy and get creative in this outdoor art adventure. Children ages 5 -10 will learn how to use different types of media such as watercolors, pastels and charcoal. They will have the opportunity to test their techniques indoors by sketching live animals, then take their artistic skills outside, where they will observe and draw something they find in the park, letting nature be their inspiration.

Pricing: $10-15

• DAD & ME AT THE LIBRARY: PUPPET ART THEATER

Where and When: Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Thursday, 7 p.m.

Why Go: Events made just for Dad and the kids can sometimes be few and far between. For this event, dads and their kids will be treated to a special performance of Riley the Wiley Rabbit with Puppet Art Theater.

Pricing: Free!

• FAMILY DAY: VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT EVENT

Where and When: Pacific Art League, 558 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Saturday, 1-3 p.m.

Why Go: Have fun doing craft projects with the kids while making handmade gifts at the same time. Create an origami Valentine or frame an instant photo for a touching gift.

Pricing: Free!

• I DON’T WANT TO GO TO BED! 

Where and When: Presented by the California Theatre Center at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale. This production has several weekly shows and runs through Feb. 19.

Why Go: I Don’t Want to Go to Bed—sound familiar? If you have imaginative kids who love to role-play (and hate going to bed at night because they’re having too much fun doing it), then a trip to see this play is sure to be a big hit. In this story, observe the frustrations of a young girl who doesn’t like bedtime, so one night, she transforms this task into a wonderful, imaginative adventure with her parents by re-enacting some of her favorite stories, including The Three Little Pigs and The Billy Goats Gruff. This show is recommended for kindergartners through fourth-graders.

Pricing: Tickets cost $11-12 each. Also, for select Saturday shows, there is a “bonus” time after the show where you can meet and greet the characters and participate in fun activities relating to the show. The extra cost for that is $5-7 per child and free for observing adults.