The Grab-and-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!

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Where/When: Ed R. Levin County Park, 3100 Calaveras Rd., Milpitas; Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Why Go: Get out with your kids and experience nature! Docents will lead parents and their children on a hike along the Tularcitos, Calera Creek and Agua Caliente Trails and help you try to identify wildflowers along the way. Your toddler should be willing to walk the whole way; otherwise, bringing a child backpack or carrier is recommended. Meet the docent at the Sandy Wool Lake parking area. Parents should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water and snacks for you and your children, and a camera to catch all the action! Note: trails may be closed if it's raining, so call before you go at 408-355-2240.

Pricing: Free!

• KICK-OFF CLASSIC 2011 MODEL SHOW AND CONTEST

Where/When: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why Go: Do you have a child who likes to make models? And maybe a husband who does, too? If so, this could be a great father-child bonding day. Browse booth after booth to see some of the latest and greatest model airplanes, tanks, ships and cars, then purchase a few new kits, so you can go home and recreate some of the magic with your child. It could be the start to endless days of fun together. Plus, this year’s theme is “The Best of the Bay,” so most of the models will be recreations of things found right around here—including Star Wars vehicles, with Skywalker Ranch just north of us!

Pricing: Admission is $5-10 per person.

• THE BAY AREA’S LARGEST CAMP FAIR

Where/When: Westgate Mall, 1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Why Go: Is your child a future rocket scientist, Olympic swimmer, rock star or musician? No matter what your child’s interests, there is bound to be the perfect summer camp out there, just waiting for you to discover it. Pile the family in the car and head on down to this year’s summer camp bonanza at the Westgate Mall, and check out all the possibilities awaiting your child this summer. More than 80 exhibitors are ready to greet you.

Pricing: Free!

• THE ‘MEET EINSTEIN’ BOOK LAUNCH AND PARTY FOR KIDS

Where/When: Books Inc., Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real No. 74, Palo Alto; Saturday, at 11 a.m.

Why Go: Just in time for Einstein’s birthday on March 14, Palo Alto’s own Mariela Kleiner is releasing her latest children’s book, Meet Einstein, for preschoolers. Come enjoy Books Inc.’s regular storytime with this special guest, who will read from her book and sign copies if you choose to purchase one. It promises to be a fun event that not only gets your child interested in reading, but in science as well!

Pricing: Storytime is a free event.

• THE SATURDAY NIGHT STAR SHOW AT THE PLANETARIUM

Where/When: The Planetarium at De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. This event takes place the next three Saturday nights, each with three showtimes—5, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Why Go: The Planetarium is about to close its annual public season and won’t reopen again until next September, so catch this fun family show while you can! Take the whole family and see an incredible show about all the stars in the sky.

Pricing: $7 per person.