Grab & Go: Shrek, Hiking, Photography

Glad you clicked on our 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 for the 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 striking distance.

Look for the kids planner each week, 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!

1.

• Where/When: Essex Library, 11 a.m. on Friday
• Why Go: The Essex library hosts Bob Sikorski for a story hour about England.
• Pricing: Free

2.

• Where/When: Essex Library, 2 p.m. on Saturday
• Why Go: The Essex library presents Barnyard Dance, a ventriloquist show for children ages 2 to 5 (with an adult). No registration required.
• Pricing: Free

3.

• Where/When: 2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday 
• Why Go: Try out the Cromwell Valley Park new Orienteering Trail after learning the basics of map and compass use.  Program led by John Landers from the Quantico Orienteering Club. For Ages 10+.
• Pricing: Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members.

4.  Shrek The Musical 

• Where/When: France-Merrick Performing Arts Center: The Hippodrome Theatre, March 22-April 3
• Why Go: Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, Shrek the Musical brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to life on the stage. Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, this part-romance, part-twisted fairy tale is fun for all ages.
• Pricing: $28.55 to $79.50

5.

• Where/When: Irvine Nature Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday
• Why Go: Hike the trails and capture nature's beauty. Children will learn basic camera skills—like the role of light and composition—by taking shots of Irvine's resident animals and wetlands. This is a two-session course, and each session is two hours. No camera experience necessary, but kids should bring a digital camera with them. Ages 5 & up. There are two sessions for this program, and kids should be prepared to attend both.
• Pricing: Free for members, $10 non-members