Grab & Go Kids Planner: March 11-18

Friday's here and it's time to look at the weekend and beyond.

Each week the Grab & Go Kids Planner brings you five family activities or events for the days ahead.

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 below this feature. Even (and especially) if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!

This week's planner includes two ways to get your March Madness fix, a twin-bill of ballet at Fitzgerald Theatre, a tots trot through the woods at Croydon Creek and ways to save the planet one backyard at a time.

Where/When: , 700 Fallsgrove Dr, Rockville. 6:30-11 p.m. on Friday.

Why Go: Get in the spirit of the (basketball post)season as teams of fifth- through ninth-graders team up to compete against each other and members of the city's police department in a three-on-three tournament. The evening will also feature a disc jockey, video games and crafts.

Pricing: $5 for residents; $6 for non-residents. Players should register individually and include their team name. Parents are welcome to watch tournament games at no cost.

Where/When: , 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Why Go: Magical creatures of Russian folklore come to life as the Rockville Civic Ballet performs "Firebird", with music by Stravinsky that tells the story of Prince Ivan rescuing Princess Vasilisa from Kastchei, Guardian of the Forest. "Piano Barre" is a humerous original work set to music by Scott Joplin performed by pianist Edmund Morris.

Pricing: $12-$16. Group rates available.

Where/When: , 852 Avery Road, Rockville. 1o: 30-11:15 a.m. on Thursday.

Why Go: A nature walk for children ages 2 to 3-and-a-half years old. Take a walk through the nature center's grounds to search for tracks that tell what animals have visited the forest. Hear stories and participate in hands-on activities and a craft.

Pricing: $6 for residents; $7 for non-residents.

Where/When: , 387 E Gude Dr, Rockville. 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Why Go: This month's Rockville Science Cafe topic will be "Saving the Planet One Backyard at a Time," a discussion led by Matt Greenstone of the United States Department of Agriculture about turning your backyard into a sustainable environment.

Pricing: Presentation is free. Food and beverages must be purchased separately.

Where/When: , 250 Richard Montgomery Dr, Rockville.

Why Go: Come see the parents of Beall Elementary School students take on the Beall teachers in basketball. This is the third year of the event and the series is tied at one game apiece. The fifth grade chorus will perform at halftime and there will be student and staff dance shows between quarters.

Pricing: $4 for students; $5 for adults.