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 Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!

Family Friday Night: Creatures of the Night

Where/When: Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation Nature Center, 8-9:30 p.m. Friday
Why Go: Take a hike to discover what creatures are awake at night
Price: Free

Family Carnival

Where/When: Gates Mills Club, 6759 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, 1-5 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Listen to entertainment, ride in a rocket car and win prizes in a raffle
Price: Varies

Trail Trackers: Pond Dipping

Where/When: Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation Nature Center, 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10
Why Go: Children ages 3 to kindergarten with an adult can explore the wetlands near the nature center – wear clothing that can get muddy
Price: Free – to register, call 440-473-3370

Grrr! Moo! Quack! Baaa!

Where/When: Barnes & Noble, 28801 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, 11 a.m. Saturday
Why Go: Storytime for preschoolers features books about animals
Price: Free

Explorastory

Where/When: Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday
Why Go: Stories, rhymes, songs and play for ages 3 to 5
Price: Free