Grab and Go Kids Planner

Glad you clicked on our new Grab & Go Kids Planner!

This is our new, weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children and, yes, even teens!  The idea is to offer you suggestions about things you can do as a family!

Each week, we'll give you the info on five of the 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. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• DARE 2B DIGITAL

Where/When:  , 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 

Why Go: Dare 2B Digital: A Conference on Careers for Young Women is designed to provide middle and high school girls with a better understanding of exciting and creative careers in technology.

Pricing: $35 for young women; $45 for parents 

 • 'EYE CAN DANCE' EXHIBIT at CSMA

Where/When: , 230 San Antonio Circle, Friday, 6-8 p.m. arts4all.org

Why Go: It's the opening-night reception, and that's when the artists usually go. Your child can ask them questions! Eye Can Dance, an exhibition of works by Brian Caraway, will feature paintings and mixed media. Exhibit continues through March 27.

Pricing:  Free (except for what you buy!)

 • FERDINAND THE BULL 

Where/When: Palo Alto Children's Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Three shows Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m.

Why Go: The story of Ferdinand the Bull is irrestible. This new musical, based on the classic story by Munro Leaf, tells the tale of Ferdy, an easy-going, flower-loving kind of bull, who meets the unhappy Danilo, a boy torn between his own dream and his father's desires for him to be a bullfighter. 

 Pricing: $8-$12

• HIDDEN VILLA MOVIE NIGHT 

Where/When: Where: , 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills, Friday 7-9:30 p.m.

Why Go: It's a “green” movie for Valentine’s Day—perfect for families. No Impact Man is the true story of a man’s decision to eliminate his impact on the environment for a full year and the impact it had on his family. Plus, if you get there early, you can have dessert, coffee, tea or cocoa. (Refreshments served from 7-7:30 p.m.) The movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

Pricing: $5 for adults

•   MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE AT CLUB 201 

Where/When:  , South Rengstorff Avenue and Central Expressway, Friday, 7-9:30 p.m. 

Why go: OK, this is not for family. Just for the teens. Why should they go? For the teens, it's a chance to hang out with friends and classmates, dance and listen to music. For parents, it's knowing your teens are doing this in a safe environment. For everyone, it's a no-brainer.

Pricing: $3 in advance; $5 at the door.