Grab and Go Kids Planner: Mt. Charlie Challenge and Easter Events Lead the Way

Where/When: Skypark, 360 Kings Village Rd. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (for the riders); less time for the watchers.

Why go: We don't expect your little ones will participate in the bike ride, but they can be there for the kickoff and the festivities when the riders return. The ninth-annual Mt. Charlie Challenge Pledge Bike Ride offers 100K and 50K rides through some incredible landscapes, beginning and ending in Scotts Valley's Skypark. This is a fundraiser for Scotts Valley's four public schools. Drumline performs at sendoff; Scotts Valley High School bands play at the return. Show your support for our schools.

Pricing: $10 per raffle ticket; proceeds support Scotts Valley public schools.

Where/When: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5355 Graham Hill Rd., Felton. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Why Go: Because it will be an Eggstraordinary adventure for your kids. They will get to ride aboard the Roaring Camp Eggspress to go on the Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt. They will get the story of Peter Rabbit on the train ride up Bear Mountain and also a visit to the Easter egg patch to hunt for colorful chocolate candy eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny. Children must have a train ticket to participate in the Egg Hunt.

Pricing: Train rides are $24 for adults, $17 for children (2-12 years). Children under 2 are free

Where/When: , 1500 Wharf Rd. Saturday, 11 a.m. 

Why Go: You can't miss with this Easter egg hunt by the sea. Now that's a nice setting for a Saturday morning Easter egg hunt. You will be there, the kids will be there, and so will the Easter Bunny. For children 12 and under.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: , 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Why Go: Lots of fun events for all ages. As Comcast suggests, for these few days, you can ditch the books and hit the beach and the boardwalk! For the older kids, live music and beach competitions. For the younger kids at this family-friendly event, interactive games and some celebrities your kids might enjoy seeing, like Sponge Bob or Ultimate Fighter Dan. There's something here for everyone during these three days of fun. 

Pricing: Free

Where/When: , 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go: If you like collecting rocks, or just plain looking at them, the show this weekend will be an absolute delight, with the Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society's displays of "Treasures of the Earth." There will be lots of jewels, jade, rocks, fossils and more. And this is perfect for a kid-friendly outing. What kid doesn't like rocks? Plus, it will be easy on your pocketbook.

Pricing: $4 for adults; kids and Scouts in uniform, free