Grab & Go Kids Planner

We've done the research, we've done your homework, and we're ready to give you our suggestions for ways you can get up and go with your family this week and heading into the weekend.

We think we've found a great mix—indoors and outdoors, fun and educational, right here in town and not too far away. We have suggestions for your young ones and teens, too, like the college event that leads off this week's column.

Here are our five suggestions for this week. 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!

Where/When: Cabrillo College Student Activity Center Building (SAC), Room 202, Aptos Campus, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos. Saturday 9 a.m. to noon

Why Go: To learn about the financial aid your teen or young adult might be able to receive for college.  Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz staff members, as well as financial aid counselors, will lend their expertise at "Cash 4 College," an event designed to assist students and their families with completing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a requirement to receive many forms of higher education funding.

Pricing:  Free

Where/When: , 361 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley. Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m.

Why Go: OK, this one is more for you than for the kids, but getting to know other moms can only be a good thing. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Pricing:  Free

Where/When: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Why Go: Come down to the Boardwalk for the 30th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off and Festival and join the fun and excitement as talented chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the glory of the BEST CLAM CHOWDER! More than just a culinary competition, the fun event has featured participants dressed as scuba divers, mermaids and even as a "Clam Fairy."

Pricing: Free

Where/When: 1 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Why Go: The Core Scholastic Surf League (CSSL) presents its surf contest for middle and high school students at Steamer Lane.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: Enjoy this 33rd annual quilt show including a special "green" quilt, exhibits, fashion show, children's activities and even a quilt auction.

Pricing:  Free