Momentum Swings Into The Center for Arts in Natick

Glad you clicked on our new 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. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

1. ROCK OFF MAIN STREET

WHERE/WHEN: (14 Summer Street, Natick; 508-647-0097) — Friday at 7:30 p.m.

WHY GO: This "all-ages show" is a great place to bring your young musician or to drop off your teen for an evening of musical inspiration. This week will be the first of the "2011 Rock Showdown," where four musicians will be selected to win scholarships to go towards a summer music program at  the Berklee College of Music.

Bands scheduled to perform include: The Keys (Dedham, Natick, Weston), Novation (Natick) Momentum (Holliston) and 3rd Man Factor (Shrewsbury, Northboro, Swampscott).

PRICING: $8

2. VANESSA TRIEN & JUMPING MONKEYS BAND

WHERE/WHEN: (14 Summer Street, Natick; 508-647-0097)— Saturday at 11 a.m.

WHY GO:  This band was awarded "Favorite Live Performance" by Boston Children’s Music which wrote, “(Trien) has some sort of magical energy that makes all of her shows super-fun.”

PRICING: Adults, $10; Children, $7

3. AMERICAN GIRL DINNER WITH AUTHOR LISA YEE

WHERE/WHEN: American Girl (1245 Worcester Street, Natick; 800-360-1861) — Friday at 6 p.m.

WHY GO: Your daughter will enjoy a delicious meal with award-winning author of the American Girl of the Year 2011 books Lisa Yee. There will be a Q&A session after dinner!

PRICING: $27 per person. Seating is limited. Please note, prepaid event reservations are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

4.YO-YO PEOPLE

WHERE/WHEN:  Temple Beth Sholom (50 Pamela Rd.; 508-877-2540) — Thursday from 10:30—11:15 a.m.

WHY GO: These yo-yo professionals made an appearance on the David Letterman Show and hold a Guinness World Record, a 2008 Yo-Yo World Champion title, and have performed in 18 different countries.

PRICING: Kids, $6 presale/$8 at door/$5 adults/$25 family maximum; Kids under 1, free.

5. FAMILY GAME NIGHT

WHERE/WHEN: Holliston Public Library (752 Washington St.; 508-429-0617) — Thursday from 6:30—7:30 p.m.

WHY GO: Meet up with your friends in the Gilman Room and play cards, board games or just catch up with friends and chat. Bring a snack for sharing! Water provided.

PRICING: Free