Grab & Go Planner: 'Very Hungry Caterpillar,' Crafts and More

From a live stage show of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to time spent burning some energy on an inflatable playscape in Royal Oak, there's plenty to do with the kids this week. Plus, don't forget that sign-ups for camps at the YMCA are going on now, meaning you can keep your kids occupied for months to come.

Family best bets for the week ahead:

• Why go: Your child will think he or she's the next Picasso after visiting Wonderworks. At the Cole Street studio, children and parents can attend open studio hours, summer camps, host birthday parties or arrange a private class for at least five children or adults.
• Where:
• When: The studio is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday during the school year. In addition, a preschool class for 3- to 6-year-olds will start in April. The class lasts from 10-11 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday and will last five weeks.
• Cost: $5 for the person doing the project plus the price of the project. Projects cost $5 or more and run the gamut from painting molded ceramics, glazing ceramics, creating mosaics, decoupage, papier-mâché masks, wood projects, making stuffed animals or sequined ornaments.
• What else: For more information, call 248-258-2900.

Register for School Break Camp at the Y

• Why go: Children can have fun playing games, swimming and creating arts and crafts at the when school’s out.
• Where: 
• When: School Break Camp lasts from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 4-8. For children 3 to 5 years old, half days are available from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or from 12:45-4 p.m.
• Cost: Full day: $170 for YMCA members, $200 for community participants. Half day: $85 for YMCA members, $100 for community participants.
• What else: For more information, call 248-644-9036

Inflatable Playscapes

• Why go: In every weather, inflatables are a good way to let off steam. Take your children, ages 2 to 12, to the open hours to get some indoor bouncing exercise in a giant room with six huge inflatables. You can host a party in the party room or rent inflatables to bring the party to you.
• Where: 5160 Meijer Dr., Royal Oak
• When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Fridays; 5-7 p.m. Thursdays. Call to confirm hours.
• Cost: $7.95 for children
• What else: For more information, call 248-288-5888 or visit inflatableplayscapes.com.

Arts & Scraps

• Why go: It’s a shopper’s paradise, especially if you like doing projects with your children or grandchildren. Fill a grocery bag, choosing from more than 300 recycled industrial scraps. Or come to make things and learn in six different stations.
• Where: 16135 Harper Ave., Detroit
• When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Arts & Scraps also hosts group field trips, birthday parties and has a ScrapMobile that will come to your festival.
• Cost: Free admission for shopping, $7 per bag. Admission is $3 per person if you will be making things at craft station. Buy a Museum Adventure Pass for four from your library to make crafts for free.
• What else: For more information, call 313-640-4411 or visit artsandscraps.org

The Very Hungry Caterpillar on stage

• Why go: The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia retells Eric Carle’s books The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and the Mixed-Up Chameleon onstage in black light.
• Where: Music Hall, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit
• When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday
• Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children
• What else: For more information, call 313-887-8500 or visit musichall.org.