Grab & Go Kids Planner

From boat shows to charity bowls—Patch has plenty of family-friendly picks to get you through the week.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

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Where/When: Cobo Center. Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., through Feb. 20.
Why Go: Boating is a big deal for Michiganians, and this event is great entertainment for the whole family, whether it's browsing boats, enjoying free hula lessons Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. or checking out the Shark Encounter exhibit—everyone can enjoy the fun and dream a bit of summer.
Pricing: $12 for adults; children 12 and under are free with an adult; seniors 62 and older get in free Feb. 14.

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Where/When: St. Clair Shores Public Library, Wednesday, at 7 p.m.
Why Go: The St. Clair Shores Poet Laureate conducts a workshop for anyone ages 15 and up. It’s the perfect way to flex those creative muscles and express yourself through the power of words.
Pricing: Free, but please preregister by e-mailing Liebler at MLLiebler@aol.com or calling him at 313-577-7713. For more on Liebler, visit www.mlliebler.com.

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Where/When: The Neighborhood Club, Saturday, from noon-3 p.m.
Why Go: Bring home a new best friend. The Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society holds adoption events twice a month. Volunteers give time and attention to the animals they foster, so any cat, dog or rabbit you’re looking to adopt will have had a complete background check so you’ll know whether they prefer to be the only dog in the house or if they love kids. Plus these animals are up-to-date on vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered.
Pricing: It’s free to look, and free to volunteer or foster an animal, but pet adoption fees/donations vary: $125 for a kitten, $200 for two kittens, $100 per adult cat, senior cats and dogs vary, and puppies/dogs are $285. All animals have had health screenings and vaccinations, and the fee includes sterilization.

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Where/When: St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, Saturdays and Sundays, from 3-5 p.m.
Why Go: It’s a great way to bust out of the winter doldrums and it’s fun (and healthy) for the whole family, so why not lace up and hit the ice (we hope not literally—ouch!).
Pricing: $3 per skater, and children 5 and under skate for free when accompanied by an adult.

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Where/When: Premier Lanes, Friday, beginning at 7 p.m.
Why Go: It’s a night of family-friendly fun, all for a good cause. You’ll bowl, you’ll socialize, enjoy pizza and soda, and have a shot at some great prizes as you help area literacy programs.
Pricing: $25 at the door.