Grab and Go Family Planner: Music, Dragons and a T-Rex

It's almost time for the kids to head back to school. For some of you that may be a cause to celebrate. Either way, get out one last time before you find yourself juggling homework and other activities with quality time with the kids. You can get an early start to the weekend with three free events this Friday!

Chocolate & Vanilla Family Festival

• Where/When: Camden Children's Garden–3 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28.

• What's Going On: Celebrate two of the nation's favorite flavors in their most natural state at the Camden Children's Garden! Get involved in chocolate and vanilla themed educational activities, crafts, take a tropical smell test, vote for your favorite ice cream and more at this delictable family festival.

• Pricing: $6 a person and free for kids under 2.

Calling All Gamers!

• Where/When: South County Branch Library–35 Cooper Folly Rd., Atco, NJ. 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26.   

• What's Going On: Tweens, teens and their folks are invited to come out the the South Branch Library to test their gaming skills, meet some new friends and have some fun! This library hooks up to the PS2, PS3 and Game Cube, Wii and Nintendo DS are welcome. Yu Gi Oh players are welcome as well. Spots are still available.

• Pricing: Free

Musical Instruments of the Asian South Pacific Islands

• Where/When: Greenwich Township Library–411 Swedesboro Rd., Gibbstown, NJ. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 26.

• What's Going On: Learn about the music and instruments from the Asian South Pacific Islands and make your own poi ball and Samoan drum. This program is sponsored by Asian Pacific American Librarians Association & American Indians Librarians Associations.

• Pricing: Free

The Starlight Movie: How to Train Your Dragon

• Where/When: Lindenwold Park–1000 United States Ave., Lindenwold, NJ. 8:15 p.m. on Friday, August 26.

• What's Going On: Bring a chair or blanket to this outdoor evening showing of the family film How to Train Your Dragon. Viking teenager Hiccup dreams of being a dragon slayer–that is, until he catches his first dragon and decides to befriend it. See what happens in this Dreamworks film featuring the voices of Gerard Butler and Jay Baruchel.

• Pricing: Free

Dinosaur Adventure with T-Rex the Turtle

• Where/When: Garden State Discovery Museum–2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ. Shows begin at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 27.

• What's Going On: This live show features T-Rex the Turtle as he becomes best of friends with the life sized Haddie the Hadrosaurus. Kids get to learn a few things about the local dinosaur and friendship in this fun, family-friendly show.

• Pricing: The show is free with admission to the museum: $10.95 for adults and children 12 months and over, and $9.95 for seniors.