Grab & Go Kids Planner: Valentine's Dance, Toddler Tales and More

It may be winter in Northeast Ohio, but the calendar is still chock full of fun activities – both indoors and out – for children and families. And most of them are free!

Each week, check with Kent Patch for a roundup of ideas for getting out of the house with the kids. Have suggestions for activities and venues that should be on the list? Just add them in the comments section below.

Father-Daughter Dance

Where/When: , 1435 W. Main St., 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Why Go: Dads and their daughters of all ages can get dressed up for the 15th annual Father-Daughter Valentine's Dance featuring G-rated music, crafts and prize drawings.

Pricing: Tickets are $20 per couple at the door. Moms can attend to watch for an additional $5 ticket price. Bring a snack to share.

Contact: For details call Ann Nyenhuis at 330-963-0129 or Edgar Kooijman at 330-677-1649.

Ice Carving Exhibition

Where/When: Home Savings Plaza, corner of Main and Water streets in downtown Kent, 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Why Go: The sixth annual event features Kent State University and University of Akron students and faculty showing off their ice-carving skills. Hot beverages and chili will be available for sale at Anthony's Café, and pastries will be offered for sale by Stahl's Bakery.

Pricing: Free

Drop-In Play Center

Where/When: Kent Rotary Early Literacy Center at the , 312 W. Main St., 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Why Go: The library offers its story time room as drop-in play center for parents and their children ages 5  and under. The room is filled with a variety of toys, games and activities that help develop early literacy skills. The interactive room encourages parents and children to play together, with the added bonus of kids learning while playing.

Pricing: Free; just sign in at the Children's Desk.

Toddler Tales Story Time

Where/When: DuBois Children's Reading Room at the , 312 W. Main St.,. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Monday.

Why Go: Children ages 2 and 3, along with a favorite adult, can hear great stories in a group setting.

Pricing: Free, but a Boarding Pass is required. Pick one up at the children’s desk up to 30 minutes beforehand.

Preschool Place

Where/When: DuBois Children's Reading Room at the , 312 W. Main St., 1:30 to 2 p.m. Monday.

Why Go: Children ages 4 and 5, along with a favorite adult, can listen to stories read aloud in a group setting.

Pricing: Free, but a Boarding Pass is required. Pick one up at the children’s desk up to 30 minutes beforehand.

Get Close to Nature

Where/When: F.A. Seiberling Nature Center, 1828 Smith Road in Akron, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Why Go: The program “Kinderealm: Great Blue Herons” will allow children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions to discover how and why these really big birds nest in trees together. The event includes a craft and short hike.

Pricing: Free, but registration is required by calling 330-865-8065.

Nature and a Movie: Family Night

Where/When: F.A. Seiberling Nature Center, 1828 Smith Road in Akron, 7 p.m. Friday.

Why Go: Join naturalist Sarah Matheny for the family friendly nature movie Disneynature: Earth. Bring your own blanket or preferred seating and drinks; popcorn will be supplied.

Pricing: Free