Grab & Go Kids Planner: First Edition

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!

Let's start this off.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it's time to show your loved ones just how much you care.  Sure you could fall back on the old standbys – candy and cards. But nothing says you care like the gift of time.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five of the best activities to enjoy with your family this week. Don’t forget to give your sweeties a kiss while you’re out there having fun!

This week we have trains, bounce houses, storytimes, and giant splashes. Pick one or try ‘em all.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

 VALENTINE'S DAY FAMILY BOUNCE

Where/When: Warrendale Bounce U, Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Why Go: With dozens of giant inflatables in a clean, climate-controlled environment, this is the perfect place for your little sweethearts to bounce away their cabin fever.

Pricing: $8.50 per child. Call to reserve a spot: (724) 935-8555 

 FAMILY PAJAMA STORYTIME

Where/When: Cranberry Public Library, Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Why Go: Where else can you listen to songs and stories while wearing your pajamas and bunny slippers? Make like Linus and bring your favorite blankie too.

Pricing: Free, no registration required

 GARDEN RAILROAD

Where/When: Phipps Conservatory, now through March 31, 9:30 am to 5 p.m. daily, until 10 p.m. on Fridays

Why Go: This family favorite will appeal to train enthusiasts of all ages. Featured in the South Conservatory, five model trains chug through miniature living landscapes.

Pricing: $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 2 to 18, children under 2 are free

 PIRATES COVE WATER PARK AT CONLEY'S RESORT

Where/When: Conley Resort in Butler; Mondays and Thursdays, 4 to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m.; 
Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 9 p.m.

Why Go: ‘Cause at Conley’s there’s no need to wait for a warm, sunny day to practice your cannonball. With two slides, a sauna, hot tub, pirate ship with water cannon and a party room, Pirates Cove is the perfect place to shake off the late-winter blahs.

Pricing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 
$16 per person. Monday and Thursday
, $13 per person. Groups of more than 10 people (with reservations), Monday and Thursday, 
$12 per person

VALENTINE'S DAY STORYTIME

Where/When: Cranberry Barnes and Noble on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Why Go: Enjoy favorite Valentine’s Day stories, crafts, and refreshments.

Pricing: Free