Grab and Go Kids Planner: Winter Fun, Animal Encounters, Fun with Bubbles and More!

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. Here are a few events this weekend and some that will start you off for the school vacation next week.

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!

Here are a few inexpensive and free events this weekend and some that will start you off for the school vacation next week.  If you want to save even more, be sure to check out your local libraries museum passes that you can use to get free or discount admission at some museums.

• PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL
  Where/When: Feb 17 to Feb. 22 /Locations vary (check schedule for details)
  Why Go: Family friendly films “Fantastic films, educational workshops—five days of delightful fun! and ticket holders receive free admission to the RISD Museum the weekend of the festival!”
  Pricing: Most tickets between $5 to $7.50/opening night Between $10 and $15/ Package of 10 tickets $45.

• NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL
  Where/When: Locations vary (check schedule for details/ Feb. 18 and Feb. 27).
  Why Go: Over 150 individual events with food, music and entertainment.
  Pricing: $8 for button gives discounted or free admission to variety of activities and discounts at restaurants and retailers throughout the city.
  

• PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: SPECIAL KIDS PROGRAMS AND MET LIFE FREE FAMILY FRIDAY
  Where /When 100 South Street Providence, RI  Feb 19-26 special events for kids; Also, Feb 18 is free admission from 5 to 8 p.m.
  Why Go: Special programs that are fun for the family
  Pricing: $8.50 per person/Free admission Feb 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.

• AUDOBON SOCIETY WILD SATURDAYS: ANIMAL INTERVIEWS
  Where/When: 1401 Hope St., Bristol, RI (Rt. 114), Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  Why Go: "Each Saturday provides the opportunity for families to discover nature together. These programs are free with admission and are open to all ages."
  Pricing: Program is free with admission. For adults it is $6, children ages 4 to 12 is $4 and children under 4 get in free.

• SWANSEA MALL: THE SECRET WORLD OF BUBBLES
  Where/When: Center Court stage near Macy's, Swansea Mall, 262 Swansea Mall Drive, Swansea, MA. Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.
  Why: The “Secret World of Bubbles” is "packed with state-of-the-art bubble sculptures that snare the attention of the audience." This show is both fun and educational.
  Cost: Free