Grab & Go Kids Planner

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!

Pick and choose from this week's array of events including a fair, monster truck jams, and everyone's favorite - Justin Bieber.

BIG Y KIDS FAIR (www.ctexpocenter.com/details.php?id=53)

Where/When: Open February 12-13 at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford

Why Go: Petting zoo, pony rides, amusement rides, magician, and live entertainment

Pricing: $8 adults with 50% off with Big Y card.  $4 Kids 12 and under (with a free ride included).  ALERT: $5 for parking.

MONSTER JAM TRUCK SHOW (www.monsterjamonline.com )

Where/When: Hartford Civic Center

Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.* (doors at 1 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.)

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. (doors at 1 p.m.)

Why Go: Who can resist 12 foot tall monster trucks with 66 inch tires that can fly up to 130 feet and 35 feet in the air? Don't Forget: Bring ear plugs for the whole family!

Pricing: Kids ages 2-12 - $10    Adults in Level 3 - $20   Adults in Level 2 - $30

Gold Circle Seats (limited availability) - $35

$4 Discount! - Use Code JAM456

ALERT: If you have a serious monster truck fan be warned that there is a pit party.

*The Pit Party is from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and available only for Sat. 2 p.m. ticket holders. Pit Party passes are free in advance, but $5 on the day of the show. All ticket prices are $2 more on day of show. Pick up your passes for the Pit Party at the XL Center Ticket Office.

ICE SKATING AT A LOCAL RINK (http://www.rinktime.com/?external=08DAD2 or http://www.whschools.org/page.cfm?p=697 )

Where/When:  

Northford Ice Pavilion  24 Firelite Place, Northford (203) 484-4054

Monday thru Friday: 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Saturday: 3:45 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.

Sundays: 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Edward L. Bennett Rink  1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven (203) 931-6890

February Public Skate Time: Fridays: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays: 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Why Go: West Haven has a concession stand. I’m not so sure about Northford. Make sure you arrive a few minutes early if you will be renting skates. It takes a while to get the kids suited up in their winter gear.

Pricing: West Haven: $5 for open skate, $4 for skate rental. Northford: $7 open skate (includes free rental)

HOMEMADE VALENTINE CARDS

Where/When: At Home Project        

Why Go: With all these snow days we have been having why not let the kids make their own valentines? It’s more fun and a lot more personal than the Justin Bieber themed ones you’re going to get suckered into buying!

Pricing: Free- Just pull out the construction paper and markers! Maybe use a little glitter if you’re really brave!

JUSTIN BIEBER NEVER SAY NEVER 3D CONCERT/FILM  (www.marqueecinemas.com )

Where/When: Westbrook Movie Theater Concert opens Friday, February 11th

Why Go: Ok so as moms we are all OVER Justin Bieber. He’s on every magazine cover, our daughters have his posters and you know you’re listening to his music every time you get in the car. It’s time to bite the bullet and take your daughter and a friend to go see the film. You will surely win the “Best Mom Ever” award (at least for the night). ALERT: act fast because tickets went on sale 1/31/2011!

Pricing: Tickets range depending on the time of day that you go. Children’s tickets are $11.50 and adults range from $11.50 to $14.