Little Warmth Means Some Outdoor Fun

Last week, we told you it was finally getting a little warmer, so it seemed like a good time to venture outside of the house with the family and find something fun to do. With temperatures hitting the 60s this week (hey, remember winter?) that seems doubly true.

So once again, we bring you the Grab & Go Kids Planner. It's our weekly list of kid-friendly activities and places to try out. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the five (or more) best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know!

Where/When:   Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Why Go:  Children ages 3 to 6 will enjoy Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie book stories, activities and crafts.
Pricing:  Free

When/Where: Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at   Trails will remain open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to continue the tally and fun.
Why Go: Each kid can be a "citizen scientist" and help researchers gather information about our feathered friends.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Feb. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Why Go:  Rosie the red rump tarantula and others will teach children ages 3 to 5 what helps cool critters survive in nature.
Pricing:  Advanced payment is required. $10 per pair or $5 per additional child.

Where/When:  Saturday, Feb. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Why Go: Share the love of reading with a very special "Man's Best Friend."  Ages 6 and up can read 10 minutes of their favorite story to a therapy dog from St. Hubert's. 
Pricing:  Free

Drop in Craft for All Ages 3 plus
Where/When:  Friday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at .
Why Go:  Just drop in for a "Craft Smorgasbord." Children ages 3 and older can enjoy friends and make a great craft to take home.
Pricing: Free

Where/When:  Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Why Go:  Nature lovers, ages 6 through 10, will leave the winter doldrums behind with a brisk hike, sing-a-longs, crafts and the great outdoors.
Pricing: $15 per individual session. Registration is required.

Where/When:  Sunday, Feb. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at  in Bernards Township.
Why Go:  Learn how animals that look creepy, icky or scary can really be quite friendly.
Pricing:  Advanced payment of $6 per person required.

So, did we forget anything? Tell us in the comments, or post to our ongoing all-purpose events calendar.