Grab and Go Kids Planner: Kids Fair, Hockey at Rentschler and Reptiles

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!

Skating, comedy, model trains, swimming and story time — pick and choose from this week’s array of events.

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Where/When: Ellington, Crystal Lake, Feb. 12; registration begins at 5:30 a.m.

Why Go: It's a great opportunity to get our with the family and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, there are cash prizes of $500, $400, $250, $150 and $50 will be awarded.

Pricing: The entry fee for kids under 16 is $10, and the cost is $20 for all others.

Where and When: Lutz Children's Museum, Manchester; Feb. 10, 10a.m. - 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Why Go: Children 3-5 are invited to the Children's Museum for a preschool party. There will be games, the opportunity to make hear-inspired artwork, read Valentine's stories, and more.

Pricing: $13 for members, $15 for non-members. Call 860-643-0949 to register. 

6th Annual Big Y Kids Fair

Where and When: Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford; Feb. 12-13 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Why Go: Pony rides, a petting zoo, clowns, magicians, baby boogie dancing, a coloring station, a kids fashion show, amusement rides, and a kids play area. Needless to say, its a virtual wonderland for the little ones.

Pricing: $4 for adults after using your Big Y Card to get 50-percent off; kids 12 and under get in free.

Where and When: Rentschler Field; Feb. 11-23

Why Go: Your little hockey fan will love this event. It features a Connecticut Whale vs. Providence Bruins game, the Hartford Whalers Alumni vs. Boston Bruins Alumni game, UConn men's and women's games and a Whalers village.

Pricing: For pricing and tickets, visit the Rentschler Field website.

Reptiles: The Beautiful and The Deadly

Where and When: Springfield Science Museum, through May 22

Why Go: It's an interactive exhibit that brings you face to face with some of the rarest creatures on the planet.

Pricing: $5 for ages three and up.