Grab and Go Kids Planner: March 17-23

Thanks for clicking on our "Grab and 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.

1. Discover the Invisible World of Nanoscience

Where/When: Connecticut Science Center, Hartford; March 19

Why Go: An opportunity to learn about the composition of butterfly wings and other parts of nature at their molecular foundations. You can bring something from home to use on the science center’s scanning electron microscope.  The center suggests a bug or leaf.

Pricing: Admission costs $15, $10 for members. A $10 fee for telescopes is also required.

2. Ski Simulator

Where/When: Connecticut Science Center, Hartford; Ongoing

Why Go: The weather is warming up, but you can still hit the slopes by visiting this virtual exhibit in the science center’s sports lab gallery.

Pricing: Contact the science center by calling 860-724-3623.

3. Ballet Basics

Where/When: Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester; March 22

Why Go: A trip to Lutz Children’s Museum is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. This event will provide your youngster to get their feet wet in the performing arts, while letting them expend some energy.

Pricing: Contact the museum by calling 860-643-0949.

4. Class Clown

Where/When: Hartford Children’s Theatre; March 11-20

Why Go: An opportunity to introduce your child to stage performance in a way that is meant to appeal to them.

Pricing: $18 for adults; $13 for seniors and students under the age of 17; $10 for all current Hartford Children’s Theatre students or teachers.

5. Reptiles – The Beautiful and Deadly

Where/When: Springfield Science Musuem, Springfield, Mass.; through May 22

Why Go: Kids can come face to face with some of the most unique animals on the planet. Animals included in the series are lizards, snakes, alligators an turtles, to name a few.

Pricing: $5 for ages 3 and up in addition to regular admission prices. A $7.50 “combined special exhibit fee” is also available.