You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research to find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance with your kids this weekend.
Each week, we put together a weekly calendar of five kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children for the coming weekend.
Find out what's happening in North Potomac-Darnestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where: Cultural Arts Center of Frederick County, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick, MD
When: Saturday, February 26, 2011 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Find out what's happening in North Potomac-Darnestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why Go: This is a dance adaptation of Maryland author Ellen Cook Nibali's story of what can happen inside a sand castle at night. Explore the movement of sandpipers, tap dancing clams and the Great Blue Crab along with the sandman and the witch.
Pricing: $5 for kids, $10 for teens and adults
2. NATIONAL OPERA FOR CHILDREN – HANSEL AND GRETEL
Where: Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr, Potomac, MD 20854
When: Saturday, February 26, 2011 -- 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Why Go: How often is Opera accessible to your kids? Mary Gresock, Educational Artist for the Wolf Trap Institute and part of the Washington National Opera for Children, performs the opera, 'Hansel and Gretel' in an easy, informal setting friendly for kids to learn about the art form.
Pricing: Free
For more information: 240-777-0196
3.
Where: St. Rose of Lima Church, 11701 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
When: Friday, February 25, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Why Go: This may be the perfect place for your pre-teen or teen this Friday night. In Super Size Me, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock gets to the root of American obesity. For 30 days, he ate only fast food and it immediately had ill affects on his health. He documented his journey in this Sundance award-winning feature, which explores not only our personal responsibility to our own health, but the corporate responsibility, nutritional education, and school lunch programs. Free healthy snacks provided. The film is rated PG13.
Pricing: Free
For more information: 301-948-7545
4. BALLOON SCULPTING WITH TOM LILLY
Where: Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, February 26, 2011 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why Go: Tom Lilly creates balloon art for you and your kids. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Chevy Chase Chapter, this event is part of the celebration of Library Lovers Month at the Chevy Chase Library.
Pricing: Free
For more information: 240-773-9590
5. STORYTIME AT TWINBROOK LIBRARY
Where: Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Rd, Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, February 26 2011 – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Why Go: For kids 3 to 6 years old who don't get to do this during the week with their parent. Share songs, stories and general reading fun with your preschooler.
Pricing: Free
For more information: 240-777-0240
We want you to help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips. Add them to the comment box or e-mail us. We want to hear from you!