This week there are lots of free family events including: a Pre-School Sing-Along, a screening of the children's classic The Neverending Story, the Alphabet Rockers at the Regent Theatre, a kids art workshop and a historic tour of Arlington.  FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK Pre-School Sing-Along Where/When: Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington,Thursday, March 31 from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Why Go: Just down the Mass. Ave. into Lexington, this low-key program is good for parents wanting to spend the morning with the little ones, or for caretakers to plan an event to get out of the …

This week there are lots of free family events including: Stories and Songs at the Robbins, another Sing-A-Long at the Edith M. Fox Library, "Beauty and the Beast" at Arlington High School, Debbie and Friends at the Regent Theatre and a Children's author stopping in nearby. FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK Stories and Songs at Robbins Library Where/When: Robbins Library, 700 Massachusetts Ave., Wednesday, March 23 at 10am. Why Go: Join the Robbins Librarians for stories and songs at Robbins Library. Stories for ages two and up. Price: Free! Sing-A-Long at Edith M. Fox Library Where/When: Edith M…

This week there are lots of free family events including: Stories at Songs at the Robbins, a Sing-a-Long at the Edith M. Branch Library, a Teachers vs. Students B-Ball game, Henry Bear's Park welcoming back the Big Apple Circus and a unique, all-ages open mic series to invite your musicians in the family onto the stage. FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK   1. Stories and Songs at the Robbins Library Where/When: Robbins Library, 700 Massachusetts Ave. Wednesday, March 16 from 10-10:30am. Why Go: A fun, regular event that will engage you and the kids through learning. Books and songs are on the menu …

From classic plays to mill tours to film screenings, we’ve got you covered for family fun all week long.  FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • Sing-a-Long Where/When: Edith M. Fox Branch Library & Community Center, Thursday 10-10:30 a.m. Why Go: Enjoy musical stories and get into the groove with your little ones. Pricing:  Free, open to all infants, preschoolers and their caregivers. Pick up ticket at the libraryat 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. • Music Man Jr. Where/When: Ottoson Middle School, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Why Go: See neighborhood kids put on the Broadway classic, adapted …

From classic plays to author talks to open mic nights, we’ve got you covered for family fun all week long. FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • Wizard of Oz Where/When: Regent Theatre, Thursday and Friday 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.  Why Go: Enjoy the Arlington Children’s Theatre production of the tine-honored classic. Pricing: $15. For more ticket information, see the Regent’s website.  • Chess Classes Where/Where: Robbins Library, Thursday 3-4 p.m. Why Go: Learn how to play the game and bond over friendly competition. Checkmate!   Pricing: Free, open to kids in grades …

From magical math to kids' concerts to juggling, we’ve got you covered for family fun all week long.  FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • Magical Math Where/When: Edith M. Fox Branch Library & Community Center, Thursday 3-4:30 p.m. Why Go: Bring math to life for your little ones, do hands-on projects and make artwork to keep.  Pricing:  Free, open to grades K-5. Register online.    • Zak Morgan Concert Where/Where: Robbins Library, Friday 10-11 a.m. Why Go: Grammy-nominated musician Zak Morgan uses vocabulary, wordplay and songs to encourage children. Pricing: Free, open to all. Space is limited. …

From singalongs to local history to model trains, we’ve got you covered for family fun all week long.  FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • Singalong Where/When: Fox Library, Thursday 10-10:30 a.m. Why Go: Sing, dance and have fun with your little one. Pricing:  Free   • Digging Up Your Roots Where/Where: Robbins Library, Thursday 7 p.m. Why Go: Discover your family history and build a family tree alongside your kids. Pricing:  Free   • Old Schwamb Mill Tours Where/When: Old Schwamb Mill, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   Why Go: Kids will become enthralled (read: quiet) for hours with local history and …

From beach parties to drumming lessons to Scrabble tournaments extraordinaire, we've got you covered for family fun all week long.   FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • Chinese New Year Celebration Where/When: Fox Library, Wednesday 5-8 p.m.   Why Go: Crafts, music, a parade and delicious food… what better way to usher in the Year of the Rabbit? Pricing: Free, open to all ages. Please bring a dessert to share. • Singalong Where/When: Fox Library, Thursday 10-10:30 a.m. Why Go: Give kids a chance to jam (not on your pots and pans) and meet other kids in town. Pricing: Free. Open to infants, …

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, …