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!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

 • FAMILY CONNECTION PLAYGROUP

Where/When: The Family Connection Playgroup meets every Monday and Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at 15 Mammoth Road, Lowell.

Why Go: This is a parent-run organization specifically targeted at helping young families meet each other.

Pricing: Free.

• ARE YOU FOR CEREAL?

Where/When: Chelmsford High School. Performances will be held: Feb 3 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.; and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m and 7 p.m.

Why Go: This play is suitable for all ages. This performance stars Jeremy O'Donnelly as Billy, a kid who goes to the dentist and finds out his bad eating habits has landed him with one too many cavities. He begins a journey and a quest for the great food pyramid and meets a large array of fruity characters including Major Melon, Count Chocula and Admiral Apple.

Pricing: Adults $8, students $5. 

• WINTERFEST 2011 - OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT ROBERTS FIELD

Where/When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roberts Field, 250 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford.

Why Go: Ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hot refreshments, sponsored by the Boy Scout Troop 77.

Pricing: Free.

• WINTERFEST 2011 - CHOWDERFEST AND MORE

Where/When: Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town of Chelmsford Senior Center.

Why Go: Come out of the cold and enjoy some entertainment, great family fun and hot, delicious food including: homemade chowders, hot dogs, pizza, apple crisp, ice cream baked goods and candy.

Pricing: Free, but the food is for sale.

• WINTERFEST 2011 - FREE PUBLIC SKATING AT THE CHELMSFORD FORUM 

Where/When: Chelmsford Forum, 2 Brick Kiln Road, North Billerica, from 1:30 to 2:50 p.m.

Why Go: Lace up those skates - it's never too late to teach your little ones how to ice skate.

Pricing: Free.