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!
Library fun, college fair, family game night and painting pottery — pick and choose from this week’s array of events.
FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK
Where/When: Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Road, Chelmsford Days, times vary.
Why Go: The library offers a wide variety of drop-in children’s programming each week including preschool crafts on Tuesdays, and storytimes on Wednesdays. Stop by the library or check out their web site for more information.
Pricing: Absolutely free!
• COLLEGE FAIR FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Where/When: Thursday, March 24, 6-8 p.m. Woburn Memorial High School, 88 Montvale Ave., Woburn
Why Go: Fifteen colleges are expected to attend the fifth annual college fair for students with learning differences on March 24 at Woburn Memorial High School. This is the only event of its kind in the area. The colleges include: Bay State, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Bunker Hill, Curry College, Dean College, ITT Tech, Johnson and Wales, Landmark, Lesley University (Threshold Program), Lincoln Tech, Marshall University, Merrimack, Middlesex, and New England Institute of Technology.
Open to students, their families and teachers.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Friday, March 25, 7-9 p.m. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church Chelmsford, 2 Westford St., Chelmsford
Why Go: What better way to end the week than by relaxing and playing games. Family game night is every Friday — unless there is another major church event — from 7 to 9 p.m. in the vestry. Bring your favorite game to share, or just bring yourself or your whole family, and see what others are playing. Board games, word games, card games, charades - whatever people are in the mood for. No need to RSVP - just show up
Pricing: Free.
Where/When: Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m. Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell
Why Go: Fitness for a Cure is a one-of-a-kind event that raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It is a year-long effort culminating in two unique events held on the same day at Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The family event begins at 1 p.m. and provides adults and kids with an afternoon of fun, fitness and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy a special fitness show featuring the talent of younger St. Jude Performance Team members. Families can participate in other kid-friendly activities including face painting and more.
The main event begins at 6 p.m. and is a semi-formal gala featuring a live and silent auction, fitness show and entertainment. Special guest Micky Ward and live performance by the Flutie Brothers Band.
Pricing: Family event: $35 for adults and $15 for children. Gala event: $150 per person. Visit www.fitnessforacure.com for more information.
• PUBLIC HOCKEY AT CHELMSFORD FORUM
Where/When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 pm.
Why Go: If your child has ever wanted to try out the sport, all you need is a helmet and stick. Shoot around on the ice and maybe find some friends to practice passing to.
Pricing: $5-7. Skate rentals available.
