Grab & Go Kids Planner: Free Craft Classes, Musicals

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with your children. We'll give you information on several family activities or events for the weekend. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research for you. We’ll find the best things for you to do and places for you to go with your children, both locally and within a reasonable driving distance.

Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday. And, you can help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips-just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our suggestions, let us know. We want to hear from you.

Grab your kids and go have some fun.

Family Best Bets of the Week

Where / When:  Cook Park Library; all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 - 20

Why Go?: Use your imagination to make a craft at the library. All supplies are provided.

Pricing: Free

Where / When: James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County - Grayslake Campus, 19351 W Washington Street. School day performances are on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 17 at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Public performances are on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 and 20 at 2 and 6 p.m.

Why Go?: Experience the talents of the Christian Youth Theater students, ages 4 - 18, as they bring to life the popular Disney Channel show. Fun songs, incredible dance moves, amazing entertainment for the whole family.

Pricing: $12 for adults, $9 for children 2 - 17 and seniors if purchased in advance. $14 for adults, $11 for children 2 - 17 and seniors if purchased at the door. Special pricing is available for school groups.

Where / When:  , 150 E Wood St., Palatine; Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Why Go? You won't want to miss this show for children presented by the Palatine Park District and Theaterworks.

Pricing: $5 per person, all ages welcome.

New Shanghai Circus

Where / When: Adlai E. Stevenson High School, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire; Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 - 4 p.m.

Why Go?:  Jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, knife throwers and bicyclists. See amazing athletes perform breathtaking feats that defy gravity and stretch the limits of human ability. More than 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions come together with spectacular flair.

Pricing: $15

Where / When: James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, College of Lake County - Grayslake Campus, 19351 W Washington St;  Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.

Why Go?: Performance is open to all.

Pricing: $5 per ticket.

Where / When : Gymnasium, Building M, 1200 W Algonquin Rd., Palatine; Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20 at 9 a.m.

Why Go?: Stars of Tomorrow Basketball Tournament

Pricing: $5 for adults; $3 for students and senior citizens; free for kids 12 and under

Where / When: Lake County Fair Association, 1060 E Peterson Rd., Grayslake; Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Why Go?: Volleyball tournament, open to all.

Pricing: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and students; free for kids 12 and under.

Where / When: McDonald Woods, Grass Lake Rd., Lake Villa; Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Why Go?: Search for the hardy birds that stay in Lake County for the winter and discover the adaptations that allow them to survive the cold months. See crows, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, pine siskins and an owl or two.

Pricing: Free

Where / When: Lake County Fair Association; Friday, Feb. 18 from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why Go?: Shop for fishing equipment, hunting gear, cabin furnishings and decor, attend seminars. Sponsored by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pricing: $7 for adults, free for children 12 and under