Grab & Go Kids Planner: Family Night at Farmers' Market, Ladybug Release and More

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this week?

Our weekly Grab & Go calendar focuses on five kid-friendly events in the Tri-Valley. And we've added an out-of-town outing for an easy weekend getaway.

Pick and choose from this week’s array of events: Amgen Tour of California in Livermore, "Family Night" at Farmers' Market in Dublin, Into the Woods play in San Ramon, 4th Annual Ladybug Release in Pleasanton and a family bike ride and bike fit expo in Danville.

Family Best Bets of the Week

• 
  Where/When: Downtown Livermore on Wednesday morning
  Why Go: Livermore will be the start city for Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California, America's largest cycling event. Festivities begin downtown about 9 a.m. and the race starts at 11:45 a.m. on the corner of First and L streets. for more details.
  Price: Free

• 
  Where/When: in San Ramon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  Why Go: See what happens when fairytale characters—Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, vengeful giants, a wicked witch and many others—come together in Into the Woods. The popular musical premiered on Broadway in 1987 and earned several Tony Awards. The whole family will enjoy this production by the San Ramon Community Theater now through May 28.
  Price: $13 - 16. Click here to order tickets.

• 
  Where/When: on Saturday in Pleasanton at 2 p.m.
  Why Go: Kids can learn all about ladybugs, finding out how these cute creatures keep gardens healthy and safe. Participants will release ladybugs at the park and then take some home for their own gardens. This event requires advance registration.
  Price: $9 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Click here to register.

• 
  Where/When: and other locations in Danville on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Click event link above for location lists and schedule.)
  Why Go: Celebrate National Bike Month with Sustainable Danville Area and enjoy a family-friendly bicycle ride along the Iron Horse Trail and a free Bike Fit Expo. for full details.
  Price: Free

Need a quick getaway? Here’s this week’s pick: The Bay Area's Maker Faire at San Mateo County Event Center showcases invention and creativity in the areas of science, technology, engineering, food, arts and crafts. The two-day family-friendly festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 for a single day youth pass to $50 for a two-day adult weekend pass. Visit http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2011/ for more information and tickets.

Looking for more? Browse Patch's events calendar for other family-friendly activities near you.

Is our calendar missing anything? You can add an event by clicking on the "add your own event" link on your city's Patch site.