Grab & Go Kids Planner

Glad you clicked on our new Tri-Valley Grab & Go Kids Planner!

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try in the Tri-Valley with children.

Each week, we'll give you the info on the week's five best family activities or events.

You're pressed for time, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, locally and within reasonable striking distance.

Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday and help us build the planner with your 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!

Here are free Valentine-themed craft outings, the Campana Jazz Festival and a day trip for young ocean explorers — pick and choose from this week’s array of events.

Family Best Bets of the Week

• 
  Where/When: Dublin Library in Dublin on Wednesday from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
  Why Go: Get your kids ready for Valentine's Day by taking them to this free activity at the library where they can make a Valentine craft for grandma or  best buddy. Similar events are offered this week at the Livermore Library and Pleasanton Library.
  Pricing: Free!

• 
  Where/When: Civic Center Library in Livermore on Thursday from 7 - 8 p.m.
  Why Go: Does everyone in your family know what to do when disaster strikes? This  family-friendly seminar covers hazards faced by the Livermore area and tells you how to prepare for an earthquake or other disaster. Want to learn more about earthquakes? Come back to the Civic Center Library at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday when Las Positas College students offer a
  Pricing: Free!

• 
  Where/When: Forest Home Farms in San Ramon on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  Why Go: Your kids will enjoy traveling back in time at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park where they can make an old-fashioned calling card, create a Victorian Valentine's Day card and enjoy Victorian-era refreshments. 
  Pricing: Free!

• 
  Where/When: San Ramon Valley High School, Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Why Go: If you have a daughter in middle school, you won't want to miss this conference designed for teen girls and parents. You and your daughter can listen to keynote speakers, browse through the expo and attend workshops on topics ranging from dealing with "mean girls" to healthy eating.
  Pricing: $35

• 
  Where/When: Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton on Saturday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Why Go: Music lovers of all ages are welcome at this day-long jazz festival that features 51 student ensembles from 24 Bay Area schools, including those in our own Tri-Valley.
  Pricing: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, free for kids under 5

Need a quick get-away? Here’s this week’s family day-trip pick:

The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, just a short drive from the Tri-Valley, takes kids on an oceanic adventure with its new "Creatures of the Abyss" exhibit opening this Saturday. Kids can touch a life-sized giant squid sculpture, discover organisms from local tide pools and see how scientists explore the deep ocean. Admission to the museum is $12 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, $6 for kids ages 3 - 6 and free for kids under 3.

Looking for more? Browse Patch's events calendar for other family-friendly activities near you or add your own event.