Grab & Go Kids Planner

Let your kids practice their strikes and spares or learn about starfish and salamanders this weekend.

Minnesota SEA LIFE at the Mall of America

When/Where: Until April 4: Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (and if your kids are on spring break, weekday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday); Mall of America, 120 East Broadway, Bloomington

Why Go: The mall is for more than just shopping. Sea Life will stretch your kids' minds as they read facts about sea creatures scattered throughout the aquarium, and they'll love the chance to actually touch creatures like starfish and crabs in the touch pools.

Pricing:  $16.53 for ages 13+, $14.33 for ages 3-12

Sunday Special at Cedarvale Lanes

When/Where: 9 a.m. to noon Sundays, Cedarvale Lanes, 3883 Cedar Grove Pkwy, Eagan

Why Go: Help your kids go from gutters to spares and strikes, at a cheaper rate.

Pricing:  $2 per game per person, $2.50 shoe rental per person

When/Where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Como Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul

Why Go: Participate in a frog hop scavenger hunt throughout the zoo, jump into the hopping contest and, oh yeah, check out the many new amphibians on display.

Pricing: Free

Cheaper By the Dozen, the Musical

When/Where: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, The Loft Stage at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Dr., Woodbury

Why Go: The Woodbury Community Theatre actors put on the musically adapted version of the book your kids are sure to know (remember the Steve Martin movie version?).

Pricing: $15 for adults, $12 for 65+, $10 for kids 5-17 and free for kids 4 and under. Visit the ticket website to order or call for more information.



When/Where: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Rd, Apple Valley

Why Go: Six courts will be available to expose your kids to a sport with equipment that's easy for them to handle.

Pricing: $3 per person