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

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch has assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children.

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

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!

Cheer on the Scouts, take in a play, or enjoy a day in the great outdoors. There’s something for everyone in this week’s family fun section. 

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• Lake Forest High School Boys' Basketball Game vs. Lake Zurich

Where/When: Lake Forest High School East Campus Gym, 1285 N. McKinley Road, on Friday (Feb. 4). Sophomore game at 6 p.m.; varsity at 7:30 p.m.

Why Go:  School spirit, an excuse to be noisy, and the concession stand popcorn.

Pricing: $5 adults, $2 high school students and seniors, $1 kids under 12.

• Dear Edwina at Center Stage 

Where/When: Center Stage of Lake Forest, 400 E. Illinois Road (Gorton Community Center) at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 4).

Why Go: Kid friendly rock music, theatre, and a meaningful plot, a win-win for all.

Pricing: $15 - $20 per person.

• Jake’s Women at The Citadel Theatre Company

Where/When: The Citadel Theatre at Lake Forest High School West Campus , 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest, 8 p.m. Friday (Feb. 4). Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m. Saturday night show sold out.

Why Go: Who doesn’t love Neil Simon? Nothing is better than taking in a comedy with your family.

Pricing:  Adults $35 each, students and seniors $32. Three-show subscription only $59.

• Volunteer Work Day At Lake Forest Open Lands

Where/When: Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Drive in Lake Forest, from 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday (Feb. 5).

Why Go: Fresh air, nature, a chance to teach kids about community service. Dress warm and promise the kids hot chocolate at Starbucks for all of their hard work.

Pricing: Free.

• Wildlife Discovery Center  

Where/When: Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Drive in Lake Forest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 5); noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Why Go: Reptiles, amphibians, birds, including raptors, and a bobcat, the best interactive wildlife museum in the area.

Pricing: Free.

• Paleoart Exhibit

Where/When: Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road  in Wauconda, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Why Go: Lifelike dinosaurs and a state of the art hologram are sure to mesmerize. The perfect mix of education and entertainment.

Pricing: $6 each for adults, $2.50 for youth, ages 4 to 17, $3 for students, ages 18 to 25, and seniors, ages 55 and up, free. For ages 3 and under, members are free.