Sock Hop, Outdoor Kid Contest and More: Grab & Go Kids Planner

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

We've 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!

Mother/Son Valentine Sock Hop, New Lenox

Where/When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Park District's Lions Community Center, 1 Manor Drive in New Lenox.

Why go: For moms with kids ages 3-7, grab your special guy and go to the Valentine Sock Hop. There will be games, music and crafts. Prizes will be awarded for the craziest socks worn. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Pricing: $15 per adult and $10 per child. The deadline to register for the event is today. Call 815-485-173 or e-mail lpipiras@newlenoxparks.org to register.

The Wizard of Oz, University Park

Where/When: Friday at 7 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts at Governors State University in University Park.

Why go: Local children perform in this Missoula Children’s Theatre production about Dorothy’s journey over the rainbow to a magical land populated by witches, wizards, munchkins and talking scarecrows.

Pricing: General admission tickets are $10, order by calling 708-235-2222.

Fishing & Outdoor Show, Tinley Park

Where/When: Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. in Tinley Park.

Why go: 18th annual show features outdoors seminars, dozens of exhibits and sponsor booths, free parking and the second annual 2011 Outdoor Kid of the Year competition.

Pricing: Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 7 to 13. Little anglers 6 and younger get in for free.

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, Mokena

Where/When: 1 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Mokena Community Public Library, 11327 W. 195th St in Mokena.

Why go:  Get a free, interactive history lesson from historical dramatist R.J. Lindsey when he portrays President Abraham Lincoln. The dramatization commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and Lincoln's 202nd birthday.

Pricing: Free.

Winter on the Green: Valentine's Weekend, Frankfort

Where/When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at , between Kansas and White streets, Frankfort.

Why go: It's the last Winter on the Green event of the season. Celebrate Valentine's Day a little early by tasting a variety of chocolate fondue and taking a shot at turkey bowling. Frankfort's Boy Scout Troop 270 will demonstrate a winter campout, and attendees can sample their hot cobbler made in Dutch ovens.

Pricing: Free.