Kids Planner: Movies, Stories, Art Projects and More

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 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 driving distance.

Have your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box or e-mail them to jeffrey.pickette@patch.com.

March 1st-31st…Get Caught Reading! By Self Help Inc.’s Community Partnership for Children and the Stoughton Library.  Let us catch you reading!  The more unusual place the better!  Help our library win the grand prize!  Submit your pictures to: ldunn@selfhelpinc.org or bring it directly to the library.

Wednesday, March 16 

* All Day…Halfway Café (Canton)

The OMS is doing a fundraiser all day where up to 20% of our purchase (excluding tip and tax) will go to the OMS PTSO. You just need to bring a flyer with you. You can get a flyer at the OMS website www.baseclasstech.com. Join the OMS PTSO for trivia at the Halfway Café at 8:30 p.m.

* 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m...Village Toy Shoppe (Canton).  Lego Club Meeting. Build a creation with 150 blocks and bring it so you can share your unique design with your friends. Everyone will be entered in a raffle to win prizes.

RSVP: vtscanton@verizon.net

* 6:30 p.m.-7:30p.m...Teddy Bear Story Time, preschool aged children, at the Stoughton Public Library.

Thursday, March 17

* 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m...Borders Bookstore (Legacy Place, Dedham), Miss Marsha’s Stories and Songs: It’s All About Green!  On St Patrick’s Day join Ms Marsha to explore the world of Leprechaun’s and Shamrocks! They will read The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing and The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater. There will also be a scavenger hunt to see who can find the pot of gold!  And to top it off, create a simple craft that corresponds with the stories. All of this is free of charge!  No need to register! Drop in!

* 10 a.m.-5 p.m.…Easton Children’s Museum, St. Patrick's Day Celebration.  Go green on St. Patrick's Day! Come in the morning for their Exploring Music program, drop in and build your own St. Patrick's Day craft, and create your own rainbow in the FETCH! Lab. There will also be a pot o' gold treasure hunt for all of you lads and lassies that like a challenge! 

• 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. - Exploring Music -Join Kerry for a St. Patrick's themed program.

• 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. - Awesome Robb's Adventures - "Go Green" recycling program.

• 4 p.m.-5 p.m. - The Haley School of Irish Dance will also be performing. 

* 3 p.m.-5 p.m…Stoughton Public Library-Acrylic Photo Frame Craft.  Ages 11-17.  Make a photo frame for yourself or a loved one.  Embellished with beads and soldering wire which you can mold into words such as: LOVE, MOM, etc.  Bring a special photo to frame.  (Limit: 12 people)  Call 781-344-2711 to Sign Up.

Friday, March 18

* 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.…Endicott Branch of the Dedham Library, Tot Time Sing ‘n Learn-From the jungle to the Farm: We love Animals!  This month they will explore the world of animals during Tot Time Sing ‘n Learn.  Toddlers (ages 1-3) and their parents will participate in making puppets and pictures and singing songs about animals.  They will read a few stories and definitely have an animal parade!  All free of charge and guaranteed for a fun filled time.  Parents will receive a set of articles that pertain to early literacy. 

* 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.…Showcase Cinema de Lux (Foxborough)-FREE Bubble Show, ages 3 to 8.  A Bubble Show Music Party is an interactive program that features musical fun, interactivity and BUBBLES for children. Located on the 2nd floor lobby of Showcase Cinema de Lux.

* 6 p.m...Irish Cultural Centre (Canton)-Joshua Tree Live in Concert. The best U2 cover band around. Doors and ICC Pub open at 6pm.  Shows start at 8pm.  Tickets are $12 for ICC Members and $15 General Admission.  Call the ICC at 781-821-8291.

Saturday, March 19

* 10 a.m.-2 p.m…Hansen School Carnival-All Are Welcome!  Help support the Hansen School PTO by playing fun games and eating great food.  There will also be raffles, a silent auction, a yard sale and MUCH MORE! 

* 10 a.m.-12 p.m...Michael’s (Avon), ages 3 and up, Make-It, Take-It Clay Pot Event.  Turn a clay pot into a giant decorative cupcake! Purchase of clay pot required.

* 10 a.m. - 1 p.m...Open House at Maplewood Country Day Camp (Foundry St., Route 106, Easton): Come join Maplewood Country Day Camp and Enrichment Center for a day of fun. There will be a Petting Zoo, Rock Climbing, Gymnastics, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Moonwalks, Gym Games and so much more.

* 11 a.m...Barnes and Noble (Walpole)-Special Story time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  This event is FREE.

Tuesday, March 22

* 11:00 a.m…FREE Storytime at Patriot Place (Foxborough).  Kids Club Storytime is held every Tuesday at Showcase Cinema de lux. Storytime is followed by a special character appearance and a short movie.

* 7 p.m.-8 p.m…Parent Workshop: Nurturing Your Child's Nature. Learn how temperaments affect behavior.  Leave with a set of strategies and an understanding of how to deal with your child's (and your own!) temperamental traits. This workshop will be held at The Children’s Center in the East Elementary School, 45 Wilshire Drive in Sharon.  Register with Marsha Wright at (508) 559-1666 ext 124 or mwright@selfhelpinc.org

Wednesday, March 23

* 6 p.m.- 8 p.m…Stoughton Public Library-International Day.  Embrace & learn about other cultures and sample native Cultural dishes.  Presented by the Teen Advisory Board.  All are welcome, no prior sign up required.

* 6 p.m…Family Movie Night at the Sheep Pasture (Easton)-Toy Story 2!  An adult must accompany all children. Come down to the Carriage House at Sheep Pasture for a fun family movie on their BIG screen! Little ones can bring a blanket or sleeping bag and pillow to relax! Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information please call 508-238-6049.

Cost: NRT Members - FREE; Non-members - $5 per family of 4.  (March 30th show: Toy Story 3)