Kids Planner: Plenty to do at the Library and Beyond

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.

Wednesday, March 9

3 p.m.-4:45 p.m.…Young Adult Game Afternoon, ages 11-17.  Play your favorite game with other teens and WIN PRIZES!  (Dance, Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Wii, Board Games).  Call the at 781-344-2711 to sign up.

6:30 p.m.-7:30p.m.…Teddy Bear Storytime, preschool aged children, at the Stoughton Public Library.

7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)…Irish Cultural Centre, (200 New Boston Drive, Canton, MA).  Noel V. Ginnity’s Irish Caberet, This wonderful show straight from Ireland features Ireland’s funniest comedian Noel V. Ginnity, Irish Tenor Paul Hennessey, Soprano Emer Hartnett, the Dublin Traditional dancers and so many more!  Tickets are $25 for members and $30 general admission. Buffet dinner available at 6 p.m. for an additional charge.  Please purchase your tickets in advance by calling the ICC at 781-821-8291.

Thursday, March 10 

2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.…Elementary School Craft Program, grades K-5, at the Stoughton Public Library. Registration is required, please call 781-344-2711.

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.…Bucket Fillers Club, grades K-3, at the Stoughton Public Library. Registration is preferred.  Please call 781-344-2711.  This program provides activities that enhance self-esteem and offer anti-bullying education.

Friday, March 11

10:00 a.m.…Around the World: Germany! at the Children's Museum in Easton. Come learn about the culture of the Germans through games, music, food and crafts. Learn about cuckoo clocks, chocolate and pretzels, and Germany’s famous engineering through playing with toy cars.  Admission is $6 per person; members and children under 1 are free.

Saturday, March 12

11 a.m.-3 p.m....Community Day Open House at the . There will be tours all day, refreshments and family fun activities in the gymnasium (11 a.m. until 1 p.m.) and in the indoor pool (1 p.m. until 3 p.m.). The open house is free and non-members are welcome.

11 a.m.…Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place, Foxborough.  Fishing 101.  This introductory fishing seminar for the beginner freshwater fisherman covers tackle selection, rigging your tackle, types of fish to fish for, where to fish and casting techniques.  Great learning opportunity for a fun family bonding activity when the weather warms up!

12:30 p.m.…Bass Pro Shops, at Patriot Place, Foxborough.  Spring Saltwater Fly Fishing.  Join local pro, Jim Barr, for an informative seminar on shallow water striped bass and blue fishing.  Jim will give you the information you need, from what to use and where to go to catch them on a fly rod.  Great for a family who already enjoys fishing!

2 p.m.…Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place, Foxborough.  Saltwater Kayak Fishing.  Learn how to kayak fish safely and effectively using light tackle and soft plastics.  Learn what supplies to bring and safety measures and techniques to use for an effective, fun and safe fishing trip in your kayak.  A great activity to share with your young adult children!

5 p.m....Irish Cultural Centre of New England Annual Community Open House…The ICC Open House welcomes all.  Featuring lively Irish music, dancing, plenty of great Irish food, great “craic” and more!  Performances by Andy Healey and a lively session band.  Doors open at 5 p.m., Traditional Irish Mass at 6 p.m. and Entertainment at 7 p.m. FREE for ICC Members, $5 General Admission.  Separate cost for food.

6 p.m.-8 p.m.…Michael’s (Avon), CANDY MAKING.  One fun-filled 2 hour class.  Learn to make beautiful candies that taste as good as they look!.  Register by phone or in store.

Sunday, March 13

2 p.m.-3 p.m.…Village Toy Shop,  (both Canton and Easton locations), Celebrate Springing Forward!  Children of all ages are welcome to celebrate "Springing Ahead" with the time change.  Make tissue flowers, paint garden animals and enjoy light refreshments.  Reserve your spots today:

Easton- vtsgm@verizon.net

Canton- vtscanton@verizon.net

Monday, March 14

6 p.m.-8 p.m.…Homework Center at the Stoughton Public Library. Please call 781-344-2711.

7 p.m.…Zumba Fitness at the Portuguese Club (38 Wyman St.), only $8.50 per class and membership is not required.

Tuesday, March 15

1 p.m.…Book Discussion Group at the Stoughton Public Library, Adults Only.  This month’s selection is Girls of a Tender Age, by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith.  New members are encouraged.  Please be sure to read the selected book before joining the discussion.

7 p.m.…Stoughton Reads Together Event at the Stoughton Library (Wales French Room), young adults and adults.  Come watch Stolen, the documentary film that is “A treasure trove of outrageous characters, personal obsessions and the rarified world of art collecting.”  Registration is required.  .

*This year’s selection for is The Gardner Heist, The True Story of the World’s largest Unsolved Art Heist by Ulrich Boser.  Pins and Books are available at the library.  You can borrow the book or purchase a discounted copy for $10. 

Wednesday, March 16

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m…Village Toy Shop, Canton.  Join us for Storytime every Wednesday.  Our relaxed laid-back format is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. No sign up necessary- just drop in for a fun morning activity!

3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.…Teen Advisory Board’s Movie Matinee at the Stoughton Library.  Ages 13-17.  Join us in watching the movie, Speak, based on the acclaimed award-winning novel by Laurie Halse Anderson.  The event is FREE.  Registration is required in advance as these events will be cancelled due to lack of attendees.  Please call 781-344-2711.

7 p.m.…Stoughton Reads Together Event at the Stoughton Library (Wales French Room).  Security at the Museum.  Anthony Amore, Security Director at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will present a slide show on the 3 most important art thefts in U.S. History: Worcester Art Museum in 1972, MFA of Boston in 1975 and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990.  Registration is required, please call 781-344-2711.