Grab & Go Kids Planner: Top Family Picks for the Week

Juggling your responsibilities, and entertaining the kids is no easy task. Carrollwood Patch is coming to the rescue, with the top  family-friendly activities in the area.

Kid-Friendly Films at Regal Citrus Park

• Where/When: Regal Citrus Park 20, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center. The theater opens daily at noon.
• Why Go: Treat your kids to movies and popcorn this week at WestfieldCitrus Park Mall. Family- friendly G to PG rated movie titles include, "Rango," "Mars Needs Moms," and the all new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2," which premiers on Friday.
• Prices vary. Call 813-920-9471 for showtimes and prices.

• Where/When: Messiah Lutheran Church Preschool, 14920 Hutchison Rd. Friday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: Bring your little tykes to Messiah Lutheran Church for an exciting and educational music class. Created by Maryann Harman, "Music With Mar." offers fun for both kids and adults through music. The class is led by Heidi Noyes.
• Free!

• Where/When:Jimmie B. Keel Library, 2902 W Bears Ave. Thursday at 6 p.m.
• Why Go: Teens are invited to the library after school for an evening of relaxed entertainment with music, snacks, creative activities and games. Teen Cafe is an ideal hangout for students to socialize with peers in a fun and safe environment.
• Free!

•  Where/When: Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, 12701 N DaleMabry Hwy. Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: Bring your little builders to the local Lowe's store for some hands-on fun. In this week's Build & Grow Kids' Clinic, children will create their very own wooden fortune teller to share with family and friends. Each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, and certificate of completion.
• Free!

• Where/When: Lowry Park, 7525 N Boulevard. Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Join Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and Tampa Bay Beautification for Tampa's Reuse-A-Palooza, an event designed to raise awareness of recycling in the community. Open to Hillsborough residents of all ages, visitors will participate in an array of fun and educational activities throughout the day. There will be a Recycle Regatta boat building competition, recycling resources displays, cleanup activities and a birthday party for Tampa Bay's Pete the Pelican Pirate.
• Free!

Dinosaur Train’s “Buddy the TRex” Meet and Greet

•  Where/When: Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave. Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: "Buddy the TRex," of PBS' Dinosaur Train television program will make an appearance this weekend at Lowry Park Zoo. Buddy will meet with fans, pose for photos and sign autographs. Kids may also enjoy a ride on the zoo's Overland Express train ride, fun games and activities.
•  Adults: $23.95, Seniors: $21.95, Children (3 - 11): $18.95

•  Where/When: Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd. Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon.
• Why Go:  Celebrate the Carrollwood Cultural Center's third anniversary at the annual Arts in the Park festival. More than 100 emerging and established artists will display their work at the two-day event for the public to admire. There will be an array of activities for all guests including a few hands-on craft projects for kids. 
• Free!