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!

• MONMOUTH MUSEUM (http://monmouthmuseum.org/calendar.html).

Changing Climate : Changing Weather is a special exhibit currently open in the museum's Becker Children's Wing which is for children 6 to 12 years old. The exhibit, complete with interactive features,  explores the related, but unique sciences of climate and weather. This hands-on exhibition will demonstrate how changes in our climate cause changes in our weather. The museum also boasts Wonder Wing, a spacious playroom with an under-the-sea theme, for younger children, after-school activities for students of different ages and exhibits that parents will enjoy.

Where/When: The museum is on the Brookdale Community College campus, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738, (732) 747-2266. Monday - closed. Tuesday through Friday, 2 - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Why Go: It's fun and educational.

Pricing: $7 per person, except children younger than 2 years old are free.

• INSECTROPOLIS - THE BUGSEUM OF NJ (http://www.insectropolis.com/)

Where/When:  1761 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08755, 732-349-7090.  Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Open same hours on Mondays in July and August. 

Why Go:  Whether you are a bug enthusiast or just a curious visitor, Insectropolis has over a dozen exhibit areas that are sure to educate and entertain.

Pricing:  • Admission is $7 per visitor.  Children 2 and under are free.  Groups of 15 or more pay $5 per visitor.

• JENKINSON'S AQUARIUM (http://www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium/)

Where/When:  300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742.  Monday - Friday:  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Saturday - Sunday:  10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Why Go:  There are many exhibits to get you close to animals from around the world.  There's even a touch tank that allows visitors to touch live sea creatures!

Pricing:  Adult - $10;  Senior - $6;  Child (3-12) - $6;  Child (0-2) - FREE.

• MANASQUAN RESERVOIR ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER  (http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/Page.aspx?ID=2627)

Where/When:  331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731, 732-751-9453.  Open daily from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays only from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Why Go:  The Environmental Center highlights the importance of water through interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, educational activities for schools and community groups, and wildlife observation areas.

Pricing:  Free nature programs are offered on most weekends.

• POPCORN PARK ZOO (http://www.ahscares.org/page2.asp?page=popcornpark&style=2)

Where/When:  1 Humane Way Forked River, NJ 08731, 609-693-1900.  11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week.  Holidays  11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why Go:  Popcorn Park Zoo is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals, and birds.

Pricing:  Adults - $5;  Seniors and Children under 12 - $4;  Children under 3 - FREE.

• THE ROBERT J NOVINS PLANETARIUM (http://www.ocean.edu/campus/planetarium/NovinsGeneralInfo.htm)

Where/When:  College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754, 732-255-0342.  Public shows are presented Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday.

Why Go:  The newly renovated Planetarium provides staff with exciting new ways to bring you the wonders of the universe and you'll find a variety of programs for all ages.

Pricing:  Per show:  $10 - Adults;  $8 - Seniors (60+) and OCC Rewards Members with card;  $7 - Children (12 and under) and OCC Students with ID;  Family Pack: Up to 2 Adults, 3 children - $41 value, only $35.