Weekend Essentials for Family Fun: Kids, Snacks and the Grab & Go Kids Planner

Looking for something fun to do with the family this Valentine's weekend?  You have come to the right place! Here are a list of events that include the history of chocolate, making a valentine craft, a visit to furry friends in the snow and so much more— pick and choose from this week’s events or add your own! 

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO, WILD WINTER WONDERLAND www.rwpzoo.org

Where/When: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI - Daily 9 AM to 4 PM

Why Go: The Zoo is open all year long!  And you can have a wonderful time exploring the "wild" winter wonderland! Come find out what the zoo's furry friends are doing in the cold. 

Pricing: Admission is half-price throughout January and February - $6/adults, $4/children (ages 3 - 12), $4/seniors (ages 62+). Zoo members and children under 3 are always free.

• PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - DISNEY PRESENTS "THE LION KING" www.ppacri.org

Where/When: PPAC, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. Feb.1 to Feb. 20 

Why Go: You can let your imagination run wild and marvel at the spectacle of animals brought to life by director Julie Taymor. You'll be thrilled with the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” 

Pricing: Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone at (401) 421-2787 or at the PPAC Box Office,  220 Weybosset St. in Providence. 

• PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - VALENTINE COLLAGE STUDIO www.childrenmuseum.org

Where/When: Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St., Providence, RI (401) 273-5437 Saturday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why Go: Ages 3-11 Come make a Valentine! Children cut, paste and craft valentines from a collection of colorful scrap papers.

Pricing: Free with museum admission of $8.50 per person (free for children under the age of 12 months and to museum members).

• BOSTON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE - RE-OPENING OF CHARLES HAYDEN PLANETARIUM - Now New England's Most Technologically Advanced Digital Theater- www.mos.org

Where/When: Boston Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, MA Sunday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: After a $9 Million transformation, The Charles Hayden Planetarium will reopen Feb. 13.  This celebrates the 52-year history of New England's first major planetarium with the unveiling of new cultural venue and world premiere of original astronomy show Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun.

Pricing: Exhibit Halls adult $21, senior $19, children $18, Planetarium adult $9., senior $8., children $7. Museum passes available at the

• OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE - BE MINE: CHOCOLATE AND VALENTINES  www.osv.org 

Where/When: Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Febr. 13 Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA (508) 347-3362 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m.

Why Go: Chocolate and valentines are two hallmarks of Valentine's Day celebrations.  Learn about the history of chocolate - from bean to beverage. OSV historians will demonstrate processing chocolate by hand using cacao beans in the original manner of ancient Mexico, where chocolate originates.  Learn the secret behind the 1824 recipe for "chocolate cake." Children can make their own valentines and visitors of all ages can "meet" the local woman responsible for the popularity of sending valentines in the United States.

Pricing: Old Sturbridge Village Admission - Adult $20, Senior $18, Children $7, Children under 3 are free

•FREE "SUNDAY AFTERNOON BLUES" CONCERT - www.fspaonline.com

Where/When: Franklin School for the Performing Arts, recital hall, 38 Main St., Franklin, MA, Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.

Why Go: Bassist Mark Poniatowski will lead the concert, an exploration of blues styles out of New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago. This program enables young audiences to enjoy a family-friendly representation of a classic American art form. This event is part of the winter family concert series.

Pricing: Free - 'nuff said!