The kids are back in school, but still you want to come up with things you can do. Let Patch help you out.
We've done the research, we've done your homework and we're ready to give you our suggestions for ways you can get up and go with your family this week and heading into the weekend.
Where/When: IHOP Restaurant, 3294 Calaveras Rd., Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Free pancakes and a chance to help out a really good cause, the Children's Miracle Network or another local charity. IHOP does National Pancake Day as a fundraiser and asks that you give something back in exchange for a free short stack.
Pricing: Free for the pancakes, then whatever you choose to donate.
Where/When: Borders Books, 15 Ranch Drive, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Why Go: To celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss! This event is for kids ages 6-10. It's all about reading, which is why it's called Read Across America. And it's the birthday of Dr Seuss!
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Why Go: Part of Strollerhikes.com, this outdoor adventure will get your kids off the couch. Learn about wildflowers as you hike the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails to Agua Caliente Trail at Ed Levin County Park. Children should be prepared to walk, or parents should be prepared to carry them.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Environmental Education Center (Alviso), Sunday, 1 p.m.
Why Go: Take a sample of mud from the Don Edwards National Wildlife refuge and put it under the microscope. It's more than just mud—there are organisms that make up a whole ecosystem.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: This is a premier model show and a contest. There will be model trains, planes, cars and more. There will be more than 100 modelers and 400 entries. An eyeful of models to look at and lots of "make and take" for kids and raffles for all!
Pricing: $5—$10
Visit Curiodyssey
Where/When CuriDYSSEY, formerly the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education, 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, every day but Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: See one of the many environmental exhibits at the museum. Tinkering is just one of them. The exhibit gives you an idea of what can be invented when you are just tinkering around. There are wildlife exhibits, animal feedings and more.
Pricing: $8 adults, $6 seniors and students, 13-17; $4 children 2 to 12
Where/When: 1530 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. The group meets at the Gateway Facility, down the trail from the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve parking lot on Arastradero Road, just north of Page Mill Road. Wednesday, 2-5 p.m.
Why Go: Do something fun, do something useful. Restore habitat and make new friends with Acterra's Wednesday Weed Warriors events!
Pricing: Free
