Knuffle Bunny and the Civil War: Grab & Go Kids Planner

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with your 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 in 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!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• CRAFT SOMETHING AT IKEA
  Where/When: , 750 East Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Wednesdays and Saturdays, all day.
  Why Go: On Wednesdays and Saturdays, anytime of the day, leave the kids for one hour at Smaland for Craft Day and get your shopping done during this hour of freedom.
  Pricing: Zip! Zilch! Nada! Call 630-972-7900 for more information.

• 
  Where/When:, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., at 7 p.m. March 24.
  Why Go: A Civil War re-enactor will talk about life during that time in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Dressed as Confederate Captain Henry Wirz, a commandant at Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp, Rick Benson will discuss his background and life in the military. Benson has previously performed at Naper Settlement’s Civil War Days and at the Andersonville National Historical Site.
  Pricing: Free! 'Nuff said.

• 
  Where/When: , 301 N. Washington St., from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 25.
  Why Go: The museum welcomes the cast of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical for an extra special Family Fun Friday pajama night. Cast members will be on hand to read a bedtime story, meet and greet guests and interact with children. This event is presented with community partner McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage.
  Pricing: Free for members; All others pay the cost of admission, $8.50 for those ages 1-59, $7.50 for those 60 years old and older.

• CATCH A CHEAP FLICK
  Where/When: , 1221 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, all day every Tuesday.
  Why Go: Tuesdays are Regal Value Days: $6 for all shows. You can also get a featured size popcorn for $1 with a paid admission (Regal Crown Club membership card required). Regal Crown Club membership cards are free and delivered four to six weeks after registration.
  Pricing: $6. Go online for showtimes. Call 630-759-8823 for more information.

• 
  Where/When: The Children's Garden at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Lincoln Ave., Lisle, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
  Why Go: Kids are invited to the Children's Garden for a hands-on activity that allows them to match mommy birds to their babies, to touch materials used to build a next and to make a baby owl caller.
  Pricing: Free with the cost of admission.