calendar of march events All listings are accurate at press. Please call ahead to confirm events. Listings are arranged alphabetical by community. A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person Saturday, 1 “Dreams Come True” Boston Children’s Chorus. Concord Baptist Church, 191 Warren Ave., Boston. 6:30 p.m. A$10, C under 18 $5. www.bostonchildrenschorus.org. Pancake Breakfast. Verrill Farm, Concord. 9 a.m. – noon. A hearty breakfast. All ages. No reservations necessary. Served in the sun - splashed greenhouse behind the farm stand. $6pp. 978-369-4494. www.verrillfarm.com. Sunday, March 9 An opening reception from 1-4 p.m. kicks off Worcester Art Museum’s Youth Art Month. Visit www.worcesterart.org The Raid of 1704 at Historic Deerfield. All events will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Tours, reenactors, demonstrators, A$14, Y $5 (12-18), under 12 free. Tickets also good on March 2. 413-775-7214. www.historic-deerfield.org, or www.1704.Deerfield.History.Museum. Also March 2. Family Owl Prowl. Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary 280 Eliot St. (Route16), Natick. 5 – 6:30 p.m. A$15, C$8NM, 508-655- 2296. www.massaudubon.org. Winter Festival and Wayne Potash Concert. Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St., Newtonville. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Live music from singer/songwriter Wayne Potash with activity stations, arts and crafts, bake sale, raffles, and a magic show. $8pp advance tickets; $10pp based on availability. 617-916-9736 or marthatrail@yahoo.com. Drop-in Art Activity: Japanese Dolls Day. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 1 – 3 p.m. Make a paper hina doll in honor of Japanese Hinamatsuri, or Dolls Day. Visit an impressive Hinamatsuri doll set in the Art Studios. A$13, Free age 16 & under. 866-745-1876. www.pem.org. Winter Carnival. Pearl Hill State Park, Townsend. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Outdoor activities for the whole family. Nature walks, cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks, winter survival and ice fishing demonstrations, children’s games and much more. Meet Smokey Bear; enjoy stories around the campfire with goodies. 978-597-3553 or e-mail emily@willardbrook.org. Central Massachusetts Flower Show. DCU Center, Worcester. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Also March 2 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For home owners and gardening enthusiasts to learn about the latest in landscape services, supplies and equipment. A$12, C (6-12)$6, C (5 and under) free. www.centralmaflowershow.com Sunday, 2 First Sunday Drop Into Art. Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 2 - 4 p.m. Special Guests: Potter Road Elementary School, Framingham. Free Museum admission for registered participants and free children's art activities and family tours by docents. 508-620-0050 x16 www.danforthmuseum.org. Art & Nature Story Time: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 3 – 4 p.m. Ages 3 – 6 w/A. Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a reading of Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose and explore the ways animals depend on one another. Create a set of antlers. A $13, Free 16 and under. 866-745-1876. www.pem.org. All Month Long The Spiderwick Chronicles is playing at the Verizon IMAX Theater at Jordan’s Furniture in Natick and Reading. For tickets, visit www.jordansimax.com Boogie Oogie Baby: Family Disco Dance. Wenham Musuem. 3 – 5 p.m. Introduce your children to the rhythms of 70s and 80s with fun activities. Pre-register: $11. $14 at the door. 978-468-2377. www.wenhammuseum.org Central Massachusetts Flower Show. DCU Center, Worcester. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. See March 1 listing. Monday, 3 Aqua Kids Family Day. New England Aquarium, Boston. 1st & 3rd Mondays. Stories, games and art projects that focus on some of your favorite aquatic animals. No registration required. A$18.95, C (3-11) $10.95. 617-973-5206. www.neaq.org Tuesday, 4 Science Ktichen. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 9:30 a.m. Try out recipes for bubbles, play dough, and paint. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Friday, March 7 Sing, dance, play instruments, and hear stories at Littleton’s Family Pajama Jam. Visit www.indianhillmusic.org for details. Positive Discipline. Advanced Health & Wellness, 790 Turnpike St., Suite 300, N. Andover. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Featuring Lani Peterson, a STEP expert (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting). 978-475- 1833, Lauren@organicgreenmommy.com, or www.holisticmoms.org Wednesday, 5 Lions and Lambs…Oh My! The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Make a lion and lamb weather staff and chart the month’s weather. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Free Admission to the Old State House Museum. 206 Washington St., Boston. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. In honor of the 2328th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre. 617-720-1713. Showcase Cinemas: Kung Fu Flicks. Showcase Cinemas Lawrence, Lowell, Randolph, Revere, and Worcester North. A weekly double feature film series of classic martial arts films. 7 p.m. $5. Also March 12. www.nationalamusements.com. Thursday, 6 Take Aparts Potluck. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 2 – 4:30 p.m. Does the inside of a telephone have anything in common with a DVD player? How does a keyboard send signals to a computer? Pick up your tools and find out. At the Science Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Fancy Nancy Storytime & Craft. Townsend Public Library. 6 p.m. Age 4-7. Hear Fancy Nancy books, have a fancy snack and make movie star glasses, Nancy style. Wear your fanciest clothes. Tiaras welcome! 978-597-1714. March You’re invited to The Worcester Animal Rescue Leaque’s Spring Kitten Shower from noon-4 p.m. visit www.worcester-arl.org for details. Budding Scientists - Program for Kids Ages 4-6. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. First Thursday monthly. Simple, safe, science and nature experiments to grow your budding scientist. Hands-on activities include: make ice cream in a bag or silly putty. Explore the world of color and create secret messages. Free w/admission: A$10, Y (3-18)$8, C under 3 free. Register/Space limited: 508-929-2700 or www.ecotarium.org. Friday, 7 First Fridays @ The Carle. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 4 – 7 p.m. Storytime at 5:30 and Film at 6:15. Offers families the opportunity to meet, eat, and enjoy all of the Museum's regular public programs and special exhibitions at a time convenient for you! Food available at the Café. Free w/admission: A$7, Y (1-18) $5, St. & Teacher w/ID $5. $20 family (2A/2Y), Under 1 free. 413-658-1105 or www.picturebookart.org. New Story and Craft Time. Pakachaog Church, 203 Pakachaog St., Auburn. Fridays, 10 a.m. Ages 2 – 6 but open to all. Stories, craft, and a light snack. 508-755-8718. www.pakachoag.org. See our Calendar Story Hour section for more story hours. 54th Annual Underwater Clinic and Film Festival. Sponsored by the Boston Sea Rovers, one of this country’s oldest and most prestigious dive clubs. Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, St. James Avenue,Boston. Various times. Runs thru March 9. Average admission $20, C under 12 free. 617-424-9899. www.bostonsearovers.com. Tool Time Museum Story Hour. Concord Museum, Concord. See our Story Hour section for more details. March Fitchburg’s Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum is the first and only toy museum in the world that is completely devoted to aviateion-related toys. Meet re-enactors such as Rosalie Dunbar, who is pictured here as the mother of the Red Baron.  Dancing for Life. Tantasqua Regional High, Fiskdale, 7 p.m. A high school dance to benefit Why Me. $5 advance; $10 at the door. 508 757-7734. Family Pajama Jam. Indian Hill Music School, 36 King St., Littleton. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Put on your PJs to sing, dance, play musical instruments and hear stories at this fun jam session and musical story hour. Free. 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org. Ceili for the Kids. Holy Cross, Worcester. 6:30 p.m. An elegant evening of traditional Irish music and nationally/Internationally ranked Irish Step Dancers including dinner & dancing. $40pp. 508 757-7734. Benefits www.whyme.org. Worcester Spring Home Show. DCU Center. March 7 – 9. Fri. 5 - 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. A$6, C under 12 free w/adult. Free pass at www.worcestershows.com. Saturday, 8 Icy Fun. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Explore ice and all its properties in the water table. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Egg Tower Challenge. Boston Children’s Museum. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Using 12 straws and 12 inches of tape, can you and your family design a tower that will hold an egg? A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617-426-8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. 54th Annual Underwater Clinic and Film Festival. Boston. See March 7 listing for details. Also March 9. New MUSEum Discovery Programs. Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St., Brockton. Second Saturday monthly. Tour, led by Museum Educators, through world-class contemporary craft exhibitions is followed by a hands-on workshop in one of the art studios. All ages. A $8, St. $5, C under 12 free. Register: 508-588-6000 x125. www.fullercraft.org. The Island of Anyplace. The American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T), Cambridge. 2 p.m. See our Family Theatre Calendar Section for details. Family Tracking: Leaps and Bounds. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. 1 – 3 p.m. All ages. This beginner tracking program for families will introduce the tracks and trails of our local wildlife. A$8, C$4 NM. Register: 978-464-2712. 8th Annual New Trade Winds/ECHO Performing Arts Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. Main performance, 2 p.m. Individual performance, noon – 4:30 p.m. Entertains and educates through music, dance, oral traditions, humor and stories as presented by representatives of the cultures of Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. Related drop-in art activities, 1-3 p.m, A$13, Free 16 and under. 866- 745-1876. www.pem.org. Family Fun Day. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A day filled with fun and games for the entire family. From free throw contests to story time, there is something for everyone. Other contest times vary throughout the day. Free w/admission: A$16.99, Y (5-15)$11.99, Under 5 free. 413-231-5521, 1-877-4HOOPLA (466752), or www.hoophall.com. Contra Dance, Worcester 3D. Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main St., Worcester. Beginners’ lessons at 7:30, dancing 8 - 11 p.m. Features Einstein’s Little Homunculus with Linda Leslie calling. $8; St. $6; C (12 and under) free. Family friendly, alcohol free. 508-949- 6520. A Gala in the Gallery. Worcester Center for the Crafts, 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester. Two seatings for an Italian dinner catered by Cia Bella: 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. Handcrafted pottery plate to take home. Self-guided studio tours and raffle. $30 donation to the WCC’s clay studio. C under 12 $5. 508-753-8183 or worcestercraftcenter.org Sunday, 9 Picnic Chemistry. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 1 p.m. Why do apples turn brown? Why don’t pickles ‘go bad?’ What exactly is mayonnaise, anyway? Find out more about the chemistry of emulsions and nutrition with scientist Sachiko Tosa. At the Science Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. 54th Annual Underwater Clinic and Film Festival. Boston. See March 7 listing for details. New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Guided Garden Tour. Tower Hill Botanic Garden , 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 – 3:30 p.m. A$8, Sr./Y $5, C under 6 free. 508-869- 6111 X 125 or www.towerhillbg.org. Storytime Extravaganza: Reading Rocks! The Williams College Museum of Art, Main St., Williamstown. 2 – 4 p.m. All ages. A performance by the Philadelphia-based children’s rock band, The Cat’s Pajamas, hot cocoa, story time readings, and hands-on artwork. Reservations required. 413-597-2429. Annual Worcester County St. Patrick's Day Parade. See our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Calendar section for more details. Midsummers Night’s Dream Children’s Ballet. Worcester Technical High School, One Skyline Dr., Worcester. 3 p.m. Music Worcester presents Ballet Arts Worcester's Youth Ballet performing this charming tale of fairies, mismatched lovers and a mischeivous sprite, to the music of Felix Mendelssohn. Suitable for pre-school, families - all ages! Group rates available. A$15, St. $10. Tickets: www.musicworcester.org or 508-754-3231. For more performances, please see our Family Performances Calendar section. Youth Art Month Opening Reception. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St, Worcester. 1 – 4 p.m. For students in grades K-8 and their families. 508-799-4406. www.worcesterart.org. Students in grades 9 – 12 on Thurs., March 13, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Monday, 10 New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Tuesday, 11 New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Infant Massage Class. Noodle, Noggin' N' Bean, Rte 20, Northborough. 10 -11a.m. $20 for infant (newborn to pre-crawling) and parent pair. Pre-registration required, space is limited. Contact ljadetree@hotmail.com. Kidventures: Famous Rabbits of Storyland. Wenham Musuem. 9 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. Ages 2.9 and up. Listen to stories of long-eared characters, from Peter Rabbit to the Runaway Bunny. Meet some famous toy bunnies and make a rabbit-inspired craft. $14NM. 978- 468-2377. www.wenhammuseum.org. Spring Open House/Community Gathering. Roudenbush Community Center, Westford. 7:30 p.m. Jessica 978-392-0135 (Membership) or Suzanne 978-692-4544 (Playgroup). www.westford.com/newcomers. Wednesday, 12 Secrets of Archaeology. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 4 p.m.. Join an archaeologist to explore the role of chemistry in unraveling the secrets of the past. At the Science Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Showcase Cinemas: Kung Fu Flicks. Showcase Cinemas Randolph, Revere, Worcester North, Lowell and Lawrence. A weekly double feature film series of classic martial arts films. 7 p.m. $5. www.nationalamusements.com. MVP’s of Character Speaker Series. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. 10 a.m. Harry Flournoy was a member of the groundbreaking Texas Western Team that made history in 1966 as the first all-African American starting five in a college basketball championship game. Mr. Flournoy will talk about his experiences on the barrier-breaking championship team as well as his experiences in life. Free w/admission: A$16.99, Y (5-15) $11.99, Under 5 free. 877-4HOOPLA (466752) or www.hoophall.com. Westford Playgroup Open House. Westford Friends & Newcomers (WFN) invite local families with children (newborn to age 5) to this semi-annual event. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 75 Cold Spring Rd., Westford. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Meet other families in the area while socializing and learning about the group's daytime and evening activities, community service projects and special events for families. Refreshments served. Jessica 978-392-0135 (Membership) or Suzanne 978-692-4544 (Playgroup). www.westford.com/newcomers. Thursday, 13 Dinosaur Discoveries. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Touch a real dinosaur fossil and pretend to be a paleontologist digging for dinosaur bones in a mock excavation site. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9 one museum; $13 both. 978-264-4200. www.discoverymuseums.org. Girls Night Out at the New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. This lively after-work event features perfume sampling, makeovers, hairstyling tips, snacks, special guest appearances by authors and performers, women’s health information and demos on topics like aromatherapy and flower arranging. New this year: belly dancing lessons! 617-933-4963. www.masshort.org. Also March 14 – 16. Natural Curiosity: Winter Wonders. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick. Thursdays or Fridays, 10 – 11 a.m. Explore different habitats and learn what makes winter special with your preschooler. Ages 3 – 5. Sign up for one program or for all: March 13, 14; April 3, 4; April 17, 18. $20NM per A/C pair. 508-655-2296 x 7303. Animal Encounters. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 3-5 p.m. Ages 3 – 11. Hear stories & fascinating facts about a live animal. $6.50. www.childrenmuseum.org. St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration. The Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St., Westford. 2 – 4 p.m. Celebrate Irish culture with traditional live music, storytelling, refreshments, stepdancing. $12pp, Under 2 free. $35 family max. All ages. Tickets: 978-392-0470 or email intothewoods3@aol.com. Friday, 14 Pi Day and You Say Potato, and I Say Potato. The Discovery Museums, Acton. Potato: 10 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with potatoes in all shapes and sizes. Pi: 3 p.m. Everything round depends on this number to find its circumference. Find Pi for yourself. At the Science and Children’s Discovery Museum. $9 one museum; $13 both. 978-264-4200. www.discoverymuseums.org. Pi Day. Boston Children’s Museum. Celebrate circles and spheres and the number that makes sense of them. A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617-426-8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Plantapalooza: Children's Festival & Educator’s Night at the New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. Animal visitors, hands-on crafts and gardening activities, music and storytelling. 617-933-4963. www.masshort.org. St. Patrick’s Day. The Children's Museum in Easton. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Craft, Challenge Lab science project, "pot o' gold" treasure hunt. Free w/admission: $6, Under 1 free. 508-230-3789 Saturday, 15 American Diabetes Association Annual Expo. Seaport World Trade Center, Boston. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Exhibits featuring the latest products & services, questions answered by medical professionals, exciting lectures, cooking demonstrations, bilingual materials, speakers. Free health screenings and entertainment. Free. 1-800- DIABETES or www.diabetes.org/EXPO. New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Critter Day and Children’s Healthcare Day. Boston Children’s Museum. Bugworks, 2 – 4 p.m. Millipededs, mantises, moths and more. Also Children and HealthCare, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Local healthcare workers join us for a day full of fun activities including a teddy bear check- up. A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617-426-8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Beyond Bliss Mother/Daughter Day. You Just Don’t Understand Me! An interactive workshop for moms and their teenaged daughters. Beyond Bliss Yoga Center, 313 Littleton Rd., Chelmsford. 1 – 3 p.m. Clare Harlow, MSW, will show girls and their moms how to communicate clearly and effectively through active listening and other simple techniques. $35 per mother/daughter team. Includes materials, handouts and light, healthy refreshments. 978-729-4731. www.bbyoga.com. Skating to the Hits Musical Figure Skating. Wallace Figure Skating Club at the Wallace Civic Center, Fitchburg. Shows at 2 & 7 p.m. Features a mix of club skaters and nationally ranked guests, including 2008 US National Bronze medalist Brittney Rizo and 2008 US Eastern Synchronized team Bronze medalists Wallace Synergy. A$16, C & Sr. $10, Under 5 free. Skate before the show with the stars from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for $5pp. Call for tickets: 978-345- 7054. www.wallacefsc.org. Atrium Alive: India. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Demonstrations, performances, drop-in art activities, and films. Reservations required for some activities. A$13, Free 16 and under. 866-745-1876. www.pem.org. Art Comes Alive! Family Day: A Comedy Revue Point of View. Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. 1 – 4 p.m. Family-friendly tour for all ages, “Stand-Up Chameleon” Jackson Gillman’s interactive performance, and drop-in art class for all. 413-298-4100. www.nrm.org. Mothering Sons Retreat. Sudbury. 12:30 – 5 p.m. For mothers of all boy families. What makes mothering sons unique? How can we maintain connections while helping them navigate their way to manhood? How do we honor the “feminine” in our households? Facilitated by Betsy Wisch M.A., LMHC. Register: betsywisch@comcast.net or 978-394-6316. Celebrity Dog Trainer Workshop. Especially for Pets, 81 Union Ave., Sudbury. 9 a.m. – Noon and 2 – 5 p.m. Brian Kilcommons brings his hilarious, smart, and straightforward demonstration and Q & A. Bring your dog (on leash), your behavior questions, and your sense of humor. $25pp. Tickets: www.mktix.com/efp. Proceeds benefit the MSPCA-Angell’s General Fund to help animals in need. www.especiallyforpets.com and www.mspca.org Sunday, 16 Abington St. Patrick’s Day Parade. See our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Calendar section for details. Free Family Dance. Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave., Berlin. 3 – 5 p.m Tim Van Egmond will call traditional contra and square dances with live music by the Berlin Country Orchestra. All dances are taught. Everyone is welcome. 978-273-8238. New England Spring Flower Show. Bayside Expo Center, Boston. March 8 – 16. www.masshort.org. Celebrate the Works of Dr. Seuss. Boston Children’s Museum. 2:30 & 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the works of Dr. Seuss (during his birthday month!) with Club Passim’s Culture for Kids and musician Rushad Eggleston and some mischief with The Cat in the Hat and Little Thing 2 and Thing 1! A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617- 426-8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Amelia Earhart's Last Flight. Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. 2 p.m. Curator Rosalie Dunbar will talk about what happened on Earhart's last flight and some of the possible explanations for her disappearance. A$5 (includes one child free). 978- 97-4337. www.topfunaviation.com. Clay Projects for Families: Clay Whistle Workshop. Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 1 – 3 p.m. $25NM. Register: 508-620-0050 x16 or www.danforthmuseum.org. Atrium Alive: India. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. Noon – 4 p.m. Demonstrations, dances, and films. Reservations required for some programs. A$13, Free 16 and under. 866-745-1876. www.pem.org. 107th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. South Boston. See our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Calendar Section for more details. 13th Annual Parade. Scituate. See our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Calendar Section. Museum Go-Round. Wenham Musuem, Wenham. 1 – 3 p.m. Challenge your family to a hula-hoop or Skip-It contest, or try your hand at yoyos and other round toys and games. Visit Look What I Got! 100 Years of Timeless Toys and learn the fun facts and history behind these nostalgic toys. A$7, C (2+) $5. 978-468-2377. www.wenhammuseum.org March Madness! Joanne Langione Dance Center, 35 Border St., West Newton. 12 – 2 p.m. Open to ages 7+. Classes taught by dance professionals will include movement styles such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Broadway, and Contemporary. This super fun day of dance activities is opened to all experience levels. Free. 617-969-8724 or www.JLdancecenter.com. Monday, 17 Aqua Kids Family Day. New England Aquarium, Boston. 1st & 3rd Mondays. Stories, games and art projects that focus on some of your favorite aquatic animals. No registration required. A$18.95, C (3-11) $10.95. 617-973-5206.www.neaq.org Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Boston Children’s Museum. Irish games and music. A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617-426- 8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. St. Patrick's Day Concert. The Great Hall of Memorial Hall, Townsend. 7 p.m. Two Old Friends perform plaintive ballads and footstomping shout tunes; soaring mandolin solos, gospel sing- alongs, and story-telling. Townsend Public Library: 978-597- 1714. Tuesday, 18 Book Discussion- Grades 3 –5. Townsend Public Library, 6 p.m. Discuss The Misadventures Benjamin of Bartholomew Piff by Jason Lethcoe. 978-597-1714. Parenting from the Inside Out. Nashoba Valley Technical High School , Rte. 110, Westford, 7 – 8:30 p.m. A 90-min. discussion with psychotherapist and Family Counselor Molly Salans of Healing Connections in Westford. Learn to parent with discipline, clarity and love. $25. Register: 978-692-4711 or www.NashobaTech.mec.edu. Discovering Nature as a Preschooler. Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. This six-week series of nature classes is designed for young children ages 4 to 5 unaccompanied by a parent. $85NM. Register: 508-753-6087. Wednesday, 19 Signs of Spring. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Make your own pussy willow art. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Spring Woodcock Watches. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. From late March to late April, woodcocks put on incredible courtship flight displays, spiraling 200 feet into the air before descending rapidly to almost the same “launch site” on the ground! Bring binoculars if you have them. Free. 978-464-2712. Also March 26. Hiking for Homeschoolers: Hike to the Wildfire Site. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. 1 – 3 p.m. Ages 5 – 11. On the third Wed. of the month. $12 per child NM. A free. 978-464-2712. MVP’s of Character Speaker Series. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. 10 a.m. Hear from the very first African-American to play in the NBA. Earl Lloyd will discuss what it was like back in the early days of the Civil Rights Movement and how having a good attitude opened many doors. Free w/admission: A$16.99, Y (5-15)$11.99, Under 5 free. 413-231-5521, 1-877-4HOOPLA (466752), or www.hoophall.com. Thursday, 20 Music and Movement with Miss Karina. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Explore sound through singing and playing. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9 one museum; $13 both. 978-264- 4200. www.discoverymuseums.org and www.artstorymusic.com. For Moms: Developing your Total Image. Women’s Club SWANS: Network/Netplay Event. McGovern’s On the Water, Fall River. 6 - 9 p.m. Michelle Drew will speak about “Developing Your Total Image”. Meet other women in the area and network for social and/or business purposes.$30NM (includes dinner, tax, gratuity and presentation). Pre register: 401-694-1284 or www.wcswans.com. Splash Science. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 3 – 5 p.m. Ages 5 – 11. Kids experiment with different materials and make something that doesn't float or sink - it flinks! $6.50. www.childrenmuseum.org. Friday, 21 Apple Tree Arts presents Disney's The Jungle Book Kids, Grafton, See our Family theatre & performance Section in calendar for details. New Members Wanted: MOMS Club® of Hubbardston. First Parish Unitarian Church, 2 Main St., Hubbardston. 10 a.m. - noon. Moms of young children, join this fun, dynamic group. 978-820-1027 or momsclubofhubbardston@yahoo.com. Preschool Friday Series: Animals Alive. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 9:10 a.m. – 1:40 p.m. 30-minute sessions. Ages 3 – 5. Cuddle live bunnies and hear about Peter Rabbit’s adventure. $6.50 admission plus $8 for the program. Pre-register: 401-273-5437 or www.childrenmuseum.org. Tanglewood Marionette’s Cinderella, Sudbury. See our Family Performances section for more details. Friday Nite Flicks. Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester. 6:30 – 8 p.m.Put your pj's on, play a game, and make a craft. Then watch a family-friendly movie. Popcorn and juice provided. Bring blankets and pillows. Family Rate: $20NM. A$6, C$4 NM. Register: 508-753-6087. Saturday, 22 Apollo Moon Rocks and Meteorites. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 11 a.m. Look closely at precious bits of the Moon, collected during NASA’s Apollo missions with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador astronomer Jim Zebrowski. Hear about NASA’s plans to return to the moon by 2020 and more. At the Science Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org and www.artstorymusic.com. "Benefit For Alex" 4Paws For Ability. Auburn Lodge of Elks, 754 Southbridge St., Auburn. 7 – Midnight. Raffles, silent auctions, face painting, and balloon sculptures from Connect with Magic. $20. 774- 721-6795 or 508-740-7044. www.4paws4alex.org. Dino-Day. Animal Adventures Science Center, 336 Sugar Rd., Bolton. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. See and touch dinosaur bones, skulls, and claws and get up close to today’s living dinosaurs: alligators, giant lizards and snakes, and the world's largest snapping turtle. $12. 978-779- 8988. www.animaladventures.net. Sunday, 23 Purim Carnival Celebration. Temple Aliyah, 1664 Central Ave., Needham. 12:30 p.m. Age 18 months-4th grade. New games, pizza, Hamantashen and great prizes. Tickets: PurimCarnival@TempleAliyah.com. 617-504-1028. Monday, 24 NO EVENTS Tuesday, 25 Paper Marbeling and Smart Gals. The Discovery Museums, Acton. Paper: 12 p.m. Shaving cream and paint swirl together to make amazing marbled prints. At the Children’s Discovery. Smart Gals: 3:30 p.m. Women have been the brains behind hundreds of years of science and invention. Celebrate Women’s History Month with their achievements. At the Science Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Weather Watchers. . New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham 3:30-5:30 p.m. Look at the tools and skills for studying and predicting weather changes. Build a weathervane and rain gauge, create a cloud chart and predict the weather using a homemade barometer $14pp. Pre-register: registrar@newenglandWILD.org. 508-877-7630. Diaper Changing Know-How. Babies R Us, 70 Worcester Providence Tpk., Millbury. 7 p.m. 508-865-9701. CASA Volunteer Advocacy Training for Abused Children. Northworks Building, 4th floor, 100 Grove St., Worcester. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays thru April 10. Can you spare a couple of hours per week to help an abused child in Worcester County juvenile court? All training and support is provided for this unique volunteer activity. Your role is to find information for the juvenile court judge and to help a child find a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible. Flexible hours. 508-757-9877 or www.thecasaproject.org. Wednesday, 26 Spring Woodcock Watches. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. From late March to late April, woodcocks put on incredible courtship flight displays, spiraling 200 feet into the air before descending rapidly to almost the same “launch site” on the ground! Bring binoculars if you have them. Free. 978-464-2712. Also March 26. 2008 NCAA Division II Men’s Elite Eight. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. Event is held at Mass Mutual Center, Springfield. Opening round of the Elite Eight. The finals are on the 27th and the championship is on March 29th. 413-231-5521, 1-877-4HOOPLA (466752), or www.hoophall.com. www.GOTOD2.com. Kidventures:Raggedy Ann and Andy. Wenham Musuem, Wenham. 9 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. Ages 2.9 and up. These cottony-soft storybook figures have great adventures to share. A$7, C (2-16)$5. 978-468- 2377. www.wenhammuseum.org. Thursday, 27 The Big, Big Dump Truck. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 10 a.m. Explore a real dump truck. At the Children’s Discovery Museum. $9. www.discoverymuseums.org. Friday, 28 20th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser: Thanks for the Memories. Pakachoag Community Music School, Auburn. 1 p.m See our Family theatre & performance section for details. Spring Sing: Pro Musica Youth Chorus in Concert. Hudson Town Hall. 7 p.m. Special Guests: Simple Harmonic Motion, a collegiate a cappella ensemble. Tickets: $9, $7 if ordered in advance. 978-562- 1646 or www.upwitharts.org. Saturday, 29 Aquarium Medical Center Tour. New England Aquarium, Boston. 10 a.m. Ages 5+. Learn how the Aquarium feeds the animals and keeps them healthy and how the exhibits are kept clean. Get other insider tidbits through this behind-the-scenes view. $12NM plus admission. Book 2 weeks in advance. www.neaq.org. Play Dates at the ICA: Transforming Form. The Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Last Saturday monthly. Contemporary artists like Momentum 10’s Ranjani Shettar take simple, everyday materials and turn them into remarkable works of art by giving them new meaning and form. See animated transformations in the Theater, and then take a stab at making your own. Don’t miss Neena Gulati and the Treveni Dancers performing at 1:30 p.m. (tickets are free but first-come, first-served in the main lobby). Free to families the last Sat. of each month. 617-478- 3100 or www.icaboston.org. Big Apple Circus. City Hall Plaza, Boston. www.bigapplecircus.org. Dr. Robert Sears to Speak at Annual Breastfeeding and Parenting Conference. Radisson Heritage Hotel, Chelmsford. www.AskDrSears.com and http://www.llleus.org/ACf/MaRIVt/default.htm. American Baby Faire. Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. March 29 – 30. Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A$10. $3 discount coupon at Babies “R” Us. Free parking. www.americanbabyfaire.com. Trash-imals. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 1 – 4 p.m. Ages 5 – 11. It’s a zany zoo as families create their own crazy critters from funky recycled junk and reused treasures. $6.50 www.childrenmuseum.org. Skills Saturday. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. 1 p.m. Brush up on your passing, dribbling and shooting skills or learn some new techniques at this basketball clinic.. Free w/admission: A$16.99, Y (5-15)$11.99, Under 5 free. 877-4HOOPLA or www.hoophall.com. Sunday, 30 Salamander Celebration. New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods 180 Hemenway Rd. Framingham. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. An annual celebration of this shy and beautiful woodland creature. Enjoy a puppet show, slide program, and walk to a vernal pool to search for salamanders and their eggs. $8pp. Pre-register: registrar@newenglandWILD.org. 508-877-7630. Clay Projects for Families: Festive Tray/Plate Making. Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 1 – 3 p.m. $25NM. Register: 508-620-0050 x16 or www.danforthmuseum.org. 55th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Holyoke. See our St. Patrick’s Day Parade Calendar Section for details. Family Folk Chorale presents “Sing Out! Sing Out! The Music of Cat Stevens”. National Heritage Museum, Lexington. See our Family Theater Calendar Section for details. Monday, 31 NONE Upcoming & Ongoing Teen String Group. 1870 Town Hall, Berlin. Mondays, 3 – 4:30 p.m.. Led by professional violinist Denice Djerassi, this group will play a range of fun repertoire from standard classical arrangements to folk music from Finland. Students that have played violin, viola, cello or string bass for at least one year are welcome to join. $5 per class - pay when you come. EvyDueck@charter.net. Animal Adventures Science & Learning Center . 336 Sugar Rd., Bolton. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (also on Wednesdays – Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 5 p.m. Enjoy a hands-on tour. A & C (ages 4+) $12, C (2 & 3) $6. 978-779-8988. E-mail: info@animaladventures.net. Family Fun at the Boston Children’s Museum, 300 Congress St., Boston. Growing Up With the Berenstain Bears, Feb. – April. The adventures of the Berenstain Bear stories come to life as kids roleplay, experiment and problem-solve. Immersive environments, based on the classic Berenstain illustrations. A$10, C (2-15)$8, C (1) $2, Under 1 free. 617-426-8855. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Guided Exhibit Tours, Trainer for an Afternoon, and Come Play with the Harbor Seals. New England Aquarium, Boston. Tours: Age 5+. $5pp plus admission. Must be booked 2 weeks in advance. Trainer: Age 9+. Shadow a trainer behind the scenes of the harbor seal and fur seal exhibits. $125NM. Seals: Age 9+. Entertain the seals with fish popsicles and water spray massages. $30NM. Reservations are required. 617-973-5206. www.neaq.org. Killer Instincts, New U2 3D! , and Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean. New England Aquarium Boston. Killer: Test how much you know about the ocean’s deadly creatures as you search for all eight passport stamps, then check out some prehistoric ocean killers at the Simons IMAX Theatre. U2: Go onstage with the band during the Vertigo tour. Dolphins: Opens Feb. 15. Swim alongside these amazing and mysterious creatures. IMAX fees: A$9.95, C (3-11) $7.95. Also showing on IMAX: Deep Sea 3D, Sharks 3D, and Whales. 617-973-5206. www.neaq.org. Friday Evening Stargazing. Gilliland Observatory, Museum of Science, Boston. Fridays, 8:30 – 10 p.m. Free. Visit the Museum’s rooftop observatory, weather permitting. 617-723-2500. www.mos.org. Engineers and Lizards and Snakes at The Museum of Science, Boston. Innovative Engineers: Chronicles the inspiring lives of seven very different engineering leaders, but also engages visitors in the engineering and problem-solving activities that are as important to living as they are to innovation. Lizards and Snakes Alive! Witness live animals and their remarkable adaptations. 617-723-2500. www.mos.org. Sing Alongs. Stellabella Toys, 1360 Cambridge St. or 1967 Mass Ave., Cambridge. Mondays and Thursdays, 11 – 11:30 a.m. Free. Just drop-in. 617-491-6290. www.stellabellatoys.com. Movies for Moms (& Dads!). Emerson Umbrella, Stow St., Concord. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. For new parents to get out of the house, see a movie, and meet other parents. $3 suggested donation, $1 concessions. Movies for grown-ups, but not inappropriate for little ones. Bring baby food, change a diaper, calm a fussy one, and breastfeed. www.emersonumbrella.org. Pottery Barn Sing-Alongs. Burlington Mall, The Atrium in Chestnut Hill, Natick Mall. 10 & 11 a.m. Check www.potterybarnkids.com for days and times each month. Open Play. Tumbles, Main St., Holden. Babies- Preschool age. Mondays, 12:30 – 3 p.m.; Wednesdays, 4 – 7 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $10/family NM. 508-829-3633 www.tumblesplaycenter.com. The Children's Museum at Holyoke. Wed. – Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays 12 – 4 p.m. Think and Play Thursdays for Preschoolers: Read a book; create a take home project. 10:30 a.m. for ages 3- 5. Writing with Symbols is every Wed. from 2:30 – 3:30. All ages . $6pp, Under 1 free. 413-536-5437. www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org. Fun at The Lowell Spinners. Fans can schedule Gator Pit outings, Birthday Parties, Family 10-Packs, and other group outings of 30 or more by calling the Lowell Spinners Ticket Office at 978-459-1702 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon.- Fri. Also book Scout Night Sleepovers (scheduled for Fri., July 18 and Sat., Aug. 16) and Baseball Camps (Session One scheduled for July 22-24 and Session Two scheduled for Aug. 6-8). www.lowellspinners.com. Garfield Gets Real Kidtoon Films. Showcase Cinemas Millbury, Randolph, Revere, West Spfld., Woburn . G-rated movies for kids every Sat. & Sun. at 10 a.m. $3.50. www.nationalamusements.com. PHOTO The Spiderwick Chronicles. Jordan’s Furniture, Imax Theatre, Natick and Reading. A (13+) $8.50, C (12 and under) $6.50. Reading: 781-944-9090 x 6800 or Natick: 508-424-0088 x 2860. www.jordans.com. Wachusett Meadow Nature Adventures for Young Folks. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. 10 and 20 class sessions available on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays starting the week of March 25. Ages 3.5 – 6. 978-464-2712. Pop In Play. Pump it Up Inflatable Party Zone. Rte. 9 East, Shrewsbury. Ages 2 – 6 w/A. 90 min. of fun-filled inflatable play time. Select Tuesday and Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Call on Mondays to confirm. $7 per child. 508-845-JUMP. www.pumpitupparty.com. Hands-On Art. Hands-On Art Museum, 3 Lancaster Rd., Shirley. W, F, Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Sun., Mon., Tues., & Thurs. Open Wed., Fri. & Sat. Five exhibits full of art supplies, projects, and activities for ages 3+. $6pp. Under 2 free. 978-425-6161. Indoor Play and Discovery Center. The Family Center, 114 Pleasant St., Southbridge. Ages 2 – 6. Open 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; Wednesdays from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. February's theme is "Snow". Free for Southbridge residents; $3 per visit for out of town families. 508-765-3881. Winter Take-A-Walk. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $5 per backpack, $5 per snowshoes. 781-894- 2798 x 12 or e-mail thomroach@goreplace.org. Look what I Got: 100 Years of Timeless Toys. Wenham Museum, Main St., Wenham. Baby boomers can remember the joy they had when revisiting their childhood toys from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s in this colorful exhibition sure to amuse all ages. Learn how these toys were developed, manufactured and marketed. Visitors of all ages will laugh at the simplistic old black and white television toy commercials, singing along to familiar advertising jingles like “It’s Slinky, It’s Slinky, fun for a girl and a boy!” Tues., - Sun., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A$7, C (2-16) $5. 978-468-2377, www.wenhammuseum.org. The World of Story Books Exhibit. Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History. Regis College 235 Wellesley St., Weston. Feb. 1 – April 30. What do Goldilocks, The Cat in the Hat, Pippi Longstockings and Harry Potter all have in common? Answer: they all are featured on postage stamps from around the world. Many other favorite characters from children’s literature are also commemorated stamps and many of these can been viewed in the exhibit.Special Family Days including story telling, puppet shows, stamp games and puzzles and arts and crafts activities are planned for various weekends throughout the show. The exhibit is designed to appeal both to children and adults and the stories on stamps range from Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White to the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia. Thursdays to Sundays, Noon – 5 p.m. C 16 and under free. 781-768- 8367 or www.spellman.org. Sledding and DinoTracks Exhibit at the EcoTarium. Worcester. Bring your sleds and enjoy them on the slopes of the Museum grounds. A limited number of sleds are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Experience the study of dinosaur fossils firsthand in this new hands-on exhibit. Includes a variety of fun activities for families, including:Practice tracking skills on a 15x20 foot photo reproduction of real trackways discovered in the Connecticut River Valley; Step into life-sized dinosaur prints, and touch a real footprint found last year in a Holyoke, MA, backyard. A$10, C (3-18)$8. 508-929-2738. www.ecotarium.org. New Planetarium. EcoTarium, Worcester. Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., Noon - 5 p.m. A $10, C/Y (3-18) $8, C under 3 free. 508- 929-2700. www.ecotarium.org. The Music Man Sing-Alongs. Free weekly preschool sing-alongs by Ed Morgan offered in Brookline, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Needham, Newton, Norwell, Wayland, West Roxbury. Open to all. To check for new times and days, e-mail thechildrensgarden@comcast.net or visit http://home.comcast.net/~thechildrensgarden. Please e-mail your April listings and photos to calendar@baystateparent.com by Friday, March 7th at 6 p.m. The deadline for May calendar listings is Monday, April 7th at 6 p.m. For bonus calendar listings that missed our print edition, please visit the magazine's BLOG at http://baystateparent.blogspot.com/ and click on "bonus calendar listings link," found on the right side of the page. Please e-mail your August listings and photos to calendar@baystateparent.com by Monday, July 7th at 6 p.m. The deadline for September calendar listings is Thursday, Aug. 7th at 6 p.m. For bonus calendar listings that missed our print edition, please visit the magazine's BLOG at http://baystateparent.blogspot.com/ and click on "bonus calendar listings link," found on the right side of the page.