Festive (and kid-friendly) fun, Celebrate Seuss or Support Local Groups

T-minus 8 days until St. Patrick's Day.  And despite the more "adult" connotations of the day, there's more to it than the typical activities.

Enter our Grab and Go Kids Planner--your weekly list of kid and family friendly activities happening in and around Hillsborough.  You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the five (or more) best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know!

Where/When: Starts at noon on the corner of South Street and James Street in Morristown on Saturday, March 12.
Why Go: Because there will be 20 bands and approximately 50,000 people in the parade or spectating and because the parade is family oriented. Also, you'll be able to meet Patchers who'll have giveaways, and who can help you get your photo on Patch in just minutes.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: At 2 p.m. at the  in Madison on Saturday, March 12.
Why Go: Because children can get their faces painted, make a parrot companions or pirate hats, search for treasure in the museum, and enjoy a snack and a story.  Oh yeah, and cause pirates are awesome.
Pricing: $5 for participants; regular admission for others

Where/When: Friday, March 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The 
Why Go: Enjoy a variety of fish entrees (or chicken fingers, salads and pierogies for those not fond of fish),all benefitting  Hillsborough Volunter Fire Company No. 3.
Pricing: $11 per adult, $10 per senior, $9 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and under.

Where/When: March 11 to 13 at .  Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7 p.m.  Sunday performance will be at 2:30 p.m.
Why Go: Travel back to the '70s and sing along to "Day by Day."  It's an uplifting, feel-good show presented by the students of Bernards High School.
Pricing:  $15 for adults and $10 for children and deniors

Where/When: Friday, March 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the .
Why Go: Children ages 3 to 5 will "visit" points around the world.  Bowling for penguins and Rainforest Bingo will keep the little ones entertained while they learn.
Pricing: $10 per pair, and $5 per additional child

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Why Go: Man's best friend is on display. Do we have to say more?
Pricing: Food and beverages will be available at reasonable prices.

Build Your Own Shoot Around Basketball
Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at the Hillsborough Lowes.
Why Go: It's tournament time!  Create your craft and then challenge your friends to a game of shoot around basketball.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: March 12 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at  in Warren.
Why Go: You can come and sample awesome camp activities.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Sunday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Young Chefs Academy in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Kids can create their own fun and healthy treats.
Pricing: $35 per child /$25 per sibling

Where/When: Sunday, March 13 at the .
Why Go: You can enjoy the new spring air with a leisurely walk and trot through the trails of the stables.
Pricing: $28 per Somerset County resident, or $36 per non-resident

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at the .
Why Go: To share your favorite story with a special therapy dog.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at .  Grades K-2 can create from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Grades 3-6 can build from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Kids will build their own creations while building friendships as well.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Sunday, March 13 at The State Theatre in New Brunswick at 3 p.m.
Why Go: Gymnasts, juggler, cyclists, and tumblers create a kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder.
Pricing: $22 to $42 per ticket

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the .
Why Go: An environmentally based story will be shared and a short walk on the trails of the EEC will be enjoyed.
Pricing: Free


Where/When:  March 11th  from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and March 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at .
Why Go: You don't want to be left out of the fun.
Pricing: Registration fees vary and .

Where/When: Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at.
Why Go: To hang out with friends and try out a few new dance moves.
Pricing: $5

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at the .
Why Go: It's a special storytime in celebration of Dr. Seuss' Birthday.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Saturday, March 12 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at .
Why Go:  Family fun that is part festival, part celebration, part carnival—and all for a great cause. It'll raise money to build schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pricing: Free admission, with pay-to-play events

Where/When: Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m. at .
Why Go:  Love, drama, murder and revenge will be set to memorable music performed by Hillsborough's finest talents.
Pricing: $10.