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Community Corner

Building Toys, Exploring Nature

Where to go and what to do with the kids as the spring-like weather continues.

Editors Note: Glad you clicked on our Grab & Go Kids Planner!

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and places to try out with children. Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week.

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!

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FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

This week we offer ideas for enjoying the slightly warmer temperatures.

Find out what's happening in South Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

* Enjoy a picnic and feed wildlife.

Where/When: Lil-Le-Hi Trout Hatchery , 2901 Fish Hatchery Road, is open every day rain or shine.

Why Go: For $1 you can get a bag of food to feed the trout and ducks that call the hatchery home. Pack a lunch and make a morning/afternoon of it with a picnic. The forecast is calling for warmer days over the weekend – just be warned that if it rains before then, the grass may be a bit soggy so dig out those galoshes.

Pricing: Bags of food are $1 - $5.

* Story Time at Barnes & Noble

When/Where: Every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and on Saturdays at 11 a.m.  Lehigh Valley Mall location.

Why Go: Bring the kids to travel to foreign lands, play with wild animals, fly through the skies and more, all without their feet leaving the ground. The kids will enjoy stories, activities and crafts while you enjoy a book and coffee.

Pricing: Free.

* Learn weather safety

When/Where: Saturday, March 12, at the s Elevator Court at 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Why Go: Join Channel 69 Meteorologist Mark Shanaberger for a kid-friendly program on how to stay safe when weather is at its worst. From floods to lightning to tornadoes, Mark will lead kids through a fun and interactive program. Red Cross Scrubby Bear will be there, too. The Red Cross Village will also be set up at the Promo Court from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit each booth to learn how you can prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Visit each with your “Village Passport” for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Pricing: Free

* Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics

When/Where: Saturday, March 12, at 10 a.m. young builders will be making a Shoot around Basketball toy and on Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. they’ll be making a Fortune Teller toy at Lowe's in Whitehall. Class sizes are limited so call 610-686-5231 to register. The kits are available to purchase for at-home building fun as well!

Pricing: Clinics are free, kit prices vary.

* Ready to Spring

When/Where: Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at the .

Why Go: With Spring right around the corner, head out and see signs of the season popping up all over. The program begins with a close look at some of the Conservancy’s education animals to learn how the region’s wildlife prepares for warmer weather. Afterwards, you’ll examine tree buds, plant rosettes and animal signs. Everyone will leave a little wiser and with a print to commemorate the occasion.

Pricing: Adults $10; Children: $ 5. Please call 610-965-4397 to register.

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