Grab & Go Kids Planner: Top Family Picks for the Week

Juggling your responsibilities and entertaining the kids is no easy task. Brandon Patch is coming to the rescue, with the Top 5  family-friendly activities in the area.

Puppet Show: Ashpet

• Where/When: Seffner-Mango Branch Library,410 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner. Wednesday at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Children ages 3 and older will enjoy a live puppet performance of Ashpet, the Appalachian version of the famous fairy tale, Cinderella. The story has all the makings of the original rags to riches tale, but all the glitz of castles, dancing at the royal ball and pumpkins turned to ornate carriages are replaced with log cabins and square dancing at the church social.
• Pricing: Free!

Kindermusik St. Patty's with Seniors

• Where/When: Central Park Healthcare, 702 S Kings Ave. Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Join Kindermusik at Central Park Healthcare for a St. Patrick's Day celebration with senior citizens. Children will participate in games, sing-a-longs and other activities which promote education through music. 
• Pricing: Free!

•  Where/When: First Presbyterian Church, 121 Carver Ave. Friday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: Bring your little tykes to First Presbyterian Church of Brandon for an exciting and educational music class. Created by Maryann Harman, "Music With Mar." offers fun for both kids and adults through music. The class is led by Angela Nolte.
• Pricing: Free!

• Where/When: Barnes and Noble, 122 Brandon Town Center Dr. Saturday at 11 a.m.
• Why Go: Kids of all ages are invited to join Barnes and Noble for its National Storytime, featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written and illustrated by Eric Carle. Activities and crafts will be available following the story.

• Pricing: Free.

Camp Rock: The Musical

•  Where/When: Florida Academy of Performing Arts, 402 Oakfield Drive. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Why Go: The talented students of Florida Academy of Performing Arts bring Disney's Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, to life on stage. The musical features tons of songs for your kids and tweens to sing along to including, "We Rock," and "Can't Back Down."
• Pricing: Adults $8, Children $5.

World's Greatest Hobby Tour

•  Where/When: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street. Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: The World's Greatest Hobby Tour showcases model trains and build kits from hundreds of vendors. Children will enjoy watching the trains run along the tracks as well as rides of the famous Thomas the Tank Engine. 
• Pricing: Adults, $10. Kids 14 and younger free.