Grab & Go Kids Planner: March 23 - 29

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts this weekend in Washington, D.C.  If you've never seen the tidal basin in full bloom, you're in for a real treat.  Not up for traveling that far?  Need a weekend to kick back?  Wear your pajamas to Bruster's Real Ice Cream on Saturday and get a free single scoop waffle cone.  These are Germantown's best bets for families this week:

• NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK
Where/When: Germantown Boys & Girls Club, now through Friday  (2:30 to 9 p.m. weekdays)
Why Go: See what your neighborhood Boys & Girls Club has to offer during this week's open house.  Learn how Clubs "encourage youth to develop good character and citizenship and more."  Call 301-353-9600 for more information.   
Pricing: Free!

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Where/When: Discovery Sports Center, Thursday (and next Monday) from 10 a.m. until noon. 
Why Go: Enjoy this fun indoor open space while it lasts!  There are only three playdates left this session.  The last play time for the season is March 31.  Be sure to bring along your favorite riding toys.   
Pricing: Kids up to 11 months are free; $2 per child ages 1 through 10.

• WHY DON'T MY KIDS LISTEN TO ME?
Where/When: B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.  
Why Go: Tired of repeating yourself to your kids?  Parent Education Program (PEP) is offering this introductory workshop to introduce parents to their parenting classes.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling PEP at 301-929-8824. 
Pricing: Free!

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Where/When: Northwest High School Auditorium, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.   
Why Go: This weekend is your last chance to see Northwest High's spring musical.  Enjoy big voices and even bigger hair!       
Pricing: $10 for adults and $8 for students. 

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Where/When: National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Why Go: After seeing the cherry blossoms, you and your kids can enjoy interactive art demonstrations, activities and musical performances.  Decorate a miniature kite, learn about healthy food choices and discover Japanese art and design.
Pricing: Free!

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Where/When: Germantown Public Library, Saturday from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Why Go: Preschoolers are invited to enjoy this special story time with their whole family. 
Pricing: Free!  

• KITES OVER CLARKSBURG
Where/When: Ovid Hazen Wells Park in Clarksburg, Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy colorful kites soaring on the March wind.  There will be kite demonstrations, activities and children's crafts.  Bring a canned good for charity to enter the raffle.
Pricing: Free!                                                             

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Where/When: Bruster's Real Ice Cream on Rockville Pike in Gaithersburg, Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Why Go:  Wear your pajamas to Bruster's for customer appreciation day and get rewarded with a free single scoop waffle cone.  "Chuckles the Good News Clown" will be performing from noon until 3 p.m. and from 6:30 until 10 p.m.
Pricing: Free!

• LEGO RACERS
Where/When: Borders in the Neelsville Shopping Center, Saturday at 2 p.m. 
Why Go: This event is perfect for kids who love LEGOs and cars.  If your kids are between the ages 8 to 12, call 301-528-0862 for reservations.  Space is limited.
Pricing: Free!

• ACT IT OUT KIDS BOOK CLUB
Where/When: Rockville Public Library, Monday from 7 to 8 p.m.
Why Go:  Kids ages 5 to 8 (grades K-2) will enjoy reading stories and acting them out together.  To register, call 240-777-0140.
Pricing: Free!