Grab & Go Kids Planner: Sept. 7 - 13

Hopefully, your family had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and everyone has settled back into their school-year routines.  This weekend, however, offers two special events to spice things back up: the annual Germantown fire and police departments' community open house and the Damascus Community Fair.  Enjoy! 

• CHILDREN'S STORY TIME
Listen to readings of popular children's stories at the stage in the children's section.   
Where: at the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg
When: 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays
Price: Free

• DAMASCUS COMMUNITY FAIR
It's the 66th year for this annual, family-friendly event.  Bring the kids along to enjoy the pet show, children's pedal tractor pull, veggie races, hay rides, live music and more!  Want to compete in this year's fair?  Entries are received on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Damascus Activity Center.  Check the 2011 fair catalog for details. 
Where: Damascus Activity Center & Carnival Grounds, 10211 Lewis Drive, Damascus 
When: Noon to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9; 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10; and 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Price: Free, fee for food and drinks

• PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Enjoy a night out while your children (ages 4 to 11) enjoy pizza and drinks, games, a movie and lots of bouncy fun. Limited to 50 participants. Call 301-515-5665 to make reservations. 
Where: Bounce U, 22530 Gateway Center Drive in Clarksburg 
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 

Price: $20 per child; $15 for siblings

• SATURDAY MORNING STORY TIME
This special story time is for preschool-age children and their families.  Siblings are welcome and no registration is necessary. 
Where: When: 10:05 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Price: Free

• COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
The Germantown Volunteer Fire Department and the Montgomery County Police Fifth District, Germantown are joining forces their annual open house.  Children can try out a fire hose, hop in the Moon Bounce and test their knowledge in the fire safety house; parents can attend a silent auction and obtain fingerprint kits for the kids.  This event will be held rain or shine. 
Where: Germantown Volunteer Fire Department Station 29 at 20001 Crystal Rock Drive 
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Price: Free

• A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
This Theatre for Young Audiences musical follows two friends — cheerful Frog and rather grumpy Toad — through a year of seasonal activities that celebrate their friendship.  The hour-long performance is recommended for ages 4 and older. For more information and tickets call 301-258-6394.  
Where: , 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg 
When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11 
Price: $9 for students through grade 12; $18 for adults ($16 for Gaithersburg city residents)

• LAKE LIFE HABITAT HIKE
Learn about lakeside habitat and the plants, insects and animals that call Clopper Lake home during this half-hour guided hike. To make reservations, call 301-924-2127.  Participants should meet at the Seneca Creek Boat Center Office.  In case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled. 
Where: , 11950 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Price: Free for class; $2 fee per person to enter park

• GRANDPARENTS DAY TEA
Celebrate Grandparents Day in style at the Kentlands Mansion.  Grandparents and their children, grandchilden and great-grandchildren are invited to enjoy tea and light refreshments in the elegant surroundings of this estate.  Reservations are required; please call 301-258-6425 to reserve your space.  
Where: , 320 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg 
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 
Price: $20 for adults; $15 for children ages 12 and under

• STEPPING STONES STORY TIME
Children age 5 and younger can enjoy stories, songs and activities. Kids age 2 and younger must attend with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome and no registration is necessary. 
Where: Damascus Public Library
When: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13
Price: Free