Here’s cupcake decorating, live music, movies and a new moms’ support group — pick and choose from this weekend’s array of events. NEW BABIES NEW MOMS SUPPORT GROUP   Where/When: WarmLines in the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St., Newton, on Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Why Go: First-time moms with babies up to 6 months can meet with a professional facilitator and ask questions, share experiences, make new friends, and get some support. Register online. Pricing: Free!   CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS  (for ages 8 to 12) Where/When: Kitchenwares by Blackstones, 215 Newbury St., Boston, on …

Here’s a party for fourth graders, toddler play dates, a 3-D movie and make-your-own sundaes — pick and choose from this week’s array of events. FUNTASTIC FRIDAY FOR fourth GRADERS Where/When: Newton Community Service Center gymnasium, 492 Waltham St., Newton on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Why Go: Socialize with your friends and meet new kids from other Newton schools while a DJ plays music.  There will be games and challenges, as well as snacks and drinks at kid-friendly prices.  Exclusively for Newton fourth graders!  Pricing: $7. For more information, contact Newton Parks & Recreation at 617-…

Here’s a kids gardening workshop, a puppet show, a baseball clinic, a movie, and Mary Poppins the Musical — pick and choose from this week’s array of events. SPRING IN MY BACKYARD WORKSHOP (for ages 5 and up) Where/When: Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St., on Friday at 3:30 p.m. Why Go: Kids can plant seedlings, make a bird feeder from pinecones and discover how to compost with wriggling red earthworms.  They may even spot a rabbit. Pricing: Free!   THE TOE JAM PUPPET BAND CONCERT Where/When: The Baker School, 205 Beverly Rd., Chestnut Hill, on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. Why Go: A unique …

Here’s family-friendly museums, activity-filled backpack explorations, a playgroup and a dog that helps kids read — pick and choose from this weekend’s array of events. Free admission to the Jackson Homestead and Museum Where/When: The Jackson Homestead and Museum on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Why Go: The whole family will enjoy exploring the museum’s exhibits and learning about Newton’s history, for free! Pricing: Yes, we said free.   OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT GORE PLACE   Where/When: Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m…

It's every parent's nightmare: school vacation week. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare with the great list of vacation programs available this week. Here’s a Presidents’ Day family festival and sundae bar and vacation week programs with everything from sports and crafts to Abe Lincoln, apes, and colonial cooking — pick and choose from this week’s array of events.   YMCA SCHOOL VACATION PROGRAMS Where/When: West Suburban YMCA, Tuesday through Friday with half-day and full-day programs. Why Go: Keep the kids busy during school vacation week doing gym activities, free swim, arts activities, …

Here’s a musical, a marionette puppet show, ice skating and a movie just for the littlest ones — pick and choose from this weekend’s array of events. PICTURE BOOKS ON FILM Where/When: Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Why Go: Entertainment for the little ones who aren’t in school yet!  You might not feel they’re old enough to behave in a movie theatre, so this is the perfect opportunity to take them to a movie designed for their age group.  Pricing: Free!   a performance of "THE SECRET GARDEN"  Where/When: The Wheelock Family Theatre at Wheelock College, 200 The…

Each week, this column gives you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. Look for the kids’ planner each Tuesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box below the story. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you! -- Here’s a kids’ fashion show, folktales for the Chinese New Year, storytime and a day camp open …

Each week, this column gives you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. Look for the kids’ planner each Tuesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box below the story. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you! -- Here’s free museum admission, playgroups, a hockey game and an origami workshop — pick and …