Grab & Go Kids Planner: Festival by the Sea, Soccer Clinic and a Bear Craft

Glad you clicked on our Grab & Go Kids Planner!

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new 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.

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 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!

This week we have the annual Festival by the Sea, a youth soccer clinic, Diary of a Wimpy Kid themed party, a harvest festival and build-a-bear craft. Check it all out below: 

Annual Family Festival by the Sea
Where/When: Lido Beach Town Park; Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why Go: This family friendly festival, one of the biggest around this time of year, makes its return to the south shore of Long Island. There will be vendors, food carts, entertainment, eating contests and sculptures for the adults to check out, as well as pony rides, circus clowns and a petting zoo for the little ones. Take advantage of the beautiful September weather and make a day trip to the beach!
Pricing: Admission and parking is free.
 
Youth Soccer Clinic
Where/When: Wantagh High School; Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
Why Go: Local children are invited to join players and coaches from Wantagh soccer teams for a one hour soccer clinic. Get the kids moving in this crisp weather and let them run around with other peers! They will definitely be excited to play the sport after this free clinic.
Pricing: Free for boys and girls from Wantagh in kindergarten through sixth grade. Call (516) 456-5227 for additional information.
 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Where/When: Merrick Public Library; Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Children in third through sixth grade will delight in the ever-popular book series. There will be readings from excerpts of the book, as well as Wimpy Kid games. Perfect for those little ones who love the series.
Pricing: Free, but registration is required. Please call (516) 377-6112 for additional information.
 
Seaford Historical Society Harvest Festival
Where/When: Seaford Historical Museum; Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Fall brings an array of fairs to the local area, including this mix of food and fun. The Seaford Fire Department will be on hand to display their equipment – great for children! There will be a pumpkin patch and a magic show. An overall fantastic way to keep the kids entertained this weekend.
Pricing: Free entry.
 
Build Your Own Bear
Where/When: Bellmore Memorial Library; Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Why Go: For children between the ages of 6 and 12, this is an exciting chance for kids to make their own bear. Let the little ones’ creative juices flow with this unusual craft project.
Pricing: $5, but registration is required. Call (516) 785-2990 for additional information.