Each week, we'll give you the info on some of the 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!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

1. Kids magic show at Dockside

Where/When: Weekly on Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m., at the Dockside Restaurant, 1099 Main St., Wakefield.

Why Go: Bring the kids for some food and fun. Magic is free, food prices listed on Dockside menu.

Price: Free.

2. Children’s Concert with Peter Sheridan

When/Where: Saturday, Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. at the Lucius Beebee Memorial Library, 345 Main St.

Why Go: Popular children’s entertainer Peter Sheridan returns to Beebe Library with another sing-along concert for children and parents. Join Peter for songs, dance and stories. Children’s sing-along concerts (ages 6 and under) with Peter Sheridan continue monthly until May.

Price: Free, no registration required

3. Dance competition premiere

When/Where: Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Dance Studio of Wakefield, 456 Main St.

Why Go: A fantastic dance show featuring the national award-winning dance companies of the Dance Studio premiering their 2011 routines.

Price: Call the school at (781) 245-9409 for more information.

4. Reading Science and Engineering / FIRST Lego League Teams Competition

When/Where:  Saturday, Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading

Why Go: Come watch local students use engineering concepts, think like scientists, experiment, overcome obstacles, discover how ideas become solutions and solve problems faced by scientists today. The competition is open to all. Check out event details here for the day’s schedule.

Price: Free. 

5. Deployment ceremony

When/Where: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m., at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading

Why Go: Bring your family to support the 26th “Yankee” Brigade Headquarters and the 26th Signal Company stationed in Reading. They will deploy to Afghanistan for one year beginning this February. For more information, click here.

Price: Free