Five Family Events for the Weekend

We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children.

Here are the Globetrotters, storytime, Lehigh Valley Zoo, kids eat free and race cars:

1.  A long shot and a lot of fun

Where/When: Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, Pa., 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11.

Why Go: The Harlem Globetrotters are always entertaining and in this 85th season of touring will be showing off their new 4-point shot, making this local stop on the team's "4 Times the Fun" tour one for the history books.

Pricing: Starting at $18.50. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and the Stabler arena box office.

2. Because love is in the air.

Where/When: Lower Macungie Library, Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.

Why Go: Valentines Day drop-by storytime for children for pre-school and elementary school students. No sign-up is required. After the story, they'll be a chance for the kids to make a Valentine's Day cards for family or friends.

Pricing: Free. The library supplies the craft supplies too.

3. Let them explore their animal side.

Where/When: Lehigh Valley Zoo, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Seven days a week, weather permitting. There is an animal enrichment activity tentatively scheduled for February 12 in honor of Valentine's Day. The severe weather patterns and icy conditions we're all-too-familiar with have the details of the program up-in-the-air at the time of this writing. Best bet is to call the zoo at 610-799-4171 towards the end of the week for more information. Facebook users can get the details through the zoo's Facebook page as they are confirmed.

Why Go: According to the zoo Web site, it's worth bundling up and heading over to the zoo in the winter, as the zoo animals actually tend to be more active in the winter and you'll get the chance to see them doing things you rarely get to see in warmer months.

Pricing: Adults, seniors and kids pay an off-season rate of $7.75. Zoo enrichment activities are free with a zoo membership.

4. Because there actually can be a free lunch. For the kids anyhow.

Where/When: Dickey's Barbecue Pit, 3221 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, on Sunday, Feb. 13. Dickey's is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Why Go: The Dickey's chain is getting pretty good reviews and has locations literally from coast-to-coast. In fact, there is a second Lehigh Valley location coming soon. With the Bethlehem location's "kids eat free on Sundays" offer, it might be worth checking out what all the fuss is about.

Pricing: Free kids meal with an adult entree purchase. Keep in mind that the Dickey's Web site also says every diner gets a free ice cream cone every day.

5. Plan ahead for a chance to build and grow at Lowe's.

Where/When: Participating Lowe's stores on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.

Why Go: Enjoy the chance to make a "pull and go car." Each race car kit includes #48 stickers and a pull-back motor. According to the Lowe's build and grow Web site, each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.

Pricing: Free. Seating is limited. Sign up online and select the closest participating store that has open seats. You will note there is a Valentine's Day-themed workshop scheduled on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m., but all workshop seats in participating Lehigh Valley Lowe's stores were filled at the time of this writing.