Bonus Calendar Events for Sat., Jan. 31st

The following family fun events are not listed in our January print issue but are available to you on our blog as a bonus! Keep in mind: All listings are posted as they were sent to baystateparent. They are not edited. Please contact each event directly before attending and to confirm details.

Have fun!

Saturday, January 31st – Winter Volunteer Day in Franklin Park – 10 a.m. – Noon. This is a great time of year to clear invasive plants that are smothering young native trees in Franklin Park’s forest. Dress warmly (layers is best, you will warm up), shiny, nylon coats can get caught on branches, heavy cotton, fleece, or wool won’t be damaged. We’ll have old leather palm work gloves and clippers, but bring some if you have them at home. There’ll be hot chocolate and good cheer in abundance, all ages and abilities welcome. Meet at Valley Gates Parking Lot midway along the main Franklin Park Road. For more info and directions: www.franklinparkcoalition.org or 617-442-4141.

Sat., Jan. 31: Tropical Forest. Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Rd., Boston. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Escape the winter chill and bring your little ones down to the always-balmy Tropical Forest for family entertainment provided by our professionalchildren’s entertainer during our Saturday Sing-a-Longs! Wildly popular children’s entertainer, Su Eaton, will perform every Saturday in January and March. These events will be held in the Hippo Theater at Franklin Park Zoo and are free with general Zoo admission. Saturday Sing-a-Longs will be held January 31 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28. 617-541-5466 or franklinparkzoo.org


Sat., Jan. 31: Copicut Woods, Indian Town Rd., Fall River. 9 - 11 a.m. While a few animals do head south or hibernate away the winter months, most remian in New England and are active all year. Join the Trustees of Reservations along with Bill Sampson, senior keeper at the Buttinwood Park Zoo, to learn the art of tracking animals in winter. Free. 508-679-2115x11, email bioreserve@ttor.org, or visit www.thetrustees.org


Sat., Jan. 31: A “Curious George” Party. South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Ages 3+. Celebrate the many adventures of Curious George – without getting into too much mischief. After stories, crafts and games we’ll enjoy a snack and just “monkey around”! Pre-registration and payment requested. $10 Member per parent/child pair with a maximum of $20 per family$13 Non- member per parent/ child pair with a maximum of $26 per family. The Center also has ongoing Drop- In Programs (Free with paid admission) such as: Feed the Animals: Saturdays and Monday Holidays at 10 a.m.; Meet an Animal: Saturdays and Monday Holidays at 2 p.m.; Tales from the Wild: Every Friday 10:30 -11 a.m.; and Join the naturalist for nature stories and tales. Please call to register.781-659-2559 x 203 or email jazanow@ssnsc.org


Good Deeds at NEADS in Princeton

While this isn't a family fun event, NEADS in Princeton is a great place to bring kids who love dogs!

Sat., Jan. 31: The Worcester County NEADS Lions has teamed up with the American Red Cross to sponsor a Blood Drive on Saturday, January 31, 2009. It will take place at the NEADS offices at 305 Redemption Rock Trail South (Rt. 140), Princeton, MA, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will be open to the public. The Lion’s Sightmobile will also be available for visiting at the NEADS facility. All blood donors will receive a FREE Pound of Dunkin Donuts Coffee! Anyone age 17 or older, who is in good health, who weighs 110 pounds or more, and who has not given blood in the last 56 days is eligible to donate. Please be prepared to show photo identification to a Red Cross volunteer.For more information about this event -- or to make an appointment for any Red Cross blood drive -- please call 1-800 GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543). Walk-in donors are also welcome.