Grab & Go Kids Planner

Liquid-Nitrogen Ice Cream. CSI Meets CSU. Dolphins and You. Intrigued? Have a child who might be too? Then a big festival kick-off this weekend might be for you.

Your choices, near Carlsbad and in San Diego, include the San Diego Science Festival, a jam-packed week of activities celebrating every aspect of science you could imagine. The ice cream, CSI and dolphin questions all will be tackled at San Diego State Saturday.

Other events include a festival full of taste treats and a chance to see the Village transformed for a cultural street fair.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME 

• Where/when: Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, 1 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The World in the Village street fair includes child performances, a fun zone, live music and art projects, and a few tidbits from around the world to munch on.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Balboa Park, San Diego State and various sites, San Diego, 9 a.m., Saturday.

• Why Go: To encounter all manner of science demonstrations and experiments at the sprawling San Diego Science Festival, which continues through March 26 at several area venues. To begin, San Diego State hosts a day of engineering feats, at 9 a.m. Balboa Park's Science Family Day, at museums and other areas in the park, starts at 11 a.m.

• Price: Free at San Diego State, varies at other sites.

• Where/when: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Hear about how fresh herbs can enhance your cooking and your health at the garden's Herb Festival, while your hosts offer art projects and crafts for kids. 

• Price: $6-12.

• Where/when: Beebo Studios, Encinitas, 11 a.m., Sunday.

• Why Go: Hit Spring Fling, where underground artists and collectors will display their funkiest clothing, accessories, props and home decor. Includes a 2 p.m. fashion show.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, 1 p.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: Create beautiful flower sculptures out of a variety of fun materials at Free Family Art Day. Inspired by current museum exhibits focusing on flower photos and Polynesian quilts. There will be three activities for children of all ages. 

• Price: Free.