Grab & Go Kids Planner: Animals, the Ocean and Soccer

Each week, we'll give you the info on five great upcoming family activities or events.

This week we'll help guide you through the long weekend with breaks by the sea and a dinner with doggie friends, capped by some friendly competition.

Look for the kids planner each Wednesday, and help build it 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!

Click the links for all the details.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

Where/when: Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Carlsbad, 7:30 a.m., Feb. 19.

Why Go: To be introduced to the birds that hang out in the lagoon. Your guides also might mention the Great Backyard Bird Count, a community-driven effort to track where birds are in North America, which takes place this weekend.

Price: Free.

Where/when: Rancho Coastal Humane Society, Encinitas, 4 p.m., Feb. 18.

Why Go: To be part of "Dinner With the Dogs," a program to give kids ages 5 and up the chance to meet, play with and eat beside some of the animals at the center. The latest in the series of monthly events comes up this week. 

Price: $20, registration required.

Where/when: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, 9 a.m., Feb. 19.

Why Go: Join San Diego Coastkeeper to freshen up the community jewel. Minors need a parent to be present to sign a waiver to participate.

Price: Free.

Where/when: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, 11 a.m., Feb. 19.

Why Go: For SEA Days, which this month features explorers from CalEchoes, a cruise for scientists and grad students to study the diverse Southern California coast.

Price: Free, with paid museum admission of $8-$12.

Where/when: Various parks, Carlsbad, Feb. 21-24.

Why Go: If your child is interested in soccer, and  are the places to be for tryouts for the Lightning club. Ages 10-14, boys and girls.

Price: Free.