Grab and Go Kids Planner: Winter break!

No school this week, so you've got to come up with some things to do. Let Patch help you out.

We've done the research, we've done your homework, and we're ready to give you our suggestions for ways you can get up and go with your family this week and heading into the weekend—a double header of activities at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose and more!

We think we've found a great mix—indoors and outdoors, fun and educational, while the kids are home from school.

Here's our five suggestions for this week. 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!

1.  

Where/When: 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Why Go: The Computer History Museum of Mountain View's permanent collection houses thousands of artifacts from the early days of computing. One of the current exhibits is "Mastering the Game: A History of Computer Chess." This is a 1,000-square-foot exhibit.

Pricing: $15 adults; $12 seniors and students; children under 12, free

2. 

Where/When: 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Why Go: Help the museum celebrate the wonderful world of cycling this week when the kids are out of school. Meet local custom-bicycle designers and fabricators from Santa Cruz's Calfee Designs and San Jose's Shorty Fatz. New riders can learn important safety tips and hone their skills on CDM's obstacle course. Our friends from the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition will provide additional safe bike parking. Plan your next bicycle outing using a free bike map of Santa Clara County. Customize your bike by creating a license plate and unique decorations to make your bike one-of-a-kind.

Pricing: $10 to enter the museum

3. 

Where/When: 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Why Go: In The Art Loft, children learn to create visual art that is meaningful to them using both authentic and unconventional art-making tools and materials. Guided by program specialists, children engage in unique visual arts projects that support their exploration of ideas, development of skills and ability to perceive aesthetically. Parents and caregivers can expect to spend about 30 minutes in The Art Loft to assist children in the art processes. Experiences in The Art Loft are designed for children ages 4-10. 

Pricing: $10 for museum.

4. 

Where/When: Great Mall Parkway and South Main Street, Milpitas. Saturday, 1-3 p.m. 

Why Go: Get your kids excited about reading at the the 2011 Kidgits Book Blast in the Neighborhood 2 Court at Great Mall. Organizers will go all out to promote the joys of reading and learning among children and their parents. The event is designed to enhance children’s desire to read, learn and exercise their imagination. Local celebrity readers and guests will read children’s books and tell stories. Radio Disney will be part of the fun with lots of great activities and giveaways.

Giving is also part of the day. The event will try to help the Orphan Campaign in a drive linked to Shoes. For every $30 donated to The Orphan Campaign, the organization will buy and deliver a new pair of shoes to an orphan in one of 68 countries. In exchange, a free Shoes book will be shipped to the contributor’s child. Children also are invited to donate a new or gently used book to Milpitas Library.

Pricing: Free

5. 

Where/When: , 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Why Go: Milk Cleo the Cow. Learn fun cow facts, help feed and care for our dairy queen and practice proper milking techniques. Ages 5 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Only paid registrants enter the milk house.

Pricing: $20