Kids need to move, and never is that more evident than when our craft and book loving kiddo reaches the end of the day without enough climb time (envision Laurel leaping off of furniture). And if you’re looking for a way to combine literacy and exercise (particularly on a raw day like today), check out the Literacise exhibit at the Boston Public Library. This exhibit is based on local author Irene Smalls's book Jonathan and His Mommy and allows kids to benefit both mind and body by moving and grooving their way through a kid-sized interactive book. Literacise opened in early October and runs until March 2010.

These days, one of Laurel’s favorite playground games is "T-Rex" (as in, stomping, growling, and prowling like a T-Rex), so clearly we need to check out the acclaimed Walking With Dinosaurs extravaganza that hits Boston's TD Banknorth Garden July 16 – 20. Fabulous for the whole family, the production features life-size, surprisingly nimble dinosaurs that will give new meaning to your kid’s favorite dinosaur books, puzzles, and toys.

Want to win a 4-pack of tickets to Boston's Walking With Dinosaurs show? Here’s how:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Jennifer Y.!
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Visit the Walking With Dinosaurs site, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Dinosaurs’ in the subject), and name another upcoming city on the tour.

One entry permitted per person; local entrants welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Friday, July 11, 2008.

**And if you’re looking to buy tickets now, use promo code insightgroups here to receive $5 off your ticket price. For more Walking With Dinosaurs footage, check out their You Tube page.

When the parks get too crowded or steamy during the summer, local museums and indoor play spaces are true lifesavers. And this Thursday (July 10), the Children’s Museum in Easton kicks off their Summer Drop-In Days with Ruff Ruffman from PBS’s FETCH! Drop by between 10:30 am - 3 pm to meet Ruff and enjoy activities and cake in the museum’s new outdoor learning center, The Wild Place.

Want to win one of two 4-packs of CME tickets to enjoy the FETCH! event*? Here’s how:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winners Anne-Marie C. & Jessica C.!
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Visit the CME Summer Drop-In Schedule, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘CME’ in the subject), and name another fun upcoming drop-in event.

One entry permitted per person; local entrants welcome to enter.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

*Two winners each will receive a 4-pack of admission passes to the Children’s Museum in Easton, which allows for access to the FETCH! event.

Today, Kate reports on an indoor spot for kids to stretch their legs:

“For those of us raising kids in the city, we all know that space – space to play, space to spread out, space just to run – is precious. Playgrounds and parks are great, but are often crowded, and the weather doesn't always cooperate. For those days when you need an alternative, check out IMAJINEthat in Lawrence.
Located on the second floor of an historic mill building, IMAJINEthat is enormous compared to most indoor playgrounds and offers a wide variety of activities: arts, crafts, a climbing structure, a moon bouncer, a mini supermarket, toys for infants and toys for bigger kids, and private rooms for birthday parties. IMAJINEthat also provides a full calendar of special events – story times, music times, times for art – that can appeal to kids with different interests and attention spans. With plenty of parking, good access to the MBTA Commuter Rail, and affordable fees, IMAJINEthat is a hidden gem for families in greater Boston. Bring your city kids and give them a chance to stretch their legs in a safe and fun environment.”

Despite the fact that the only bike I ever owned was stolen 2 days (1 blissful ride) after I bought it, I still hold out hope that one day I’ll ride again. Meanwhile, this Sunday (June 8), those with wheels can join the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon (registration required) and/or enjoy the post-ride Green Roots Festival from 12 – 5:30pm. Enjoy live music, food, speakers, environmental workshops and information, and kid's activities. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in front of the Stony Brook T station in Jamaica Plain.

Some days, no playground structure seems tall enough for my climbing monkey. And once Laurel is old enough, clearly, it’ll be time to hit the Boston Rock Gym in Woburn. Offering novices to experts plenty of room to rock, we dig that this climbing facility offers courses exclusively for women, as well as an impressive dedicated youth program for kids 5 and up. Youth programming includes daily classes, flexible summer camp sessions, climbing teams, and birthday parties for 7-12 year olds. Talk about a perfect way to burn off the cake-induced sugar rush.

Want to win a BRG Family Intro Class*? Here’s how:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Jen D.!
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Visit the Boston Rock Gym’s youth programs page, then email contests@bostonmamas.com (with ‘Boston Rock Gym’ in the subject), and name a program you think your little climber would love to try.

One entry permitted per person; local entrants only.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Friday, May 30, 2008.

*Winner will receive a complimentary Family Intro Class, which covers one adult and one child for the introductory class and equipment rental + a 2-week membership including gear rental!

If you’ve been agonizing over baby gear options and are ready to get your game face on this weekend, check out the American Baby Faire at the Bayside Expo Center (10am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday). This Babies R Us sponsored event will include product demos and seminars, entertainment, and activities for kids. Admission is $8 for adults; grandparents and kids under 12 are admitted free ($3 admission coupons are available at Babies R Us stores). Eat your Wheaties before you head to this extravaganza.

Bayside Expo Center, 200 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester; Tel: 617-474-6000

The Boston Children’s Museum may be closed for construction but they’re keeping busy in the community, bringing hands-on activities to every Boston Public Library branch via Around Boston in 80 Days.

This program runs through the end of March, but we got the scoop on two great events to cap off February vacation week. Tomorrow (Feb. 23) from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the South Boston Library (646 East Broadway, Tel: 617-268-0180), kids can get a sneak peek at two new BCM programs involving kitchen science and Twister-style fitness. And a special program (not currently on the calendar) will take place on Sunday the 25th at the central branch (Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street; Tel: 617-536-5400). Families are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year with costume, stories, and craft from 1-2:30pm, and a traditional Chinese music concert at 2:30pm.

All events are free of charge, and free mini family photo stickers are available; one sticker is added to a big map of Boston, the rest are yours to take home.

Some people are a little spooked by marionettes, but I have to admit that they hold a little place in my heart due to repeated childhood viewings of The Sound of Music.

Through the remainder of February, marionettes will bring Cinderella to life at the Drawbridge Puppet Theater in Lunenburg. Tickets are $5; show times are 10am and 11:30am (this and next Saturday) and 1pm (this and next Sunday). Drawbridge also has added shows to accommodate next week’s school vacation, and at a workshop following next Friday’s show (Feb. 23) kids can create puppets to take home for an additional $5. The theater also offers birthday party services.

Drawbridge Puppet Theater, 1335 Mass. Ave. (Rte 2A), Lunenburg; Tel: 800-401-3694 or 978-582-6565.