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Arts & Entertainment

Grab and Go Kids' Planner for March 16-20

Reading with certified therapy dogs, a youth talent search and a paddle festival are just a few things wrapped up in this week's planner.

There's so much to do, but so little time to figure out what you can do with, and for, your children throughout the weekend. 

One way to attract reluctant children to the joys of books and activities, such as youth soccer tryouts, are in our agenda this week, with a paddle festival packed in there, too.   

Read on and check out what our Grab and Go Kids' Planner includes for Capitola-Soquel  this week.

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Where/When:, 2005 Wharf Rd. Wednesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Why Go:  It's a way to get your young, reluctant reader interested in books and reading by letting him or her read with a trained therapy animal. Handlers volunteering their time to take their certified therapy animals to the library show up with an assortment of animals, such dogs, bunnies and even a cat named Topaz.  Who doesn't want to read with a cuddly animal nesting in your lap!

Pricing:  Free

Where/When: 's practice field, 401 Old San Jose Rd. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Why Go: If your child is a soccer enthusiast, this is the place to be Sunday morning. Click here to view the tryouts for the next season. Your child needs to come prepared to play for a spot on a team.

Pricing: free

Where/When: , 240 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why Go: If you're the parent of a 3-6-year-old, you might want to check out this Sunday for its hands-on arts and crafts workshop. The focus is different every Sunday, but this week, the theme is spring.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Steamer Lane/Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: Weather conditions permitting, this is a festival that is a Santa Cruz spring staple. This is  the 25th year the festival has taken place. So, round up the kiddies and go watch as world-class champions in kayaking, wave skiing and stand up paddle surfing do their thing. For updates, check with   or call 831-458-3648

Pricing: Free

Where/When: (in the little theater), 800 Bethany Dr., Scotts Valley. Saturday. Call 831-438-1000 for more details.

Why Go: This is the Scotts Valley Exchange Club's version of America's Got Talent. It's called "Search for Talent," a friendly competition open to all young people from 5-17 years old. No audition is required, and the competition is open to all, including those who aren't residents of Scotts Valley.

Pricing: Registration fee. Call 831-438-1000 for more details.

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