The kids are back in school this week, and most parents are feeling a bizarre combo of sadness and elation. But remember, you still have the weekends to play together with your family. So make them count!

Here are my top 5 picks for Family Fun in Santa Clarita this weekend:

Maternity and Baby Show

When you are pregnant or have a baby, it can get really overwhelming knowing what products and services are out there. So why not go to the Maternity and Baby Show to get all the info you can?

It’s Saturday, August 16^th, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. It’s free parking and admission, and there will be tons of drawings, vendors, and demonstrations to get you some really great information. Visit their website for details.

You will leave feeling much less overwhelmed, I promise. In fact, you may just be…whelmed.

Santa Clarita Concerts in the Park, Three Bad Jacks

The best possible way to unwind after the first week back at school is to listen to some music on a gorgeous summer night. So head over to the Concerts in the Park and relax!

One of Los Angeles’ hardest working bands–and biggest club draws–Three Bad Jacks have been pounding it out, non-stop, since the late 20th century. They are playing starting at 7pm and will bring their incredible underground American rockabilly and big beat flavored music to Central Park. Bring a picnic, blanket and chairs and get ready to get groovy.

The whole family will enjoy this “chillaxing” evening.

Movies in the Park, William S. Hart Park “The Boxtrolls”

If you are a movie person, but prefer your movies family friendly and free, then you are in luck!

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Hart Park are inviting you to see the movie “The Boxtrolls” this Friday, August 14^th, at 7pm at Hart park. Bring your blankets, pillows and lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy this free movie in the park.

The movie is adorable, the night will be gorgeous, and the price is right.

Remo Kids Rhythm Club

Loud singing, drums, and musical fun is all great for kids, and even greater for you if it isn’t in your living room. There’s a perfect outlet for your kids this and every Saturday, the Remo Kids Rhythm Club at SCVi!

SCVi Charter School is hosting this weekly event starting at 9:30 am at SCVi on Halsey Canyon Road. Kids are free and adults are only $5 and your family can play drums, sing, and create with the whole family. Visit their website for details.

So much fun! Plus it’s guaranteed they will be considerably quieter the rest of the day.

Family Hike and Animal Show Placerita Canyon

Want to get out of the house and into nature? Head over to Placerita Canyon for some of their amazing weekend programs.

You can join up on Saturday, August 15^th, for a Family Nature Walk at 11 am, and stay for the Native Live Animal Presentation at 1. The programs are weekly and free, so just stop by and enjoy the lovely surroundings that Santa Clarita Valley has to offer.

Kids love animals and the outdoors, and face it, so do you.