The best local ways to keep your children happy

They’re never too young to hit the slopes.

Magic Beans Opening
Saturday, 11 a.m.
The Shops at Prudential Center
776 Boylston St., Boston
866-600-2326
www.mbeans.com
At 11 a.m., the world’s first all-kids kazoo flash mob will herald the opening of Magic Beans. A whole day of free events for families follows — Elmo will dish out free Pinkberry minis from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — until 6 p.m.

FreeRide Competition Series
Sunday
USA Snowboarder’s Association Competition Series
Feb. 5
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
79 Power St., Westford
978-692-3033
www.skinashoba.com
Not only are these two events extremely cool, but if you go to Nashoba during February school vacation, get a kid’s three-day lesson and lift tickets for $185. Don’t forget the ginormous snow-tubing slope. A two-hour ticket is $27, a six-pack of them is $135.

After School Challenge
Ongoing
Sky Zone Boston
91B Sprague St., Boston
857-345-9693
www.boston.skyzonesports.com
Sky Zone Boston hosts an ongoing After School Challenge with fun and games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can win T-shirts and free jump passes as they tackle obstacle courses and such. The new SkyRobics 4 Kids session will start in a few weeks, too. Pre-registration is required ($75) for this fitness program designed specifically for kids ages 7 to 12.

Pajama Party
Feb. 24-25, 7 p.m.
Hotel Commonwealth
500 Comm. Ave., Boston
617-532-5017
www.hotelcommonwealth.com
Hotel Commonwealth hosts its third annual pajama party event to benefit ReadBoston. A $10 suggested donation per family includes storytelling and a hot chocolate bar. Families can make a night of it with the Commonwealth’s Hotel for Kids package. Included are accommodations in a suite, morning pancake-making class at Island Creek, DVD room service with fresh popcorn and a take-home backpack stuffed with LL Bean slippers, the hotel’s custom storybook and a flashlight. It’s $219 per night, up to two adults and two children; additional children $49 per child; extend through the weekend at a special rate of $169/each additional night).

Build Your Own Pancakes
Sundays
Metropolitan Club
1210 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill
617-731-0600
www.metrestaurantgroup.com
For a fun and possibly messy morning, the Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill has a Make Your Own Pancake Bar at brunch every Sunday. Besides pancakes, other breakfast options include cider donuts and the “Egg MET Muffin Sandwich” served with country ham, Vermont cheddar, bacon and two fried eggs. Entrees range from $6 to $24.

Spoon Ninja Competition
Feb. 29, 6 p.m.
Anna’s Taqueria
446 Harvard St., Brookline
617-277-7111
www.annastaqueriaspoonninja.eventbrite.com
Anna’s Taqueria’s “Spoon Ninja” burrito rolling competition pitches employees and fans in a burrito-rolling contest. As in rolling one up, not rolling it down the street. Held at Anna’s Harvard Street location, Anna’s burrito rollers — known as Spoon Ninjas — will compete to determine the fastest burrito slinger known to Boston. Mature kids — and immature parents — can then try their luck. Each participant receives an Anna’s gift card and T-shirt, but the winner takes home the “Golden Spoon” trophy.