Northborough Patch grabs you by the reins and leads you to cool, fun, educational events for you and your kids to do together this week.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• "PAWS" AND READ
Where/When: Northborough Free Library, Saturday, March 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
Why Go: Independent readers have an opportunity to read to a specially trained R.E.A.D. dog. Each participant has 10 minutes to read independently to the furry friend. To register, call 508-393-5025, ext. 4.
Pricing: Free

• THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Where/When: DCU Center in Worcester on Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m., then again on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Oh, sweet Georgia Brown ... The Harlem Globetrotters shoot it out with the Washington Generals. You won’t want the miss the “4 Times the Fun” 2011 North American tour, as they have added new 4-point shooting locations, 35 feet away from the basket.
Pricing: Tickets and pricing available on the Web site or by calling 800-745-3000.

• KIDS NIGHT OUT
Where/When: Town Hall Gym, 63 Main St., Northborough, Saturday, March 19, 4-10 p.m.
Why Go: It's the kids turn for a night out. They are sure to fall asleep on the ride home after an evening full of playing gym and sports games, including jailbreak, basketball, pillow polo and soccer, to name a few. If they get tired of running around, they can relax and make art projects or watch movies. Pizza is also included. Non-residents welcome. For grades K-5.
Pricing: $30 for first child, $15 for each sibling. Register early on their Web site to save a spot, or sign up at the door, space permitting.

• SALAMANDER CELEBRATION
Where/When: Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham on Sunday, March 20 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Why Go: You'll learn about all different types of salamanders, and walk to a vernal pool to spy them for yourselves. There's also a short slide film and a puppet show. Children make their own salamander crafts and life cycle flip-books to take home.
Pricing: The cost is $9 for members and $11 for nonmembers.

• PRICKLY PORCUPINES
Where/When: Mass. Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester on Saturday, March 19, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Why Go: If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity and a naturalist-led walk for prickly porcupines. Be prepared to go outside.
Pricing: $7 for Mass. Audubon child members, $10 for child nonmembers and $2 for each additional child. Free for adults. For more information and to register, call 508-753-6087.