Weekend Plans: Inaugural parade, free theater for kids, new Marbles exhibit, more

It's a slower weekend when it comes to organized family events, but the weather is going to be gorgeous with highs in the 70s. If you're searching for a new place to get outside, check our newly updated parks and playground review database with posts on more than 60 parks in the region.

And, as always, WRAL.com's Out & About calendar has more ideas for weekend activities.

Gov. Patrick McCrory took the oath of office last weekend, but the celebration to mark the occasion happens this weekend. This includes an inaugural parade through downtown Raleigh on Saturday. I’m told this will be a festive event with marching bands and other fun - perfect for families. I also think it's a great opportunity to talk with kids about state government and our leaders. The day begins with a 10:30 a.m. pre-inaugural concert, followed by a ceremony at 11 a.m., on the Capitol Square next to the State Capitol. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. and goes from Davie Street to the State Capitol. An open house is scheduled at the N.C. Executive Mansion at 2:30 p.m. I expect to get some more details about all this and will update if and when I get them.

Marbles Kids Museum will celebrate the opening of its newly enhanced Workout Zone in the Power2Play exhibit with a Canes Play Day. An opening ceremony is at 11 a.m., Saturday. Stormy from the Hurricanes will be there. Stay for hockey play with the Storm Squad and an inflatable slapshot booth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free with admission, which is $5 per person. There’s a special offer for Canes Season ticketholders: Get $2 off museum and IMAX movie admission from Jan. 12 to Jan. 31. Must present Canes season ticketholder ID at time of purchase.

Raleigh Little Theatre’s Storytellers to Go, a teen performance ensemble, will present “Jack Tales: Appalachian Adventures” from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, at Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex. The free show, best for ages 5 and up, features puppets and interactive storytelling, which help tell folk stories that have been handed down through oral tradition.

Rags to Riches Theatre will have a busy weekend at Durham County libraries. They’ll perform The Frog Prince from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, at South Regional Library. From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, they’ll perform Rumplestiltskin, at the Main Library. Both shows are free and are good for preschoolers to grade schoolers.

The annual Run for Young 5K run/walk, held in honor of Sadiki Young, is 2 p.m., Sunday, in downtown Raleigh. Young was an 18-year-old student at Wakefield High School when he died in a car crash in 2007 as a passenger in a vehicle. The event aims to remind Wake County teens about the importance of good decisions when automobiles are involved. Proceeds from the race will raise awareness of safe driving methods for teens and support the Christ Church Youth Ministry Endowment. Young was a Christ Church member and acolyte.