Where: Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., downtown Raleigh

What: Yes. This is a bit of shameless promotion. The News & Observer just launched a new Web site for moms in the area. You can find it at www.TriangleMom2Mom.com. We're celebrating the launch with a party Saturday at Marbles Kids Museum. You'll find all the fun of Marbles plus live performances from Cotton the Clown, the Sandbox Band and Trish Miller and some deals and giveaways. Normal admission ($5 per person) applies.

The Web site features eight local women who are blogging about their adventures as moms. Registered users on the site can participate in forums, write their own blogs and post photos. Readers will find lots of local information about activities and resources for kids and families, including an expanded Family Outing column every Friday.

And now here's what else is happening in the Triangle over the next week:

What: There are two opportunities to take your kids to a production of "Sleeping Beauty" over the next week. The City Ballet, a large dance school in North Raleigh, will present its twist on the tale at 7 p.m., today; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, at Ravenscroft School, in North Raleigh. Tickets are $7. The first act lasts about 50 minutes and is followed by a 30-minute second act. Go to www.city-ballet.com or call 844-9799 for details.

Carolina Ballet will perform the classic story Thursday to May 18 at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. Tickets range from $15 to $65 a piece. Go to www.carolinaballet.com or call 719-0900 for details.

What to know before you go: Considering the ticket price, the City Ballet's performance might be the best for young, first-time ballet goers with shorter attention spans. They'll be watching kids on stage (the dancers are ages 4 to 18), and popular music will be mingled among the classical.

But there are kid-friendly events planned for the Carolina Ballet's performance as well. At 10:30 a.m. May 17, there will be a costume contest for girls and boys who want to come as princesses and princes. At the matinee on May 18, Miss North Carolina will sign autographs. Dragon lovers should note the debut of a new commission from Paperhand Puppet Intervention.

Check out the activities at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham this weekend. On Saturday, WRAL storyteller Willa Brigham will share her talents. Check the story time schedule at the admissions desk. It's free with admission. On Sunday, Bear Awareness Week activities begin with events throughout the week. Some require preregistration. Go to www.ncmls.org or call 220-5429, ext. 313 for details.

Celebrate Mom and Mother Earth at the Stevens Nature Center's annual Celebration of Nature. There will be hands-on activities, guided walks, live entertainment, educational games, craft projects and free ice cream at the park in Cary. A free shuttle will run between Ritter Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. (Ritter Park is off West Lochmere Drive. Be sure to check out the park's great playground). The celebration is from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, in Cary. It's all free. Call 387-5980 for details.