It’s time to start thinking about the weekend. What fun things do you have planned? Here is a snapshot of a few free activities and events to enjoy in Houston with family and friends:

Learn expert garden care – Learn from the professionals at Cornelius Nursery’s Gardenfest 2012.  Attend workshops all day (9 am – 6 pm) on topics such as herbs, plants for Texas gardens, color, berry growing and more. Check out the online schedule and presenters here including Randy Lemmon, Faith Savage, Rand Hopkins, and Ian Cook. Gardenfest will be held at both locations: 1200 N. Dairy Ashford and 2233 S. Voss.

Celebrate animals — All Creatures Great and Small is the theme of this month’s Bayou Bend Family Day, Sunday, February 19, 1 pm – 5 pm. Visit with various animal experts, make your own ladybug and butterfly crafts, and tour the home to see animal influences in American design. Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is located at 6003 Memorial. photo courtesy Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Bike to farmers markets — Enjoy the great outdoors biking to local farmers markets.  This Saturday the Bayou City Outdoors runs its Farmers Market Bike Tour for free to the public.  Visit three to five local farmers markets in a 12-15 mile ride.  The ride is free, but not the market goodies.  Ride begins at 8 am at Onion Creek in the Heights.

Browse antique cars — The Heritage Car Show isn’t only about old cars! Families can enjoy food, music, prizes, and rides for the kids. Up to 125 antique cars can register to participate February 18, 10:30 – 12:30 pm. Folks can browse the cars from noon – 4:30 pm. Cars will be judged with a winner announced at 4 pm. Towne Lake is located in Cypress off 290 & Barker Cypress.

Touch a truck — Kids who love big trucks will love Touch-a-Truck, an annual family-friendly event geared to kids and their desire to see trucks up, close and personal. Vehicles will feature a big truck, fire trucks, ambulance and more. Touch a Truck will be held Saturday, February 18, 9 am – 11 am, at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, 6535 Creekside Forest in The Woodlands.

Focus on women’s health — Ladies can head to the Women’s Health and Fitness Expo February 18, 11 am – 4 pm. Take advantage of free health screenings, demonstrations, and special seminars focusing on relationships, fitness workshops, and intimacy. The event is held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 8686 Kirby. Come dressed to sweat!

Party on the street — It’s a Mardi Gras parade for kids! The 8th annual Firefighters Children’s Parade in Galveston is Sunday, February 19, 2 pm. Kids on floats are throwing beads to the crowds amidst 150 costumed parade walkers pulling wagons and throwing beads. The parade begins at 27th and Seawall and heads west to 45th Street. photo: Firefighters Children’s Parade Krewe

Learn kitchen knife skills – Williams-Sonoma offers free technique classes each Sunday.  This week’s theme focuses on knife skills. Bring one of your own knives for complimentary sharpening! Start times vary by location:  noon at Willowbrook Mall, 2 pm at The Woodlands Mall, noon at Baybrook Mall, 11 a.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at First Colony Mall. Other locations at Highland Village (713.212.0346) and Town & Country Village (713.827.8056).