Mobile Exploration Station (Chicago)
Garfield Park Conservatory
Come help blow out some candles for the Conservatory at this historically-themed discovery cart. Learn about Conservatory history, take a seed I.D. quiz, or make a Conservatory Birthday hat. Listen to Mendelssohn’s Spring Song, said to have inspired the soft trickle of the prairie waterfall in the Fern Room, and see if you can hear the similarities. Hours are 4-6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Sugar from the Sun (Chicago)
Garfield Park Conservatory
Visitors to this exhibit will use all five senses as they experience how a plant uses air, water and light to make sugar-the energy source not only for plants, but for all life on earth.
Manifest Destiny, Manifest Responsibility (Chicago)
Loyola University Museum of Art
In this exhibit, paintings, prints and drawings from the collection of the Terra Foundation for American Art asks its viewers to contemplate the cultural, spiritual and ecological ramifications of their environmental "footprints."
Robin Hood (St. Charles)
Steel Beam Children's Theatre
Performances are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays from April 12-May 24.
World of Wheels (Naperville)
DuPage Children's Museum
Explore the use of wheels and how they can be used in art.
Hoot 'N Holler Red Barn Musical Revue (Sturtevant)
Apple Holler
Jokes, skits, down-home country humor and lots of singing. Afternoon and evening performances on most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through June 28 include wine and cheese, full-course meal with beverage and dessert, tax and tip. Call or check Web site for exact times and dates.
Sharks! at StingrayBay (Brookfield)
Brookfield Zoo
The stingrays are back at the zoo and they brought sharks with them. Touch the stingrays and meet the sharks that live in a 16,000 gallon saltwater pool.
Adventures with Agua (Brookfield)
Brookfield Zoo
Interactive exhibit uses games and hands-on activities to explore water-related environmental issues and simple ways families can help. Agua, the waterdrop character, guides visitors through four challenges. Become a gameboard piece, turn into a waterdrop, and learn what you can do to help preserve the Great Lakes.
Gnome Hunt (Chicago)
Notebaert Nature Museum
Take part in the garden gnome hunt in and around the museum and grounds.
Skyscapes: Meteorological Phenomena (Chicago)
Notebaert Nature Museum
This exhibit uses the sky and weather in 20 photographs that demonstrate the beauty and sheer power of Mother Nature.
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids (Chicago)
Field Museum
Enter the fabled world of dragons, journey to the depths of the ocean and soar above the clouds to uncover the origins of the powerful, dangerous and magical beings that have been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. Exhibit includes interactive stations and videos.
Arctic Seafloor (Chicago)
Field Museum
Photographs and other media take you on an icebreaking ship through the frozen Arctic world, and give you a first-ever look at the mysterious undersea mountains near the North Pole.
Travels of the Crow (Chicago)
Field Museum
Through artifacts and photographs this exhibit portrays the life of hunters, warriors, and nomads of the American Northern Plains.
George Washington Carver (Chicago)
Field Museum
Discover the life and work of George Washington Carver, born into slavery, who used his gifts to become a groundbreaking scientist, educator and humanitarian.
Crown Family Playlab (Chicago)
Field Museum
Interactive exhibit where kids can explore activities about nature, the world, science, music, art and dinosaurs in six unique areas. Concessions and changing stations are available.
Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice DNA Discovery Center (Chicago)
Field Museum
Discover what DNA is, how it works and what it can tell us in this new permanent exhibit with videos, interactives and displays
Celebrating Women Exhibit (Chicago)
Field Museum
Vivid color photographs from around the world portray festivals that celebrate women as fighters for freedom, bearers of light, or simply young and fancy-free girls.
Cool Globes (Chicago)
Field Museum
A selection of larger-than-life globes each designed to depict a solution to global warning will be on display from April 17-September 1. For more information, visit www.coolglobes.com.
An Intergenerational Moment (Chicago)
Chicago Children's Museum
Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly presents an exhibit of works by artists from teenagers to the elderly depicting relationships between the young and old. For more information about the exhibit, call (312) 455-1000 or visit www.littlebrotherschicago.org.
Comic Book Heroes: Max Simon Comic Book Collection (Indianapolis)
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The exhibit will introduce families to the vast world of comic books and will inspire them to read, collect and create. After a tour of the exhibit, kids can create their own comic book characters.
Curious George: Let's Get Curious (Indianapolis)
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Curious George comes to life as children's natural curiosity is encouraged as they explore science, math and engineering through hands-on interactive play.
Spin (Rockford)
Discovery Center Museum
This traveling exhibit explores the fun and science of objects that rotate. Check out the human centrifuge, create a mini-laser show, roll objects along a track and much more.
Salute Your Troops (Bourbonnais)
Exploration Station
Celebrate Armed Forces Day the entire month of May. Help us salute our troops by learning about life as a soldier. We'll visit different time periods in our armed forces history, sleep in their quarters, wear their uniforms, and even eat some of their food. Get a real understanding of why we celebrate and appreciate the work and lives of our nation's soldiers.
Celebrate National Kite Day (Oak Lawn)
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
Make a kite and fly it inside the museum from May 14-17.
Ancient Masterpieces from the Televisa Collection (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibition presents a select group of the ancient treasures of the Fundacion Televisa private collection in Mexico City. It will give viewers an overview of the variety of cultures that thrived in ancient Mexico -- Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Oaxacan, Colima and the Western Region.
Horns, Hooves Wings, Fins & Tails: Animal Imagery in the Permanent Museum Collection (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibit will explore the depiction of animals in Mexico from pre-Cuauhtemoc cultures and folklore to today.
¡Chupacabaras! Artists Reinvent the Myth (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
Local artists create new work about this popular 20th Century urban legend from Puerto Rico.
Miradas al Mexico Antiguo (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibit features many of the great artistic accomplishments of the ancient Mexican cultures.
Catastrophe! The Destruction and Looting of Iraq's Past (Chicago)
Oriental Institute Museum
The Oriental Institute Museum presents this short-term exhibit from April through December.
The American Girls Revue (Chicago)
American Girl Theatre at American Girl Place
This one-hour show brings the stories of the American Girls characters to life through 10 original songs. 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays, 12:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays.
The Giver (Chicago)
Chicago Playworks at DePaul University
When Jonas is selected as the Receiver of Memories, he begins to learn difficult truths about his existence and the possibilities that a life full of choices can bring. Based on the book by Lois Lowry. Performances run April 1-May 24, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays. There will be an ice cream social with the cast on April 26. Performances on April 24 and 26 will be interpreted in American Sign Language. TTY (773) 325-7975. Call or check the Web site for complete performance and special events schedule.
Going Places (Elmhurst)
Elmhurst Historical Museum
Explore horse-drawn carriage transportation from the early 19th century to the dawn of the automobile age. Exhibit includes artifacts such as carriages, assorted harnesses and tack.
The Comedy of Errors (Chicago)
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Performances run Tuesday-Sunday from April 27-June 29. Check the Web site for the performance schedule.
Model Railroad Garden (Glencoe)
Chicago Botanic Garden
This exhibit features garden-scale trains running through miniature scenes of America's best-loved landmarks and gardens planted to scale. The Garden's 2008 exhibition features evening hours and new attractions. New in 2008 are scenes of the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco.
Around the World in 80 Days (Chicago)
Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works
Previews are April 16-25, regular run is April 27-June 1. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at (312) 337-0665.
ComedySportz Show (Chicago)
ComedySportz Theatre
All-ages-appropriate improv show at 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays, and 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Saturdays. The 6 p.m. Saturday show is recommended for families. Call or check the Web site for details.
Build-a-Bug Workshop (Lisle)
Morton Arboretum
Kids can create their own bugs out of craft materials while learning the parts of an insect. They can also visit "Wear-A-Bug" to decorate a bug mask to wear in a Garden parade! A different bug is featured every week. April 25-June 6: weekdays 1 – 4 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. June 7 through July 20: every day 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Big Bugs Exhibit (Lisle)
Morton Arboretum
Kids can use a free bug detective guide to tour this exhibit of 12 giant insect sculptures made from trees and branches. The exhibit also includes related activities in the Children's Garden and kids’ bug meals in the Gingko Tree. Check the Web site for additional information and schedule.
Disney's "Aladdin" (Chicago)
Emerald City Theatre Company
Stage adaptation of the Disney show will be from May 3-July 11. Peformance runs about one hour. Check the Web site for performance schedule.
Packaging Presidents: Two Centuries of Campaigns and Candidates (Springfield)
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
This exhibit explores the changing phenomenon of the presidential campaign, with artifacts from 200 years of campaigns.
"Design in the Age of Darwin" (Evanston)
Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
Explores the relationship between evolutionism and English and American decorative arts. May 9-Aug. 24. Free.
Lizards and the Komodo King (Chicago)
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Special exhibit runs though summer 2008.
Walter Arnold Stone Sculptures (Elmhurst)
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Illinois sculptor Walter Arnold's featured works include gargoyles, pixies and architectural design in limestone and marble.
Exploring the Collection: Photographs by Terry Evans (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
In celebration of the museum's 75th anniversary, Chicago photographer Terry Evans sought to explore the collection of the Museum of Science and Industry. The result is an exhibition of more than 20 photographic studies that reveal the human ingenuity within each artifact and the power of a single idea.
The Glass Experience (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
Watch glass artists blow molten glass into works of art, observe stained glass pieces being repaired, and see displays of master works of glass. This exhibit is not included in general admission, and requires a ticket and specified entry time.
Omnimax Theater: "Dinosaurs Alive!" (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
The film explores some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Through computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures, and some familiar favorites, will come alive.
Smart Home: Green+Wired (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
Tour a functioning green home that showcases the ways people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives. This exhibit is not included in general admission, and requires a ticket and specified entry time.
LP Art (Wauconda)
Lake County Discovery Museum
Explore fifty years of original album cover artwork in this special exhibit. Special kids activities include cover creation, coloring, music matching games, dress up costumes and more.
Woodland Birthdays (St. Charles)
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve & Nature Center
Treat your child to a Woodland Birthday at Tekakwitha Woods, offered on Saturdays from April through October. They provide a beautiful setting, a naturalist-led hike, nature party favors for each child, firewood and skewers. You provide the food (hot dogs, marshmallows, juice, cupcakes, etc.) and eating utensils. Give your child a lasting gift – a touch of nature! Call (847) 741-8350 ext. 10 to reserve your woodland birthday.
Soul Soldiers (Chicago)
DuSable Museum of African American History
Exhibit examines the Vietnam War and its impact from an African-American perspective, through artifacts and audio.
And Freedom for All: Martin Luther King Jr. & The Civil Rights Movement (Chicago)
DuSable Museum of African American History
Explore the hsitoric March on Washington through unpublished photos from the archives of Look Magazine taken by Stanley Tretick.
Breeding Bird Observation (Plainfield)
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
Five species of birds breed on islands in the middle of the lake at this rookery. Observe hundreds of pairs of breeding birds through a view scope while naturalists discuss the bird species. 10 a.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday from May 3-Aug. 13. Rookery is closed during the breeding season (Mar-Aug) except for the viewing times listed above.
The Purse and the Person, a Century of Women's Purses (Rockford)
Midway Village and Museum Center
This exhibit examines day-to-day life from 1900-today through 500 women's purses and the accessories inside. This is the only upper Midwest showing of a popular traveling exhibit. Special activities and programming are held on select dates during the run of the exhibit. Visit the Web site for a schedule.
Aladdin (Northbrook)
Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences
Performances are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays from April 12-May 24. Meet-the Character lunch/theatre packages are available on April 12, May 3 and May 24 for $13. Package includes a ticket to the show and a McDonald's lunch with a chance to meet the acotrs in makeup and costume.
Asian/Pacific Heritage Month (Chicago)
Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library is celebrating Asian/Pacific Heritage Month during May. Check the Web site at www.chipublib.org for a complete schedule of programs that focus on Asian, East Asian and Pacific Islander culture, traditions and the contributions these groups have made to society.
Dinner Time (Aurora)
Aurora Historical Society
New exhibit traces changes in what, where and how Aurorans eat, and what that says about our local and national culture.
Shout! The Mod Musical (Chicago)
Drury Lane Water Tower Place
Musical travels in time from 1960 to 1970 chronicling the dawning liberation of women. Peformances run 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2, 6 and 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays.
Seussical Jr ()
Christian Youth Theater
Musical based on Dr. Seuss characters runs May 8-18 at Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Performances are at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. May 8, 7 p.m. May 9 and 16, 2 and 6 p.m. May 10 and 17, 2 p.m. May 11 and 18.
Alice in Wonderland ()
Christian Youth Theater
Modern adaptation of the children's classic runs May 8-18 at CCC Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Dr., Zion. 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. May 8, 7 p.m. May 9 and 16, 2 and 6 p.m. May 10 and 17, and 2 p.m. May 11 and 18.
"The Jungle Book" ()
Christian Youth Theater
At Lake Zurich Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich, Ill. Free parking.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" ()
Christian Youth Theater
At Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Free parking. Runs May 15-18 and May 30-June 1. Call or visit the Web site for details.
Spring Fest (Plainfield)
MainStreet Plainfield
Enjoy carnival rides, games, craft booths, food from local restaurants, live music, and entertainment. Carnival rides run 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. May 17, noon-6 p.m. May 18. 3rd Annual Plainfield Idol takes place from 11- a.m.-noon May 18. Fest runs 10 a.m.-midnight May 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 18.
Butterflies (Indianapolis)
Indianapolis Zoo
Exhibit features species from the United States, Central America, South American and Africa. Experience these beautiful and delicate creatures up close and personal.
Wicked (Chicago)
Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre
Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One becomes the Wicked Witch of the West and the other Glinda the Good Witch. Tickets can be ordered at (312) 902-1400, the box office or Ticketmaster.
Because They Have No Words (Evanston)
Piven Theatre
Play based on the story of Tim Maddock, who went to New Orleans to rescue animals after Hurricane Katrina. Tim Maddock will starring. Previews are 7: 30 p.m. May 10, 2:30 p.m. May 11. Regular run is 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday May 12-June 15.
Ruth Page Dance Series: Civic Ballet of Chicago (Chicago)
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
Performance of contemporary and classical ballet by the youth company of the Ruth Page Center School of Dance, is held at Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago. Tickets are available by calling (773) 442-4636 or at ticketweb.com. 7:30 p.m. May 17, 3 p.m. May 18.
Native American Pow Wow (Utica)
Native American Pow Wow
This cultural event features Native American music and dance, an exhibit of rehabilitated raptors, and cultural demonstrations such as storytelling, rattle making, beading, weaving and making a roach headdress. Adults and kids can experience flintknapping (making arrowheads), games and crafts. There are also vendors selling unique items and Native American foods. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 17, 12-5 p.m. May 18. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling 1-773-585-1744.
Voyageur Rendezvous "A Traveler's Gathering" (Hebron)
Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
Travel back more than 250 years as re-enactors recreate the fur trade era. The event includes authentic kids' games, historic demonstrations, Bobber races, tomahawk toss, entertainment, merchants, and food. Kids receive a "See and Do" Scavenger Hunt list at the admission booth. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18.
Fools (Chicago)
Saint Sebastian Players Theater Company
Neil Simon play runs April 25-May 18. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Call or check the Web site for more information. Tickets are also available at www.ticketweb.com.
Great Chicago Places and Spaces (Chicago)
Great Chicago Places and Spaces
More than 200 free tours are offered for families and children. Tours include the Trump Tower, Spertus Museum, jogging tours, boat tours and rooftop garden tours. Discover GCPS for Kids includes a treasure hunt, LEGO building blocks construction and a "walk and sketch" architecture adventure tour. Sign up on day of event begins at 7:30 a.m.
Arthritis Walk 2008 (Various)
Arthritis Walk 2008
Fundraising walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation is held at Lincoln Park, 2045 Lincoln Park West, Chicago (near the Grant statue). Choose a 3.1 mile or 1 mile route. Event includes refreshments, live entertainment, kids' games, face-painting, and health fair. Registration begins at 8 a.m., walk steps off at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, visit the Web site.
Chess Tournament (Orland Park)
Orland Park Recreation & Parks Department
Tournament is held in the Exhibit Hall of the Cultural Center. Check in is 8 a.m., play starts at 9 a.m. Trophies will be given. Concessions will be available for an additional fee. Pre-registration is available online at www.intecsus.org. The Recreation Office will not accept registrations.
International Migratory Bird Celebration (Glen Ellyn)
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Celebrate spring bird migration. See a bird banding demonstration, enjoy a kids' activity station and participate in a kids' bird walk. Various activities held throughout the day. Call for more information and to make a reservation.
Ride the Rock (Joliet)
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Family bike ride along the Rock Run Trail and the Joliet Junction Trail, which create a 15-mile loop. Riders check in at the Rock Run Greenway-I&M Access Preserve. Four rest stops will be set up along the route; two of these will offer kids' activities.
Ronald McDonald Lakefront Ride (Chicago)
Ronald McDonald Lakefront Ride
Celebrate National Bike Month on a 2-hour 8-mile bike ride along Chicago's lakefront. Event includes a greeting, briefing and fun from WTMX hosts Eric and Kathy, light refreshments from McDonald's. Bring your own bike or rent one. Visit the Web site for more information. Registration begins at 9 a.m., ride begins at 10 a.m.
Ride the Rock Bike Ride (Joliet)
Ride the Rock
Group bike ride starts at the I&M Canal Access in Joliet and cover a 15 mile loop along the Rock Run Trail, Joliet Junction Trail and I&M Canal State Trail. Soem riding is along street routes. The route includes rest stops with refreshments, restrooms and kids' activities. Wear safety helmets and bring drinking water. Check in begins at 9 a.m. Riders should start by 11 a.m. at latest. Call for registration and information.
Kids' Bike Rodeo (Wheaton)
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
Bring your bike and helmet, and join this free safety clinic featuring safety inspections, miniature riding course, trail safety, prizes and activities. Call (630) 871-6425 for details.
Blooming Fest (West Chicago)
West Chicago City Museum
Annual downtown garden festival combines the West Chicago Garden Club’s popular plant sale, with a craft show, children's art activities provided by the City Museum and Park District, music, food and fun. Downtown merchants and restaurants offer special promotions, in-store specials and sidewalk sales.
StoryQuilt: FamilyTime @ the Goodman (Chicago)
Goodman Theatre
In this workshop, families will enjoy tales from master storytellers, learn the elements of story structure and design and craft quilt panels to represent their stories. Story panels will be sewn together to form a StoryQuilt to be displayed in the Goodman Theatre lobby. Materials will be provided. Check the Web site for details about each session. Today's topic is Stories to Honor.
Math Connections Exhibit (Naperville)
DuPage Children's Museum
This new neighborhood is specially created to help children understand math fundamentals in new ways. Kids can explore with hands-on exhibits, from a full-body crawl-through kaleidoscope to a big jumping mat and a huge balance.
Spring Birdwalks for Beginners (Chicago)
North Park Village Nature Center
Special birdwalks are designed to assist new birders to see and enjoy as many birds as possible on their first outing. The event starts with tips on how to identify birds and use binoculars, followed by a walk around the trails with experienced Chicago Audubon guides. Light refreshments will be served and easy-to-use binoculars and field guides may be checked out at no charge. Kids should be accompanied by an adult. Walks are held on May 3, 10 and 17. Register in person, by phone at (312) 744-5472, or by e-mail to npvnc@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
The Secrets of Collections: Toy Box (Chicago)
Field Museum
Learn how different cultures teach important skills through play. Bring in one of your favorite games or toys, and compare it to the games and toys of other times and places.
Jack and the Beanstalk (Chicago)
Chicago Kids Company
Performances are at St. Patrick Performing Arts Center, Chicago, weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and select Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. from April 24-July 17.
National Bear Awareness Week (Chicago)
Lincoln Park Zoo
to raise public awareness about the important role of bears in the environment, and the threats they face such as poaching and habitat loss. Fun, interactive and educational activities are planned for guests, such as creating enrichment items for bears and observing the bears interact with various items. Activities vary each day.
Vote4Me! Inside a Presidential Election (Chicago)
McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum
Get a behind-the-scenes perspective of campaign season by working your way from presidential hopeful to Commander in Chief. Learn about what it takes to run a successful campaign and voice support for your favorite 2008 presidential candidate.
Malott Japanese Garden Children's Festival (Glencoe)
Chicago Botanic Garden
Listen to musical performances, enjoy storytelling and watch a tea ceremony. Featuring family-friendly, hands-on stations to complete projects.
Civil War Days at Naper Settlement (Naperville)
Civil War Days at Naper Settlement
Join historic figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and hundreds of reenactors as they recreate a Civil War encampment. Union and Confederate troops engage in an epic battle each day at 2:30 p.m.
Open House and Kids' Crafts (Chicago)
4F Design
Parents can look at the latest designs for kids, while kids make artistic creations at the arts and craft table. Each of the first 30 kids will receive a free hand screened art smock. Activities and smocks are for kids 8 years or younger and they must be accompanied by an adult.
Safety Town's Annual Family Bike-a-Thon (Elmhurst)
Elmhurst Park District
Bring your tricycles and bikes and join in the fun of bike decorating, an obstacle course, equipment check-up, and refreshments. Held at Safety Town/The Depot, 511 S. York, Elmhurst.
Music for the Next Generation (Chicago)
Northeastern Illinois University
The Rembrandt Chamber Players and Rembrandt Young Artists present a family concert featuring Bruce Adolphe’s The Emperor’s New Clothes and other pieces. Call (312) 360-3145 or visit www.rembrandtchamberplayers.org for more information. Perforance takes place at the Northeastern Illinois University Recital Hall, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago.
Cinderella (Wilmette)
Wilmette Theatre
Chicago Kids Company presents a musical version of the classic fairytale. Runs 10 a.m. Saturdays, May 10-31. Visit the Web site to purchase tickets.
Saturday Storytime (Downers Grove)
Andersons Bookshop - Downers Grove
Free Crafts for Kids (Chicago, Palatine)
Lakeshore Learning Store
Free craft activities for kids every Saturday at these locations: 2255 W. 95th St., Chicago. (773) 233-9210 and 1403 N. Rand Road, Palatine (847) 705-5052.
Worlds Imagined: The Art of Children's Books (Park Forest )
Tall Grass Arts Association
Exhibit features 74 works by 11 children's book illustrators. The illustrations will be mounted next to sections of the accompanying text. Books by these illustrators will be on display in the gallery for students and parents to read.
18th Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures (Skokie)
Skokie Festival of Cultures
More than 30 cultures are represented at this festival featuring ethnic music and dance, food, arts and crafts, international merchandise bazaar, and children's area with hands-on exhibits, art projects and storytelling. For more information, call or visit the Web site.
Saturday Storytime (Chicago)
Barbaras Bookstore at UIC
Barbara's at UIC has a Children's Story Hour every Saturday at 11am. Call the store for more details.
Dragonflies, Frogs & Pollywogs Festival (Lisle)
Morton Arboretum
Kids can use microscopes to examine pond life and compare the life cycle of a dragonfly to that of a toad.
Science Exploration Day (Chicago)
Notebaert Nature Museum
Take part in hands-on science activities and programs for scouts and youths 7-11. One adult chaperone is required for every five children attending. Registration and prepayment, which includes museum admission, required.
Kidsfest ()
An afternoon of prizes, games, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, Slime Station, a Jumping Jack, and an exotic animal show.
Meet Illinois Author Harriette Gillem Robinet (Morton Grove)
Morton Grove Public Library
Award winning Author of "Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues" Robinet will talk about what it is like to be a writer and will discuss her work.
Sheep Shearing Day ( Aurora)
Blackberry Farms
Enjoy a sheep-shearing demonstration.
The Artist's Studio: Figure It Out (Chicago)
Art Institute of Chicago
Create a small-scale figurative sculpture. No registration required.
Kids Fishing Derby (Northbrook)
Northbrook Park District
Prizes will be awarded to boys and girls in age groups 4-8 and 9-12. Hot dogs and snacks will be available. No fishing license is need for the Derby. Held at Lake Shermerville in Wood Oaks Green, 1150 Sanders Road, Northbrook. Call Julie Hansen at (847) 291-2995 for more information.
Spring Celebration (Oakbrook Terrace)
Lake View Nature Center
This event includes live music by Mr. Nicky, a presentation by Interpretive Naturalist Dennis Paige at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., exotic and ordinary animals from Animals for Awareness, campfire, paddleboating, hiking, and face painting. Activities will be held inside in case of rain.
Voices of HIV - Not a Fairytale (Chicago)
eta Creative Arts Foundation
Part of the Showfolk 2007-2008 season. Call for specific dates.
International Museum Day (Joliet)
Joliet Area Historical Museum
Spend the day making crafts and visiting the galleries.
Springtime on the Farm (Glenview)
Wagner Farm
Visit the animals, help with spring chores and work the fields with the farmers. Event not recommended for kids under 2-1/2.
Spring Bike Ride ()
McHenry County Conservation District
Enjoy a casual Spring bike ride on the newly constructed Hebron/Prairie Trail Link. Leaders will make a few stops along the way to describe nature's seasonal sights. This seven mile ride will take us through the beautiful prairies along the north branch of the Nippersink, then into the town of Richmond. After a break in Richmond we will pedal back to where we started. We will begin our program with a picnic lunch, so pack something to eat if you would like and definitely bring water. We will meet at the parking lot on Keystone Road. Nippersink North Branch Preserve.
The Write Stuff: Every Song Tells a Story (Lake Villa)
Lake Villa District Library
Let the music move you … to write. Hour-long creative writing workshop for kids in grades 3-6. Registration required.
Spring Blooms Hike (Porter)
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Join a National Park Service Ranger to explore the forested dunes for wildflowers and other signs of spring. meet at Calument Duen Interpretive Center, Kemil Road between U.S. 20 and U.S. 12 to carpool to the trailhead.
Student Artwork Exhibit Reception (Chicago)
DePaul University
Artwork of students from seven elementary and high schools will be on display from May 17 to June 30 throughout the Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave., on DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus. The opening day reception on May 17 features visual art, student performances in dance, music, theater and a mini-poetry slam.
Meet Illinois Illustrator & Author Tom Lichtenheld (Morton Grove)
Morton Grove Public Library
Children's book Author and Illustrator of the "Everything I Know About" series, Lichtenheld will talk about what it is like to make books for a living and read from his collection. He will also conduct a book workshop where children will be able to write and illustrate their own books. Registration is required for the book workshop.
Children's Farm Family Visit (Palos Park)
The Children’s Farm at The Center
Features pony rides, hayrides and animal visits. Held from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in May.
Tribute to the Beatles (Chicago)
Paul Green School of Rock
Beatles tribute show is held at The Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago.
Mother-Daughter Book Club (Downers Grove)
Andersons Bookshop - Downers Grove
Mons and daughters discuss Shug, by Jenny han. New members are welcome. RSVP by calling (630) 963-2665.
Family Matinee: The Reading Machine on Sunnyside Lane (Chicago)
eta Creative Arts Foundation
Performances are at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 5 through May 24.
May Faire (Wauconda)
Water's Edge School
Enjoy live music, dancing, storytelling, face-painting, pony rides, an old-fashioned cake walk and an organic plant sale.
Feeding Time at Chelberg Farm (Porter)
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Visitors can help take care of the animals while learning how important each animal was to an old-time farm. Park in the Chelberg lot located between Highway 12 and U.S. 20 on Mineral Springs Road, and walk the path to the Chellberg Farm barn. Not held on March 23, Easter Sunday.
The Enchanted Attic ()
Li'l Buds Theatre Company
Three kids trapped in the attic of a Victorian mansion find their wishes are beginning to come tro life. Performed at No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park, 6970 N. Glenwood. Call for reservations (recommended). Runs at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 12-May 18. Special Mother's Day tea packages available 2 p.m. May 10 and 11.
Parent & Child Campout (Skokie)
Emily Oaks Nature Center
Roast marshmallows, sing songs around the campfire, enjoy a breakfast cooked outdoors and more. Tents, cooking equipment and food provided. Registration required. Starts at 6:30 p.m. May 16 and ends at 10 a.m. May 17.
Family Late Night Open Gym ()
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month kids can enjoy music, movies, and snacks at this late night open gym. Please send kids with a snack and a drink.
Open House/Informational Session ()
Held at: DeVry University Tinley Park Campus, 18624 West Creek Dr., Room 2240
May 7 & May 27th
RSVP by April 25, 2008
#CEU Continuing Educaton Units will be awarded for those who qualify.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Oak Park)
Village Players Theatre of Oak Park
Chicago Folks Operetta presents a one hour and fifteen minute show featuring 38 Oak Park area students from age 5-15 as well as professional singers from the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Symphony Chorus. To order tickets, please call 1-866-764-1010 or go to www.village-players.org. Shows run Thursday-Sunday May 15-25.
Salt Creek Ballet Alice in Wonderland (Glen Ellyn)
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
Performances are at 7 p.m. May 17 and 18.
Stories in Song (Glen Ellyn)
Anima, Young Singers of Greater Chicago
The Chorus will present staged renditions of excerpts from some of the most beloved operas and musical theater. Concert is held at Edman Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Call or visit the Web site for tickets.
