North Shore Views

Family Fun on the North Shore – February 2012

It’s cold and gray out but there’s no snow for the kids to play in. What to do to keep them busy and happy? Here are some ideas…

Rapunzel

February 4 & 5 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Most suitors would shy away from pursuing a girl who ives in a tower, especially if her mother is a witch. But that doesn’t deter one prince in Winnetka Theatre’s production of “Rapunzel.”  Geared to kids ages 3-10. Tickets $12. Call 847-604-0275.

From Bitter to Sweet : How Chocolate is Made

February 4 and 18 from 9:30-11:00 am or 1:00-2:30 pm
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

You and your kids will learn how chocolate is made from bitter cacao beans.  Participants will take home chocolate mint and chocolate pepper plants. Tickets: $22 per non-member child; discounted for members. Call 847-835-6801 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

History of Toy Trains V

February 4 11:00-3:00 and February 5 1:00-4:00
Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park

A collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Tickets: $5 per person or $12 per family

Bunnicula – A Rabbit Tale of Mystery

February 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook

Chester the cat is convinced that the bunny that the Monroe family found at a screening of “Dracula” is actually a vampire. A musical comedy based on the classic children’s novel by James and Deborah Howe. This comic spoof of horror stories is not scary at all but a laugh-fest that will delight our audiences. Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 online or at the door. Call 847-291-2367 or visit www.nbparks.org

House Haunters!

February 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm and February 11 at 10:30 am
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

An original musical comedy presented by Winnetka Children’s Hour and performed by local children ages 5-14. This show is the story of three families who must spend the night  with some silly, mischievous ghosts in order to save a mysterious mansion. Call 847-784-0720 or visit www.winnetkachildrenshour.org.

Bingo Night

February 11 at 6:30 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Everyone will enjoy this annual event, complete with kid and adult beverages. Cost is $15 per person. Call 847-446-0537 or visit www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs

February 18 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave, Wilmette

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs perform kid-friendly rock. $10 in advance; $12 at the door

Ralph’s World

February 19 at 2:00 pm
Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center,

Rock and Roll for the entire family. Ralph’s World is the mega-fun musical planet where kids rock rock rock and dance dance dance to their own and their parents’ delight. It’s the creation of Ralph Covert: indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children’s book author. He’s taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band to kid’s music- basically only the lyrics are changed for the ears of the innocent.  His McCartneyesque style (both musically and his sense of charm) has won him hundreds of thousands of three-feet-and-under fans and their parents.Tickets: $15 adults; $10 children. Call 847-415-4121 or visit www.d125.org/foundation

Sonic Sensation

through May 13
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

An exhibit that allows children to explore sounds through interactive experiences. Eleven stations feature the anatomy and physics of how we hear, information about decibels, amplitude, frequency, pitch and sound waves, and what you can do to protect your hearing. (847) 832-6600. www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Family Fun on the North Shore: January 2012

Here are some fun things to do with the kids on the North Shore this month, both outside and indoors.

Family Skate and Curling Night

January 6 from 8-10 pm
Watts Center, 305 Randolph, Glencoe

It’s Elvis night at open skate so come enjoy his greatest hits as you circle the rink. Also try curling and find out what the big attraction is. Adults $7; kids $5.

Glencoe Winter Carnival

January 14 from 1:00-4:00
Watts Center, 305 Randolph, Glencoe

Participate in all kinds of winter activities: skating races, hockey shooting contest, broom ball, dog sledding, ice sculpting, sledding and eating s’mores by the campfire. 847-835-7974

Northbrook Winter Carnival

January 14 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Meadowhill Park, Shermer and Meadow, Northbrook

The free family event offers snowboarding and dogsled demonstrations, ice skating, a snowshoe obstacle course, chili cook-off and tasting, sled decorating contest, family games, DJ music, food, and a bonfire with free s’mores.  (847)291-2995

Free Kids’ Film Festival at the Mette

Saturday, January 14 and 21 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette

Kung Fu Panda – January 14
How to Train Your Dragon – January 21
www.wilmettetheatre.com/events

Charlotte’s Web: The Musical

Jan. 16 at 11 am
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Join Charlotte, Wilbur, Fern and all the other famous characters from the classic E. B. White book. In this exciting and touching musical, Charlotte tries to save Wilbur’s life and everyone learns the true meaning of friendship. Tickets: $5. Call 847-446-0537.
http://www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org/2011/12/21/coming-january-16-charlottes-web-the-musical/
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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Things To Do With The Kids Over Thanksgiving Break

When I was a kid, we got Thanksgiving Day and the day after off school. Four days was a welcome break, but wasn’t so long that boredom and cabin fever set in. Nowadays it seems like most schools have the whole week off. What to do to keep the kids entertained just as the weather is turning seriously yucky? Not to worry. Here are some ideas for you if you live on Chicago’s North Shore:

Kohl Children’s Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
(847) 832-6600

www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon Mondays; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays.

The museum offers 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8. Through Dec. 31: “Science + You,” featuring a child-sized laboratory where children can explore how scientists affect health and wellness. Through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology, the exhibit demonstrates the role science plays in keeping the body healthy.

“Alice in Computerland”

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook.
(847) 291-2367
www.northbrooktheatre.org.
Saturdays through Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Instead of falling down a rabbit hole as in the original tale, a modern Alice is drawn into her computer while doing homework. There, she meets all sorts of zany characters, including the Mad Hacker, Mean and Nasty Virus, Mock Turtle Graphics and Bit and Bite, crazy twins. There’s even a Queen of Hearts drawn from a computerized card game. Alice embarks on a wild and entertaining adventure to escape the craziness and get back home.

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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Family Fun on the North Shore – September 2011

Looking for some fun ways to celebrate fall? Check out these family-friendly activities happening around the North Shore in September:

Paint Evanston Purple Pep Rally

Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 pm
Independence Park, 2000 Central St., Evanston

The City of Evanston and Northwestern University band together for a pre-season Pep Rally! Presenting Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Coach Pat Fitzgerald, President Schapiro, the Northwestern Football Team, Northwestern Cheerleaders and a live Marching Band performance! Wear your purple gear and enjoy the giveaways, business promotions, and much more.

Northwestern Football – Wildcats vs. Panthers

Saturday, September 10 at 2:30
Ryan Field, Evanston

Cheer on the Wildcats at their first home game of the season as Northwestern takes on Eastern Illinois. You can buy tickets here.

Picnic Supper, Barnyard Dance and Ice Cream Social

Saturday, September 10 4:00-8:00 pm
Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview

Pack a picnic supper and bring the family to the farm! Wagon rides, live music, a square dance caller and all the fixins’ for ice cream sundaes. Live music begins at 5:00. Cost is $6 per person; children under 2 are free. 847-657-1506

Bike Winnetka

Saturday, September 17 at 1:55 pm
Skokie Playfield, 540 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka (ride will start and finish here)

This one hour ride through scenic Winnetka is sponsored by the Winnetka Park District. Registration is $5.00 if you register before Sept. 9 ($10 after Sept.9). Go here for more information and a route map. After the ride, enjoy Fallfest at Skokie Playfield, with food, entertainment and kids’ activities.

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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Summer Fun on the North Shore – August 2011

Hard to believe that August is almost here and people are already thinking about the start of the new school year. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had up here on Chicago’s North Shore. Here’s what’s in store for the month of August:

Northbrook Days

Wednesday, August 3 – Sunday, August 7
Northbrook Village Green Park, corner of Shermer and Meadow Roads

A summertime tradition, with five fun-filled days of carnival rides, games, a “Taste of Northbrook” and a local business expo. Go here for more details.

Family Camp Out

Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 pm
Tower Road Beach, Winnetka

The Winnetka Park District is hosting a camp out at Tower Road Beach. Families can grill and the movie, Toy Story 3″ will be shown at dusk. Call 847-501-2040 for more info or visit www.winpark.org.
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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Summer Fun on the North Shore – June 2011

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy! Especially up here on the North Shore, where there are tons of outdoor events and activities to enjoy:

Deerfield Festival of the Arts

Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5 from 10:00 am to 5;00 pm
Robert York Rd. and Jewett Park District, Deerfield

150 artists show and sell their work. This festival also includes music, food booths and kids’ activities. (847) 726-8669

Family Movie Night in the Park

Saturday, June 4 at dusk
Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka

The Winnetka Park District will show “Despicable Me”. Hot dogs and snacks will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs. Rain date is June 6. (847) 501-2042 for more info.

Winnetka Children’s Fair

Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11 from 10:00 to 5:00
Winnetka Village Green, Maple between Oak and Elm, Winnetka

Rides, games, and food. Geared to kids 12 and under. Entrance is free but the rides and games cost money as this is a fundraiser for the Winnetka Community Nursery School. You can read more about the fair here.

St. Norbert Block Party

Saturday, June 11 from 3:00-10:30 pm
St. Norbert Church, Walters Ave. and Meadow Lane, Northbrook

A fun-filled day of children’s activities, games, food tents and live music from Vertigo (a U2 tribute band). $5 before 7 pm and $10 after 7 pm.
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Tags: art fairs, Family fun on the North Shore, street fairs, summer fun

Family Fun on the North Shore – April 2011

Looking for things to do on Chicago’s North Shore? Here are some kid-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Schoolhouse Rock Live

Sunday, April 3 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Centre East, Skokie
Tickets: $18

If you were a fan of the 70’s cartoon, “Schoolhouse Rock” (and even if you weren’t) you’ll enjoy this musical about Tom, an elementary school teacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. As he tries to relax by watching TV, characters representing different facets of his personality, show him how to win over his students with imagination and music. You’ll hear old favorites like, “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill” and “Lolly, lolly, lolly”. Call 847-673-6300 for more info.

Bunny Surprise

Tuesday, April 5 from 11:30-12:30
Westfield Old Orchard Mall

A free event for preschoolers: story time plus a make-it and Take-it craft.

Citadel Theatre Presents Johnny Appleseed

Thursday, April 14 – Saturday, April 16 and April 21-23 at 4:30 pm
Lake Forest Open Lands’ Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Tickets: $15 ($10 for members)

Welcome spring with the classic tale of Johnny Appleseed performed as a theatre trek through the Lake Forest Open Lands’ Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. Bring a blanket, a portable chair and wear confortable shoes. Call 847-735-8554 or visit www.citadeltheatre.org.

Hairpsray

April 15 & 16, 29 & 30 and May 6 & 7 at 8:00 pm
April 17, May 1 & 8 at 2:00 pm
Wilmette Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette
Tickets:

Being from Baltimore, this is one of my favorites. Join Tracy Turnblad as she overcomes all sorts of obstacles to become one of the top dancers on the Corny Collins Show. She literally drags her mom and the rest of Baltimore into the Swingin’ Sixties. Call 847-256-9686.

Spring Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 16 from 9:45 – 10:15
Watts Park, Glencoe

Preschoolers through 3rd graders can have their picture taken with the bunny and then hunt for eggs.

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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore

April Family Fun on the North Shore

When you’re not outside enjoying the warm spring weather, here are some other fun things to do with the kids this month.

Pizza: Any Way You Slice It!

Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
4/5-4/11  -  Regular museum hours
Exhibit free with regular admission ($6.50 – $7.50)
For more information, call 847-832-6600

Kids can learn and practice math basics while focusing on one of our fave foods, pizza! ‘Pizza: Any Way You Slice It!’ encourages playful, open-ended exploration by focusing on three areas: making, delivering and eating pizza. Children are instantly drawn to this exhibit that informally teaches counting, sorting, measuring, gathering, matching, patterning, sequencing, role-playing and sharing.

Insect Investigations

Chicago Botanic Garden, Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
4/3  at  9;30-11:00 and 1:00-2:30
4/10 at 9:30-11:00 and 1:00-2:30
$17/child (member) an $20/child (non-member)
website

Explore tiny critters like bees, crickets, and butterflies. Find out about the ways bugs help the plants in a garden. Create a scientific tool to help you study insects at home, experience how bugs see the world, and plant some flowers that butterflies love.

Kids Night Out at the Art Center

1957 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park
4/9 from 6:30-9:30 pm
$28 members; $38 non-members

Kids 5-12 can creat an art project to take home, enjoy a pizza party and watch a movie.

Air Guitar High

Ethel Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston
4/9-4/18: Thursdays- Staurdays 7:00 pm; Sundays 2:00 pm
$10-$15
For more information call 847-491-7282

Air Guitar High is the high-octane story of a group of teenagers determined to take their futures into their own hands when the U.S. Regional Air Guitar Championships come to town. Inspired by real air guitar competitions and the unstoppable draw of games like Guitar Hero, Air Guitar High is “…all motion all the time!” Recommended for ages 11 and up.

Mary Poppins Sing-a-Long

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette
4/10 at 11 am
$12

This family event teams the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke with a live cast of professional Chicago actors. Actors will invite the audience members onstage, invite them to dance along with the characters in the film, and sing-a-long from their seats. The performers engage the audience throughout the film and make them the crucial final character in the story.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Wilmette Community Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette
Fridays, April 16, 23 & 30 at 8:00 pm
Saturdays, April 17 & 24 at 8:00 pm
Sundays, April 18 & 25 at 2:00 pm
$15 ($13 for students and seniors)

The North Shore Theater of Wilmette, a program of the Wilmette Park District proudly presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, the final production of its 60th Anniversary Season. Taking place in New York City in 1922, this musical tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York filled with jazz and intrigue. A series of surprise revelations guarantees a happy ending for all. For more information call 847-814-0953.

Annie Get Your Gun

Children’s Theatre of Winnetka, Winnetka Community House
4/22 at 7:00; 4/23 at 7:30; 4/24 at 12:30 and 4:00; 4/15 at 1:30
$10
Annie Get Your Gun (the Broadway musical) is baed on the true story of Annie oakley, around the turn of the century. She;s the best shot around and manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When Colonel Buffalo Bill Cody discovers her, he persuades the young sharpshooter to join his wild west show.

Long Grove Chocolate Fest

Downtown Long Grove
4/30-5/2
Free

Back by popular demand, Long Grove invites you to enjoy the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest. You and your family can fill a day – or a weekend – with chocolaty treats, live music, great food and distinctive shopping in charming Long Grove. Enjoy chocolate demonstrations and workshops, wine parings, live music all over town and plenty of children’s activities. For more information, phone the Visitor’s Information Center at (847) 634-0888.

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore

It’s TV Tune Out Week!

Think your family can go for a week without TV or any other form of “screen entertainment”?

If you’re up for the challenge, North Shore businesses are here to support you. All week long sponsors of the “holiday” are providing tons of activities for those who want to experience life unplugged.

This year’s theme is “Power on Your Imagination” and the fun kicks off Sunday, March 7 with a performance by the Chinese Acrobats– at 3:30 p.m. in the Washburne School gym, 515 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka.  All week long you can take part in dozens of alternative activities – including acting classes, art projects, treasure hunts, story hours, behind-the-scenes tours,  sports and community service opportunities. Or, you can just enjoy time with your family at home, without the distraction of TVs, computers and video games.  Play board games, read together, bake cookies, or go on a family expedition.

TV Tune Out Week was started in 1995 by the Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood and has now spread to surrounding communities. Over 5500 children participate in the program, whose goal is for families to evaluate the role TV plays in their lives, to explore other options and to become more educated about screen media.

Ideas for family fun and information about community activities are all  listed in The 2010 TV Tune Out Guide, which is available at participating schools or at various locations throughout the community.  For more information about TV Tune Out Week, visit www.winnetkaalliance.org.

Also see:

• Activities at The Book Stall
• Drop in at The Botanic Garden

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, TV Tune Out Week, Winnetka

March Family Fun on the North Shore

Looking for things to do with the kids this month? Here are some fun North Shore activities worth checking out:

Seussical Jr.
Wilmette Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette
3/5 & 3/12 at 7:00; 3/6 & 3/13 at 2:00 and 7:00; 3/7 & 3/14  at 2:00 ($8/person)
Seussical, Jr., a delightful musical filled with characters from beloved Dr. Seuss books, is the featured spring production of the Wilmette Children’s Theatre’s 50th Season. Follow Horton the Elephant as he discovers the smallest planet in the universe and sets out to convince the other animals in the jungle that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Maple Syrup Harvest
Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park
3/6 at 10:00 am ($6/person)

Celebrate the first rites of spring as naturalists demonstrate tapping trees, collecting sap and reveal the process of making syrup during this age-old tradition!  After making rounds through the maple trees at Sunset Woods Park, sample tasty sap and syrup!  Everyone is welcome, however content is appropriate for adults and children over the age of six.  Please dress for the weather.

Three Little Pigs
Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette
3/6 & 3/13 at 10:00 am  ($12/person)

Performed by the Chicago Kids’ Company – Sing along with Roxanne, Petunia and Babe as they set out to build their houses.

Gumballs & Superballs
Chicago Botanic Garden, Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
3/16 and 3/13  from 9:30-11:00 or 1:00-2:30
($17/child and $20/adult)

Discover amazing plants of the rainforest in our greenhouses.  Find out how people use parts of rainforest trees to make chewing gum and rubber. Create your own bouncing ball and flavorful gum to take home.

TV Tune Out Week Kick-Off: Chinese Acrobat Performance
Washburne School, 515 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka
3/7 at 3:30  ($8/person)

Kids can learn and practice math basics while focusing on one of our fave foods, pizza! ‘Pizza: Any Way You Slice It!’ encourages playful, open-ended exploration by focusing on three areas: making, delivering and eating pizza. Children are instantly drawn to this exhibit that informally teaches counting, sorting, measuring, gathering, matching, patterning, sequencing, role-playing and sharing.

Old and young will enjoy this family favorite, complete with kid and adult beverages, popcorn, and prizes! Extra bingo cards will be available for purchase.

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids