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.

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/
Sonic Senasation

Jan. 17-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.

History of Toy Trains

Dec. 31-Feb. 5
Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park.

“History of Toy Trains V,” features a collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Also included are hundreds of hand-painted lead figures of the era manufactured by Lionel, Barclay, Manoil, Britains, Johillco and Lincoln Logs; historic photographs of Highland Park’s railroads; and antique toy train videos. Hours aer 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $5 per person; $12 per family. Group tours available. (847) 432-7090. www.highlandparkhistory.com.

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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.

Pump-It Up

1857 Elmdale Ave., Glenview
847-904-7867

Nov. 21, 22,23 and 25 from 9:15 to 11:30 am.
Nov. 21 and 22 from 1:00-3:15 pm

Bring the kids (2-6 yrs.) to  Pop-In Playtime to play on the bounce houses, inflatable slides and other kids games. Kids $8.00. Adults free. Don’t forget your socks!

Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie.
(847) 677-7761
www.skokietheatre.com.

Nov. 12 and 19, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.: Three Cat Education presents “The Frog Princess.” $15; free for children 12 and under.

Nov. 20, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.: The Amazing Acro-Cats. Tickets in advance are $15, $10 for children; at the door $18, $12 for children.

Nov. 26, noon and 3 p.m.: The Singing Scientist Show starring Mr. Nicky. Tickets in advance are $15, $10 for children; at the door $18, $12 for children.

“The Wizard of Oz”

Presented by Kidstage Productions through Nov. 20 at Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Performances are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sundays. $8. To reserve tickets, call (847) 814-2464 or e-mail Jeanne@kidstage.org.

Wonderland Express at The Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
(847) 835-5440

Through January 1
Regular garden hours (Please note: Special events may affect hours)
For more information, please visit the Garden’s website

Wonderland Express returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden this holiday season and transforms the 385-acre oasis into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, garden-scale trains, miniature Chicago landmarks, exquisite horticulture displays and indoor snowfall. This popular holiday exhibition runs from Nov. 26, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011 and has proven to become a wonderful family tradition.

Wagner Farm

1510 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL 60025
847-657-1506

Come in the late afternoon for the public milking demonstration ~ Monday – Saturday at 4:30 pm (but please call ahead to make sure!): Watch farm staff milk one of our dairy cows demonstrating modern milking equipment. Then try out our cow milking exhibit in the Heritage Center and see which one you prefer!

Wilmette Bowling Center

1903 Schiller Ave., Wilmette
847-251-0715
website

There’s no better way to spend a rainy, sleety, slushy winter afternoon than going bowling. Wilmette Bowl is a neighborhood hidden gem tucked away on a quiet residential side street. It’s a kid friendly, cozy 10 lane center perfect for parties for all occasions and a great place to go with friends and family. And, it finally has a liquor license to serve beer and wine.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston
847-475-1030

Come on the weekend for guided kids’ craft activities:
Nov. 19 (11am-12pm) and Nov. 20 (12:30-1:30)- Woven Baskets.
Nov. 26 (11am-12pm)  and Nov. 27 (12:30-1:30) – Loom Beading

Also, don’t miss the Teaching Lodge and Wigwam exhibit to see how the native people of the Great Lakes area lived.

The Muppets Movie

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Centrtal Ave, Wilmette
847.251.7424
website

Opens November 23 – On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbera clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen this Thanksgiving season!

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.

St. Joseph Oktoberfest

ShermerFest

Sunday, September 18
Village Green Park, 1776 Walters Ave., Northbrook

Tons of fun activities including a magic show (3:00 pm), trackless train rides, games, raffle, classic car show, build a scarecrow, music by Jazzmin Trio and food. 847-498-3404. http://www.northbrookhistory.org/shermerfest.htm

Autumn Fest

Friday, Sept. 23 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm
Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park

Enjoy games, crafts, pony rides, hayrides a pumpkin hunt and more. Free admission but some activities cost $3.00. Call 847-433-6901 for info.

Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long

Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette

One of our most popular sing-a-longs is back! Come see the classic film on the big screen along with a live cast who will lead the audience in song!
$10 in advance, $12 at the door
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424

Build Your Own Scarecrow

Saturday, Sept. 24 from noon – 3:00 pm
Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview

Bring the kids and some old clothes and we’ll provide the straw and the know-how to help you build your very own scarecrow. $5.00 Buys you a pumpkin head and straw. 847-657-1506

Harvest Bonfire

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview

Cider and s’mores for everyone under the autumn night sky! Come kick off the harvest season at the farm with bonfires for roasting marshmallows and story telling. Cost is $3 per child, children under 3 and adults are free when accompanied by children. 847-657-1506

Bagpipes and Bonfire

Sunday, September 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Lake Forest Open Lands, 350 N. Waukegan Rd.

Nothing marks the transition into autumn as Lake Forest Open Lands’ signature Bagpipes & Bonfire event. This celebration of the harvest season features Scottish Highland athletes, fun activities for children of all ages and a delicious harvest picnic supper. The evening culminates with the spectacular parade of bagpipers on the Middlefork savanna and the lighting of the traditional bonfire at dusk. 847-234-3880

Long Grove Apple Festival

Friday, Sept. 30 – Sunday, Oct. 1
Historic Long Grove

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.

Art in the Glen

Saturday, August 6 – Sunday, August 7
Tower Drive, Glen Town Center, Glenview

More than 175 artists exhibiting plus live music and food. Call 847-724-2025 for more info.

Kite Festival

Saturday, August 13 – Sunday, August 14
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

Playing with kites of all shapes and sizes has long been a childhood rite of passage. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to do so in a beautiful setting. The Chicago Fire Kite Team will be on hand, ready to thrill and teach.

Garlic Fest

Wednesday, August 17, 4-8 pm
City Hall parking lot, 17 Highwood Ave., Highwood

Sample lots of different food items, all made with garlic, including ice cream, candy and baked goods, as well as traditional garlic recipes. There will also be a contest for Garlic Queen and live music provided by School of Rock.

Great Tastes Fine Arts Festival

Saturday, August 20- Sunday, August 21
Downtown Long Grove

Take a trip out to Long Grove for art, food and fun in one of the North Shore’s quaintest shopping districts.

2011 American Craft Exposition

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28
2379 Sheridan Rd., Evanston (Northwestern University)

This is a perennial North Shore favorite. The American Craft Exposition is not macrame beverage cozies and appliqued sweatshirts. It’s a highly competitive, juried event with a wide variety of media, including metals, jewelry, leather, wood, decorative fibers and ceramics.

Skokie’s Backlot Bash

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28
Oakton St. and Lincoln Ave., Skokie

A classic neighborhood festival: free live music all three nights, carnival rides, a beer tent, silent movies at the Skokie Theatre, bingo, classic car fest and a 5 K run.

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.