Midwest travel: Get kids into art at museum's Chagall exhibit
Chicago
Peel the paint
Little kids get enough of iPads and television shows. Take them to Kohl Children's Museum when it opens "Chagall for Children," an exhibit which explores the artwork of the renowned painter, printmaker and designer, Marc Chagall. The exhibit features more than a dozen Chagall masterpieces, accompanied by hands-on interactive activities that allow your little rugrats to use their imaginations via a world created by Chagall.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 3-Sept. 6 at Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Admission is $11 for children and adults, and $10 for senior citizens; children under 1 year old and members are free. (847) 832-6600 and kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
Get this party arted
Do-Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale is returning for a ninth consecutive year. See what the coolest indie shops are hawking and browse artisans' works at the signature West Town music festival, offering nonstop live music on two stages, local restaurants and family fun. Visit the dedicated "Do-Fashion" area for designer pop-up shops and merchandise, listen to bands like Peanut Butter Wolf, The Dodos and Lowcut Connie and stop by the Family Fun Fest for pony rides, face painting, train rides, craft tent and local vendors.
5 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 29; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, May 30-31. Division St. between Ashland and Leavitt. There is a $5 suggested donation for admittance. (312) 850-9390 or do-divisionstreetfest.com.
Ruff going
Perhaps you're a parent to a furry child and feel compelled to bring the little guy everywhere, including a visit into the city. The Thompson Chicago on the Gold Coast now offers a VIP 'Very Important Pups' pet amenity upgrade. The 100% pet-friendly property requires no pet deposits or weight limits and offers pet amenities like in-room food and water bowls, "pet-in-room" door hanger and a pet bed. The VIP package includes a ceramic Thompson-branded take-home dog bowl, dog toys, bandanna, plus an assortment of pet treats provided by local Gold Coast pet boutique Tails in the City. Thompson Chicago collars, leashes and sweaters are available at the front desk.
Thompson Chicago, 21 East Bellevue, Chicago. The Very Important Pup package is a $50 upgrade. (312) 266-2100 or thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-chicago.
Midwest
Taste of Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is taking a cue from neighboring towns and hosting its first Restaurant Week. During the event, visitors can sample diverse menus in the lakeside town. Lake Geneva Restaurant Week offers three-course prix fixe menus - $10 or $15 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner, excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity - at all participating restaurants. Choose from eateries in luxury resorts, the downtown area overlooking Geneva Lake, fine dining and family-friendly restaurants, bistros and pubs.
Friday, May 29, through Sunday, June 7, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. For a complete list of participating restaurants and cuisine, go to lakegenevarestaurantweek.com. For help planning a visit, call the Lake Geneva Visitor Center at (800) 345-1020.
Ozark outing
Families might consider the "Enjoy a Day on the Lake Package" offered by Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, situated on an Ozark mountaintop overlooking Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. The AAA Four-Diamond resort has a full-service marina for water sports activities - rentals of ski boats, wake boats, luxury pontoon boats and wave runners. Parasailing, catamaran and guided fishing excursions, scuba diving and snorkeling are among the options. The "Enjoy a Day on the Lake Package" includes lake-view accommodations in a newly renovated guest room at the resort for two nights; a $150 credit at the resort's full-service Chateau Marina to be used toward water sports; complete picnic lunch for up to four people; free indoor parking; and free Wi-Fi.
Now through Sept. 30, at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, Branson, Missouri. Package starts at $440 per room, plus tax, based on dates of stay and room type selected. (888) 333-5253 or ChateauOnTheLake.com.
Round the road to Michigan
Round Barn Winery, in Southwest Michigan beckons with a high-energy event during Memorial Weekend. The Spirits of Summer Celebration Weekend includes drink specials that celebrate the art of distilling; live music; family-friendly activities; and the launch of a new summer menu. Round Barn's live music series, Jammin' in the Vineyard, runs every Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Weekend through October, so you can hang out in the vineyard, listen to live tunes and enjoy top notch wines, spirits and craft brews.
Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, May 23-24, at Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, Michigan. (800) 716-9463 or roundbarnwinery.com.