Kids, teens and family
Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for families, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.
Nov. 3
Stage Combat: 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, Noble Fool Theatricals, St. Charles. Perform basic unarmed hand-to-hand stage fighting techniques with an emphasis on safety and storytelling. Taught by a member of the Society of American Fight Directors. For ages 15-21. $175. Register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Make a Holiday Gift Platter: 7-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3; Clayground Art Studio, 505 Business Center Drive, Mount Prospect. Sponsored by the River Trails Park District. Prepare a platter with underglaze colors. Students press their fingerprints to make patterns or paint designs. Supplies included. Ages 4 and up. $50. (847) 255-1200
Young Adult Author Festival: 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3:
• Chris Crutcher at the Sonya Crawshow Branch Library, Schick Road and Audrey Lane, Hanover Park. Call Joyce, (630) 483-4941.
• Gordon Lorman at the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre in Elgin. Call Lisel, (847) 742-2411.
• David Lubar at the Bartlett Public Library. Call Leona, (630) 837-2855.
Presentations are free. Sponsored by School District U-46 and the Public Library Districts.
Nursing Information Session: 6-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3; Elgin Community College Advanced Technology Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. To register, call (847) 214-7385 or visit elgin.edu/schedulevisit.
Nov. 4
Open Storytimes: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12 and 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children ages 6 and under. An adult must accompany children under 3. No registration required. (847) 253-5675.
"School's Out, Scrapping's In" class: 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4; Rose Park, 530 S. Williams Ave., Palatine. Each scrapper will receive an album kit with paper, stickers, mat, etc. Bring 20-25 photos. Preregistration is required. Fee is $25. Call (847) 259-6890.
Nov. 5
Drop-In Chess Club: 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Children all ages, at all levels meet other players and learn strategies. (847) 376-2792.
"Songs from the Heart and Storytelling": 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays in November; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Folk musician performs and tells stories. $7.50 per child or Free with purchase of kid's meal. (847) 229-0400.
Nov. 6
Stories & More: 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Stories, craft and related activities for grades K through 2. Register online at dppl.org or (847) 376- 2839.
High school open houses: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16; Notre Dame High School, 7655 W. Dempster St., Niles. Each student and his parents who attend the event will be escorted on an individualized tour by a Notre Dame High School student tour guide. (847) 779-8615 or lbontempo@ndhsdons.org.
Warriors Book Club: 4-5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades 3-8, Warrior series by Erin Hunter trivia, snacks, and more. To register, (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info.
Junior Science Cafe speaker: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Dr. Daniel Strongin will discuss "Glow in the Dark Cells - How to Watch the Nuts, Bolts and Widgets of Life." To register, visit ahml.info or call (847) 506-2620.
Nov. 7
Singing with Julie: 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Children's musician entertains. (847) 229-0400.
Nov. 8
Streamwood's Cultures of Our Community celebration: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, Park Place Family Recreation Center, 550 S. park Blvd. Sponsored by the Community Relations Commission, the event includes the many different cultures represented in Streamwood including African, Albanian, Chinese, Columbian, Iranian, Jamaican, Mexican, Native American and Polish. Presentations, question and answer, snacks. For Streamwood residents. Call Jennifer, (630) 736-3816.
Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Nov. 10
Music Together classes: Registration starts Monday, Nov. 10; Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Children, ages 8 months to 5 years, and their parents or caregivers participate in activities including singing songs, movement activities and instrumental jam sessions and make up their own rhythms, lyrics and movements to express themselves musically. Classes are offered 1:30-2:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays 10:30-11:15 a.m., Thursdays beginning Feb. 2 and run for 10 weeks. Classes cost $160. Visit MetropolisArts.com, or call (847) 577-5982, ext. 221.
Nov. 11
Mixin' in the Kitchen: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday Dec. 2, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 6-10 prepare simple nutritious recipes that will be eaten in class. Bring your own apron. Registration required. $21; $25, nonresidents. bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.
PJ Storytime: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Ages 3 - 6, wear pajamas and bring stuffed animal or blanket for bedtime stories, songs and a craft. Register online at dppl.org or (847) 376- 2839.
Teen Planning Meeting: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Join us to help plan teen Wii tournaments that will be held at the Prospect Heights Library. Ages 13-19. To register, (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info
Military medals and insignia: 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Children will make their own medals after examining some real military items from the Historical Society collection. Free to Historical Society members, and $1 per child for nonmembers. An adult must accompany children. (847) 391-5399.
"Got a fussy baby?" 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Karen Benson from the Eric Institute answers parents' questions. (847) 229-0400.
Nov. 13
Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Internet Safety: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Prospect High School Theatre, 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect. Parents are encouraged to attend this program with their children, but all interested community members are welcome. Call (847) 718-5205.
Story Explorers: 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Grades 3 - 5 enjoy theme-based activities including stories, craft and a snack. Register online at dppl.org or call (847) 376- 2839.
Nov. 14
Family Movie Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Complimentary screening of a film suitable for the entire family. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675. Due to a restrictive marketing agreement, the library is prohibited from reporting the title of this film in media aimed at the general public.
Nov. 15
Family Fun: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road.
Stories and a crafts for the family. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Junior Historians: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15; Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont. Hands-on activities, visiting speakers and discussions focus on interesting topics that relate to our community and its heritage. Open to third-eighth-graders. $15 for residents; $18 for nonresidents. November topic: Transportation and U.S. History. Preregister at ahpd.org
Storytelling and an introduction to classical music: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. $7.50 per child or free with purchase of kid's meal. (847) 229-0400.
Super Saturday: 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Chicago's Emerald City Theatre presents adaptation of Laura Numeroff's "If You Take a Mouse to School." To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.
Dance showcase: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15; Northwest Community Hospital Wellness Center, Shows dance classes available including Zumba (Latin fusion), Hula, ballroom, Spanish-influenced skirt dances, traditional Belly Dance and fusion styles. Dance. tickets are $5 each, children under 12 years of age get in free with adult ticket purchase. Call (847) 618-3513.
Nov. 19
"Your Family History": 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19; Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Free. For home-schooled kids. Includes a look at the family history collections of the Historical Society and family history themed activities. Open to children ages 5-12, who must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required. Call (847) 391-5399 or visit desplaineshistory.org.
Nov. 23
"Guitar with Mike": 4:30-7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Guitar teacher brings several guitars so all the kids can play music along with him. Dinner buffet. $15/adult; $10/child. (847) 229-0400.
Nov. 24
School's Out trips: Monday, Nov. 24, Safari Lane in Villa Park; Tuesday, Nov. 25, Key Lime Cove Water Resort in Gurnee; and Wednesday, Nov. 26, Skate, pizza and bowl in Palatine. Trips are for ages 7-13 and held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Drop off is at Rose Park, 530 S. Williams Ave., Palatine. $25-$28. (847) 259-6890.
Nov. 26
Turkey Day and Food Drive: Wednesday, Nov. 26; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Bring in canned food products for local food pantry and get in for half price free cupcakes. Thanksgiving activities and specials. (847) 229-0400.
Dec. 1
Battle of the Bands: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Deadline to register Dec. 1. For eligibility requirements and submission instructions, call Amy, (847) 923-3191 or e-mail aalessio@stdl.org.
Dec. 2
Mixin' in the Kitchen: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 2, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 6-10 prepare simple nutritious recipes that will be eaten in class. Bring your own apron. Registration required. $21, residents; $25, nonresidents. bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.
Dec. 4
Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Dec. 6
Winter Family Fun Day trip: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6; Williams Tree Farm in Rockton. Sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District. Cut your own tree or purchase a pre-cut tree, take a winter hike, go on a hayride, see the reindeer and farm animals, and browse the Christmas gift shop. Trip departs from and returns to Prairie Lakes Community Center. Trees will be transported on the Park District trailer. Resident adults: $12; nonresident adults: $15. Resident children, $5; nonresident children: $6. For details or to register, call (847) 391-5711 or visit desplaineparks.org
Drop-In Baby Talk: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Storytime for babies age 3-23 months and a caregiver. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Dec. 7
Young Eagles Rally: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7, Schaumburg Airport, Irving Park Road and Wright Blvd., Schaumburg. :Children ages 8-17 can meet the pilots, see the different types of aircraft and take a flight. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 101, weather permitting. For information or to register, call Churck (708) 788-6390 or Youngeagles101@aol.com.
Dec. 13
Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Dec. 17
"Wicked" trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17, bus departs from the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Join the park district for this last chance to see one of Broadway's most popular musicals before it leaves Chicago. Arrive in downtown Chicago's theater district in time for lunch on your own before the 2 p.m. performance at the Oriental Theatre. Seats are in the balcony. All ages, under 17 with an adult. $80, residents; $120, nonresidents. Reservations required, call (847) 991-0333.
Dec. 22
Winter Holiday Art Camps: 9:30 a.m.-noon, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 22, 23 and 24; Monart Drawing Studio, 628 S. Arthur Ave., Arlington Heights. Open to ages 6 and older. Each camp is $115. For details, call (847) 788-9323 or visit sharpeexpressions.com
Jan. 25
"Spamalot" trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 25, bus departs from the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," Spamalot is a new musical directed by Mike Nichols. Arrive in downtown Chicago's theater district with plenty of time for lunch on your own before the 2 p.m. performance in the Auditorium Theatre. Seats are in the balcony, no elevator access in this venue. $70, residents; $105, nonresidents. Reservations required, call (847) 991-0333.
"Actually-Ashley Taylor": 11 a.m.-noon, Mondays through November; Nibbles Play Café, 12 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Stories told through guitar and harmonica. $7.50 per person or free with purchase of kid's meal. (847) 229-0400
Ongoing
Tutor. com: Youth Services Department at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm Street, Prospect Heights will have a new online service. Tutor.com connects to a real-time live tutor in an online classroom to work one-on-one on homework, studying, test prep, etc. Available daily from 2- 9 p. m. via the library's Web site phpl.info
Family Adventure: Take a Hike with the Rolling Meadows Adventure Pack; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Group and family activity. Bring your Rolling Meadows Library card and a driver's license to the library and ask to check out a Rolling Meadows Adventure Pack. You will receive a backpack, a GPS unit accurate to 15 feet anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, a pair of binoculars, and a book of clues and coordinates to begin your adventure.
Before and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; nonschool days (except major holidays), 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Open to children ages 5 through 12. For details, call (847) 437-5176.