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.

Clearbrook's Wonderland of Lights: Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day; Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 Euclid, Arlington Heights. The 1.6 mile drive-through light show features over 300 displays and over a million sparkling lights, including the world's largest light tunnel. Admission is $10 per car during the week and $12 per car Friday through Sunday. A $2 off coupon for cars only is available at clearbrook.org. Call (847) 577-4646.

Nov. 17

Book Voyagers: 4:15-5:15 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Theme is "Let's Monkey Around!" open to children in grades 1-3. Stories, snacks, crafts, and a video about monkeys. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Churchill School concert: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Eisenhower Junior High School, 800 W. Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. Fifth and sixth grade students perform. Beth, (847) 357-2174.

Concert at Fox School: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 1035 Parkview Drive, Hanover Park. Bryan, (630) 736-3500.

Third grade concert at Link School: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 900 S. Glenn Trail, Glk Grove Village. Ulla, (847) 357-5300.

Holiday Gift Platter: 7-8 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 17, 19 and 24, and Dec 1 and 3; Clayground Art Studio, 550 Business Center Drive, Mount Prospect. Prepare a platter with underglaze colors. Students press their fingerprints to make patterns or paint designs. Open to ages 4 and older. Cost: $50 per platter. Sponsored by River Trails Park District. (847) 255-1200

Nov. 18

Concert at Fairview School: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 375 Arizona Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Diane, (847) 357-5700.

Open Storytimes: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18; 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19 and 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children ages six and under during these 30-minute sessions. An adult must accompany children under three. No registration is required. Call (847) 253-5675.

Reading Fundamentals: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Celebrates National Family Reading Month by learning different literacy activities to do at home with children. Designed for adults and caregivers. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

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, with an adult. Advance registration required. (847) 391-5399 or desplaineshistory.org.

Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. For information and registration, call (847) 459 -4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Teen Scrapbooking Club: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can Bring pictures to and build a scrapbook. For a one-time fee of $10, students receive an album with page inserts; the library provides all other supplies. November's theme is Thanksgiving past. For information call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Concert at Blackwell School: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 345 N. Walnut, Schaumburg. Third and fourth grade students along with the Blackwell Chorus present "Assignment Earth." Janet, (847) 357-5555.

Concert at Collins School: 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 407 S. Summit Drive, Schaumburg. Kathy, (847) 357-6100.

Concert at Enders-Salk School: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 345 N. Salem Drive, Schaumburg. Fifth and sixth grade students perform. Rae Beth, (847) 357-6400.

Nov. 20

Stories & More: 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Stories, craft and related activities for children in grades K-2. Register at dppl.org, or call (847) 376- 2839.

Teen Book Discussion Club: 4-5:30 p. m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can discuss "Memoirs of the Teenage Amnesiac," by Gabrielle Zevin. The book will be provided at time of registration. For information and registration, call (847) 459 -4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

"Oliver" at Lincoln Prairie School: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday Nov. 21; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23; and 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 500 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Musical. Ron (847) 357-5955.

Nov 21

Palatine Holiday Marketplace and tree lighting: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, historic downtown Palatine. Downtown shopping, free horse drawn carriage rides, holiday craft and food mart under heated tent, Santa visits from noon-3 p.m., tree lighting at 5 p.m.

Nov. 22

Drop-In Thanksgiving Craft: 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Open to all ages. Materials provided. (847) 827-5551.

Winter Animals: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Hands-on program about animals and hibernation. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

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.

Bingo at the library: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Drop in for a game of Bingo. (847) 358-5881.

School's out trips: 9 a.m. drop-off; 4 p.m. pickup Monday, Nov. 24, Rose Park, 530 S. Williams, Palatine. Salt Creek Park District host day trip to Safari Land for children ages 7-13. $25-$28. To register, call (847) 259-6890.

Thanksgiving Art Camp: 11 a.m.-noon, Monday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 30; Clayground Art Studio, 550 Business Center Drive, Mount Prospect. Kids build with clay to create sculpture. Open to children 5 and older and adults. Residents: $10; nonresidents, $12. Sponsored by River Trails Park District. (847) 255-1200

Fall Festival Days: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24 through Wednesday, Nov. 26; Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 North Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Children in grades one to five participate in activities including: swimming, arts and crafts, and various sports games. Lunch is provided. (847) 577-3000.

Nov. 25

School's out trips: 9 a.m. drop-off; 4 p.m. pickup Tuesday, Nov. 25, Rose Park, 530 S. Williams, Palatine. Salt Creek Park District host day trip to Key Lime Cove water park for children ages 7-13. $25-$28. To register, call (847) 259-6890.

Thanksgiving Day Craft: 7-8:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Open to ages 9-12. Free. To register, visit ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.

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.

School's out trips: 9 a.m. drop-off; 4 p.m. pickup Wednesday, Nov. 26, Rose Park, 530 S. Williams, Palatine. Salt Creek Park District host a skating, pizza and bowling for children ages 7-13. $25-$28. To register, call (847) 259-6890.

Nov. 28

Fun and games day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Play board games with your family. All ages welcome. (847) 358-5881.

Polar Express: 10:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14; The Polar Express #705 departs the Des Plaines Train Station at 11:04 a.m. Activities include reading the book, "The Polar Express," sing-a-longs, games, and milk and cookies. Registration is due by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, but space is limited and seats go fast. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplainesparks.org.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:45 p.m., Friday, Nov 28; North School Park, Eastman St and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Fantasy toy displays along with a giant decorated tree in the center of the fountain. The ChristkindlMarkt, an open-air holiday market located on Eastman St., is set up Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28, 29, and 30. Visit vah.com for details.

Nov. 30

Seasons Greetings Magic Show: 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Features a magic elf, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, upbeat music, toy soldiers and magically appearing doves set in a winter wonderland. (847) 827-5551.

History Center's Winter Holiday Gala: 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30; Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. Craft projects, bake sale, hot cider; exhibits include a display of angel figurines, antique Christmas ornaments and holidays around the world. (847) 391-5399 or desplaineshistory.org

Santa visit and photos: Noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30; Town and Country Center, Rand and Palatine roads., Arlington Heights. Kids can have their photo taken with Santa and his live reindeer. Photos with pets from 2 to 4 p.m. Photo cost is $5. Proceeds benefit Clearbrook. Call (847) 385-5012 or gdrake@clearbrook.org

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.

Letters to Santa: Between Monday, Dec. 1-Monday, Dec. 15. Children in the Hanover Park Park District area can write a letter to Santa and drop it into his red holiday mailbox inside the Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave. Include name and address so Santa can reply. No postage required. For information, call (630) 837-2468.

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.

Christmas in the Valley: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, Spring Valley's Volkening Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Recreation of how 19th-century German American families in Schaumburg experienced Christmas. Includes examples of daily farm chores, presentation of traditional foods and homemade gifts, yule log hunt, visit with a traditional St. Nicholas, refreshments, holiday treats, craft activities, hayrides, more.

(847) 985-2100 or parkfun.com.

"How Santa Got His Christmas tree": 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Class Act Youth Theatre's 30-minute production of "How Santa Got His Christmas tree" includes sing-a-longs and pictures with Rudolph, Frosty, the elves and Santa following the performance. $8 adults; $4 youth, group discounts available. (847) 490-7020.

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.

Santa's flight to Schaumburg: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Sants flies to Schaumburg via helicopter. Includes breakfast followed by Santa greeting in airport hanger. $18-$27. Register before 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Polar Express train trip: Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, Hanover Park train station. Join Santa's helpers for hot chocolate and treats, then depart for the North Pole on the "Polar Express."At the North Pole, Santa awaits along with a special gift for the children. All ages. Adults $8-$12; children $6-$9. For times and availability call the Hanover Park Park District at (630) 837-2468.

Dec. 9

Phone call from the North Pole: Children in the Hanover Park Park District can register to get a phone call from Santa. Applications available at the park district office, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Application deadline Sunday, Dec. 9. Phone calls made from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. (630) 837-2468.

Santa visits Schaumburg kids: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Wednesday, Dec. 10. Santa will make a five minute visit to your home. For Schaumburg Park District residents only. Register by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. $20. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.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.

Holiday Wonderland Festival: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, crafts, toys, entertainment and prizes. $5 per child in advance; $7 at the door. Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 12. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Dec. 15

Holiday Little Chefs: Saturday, Dec. 15; Thursday, Dec. 20; or Sunday, Dec. 23, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Cooking class features holiday-style recipes and festivities of the season. For ages 4-10. Registration required, call (630) 540-4834.

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.

Preschool openings: The Salt Creek Park Preschool has immediate openings for its 3-4 year old program. Call (847) 259-6890.

"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

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

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.