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.
Youth open gym: 4-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. To participate you must have an Open Gym Photo ID. Limited to the first 40 participants in grades three-12. $5 per visit. (630) 540-4834.
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. 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.
Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read manga, eat pocky and watch a new Anime movie or series on the first and third Mondays of the month. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Dec. 2
Band concert: 7 p.m. Bartlett High School, 701 Schick Road, Bartlett. Fifth-graders from Sycamore Trails, Bartlett and Centennial elementary schools join Eastview Middle School seventh-graders with the jazz lab band to perform in concert.
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-$25. bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.
District 54 sixth grade parent information night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2: Addams Junior High School, 700 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, (847) 357-5900; Eisenhower Junior High School, 800 W. Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, (847) 357-5500; Frost Junior High School, 320 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6800; Keller Junior High School, 820 Bode Road, Schaumburg, (847) 357-6500; and Mead Junior High School, 1765 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village, (847) 357-6000. Open to all parents of sixth grade students who will attend junior high school next year. Parents can get familiar with the curriculum and other student activities, tour the buildings, visit with staff members, ask questions.
Dec. 3
Drop-in storytimes: For 3 - To 5-Year-Olds, 2 p.m., Wednesdays, Dec. 3 and 10; For 2 year olds, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 11; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Stories, finger plays, music action rhymes, flannel stories, and puppets.
Chess tournament: 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Kids in grades K-eight compete for first and second place titles and certificates at this free youth chess tournament. For regulations and to register, call (847) 376-2839 or visit dppl.org.
Hale concert at Addams Junior High: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 700 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Fourth- through sixth-graders from Hale will perform. Nancy, (847) 357-6200.
"Angels Expose Leaks in Fairytale Lane": 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, Churchill School, 1520 N. Jones Road, Schaumburg. Churchill School performance. $2 at the door, seats on a first-come, first-served basis. (847) 357-6300.
Band concert: 7 p.m. Bartlett High School, 701 Schick Road, Bartlett. Fifth and sixth grade students from Hawk Hollow, Prairieview and Spring Trail elementary schools and sixth grade students from Sycamore Trails, Bartlett and Centennial elementary schools join the eighth-graders from Eastview Middle School's jazz band to present a band concert.
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.
Junior science cafe: 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Topic is "What's New in Science: Hot Topics and Cutting-Edge Discoveries." Open to middle and high school students. Nanotechnology, sequencing of the human genome, Mars exploration and construction of the Large Hadron Collider will be discussed. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
Accessorize your holiday wardrobe: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec., 4; Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Holiday embellishments including: gems, rhinestones, pom-poms, feathers and more. Children design their own clothing accessories. (Ages 3-5 must be accompanied by a parent). Refunds must be requested one week before class start date. Open to ages 3-10 years. (847) 577-3000.
Dec. 5
Family fun night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 W. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. For all ages includes Dj, table games, open play in the gym, concessions, more. (847) 985-2143.
Hanover Park tree lighting ceremony: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, municipal complex, 2121 W. Lake St. Eighteen nonprofit organizations and local groups decorated trees on display at village hall. The Spring Wood Middle School band and choir, Greenbrook Elementary School choir, Allegro Dance Troupe and Dave Herzog's Marionettes will perform. (630) 372-4200.
Des Plaines tree lighting ceremony: 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5; Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines. Mayor Tony Arredia and City Clerk Donna McAllister pull the giant electrical switch that lights up the downtown. Performing will be Elk Grove High School Towne Criers, Willows Academy Chamber Choir, Maine West Warrior Band, and Des Plaines Park District dance troupes. (847) 391-5312.
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.
Lake Wonderland: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7; Lake Park, Howard avenue at Lee Street, Des Plaines. Fourth Annual Winter Festival; sleigh rides, live reindeer, decorated trees, arts and crafts, face painting, winter games, roasted chestnuts, ice carving, free pictures with Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald & Friends, Snoopy, Skates, Jewels the Clown, Hubert the Lion, Kiwi the Clown, the Siberian Huskies, and great entertainment all day. All activities are free except the sleigh rides, $5 adults, $3 children. Call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Teddy Bear walk: 10 a.m.-noon; Saturday Dec. 6; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Bring your Teddy Bear and see story-performer Chris Fascione act out best-loved stories; sing along with Mark Dvorak; Ted E. Bear will lead the march over to the Village Hall to welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. To register, call (847) 253-5675.
Winter Festival Parade: 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6; Mount Prospect. Starts at Lions Park, proceeds down Lincoln Street to Emerson Street, to Prospect Avenue, west on Prospect, ending at Pine Street. Live reindeer, marching bands, floats and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Refreshment tent at Prospect Avenue and Wille Street following the parade. Choral groups stationed along the parade route. Visit mountprospect.org or call (847) 392-6000.
Holiday Gift Tags: 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 6, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Make unique gift tags. For kindergartners through eighth-graders. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Pancake breakfast and gift shop: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Collins School gym, 407 N. Summit Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6100.
Pancake breakfast and book fair: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 6, Lincoln Prairie School gym, 500 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates. (847) 357-5955.
Pancake breakfast, holiday shop and book fair: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
breakfast; 8 a.m.-noon book fair, Saturday, Dec. 6, 900 S. West Glenn Trail, Elk Grove Village. (847) 357-5300.
Celebration of Lights: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates. Children are invited to take part in crafts, play holiday games and enjoy light refreshments and entertainments as they wait for Santa to visit. Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. Visit heparks.org or call (847) 885-7500.
Dec. 7
"Chili Kick-Off": Noon, Sunday, Dec. 7; Arlington Heights American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave. Bears football and a $5 homemade chili luncheon. Proceeds benefit the auxiliary's community service programs. Raffle tickets on sale for prizes awarded throughout the game. Call (847) 253-6632.
Dec. 8
Lapsit Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 and 22, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For infants 18 months and under and their caregivers, enjoy time together building language skills through the use of songs, finger plays, rhymes and stories. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
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. 10
Concert at Campanelli School: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 310 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. First and second grade students perform. (847) 357-5333.
Concert at Einstein School: 7-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1100 Laurie Lane, Hanover Park. Fourth grade student perform. (630) 736-2500.
Band/orchestra concert: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, Lincoln Prairie School, 500 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Sixth-eighth grade students perform. Kathy, (847) 357-5955.
Concert at MacArthur School: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1800 Chippendale Road, Hoffman Estates. (847) 357-6650.
Winter Concert at Eisenhower Junior High School: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 800 W. Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. Band, orchestra, and choral winter concert. Carin, (847) 357-5500.
Concert at Mead Junior High School: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1765 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. Seventh and eighth grade band/orchestra students perform. Holly, (847) 357-6000.
Dec. 11
Dinosaurs and Fossils storytime: 7-7:45 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Open to ages 4-6 learn about dinosaurs and hunt for fossils. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.
PTA Fund Night at Churchill School: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 1520 N. Jones Road, Schaumburg. (847) 357-6300.
Dec. 12
Family fun night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 W. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. For all ages includes Dj, table games, open play in the gym, concessions, more. (847) 985-2143.
Dec. 13
Breakfast/brunch with Santa: 9-10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Salt Creek Park District's Twin Lakes Clubhouse, Palatine. Food, games, crafts, entertainment and Santa Claus. $10-$12; $4 for children 2 and younger. Registration required, call (847) 259-6890.
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.
Drop and shop event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Drop off your children K-fifth grade then shop for the holidays. Supervised activities for the children includes songs, crafts, games, lunch. To register, call (847) 382-7002.
Breakfast with Santa: 9-10 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon; Saturday, Dec. 13; Rob Roy Golf Course Clubhouse, 505 E. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Breakfast buffet and visit with Santa. Drop off a small wrapped gift by Dec. 10 to the Weiss Center for Santa to give to your child. Each gift should have a tag with child's first and last name. Max. gift amount $10. Open to ages 1 year and older. Cost: Residents, $7; nonresidents, $8.40. (847) 255-1200.
Holiday open house at District 54 Nature Center: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 320 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, behind Frost Junior High School. $5 admission free includes refreshments, walk and craft activities. To register or for information, call Mary Ellen, (847) 357-6338.
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.
Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Read manga, eat pocky and watch a new Anime movie or series on the first and third Mondays of the month. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
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. 19
Family fun night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 W. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. For all ages includes Dj, table games, open play in the gym, concessions, more. (847) 985-2143.
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
Lapsit Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For infants 18 months and under and their caregivers, enjoy time together building language skills through the use of songs, finger plays, rhymes and stories. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Jump N Art: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23, Pump It Up, 1234 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Art camp for children that combines art projects, playtime and structured physical activities. $99. (847) 885-8767.
Dec. 26
Family fun night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 W. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. For all ages includes Dj, table games, open play in the gym, concessions, more. (847) 985-2143.
Dec. 29
Jump N Art: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30, Pump It Up, 1234 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Art camp for children that combines art projects, playtime and structured physical activities. $99. (847) 885-8767.
Jan. 23
Teen Scrapbook Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Introductory scrapbooking class for children ages 12-18. Make six scrapbook pages using rubber stamps, cardstock, inks and embellishments. $20-$25, advance registration required. (630) 540-4834.
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.
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.