Steppenwolf continuing special matinee performances for teens
Chicago
Drama teens
If Junior thinks going to the theater is "weak" because all he knows is what's on stage at his high school, turn him onto the best - Steppenwolf Theatre Company - when it presents the 2008-2009 Matinee Series. The series is an affordable way for high school students to not only see Steppenwolf productions, but they can meet Chicago's most celebrated artists and bond with other teens who think theater is "sweet." Tickets are just $15 each and include a Steppenwolf performance, lunch and a post-show discussion with actors featured in the production. Way cool, huh? January's production is The Seafarer performed on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. Exit stage right at www.steppenwolf.org/education for subsequent shows and dates and be sure to mention "matinee" when ordering tickets at (312) 335-1650.
Thinking outside the (cardboard) box
Since cardboard was invented, kids have often seemed more interested in the box than what it contains and so it may go with artists. See what you think at Exquisite City, City of Cardboard, an exhibition of work by more than 70 Chicago artists who designed and built an imaginary city constructed almost entirely out of cardboard. From Jan. 15 - March 15, the Chicago Tourism Center is home to the miniature cityscape that includes buildings, parks, vacant lots, skyline and neighborhood scenes plus an audio installation featuring music and sounds recorded on Chicago streets. 72 E. Randolph St; Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, pay a visit to www.exquisitecity.com or call (312) 744-2400.
The butler did it
Admit it - you feel like a butler or maid to your kids most of the time anyway, so why not hand off the job to someone else for a night while you luxuriate at one of the city's finest five-star hotels? Four Seasons Hotel Chicago offers a "Bedtime Stories Butler" inspired by Walt Disney Pictures' family film, "Bedtime Stories," starring Adam Sandler which opened nationwide on Christmas Day. By appointment, the hotel's own storyteller visits your family's guest room with a selection of storybooks presented on a silver platter, and then reads bedtime stories to the little ones. The kids receive a special limited edition "Bedtime Stories" plug-in night light as well as an exclusive bookmark. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 East Delaware Place, (312) 280-8800.
Midwest
Snowy shenanigans
The snow's not going anywhere soon, so it's time to embrace the cold side and head to Angola, Indiana for thrilling rides down the state's only refrigerated toboggan slide. Located in Pokagon State Park, the 1,780-foot dual lane toboggan delights nearly 80,000 people each season. The slide operates even if there's not a flake of snow on the ground, too! Toboggans rent for $10 per hour (they hold four people) or bring your own. Consider lodging at the historic Potawatomi Inn inside the park and make a weekend of it. Slide down to www.lakes101.org, the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, or phone (800) LAKE-101.
Explore the Expo
Whether you've got the budget for an adventurous trip in '09 or you just want to dream, the Adventures in Travel Expo will whisk you to locales near and far via seminars and presentations by explorers, photographers, authors, game rangers and other travel experts from around the world. Take in music, dance and cultural performances and discover top travel choices for today's economy. Try your hand at kayaking and scuba diving, climb a rock wall or swing on a ropes course. The world's largest active and adventure travel show for the trade and consumers is held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Jan. 10 and 11. Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased at www.adventuresexpo.com.
Eat, drink and be very merry
It's not exactly the Bahamas, but a trip to Indianapolis during Indy Restaurant Week offers the comfort of great food at low prices. Add in stops at a couple of the town's world class museums and you've concocted one nice little getaway. A part of Devour Downtown Winterfest, Indy Restaurant Week runs Jan. 19 - 31 when more than 30 restaurants offer three or four-course meals for $30 each. Japanese, Greek and Italian eateries, ale houses and pubs, the famous St. Elmo Steak House, Ruth's Chris' and Puck's are among the participating restaurants. In addition, Indy's downtown area boasts more than 70,000 convenient, affordable parking spaces starting at $1.50. Gobble up www.indyrestaurantweek.com for details.
Worth the Trip
Whiskey, haggis and neeps
Do you still need a little Christmas, right this very moment? Visit a destination where you can embrace the holiday spirit all over again - Burns Night in Scotland may be the tastiest "chaser" for the post holiday blues with great low-season travel deals. Celebrated on Jan. 25th in honor of Scotland's beloved, Burns, you'll indulge in an authentic Burns Night Supper of whiskey, haggis, and neeps accompanied by the bagpipe music. It promises to be extra festive as 2009 marks Burns' 250th birthday. Can't make it to Burns Night? The yearlong celebration (www.HomecomingScotland.com) will feature one-time-only events and festivals throughout the land. To book a last-minute discount Burns Supper package, visit www.best-of-scotland.co.uk.