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.
June 8
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays, June 8 and 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies, birth to 18 months, and their caregivers enjoy time together building language skills through the use of songs, finger plays, rhymes and stories. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Mondays, June 8 and 22, and Tuesdays, June 9 and 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3 to prekindergarten 5 can enjoy a short film and stories. No parents or siblings in story room. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
June 10
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, June 10, 17 and 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
Improv Comedy and Theater Games: 6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 10 to July 22, Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. Children in grades 6-12 will learn how to be spontaneous, act without a script and become a new character each time on stage. The fee is $135 for Vernon Hills residents, $169 for nonresidents. Call (847) 996-6933 or visit vhparkdistrict.org.
Metropolis Performing Arts Classes: Classes begin Wednesday, June 10, Hunt Club Park Community Center, 920 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. The Gurnee Park District. has openings available for MetropolTOTS Music and Movement for ages 3-5 and Movie Musicals by Metropolis for kindergarten through second grade. For details, call (847) 623-7788, or visit gurneeparkdistrict.com.
June 11
Read to Rover: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Sign up in person at the Ask Here desk on the first floor for a 15-minute one-on-one reading with a therapy dog. No parents or siblings allowed in the room during the session. For grades 1-5. Registration required. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Teen Learn to Knit Program: 3-5 p.m. Thursdays, June 11, 18 and 25, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Teens in sixth grade and up can learn to knit in three weeks. Bring size 7 needles; the library will provide the yarn. Experienced knitters are welcome too. Free; registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
June 12
Teen Gaming: 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can enjoy video, board and card games. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Fridays, June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Enjoy snacks and refreshments while watching anime on the big screen. For grades 6-12. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Game On: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 12, Wauconda Area Public Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. A Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament for teens. No charge but space is limited. To register, call (847) 526-6225 or visit wauclib.org.
June 13
Bill Hooper's Active Music for Children: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Free family event. Seating is limited and tickets are required, and can be acquired at the Youth Reference Desk. For information, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Monthly Train Run: 1-4:30 p.m. June 13, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. The North Central O Gaugers model railroad club will hold its monthly train run for the public. Call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
June 14
Kids Funfest: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. This free event features various children's activities, entertainment, games and prizes in the forest preserve surrounding the Cultural Center. Scheduled activities include a four-way rock climbing wall, face painting, moonwalks, wagon rides, a tot land, music and dancing, and visits from characters. The event is recommended for children ages 12 and under. For information, call (847) 968-3477 or visit LCFPD.org.
June 15
Kids movie matinee: 1 p.m. Monday, June 15, Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Parents, caregivers and kids are invited to a free showing of the film "Madagascar." No registration is needed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Animal crackers will be served. The film is rated "G." For information, call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
Little Mermaid Youth Dance Camp: 4:45-6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 15 to July 1, Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Students ages 5-7 will learn dances, make crafts and create scenery that will be put together to tell a story. The cost includes a simple costume, craft supplies and a daily snack. Dance Attire: Black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. The fee is $100 for Vernon Hills residents, $125 for nonresidents. Call (847) 996-6933 or visit vhparkdistrict.org.
Spanish Kids Club: 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, June 15-19 Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. An introduction to the Spanish language for ages 3 1/2-7. The fee is $65 for Vernon Hills residents, $75 for nonresidents. Call (847) 996-6933 or visit vhparkdistrict.org.
Summer Horse Camp: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, June 15-26, June 29 to July 10, July 13-24, July 27 to Aug. 7, or Aug. 10-21, Lindenhurst Park District, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Ages 4-12 can learn an appreciation of horses while learning stable management. The cost is $375 per child per 2-week session. Call (847) 356-6011.
Skateboard Camp: 8:30-11 a.m. Monday to Thursday, June 15-18, Skate Park, south of the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. For beginner and intermediate skaters ages 5-13. Participants must bring a drink, skateboard and helmet to class. Knee, elbow and wrist guards are strongly encouraged. The fee is $100 for residents, $125 for nonresidents. Call (847) 996-6933 or visit vhparkdistrict.org.
June 16
Trent Arterberry Think Bigg: 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Kindergartners though fifth-graders will enjoy a performance featuring storytelling, mime. music and puppetry. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Stories in the Park: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, June 16 and July 14 at Warren Township Park B in Gurnee; June 30 at Wadsworth Community Park in Gurnee; June 23 and July 21 at Viking Park in Gurnee; and July 7 at Park City Teen Center, 333 Teske Blvd., Park City. Kids and parents are invited to bring blankets, picnics and library cards when the bookmobile visits the parks. The free programs require no registration. Animal crackers will be served. For information, call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
Dance Camp: 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays, June 16 to July 2 Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave., Mundelein. Boys and girls ages 4-6 will learning different forms of dance, with a mini-show at the end of the program for family and friends. Cost is $129 for Mundelein residents, $194 for nonresidents. Registration required; call (847) 566-0650.
Teen Action Group: 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, Wauconda Area Public Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Teens can voice their opinions on library book selection, teen programming and more. There is no charge but registration is required. Call (847) 526-6225 or visit wauclib.org.
Youth & Family Counseling book club: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Youth & Family Counseling, 1113 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Discuss "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" by Barack Obama. The discussion is free, and all are welcome. To register, call (847) 367-5991, or email marilyn.grosch@yfc-libetyville.com.
Improv Playhouse Showstoppers "High School Musical 2": 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 16 to July 30, Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Children ages 9-15 will re-create the popular musical performance. No auditions necessary. The fee is $235 for Vernon Hills residents, $294 for nonresidents. Call (847) 996-6933 or visit vhparkdistrict.org.
June 17
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Storytime is for children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Parker in the Park: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 17, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-6 can explore the role each person plays in protecting the environment and share new ideas for conserving energy. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, June 17 and 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
June 18
Pajama Storytime: 7-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3-7 can put on pajamas and bring favorite stuffed animals to the library to listen to some stories, finger plays, songs and games. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
June 19
Friday Fun Faire: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, June 19. Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Children form age 3 through kindergarten can enjoy a story and make a craft. Adult supervision required. For information or to register, call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
June 20
Play and Read: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Nancy Parato Goldhagen will discuss strategies from her book, "So We Want Our Children to Read?" Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
June 22
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays, June 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies, birth to 18 months, and their caregivers enjoy time together building language skills through the use of songs, finger plays, rhymes and stories. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3 to prekindergarten 5 can enjoy a short film and stories. No parents or siblings in story room. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
June 23
Build Your Own Recycled Monster: 1-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Bring creative ideas and construct a creature out of recycled materials the library will supple. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
June 24
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, June 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
June 26
Teen Coffee House: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Open mic night and karaoke jam for local teen students. Pizza and soda will be available. For grades 6-12. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
July 1
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
July 6
Kids movie matinee: 1 p.m. Monday, July 6, Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Parents, caregivers and kids are invited to a free showing of the film "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." No registration is needed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Animal crackers will be served. The film is rated "G." For information, call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
July 8
Teen Book Discussion: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Teens in seventh grade and up can discuss "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman. For information, call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, July 8, 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
July 10
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Fridays, July 10 and Aug. 14, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Enjoy snacks and refreshments while watching anime on the big screen. For grades 6-12. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
July 15
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, July 15 and 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
July 22
Drop-in Storytimes: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For children ages 3 and older. Adults are encouraged to stay and participate. The storytime on June 17 will feature the special performance Jiggle and Jam performed by musician Jodie Koplin. The session on July 15 will feature musician Kathleen Gibson. Programs are free and no registration is required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
Aug. 10
Kids movie matinee: 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Parents, caregivers and kids are invited to a free showing of the film "Open Season." No registration is needed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Animal crackers will be served. The film is rated "G." For information, call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
Aug. 14
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Enjoy snacks and refreshments while watching anime on the big screen. For grades 6-12. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Ongoing
Board Game Days: 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to drop by the Teen Area to pick from a variety of board or card games to play. This is a free program and registration is not required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Baby Jam: 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Offers music specially chosen for babies 6- to 23-months-old to give the babies a safe space to move and bounce; an alternative activity will be provided for siblings older than 3. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Family Jam: 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a different style of music each week to get everyone dancing, for children ages 2-5 with an adult. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Big Screen Games: 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Offers a different interactive DVD game each week for first- and second-graders. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Afternoon Adventures: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a different craft, game, or activity every week for first- and second-graders. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Lunch & Listen: Noon Fridays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a one-hour sample of a different book on CD each week for students in fourth grade and up. Participants are invited to bring a sack lunch, and the library will provide drinks and snacks. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Fremont's Impressive Teens: 4 to 5:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Open to students in grades 7-12. Teens who attend two F.I.T. meetings are eligible to earn service hours by volunteering at the library. Register online at fremontlibrary.org, by calling (847) 918-3218, or in person at the Youth Services desk.
Homeschool Mondays: 10:30 a.m. to noon Mondays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. A chance for homeschooling families to get to know one another. Parents can network while their school-aged children can play together. Most Mondays require no registration; one Monday per month will feature a program for which patrons must register. To register or for information, visit fremontlibrary.org, call (847) 918-3218, or stop at the Youth Services desk in the library.
Preschool screenings: Gurnee Public School District 56 holds preschool screenings during the school year at Spaulding Elementary School, 2000 Belle Plaine Ave., Gurnee. The screenings are for children ages 3-4 who live in District 56, and examine a child's skill in speech/language, fine and gross motor skills, concept development, attention span, behavior, vision, and hearing. Parents with questions or concerns about their child's development in any of these areas may schedule an appointment by calling Spaulding School at (847) 662-3701. There is no charge for the screening.