Northwest suburban family calendar

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. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

Preschool fall openings: The Elk Grove Park District has openings in its 2 1/2 and 3-year-old fall classes, 225 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. For registration or information, (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org.

June 15

Teen Leaders Camp: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday starting June 15, for two weeks, Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Ages 11-14 learn what its like to be a counselor and spend time assisting with younger camp activities. For fees and additional dates, call the Hanover Park Park District at (630) 837-2468 or visit hpparks.org.

Hellenic American Academy summer camp: Session begins June 15. For camps hours, fees and information, (847) 317-1063.

Vacation Bible school: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19, Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive, Bartlett. (630) 830-3630, or livinglordlutheran.org. $20.

Summer music camp: 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 15-Friday, June 26, Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Two-week intensive, half-day music camp is open to all instruments and vocalists in sixth to 12th grade. $150. (847) 358-4600.

VBS: 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19, Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine. Vacation Bible school for children ages 3-14. Freewill offerings pay for VBS costs and a Lutheran World Mission. (847) 358-0230, e-mail office@ByFaithAlone.org or ByFaithAlone.org.

VBS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday June 15-Friday, June 19, Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. For children ages kindergarten-sixth grade. (847) 824-7408.

Parents Who Care open gym: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, June 15, Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road. Interactive play with balls, push toys, mats, hoops, more. $1.50 per child. (847) 604-4582.

Report Card Day: Monday, June 15, Roselle Park District's Kemmerling Pool, 400 Prospect St., Roselle. Bring your report card to the pool and anyone with an "A" will receive half-price admission for the day. (630) 894-4200.

Kid's College at ECC: Monday-Thursdays during the weeks of June 15, June 22, July 13 and July 20, Elgin Community College main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Children ages 6-14 explore new activities and interests in a noncompetitive and fun learning environment. Learn Spanish, produce a newspaper or learn about the environment. $80-$125. For information and registration, call (847) 622-3036 or wlgin.edu/kidscollege.

Metropolis summer camps: Camps open Monday June 15, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Heights. For specific camp information, fees and availability, call (847) 577-5982, ext. 221.

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.

June 17

Noonie Time: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday June 17, Community Recreation Center Outdoor Theatre, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Free children's entertainment featuring The Rope Warrior executing outrageous rope tricks. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch. Lunch will also be available for an additional fee. Groups and camps are welcome. (847) 490-7020 or visit www.parkfun.com.

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.

Magic, Music and Mayhem concert series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, Munao Fountain Plaza, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, routes 72 and 59, South Barrington. Jim Gill musician and author promoted active play between adults and children with music. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 17, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits Wisconsin for butter churning. Learn to churn your own butter. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

June 18

Night out for teens: 7-10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Swimming, games in the gym, movie, pizza. For grades six-eight. $12-$15. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

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.

Night Out for Teens: 7-10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Swimming, games in the gym, movie and pizza for grades six-eight. $12-$15. To register, (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Create a collage card: 4-4:45 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Kids in grades two-eight make unique cards using collage techniques. Materials and snacks provided. Register at (847) 259-6055.

Movie on the Big Screen: 1-2:40 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Featuring "Hotel for Dogs," (rated PG; 100 minutes). Based on Lois Duncan's novel, the story revolves around two orphaned teenagers who decide to turn an abandoned building into a safe haven for stray dogs.

June 19

Babysitter's training course: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Friday, June 10-July 31, South Barrington Park District, 3 Tennis Club Lane. American Red Cross Babysitter's Training for ages 11-15. $65/$75. To register, (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Cinema under the stars: Sunset (about 8:45 p.m.) Friday, June 19, Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Free movie, "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who." Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Refreshments available for sale. The movie will move indoors if the weather does not cooperate. (847) 255-8764

Father's Day Pizza and Play: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 19, Community Center Gym, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Boys ages 6-12, with an adult male, enjoy games, friendly competitions, and pizza. $15-$20. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Stash Your Cash: 3-4 p.m. Friday, June 19, Rolling Medows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Kids in grades three-eight create a black wallet for themselves or someone special. To register, (847)-259-6050.

June 20

Father's Day Weekend Fishing Derby: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road. Schaumburg Park District's Second Annual Father's Day Weekend Fishing Derby. Participants must bring their own poles and bait, hot dogs and chips provided. Prizes will be awarded. Age groups consist of 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17 years and a Father's Group. Day-of registration is $9/$13. parkfun.com or (847) 490-7020.

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.

Family Fishing Derby: 7-9 a.m. Saturday, June 20, Lake Arlington, 2201 N. Windsor, Arlington Heights. All ages are welcome. Concessions available, awards. $10 per person; $20 per family. (847) 577-3059.

Bike Path kickoff: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Crabtree Nature Center, on Palatine Road, one mile west of Barrington Road, Barrington. Includes bike safety rodeo, basic bike safety checks, food, ride the 10-mile trail. (847) 381-6592.

June 21

Action Bible school: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21-Thursday, June 25, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, southwest corner of Army Trail and Petersdorf roads, Bartlett. Crocodile Dock vacation Bible school is for kids ages 3 through sixth grade. $15. Register at (630) 830-3003.

Dad and Me Olympics: Sunday, June 21, Roselle Park District's Kemmerling Pool, 300 Prospect St., Roselle. Grab your dads, grandpas and uncles and get ready to compete for prizes during this fun day. (630) 894-4200.

Stories by Dot: 7-7:45 p.m. Thursday, June 25, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Family program, all ages welcome. Come hear this funny storyteller. To register, (847)-259-6050.

June 22

Vacation Bible school: 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26, St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. Register online at stpeter-ah.org or in the church office. There is a $5 fee per child to cover supply costs.

Summer camp: 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26 or Monday, Aug. 10-Friday, Aug. 14, Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine. For children ages 3-7. $75. For information or to register, ByFaithAlone.org or call Valerie, (847) 358-0230.

Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, 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.

Lifeguarding Certification course: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26; South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Ages 15 and up will prepare to become a lifeguard at this American Red Cross aquatic facility. Upon completion of the 40 hours, the student will hold a current CPR for the Professional rescuer card, a Life Guard/First Aid card and an AED card. $225-$245. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Vacation Bible school: 9:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26, Presbyterian Church of Palatine, Palatine Road at Rohlwing Road. For kids 4 years old to those entering sixth grade. To register, pcop.us or call (847) 358-4650.

VBS: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26, St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Evening vacation Bible school will be offered from for children age 3 through fifth grade. $5 per child. (847) 998-1946 or stphilip.info.

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

Noonie Time: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday June 24, Community Recreation Center Outdoor Theatre, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Free children's entertainment featuring Jim Jensen and his Amazing Animal Show. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch. Lunch will also be available for an additional fee. Groups and camps are welcome. (847) 490-7020 or visit www.parkfun.com.

Magic, Music and Mayhem concert series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, Munao Fountain Plaza, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, routes 72 and 59, South Barrington. AC Rock performs. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 17, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits the volcanoes of Hawaii. Paint your own volcano and create an eruption with household ingredients. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

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.

Vacation Bible school: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-17, Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine. Register now for Son Rock Kids Camp Vacation Bible school for ages 3 through sixth grade. Register before Friday, June 26. (847) 358-4600.

Vacation Bible school: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26, Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. Roman Marketplace program. $25 per child. (847) 836-5540 or BarringtonUMC.com.

June 29

Talent Show: 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Kids in grades one-eight can show off thier special talents. Sing, dance, tell jokes, play an instrument or do magic tricks, the possibilities are endless. Everyone is invited to come and watch the performance. Register at (847) 259-6050.

June 30

Vacation Bible school: SonRock Kids Camp VBS will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon July 13-17 at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Program are offered for kindergarten through sixth grade Monday through Friday and for 3-year-olds Tuesday and Thursday and for 4-year-olds Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Registration deadline is June 30. Suggest donation: $25 per child. Friday night program will be at 7 p.m. (847) 359-1345, fumcpalatine.org.

July 1

Noonie Time: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday July 1, Community Recreation Center Outdoor Theatre, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Free children's entertainment featuring Little Nashville, knee-slappin', foot-stompin' musical entertainment. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch. Lunch will also be available for an additional fee. Groups and camps are welcome. (847) 490-7020 or visit www.parkfun.com.

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 17, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits America's first successful lending library founded by Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania. Create a book with space to hold a secret treasure. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

July 8

Noonie Time: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday July 8, Community Recreation Center Outdoor Theatre, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Free children's entertainment featuring Samantha's Amazing Animals. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch. Lunch will also be available for an additional fee. Groups and camps are welcome. (847) 490-7020 or visit www.parkfun.com.

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 8, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits California's Gold Rush. Explore California's gold rush heritage by making your own "fool's gold." For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

July 12

Vacation Bible school: From Sunday, July 12, to Thursday, July 16, children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to attend "Wildwood Forest" Vacation Bible school at Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road in Elk Grove Village. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. the kids will be exploring the awesome nature of God, playing games, singing, enjoying crafts, snacks and drama. Admission is free; however, the children will have the opportunity to give toward Camp Ray Bird, a camp for underprivileged, inner-city children. Register at www.elkgrovebaptistchurch.org or call (847) 593-8337.

July 15

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 15, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Decorate a bowl make from an old record and learn how to use a record player. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

July 20

Vacation Bible school: Kids ages 3 years through fifth grade are invited to attend Crocodile Dock VBS. There is no cost for admission. This VBS will be held the week of 10 a.m. to noon July 20-24 at Grace Community Church, 431 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Contact Gia Miller at (847) 776-1900 or gia.miller@aboutgrace.com to register.

Lifeguarding Certification course: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, July 20-Friday, July 24; South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Ages 15 and up will prepare to become a lifeguard at this American Red Cross aquatic facility. Upon completion of the 40 hours, the student will hold a current CPR for the Professional rescuer card, a Life Guard/First Aid card and an AED card. $225-$245. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

July 22

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 22, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits the armadillos of Texas. Make a paper version of this unique critter. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

July 29

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 29, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits Indiana's race cars. Make a miniature race car and see how fast it will go. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

Aug. 3

Lifeguarding Certification course: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3-Friday, Aug. 7; South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Ages 15 and up will prepare to become a lifeguard at this American Red Cross aquatic facility. Upon completion of the 40 hours, the student will hold a current CPR for the Professional rescuer card, a Life Guard/First Aid card and an AED card. $225-$245. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Aug. 5

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 5, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits the tornado tubes of Oklahoma. Get up close with a tornado by making one in a plastic tube. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.

Aug. 19

Adventures program at the History Center: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 19, Visitor Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. "United States Road Trip," visits the Northern Lights of Alaska. Create your own version of the colorful lights ween in the Alaskan skies by marbleizing paper and making it glow. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-539 or desplaineshistory.org.