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.

Buffalo Grove Fourth of July fireworks: 7 p.m. concert, 9:15 p.m. Satruday, July 4, Can be seen from the Rotary Village Green on Buffalo Grove Road, Willow Stream Park, and the Buffalo Grove Golf Course, Buffalo Grove. In conjunction with a concert of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. vbg.org.

Libertyville Fourth of July Fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Satruday, July 4, Butler Lake, Libertyville. The Village Band performs a special concert of patriotic music and other favorites. Fireworks at dusk. Free. or www.libertyville.com.

Wheeling Fourth of July fireworks: Around 9:30 p.m. Satruday, July 4 Behind the Wheeling Fire Station near Heritage Park and the Community Recreation Center, 255 W. Dundee Road. (847) 459-2600 or www.vi.wheeling.il.us.

Lincolnshire July 4 parade: 11 a.m. Satruday, July 4, From Sprague School to Spring Lake Park, Lincolnshire. (847) 883-8600 or village.lincolnshire.il.us.

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.

Queen of the Rosary preschool: Queen of the Rosary School is currently accepting registration for its 3- and 4-year-old preschool program. For information, to schedule a visit, or to register, call Claudia, (847) 437-3322.

June 29

Parents Who Care open gym: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, June 29, 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.

Talent Show: 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Kids in grades one-eight can show off their 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.

Bug Houses: 7-8 p.m. Monday, June 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Build a house for bugs like butterflies or crickets using simple craft materials. Families are welcome; younger children may require additional assistance. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Talent Show: 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Singing, dancing, more. (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.

Red Cross Babysitting clinic: Sign up beginning Wednesday, July 1 for the Aug. 12 Red Cross Babysitting Clinic being held at the Mount Prospect Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Session covers basic child care, emergency action, first aid and more. $15. Register in person at the library's registration desk.

Jewish War Veterans picnic: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, Half-Day Forest Preserve, Shelter C. White Oak on Milwaukee Ave., north of Route 45. Hosted by the Jewish Ware Veterans of the U.S.A., Buffalo Grove Post and Auxiliary #89. Bring your own food and a dish to share. R.S.V.P to Ruth (847) 821-7322 before Wednesday, July 1.

July 3

Fourth of July pool party: 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, July 3, Meineke Pool, Schaumburg. Games, music, prizes, fun. $15. Register at (847) 985-2143 or parkfun.com.

Family Ice Cream Social: Friday, July 3, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Music, swimming, games, ice cream. $5 in advance. All ages. Register at (847) 506-7142.

July 4

Pancake breakfast: 8-11 a.m. breakfast; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. bingo, St. Joseph the Worker Church, 181 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. The Knights of Columbus sponsor a pancake breakfast and bingo in conjunction with the Wheeling Fourth of July Festivities. Bingo proceeds benefit the Wheeling Senior Center. Dave, (847) 537-3094.

July 6

Pom camps: Ages 9-11 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 9-11; Ages 12 and up 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays July 6-July 23, Lions Park dance studio, Mount Prospect. Develop and improve skills needed for pom dance teams. $55-$60. Register at mppd.org or at any Mount Prospect Park District facility.

Adventure Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, July 6-Friday, July 17, Lake Park, Des Plaines. Ages 9-14 enjoy trips to water park, baseball games, zoos, movies, entertainments centers, more. $153-$192. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Camp Chickagami: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, July 6-Friday, July 10, Lake Park, Des Plaines. Ages 6-12 swim, play sports and games, fish, boat, make crafts, and enjoy field trips. $108-$135. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Arndt Park Adventure Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday July 6-Friday, July 10, Arndt Park, White Street and Howard Ave., Des Plaines. Ages 6012 enjoy sports, games, crafts, outdoor play and tow walking field trips. $63-$78. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Camp Pioneer: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, July 6-Friday, July 17, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaiens. Ages 3-5 enjoy nature study, crafts, sports, games, singing, theme days, more. $96-$120. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Nature Camp: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, July 6-Friday, July 17, Cumberland Terrace, 448 S. Warrington Road, Des Plaines. Ages 6-10 learn about nature, identify birds, bugs and plants do science experiments, more. $144-$174. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Kids First Cheerleading Camp: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, July 20-Friday, July 24, Algonquin Middle School, Des Plaines. Ages 6-14 will learn fundamentals and competitive drills. $122-$183. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

July 7

Just Entertain Me! Children's Music Series: Lunchtime, Tuesday, July 7, North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Children's music series. Free.

Vacation Bible School: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, July 7, First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines. For children 3 years through fifth grade. (847) 827-5561 or fumcdp.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 9

Read to Rover: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 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.

July 10

Teen gaming: 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can play video, board, and card games. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.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 14

Just Entertain Me! Children's Music Series: Lunchtime, Tuesday, July 14, North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Children's music series. Free.

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 17

Family Ice Cream Social: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Dance Troup performs at 6 p.m. followed by the Juke Box Band from 7-8:30 p.m. No registration required. Cost $3 per sundae. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

July 19

Meineke Mini Carnival: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Games, prizes, music, crafts, moon bounce inflatables, carnival games, more. For ages 4-10. $4-$6 per child; parents free. Day of registration $5-$7. Register at (847) 490-7020.

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 21

Just Entertain Me! Children's Music Series: Lunchtime, Tuesday, July 21, North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Children's music series. Free.

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 24

Barbie Beach Party: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, Bock Pool, 1223 W. Sharon Lane, Schaumburg. Children ages 4-6 bring your favorite Barbie and your swimsuit for a night of games, crafts, ice cream and swimming. $10-$12. Parent required to attend. Register at (847) 490-7036 or parkfun.com

Atcher Luau: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, Atcher Island Water Park, 730 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, DJ, swimming, water park. $10-$15 includes lei, hot dogs, chips, and drink. Register at (847) 490-7015 or parkfun.com.

July 28

Just Entertain Me! Children's Music Series: Lunchtime, Tuesday, July 28, North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Children's music series. Free.

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. 7

Flick and float Night: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Bock Pool, 1223 W. Sharon Lane, Schaumburg. Games, music, prizes, more. $15. Register at (847) 490-7036 or parkfun.com

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.

undated

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.

Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Classes are available for children ages 2-6. Noah's Ark is a ministry of Barrington United Methodist Church. Call (847) 844-3738 for more information.