NW suburban family calendar
Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Deadline is two weeks before event date.
Oct. 12
Dental Assisting information session: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. ECC representatives share information about the Dental Assisting program's educational options, entrance requirements and admission processes. To register, (847) 214-7385 or elgin.edu/schedulevisit.
Bowling Party-Days off Club: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Ahlstrand Fieldhouse, 6900 Catalpa Road, Hanover Park. Kids K-sixth grade take a field trip to go bowling. Fames, activities Wii, pizza lunch and more. $30-$45. (630) 837-2468.
Ventriloquist Check Field: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Register at (847) 391-0100 or ahml.info.
The Magic of Duck Soup: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 12, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. A magic show with illusions such as the Broomstick Suspension and Metamorphosis. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Rick Kelley: 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12., Hoffman Estates Branch Library, 1550 Hassell Road. Award-winning entertainer presents two free children's shows that channels children's energy in a positive, fun and sometimes silly way. (847)-781-2606.
History Center Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Des Plaines History Center Visitors Center, 781 Pearson St. Scavenger hunt around downtown Des Plaines. Prizes. Adults must accompany children. $1 for nonmembers. (847) 391-5399.
Oct. 13
Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Friendly high school students help grades one-eight with homework. (847) 259-3500.
Read to Rover: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Children in grades two-five can experience reading to special therapy dogs. To reserve a 15-minute reading slot, register in person at the Reader Assistance Desk with a valid district card. (847) 358-5881 or platinelibrary.org.
Radiography information session: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive. ECC representatives share information about the Radiography program's educational options, entrance requirements and admission processes. To register, (847) 214-7385 or elgin.edu/schedulevisit.
Cooking with Chef Michelle: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Congregation Beth Judea, Rout 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Teen Youth groups join Chef Michelle for a night of cooking. All youth welcome. $10 for nonmembers. Call Aaron, (847) 634-0777.
Parent lecture and discussion: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School, 9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling. Jessie Maag presents, "The Developing Will: From Pregnancy to Adolescence. How to Avoid/Work Through Power Struggles and Tantrums and Help Your Child Achieve Self-Discipline." $10 per family. (847) 850-5490.
Blackhawk Duncan Keith at Meijer's: 5-7p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 1301 Meijer Drive, Rolling Meadows. Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith makes a special appearance to promote healthy living through a cooking workshop with Meijer healthy living advisor Maribel Cabrales.
Oct. 14
Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. For information, call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.
Career Night: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Rolling Meadows High School. Careers in arts and communication/human services will be highlighted. For information, call Krista Paul, (847) 718-7947.
Oct. 15
Guitar Hero tournament: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, South Barrington Community Center. South Barrington Park District Guitar Hero Tournament for kids in middle and high school. Prizes, refreshments. $5 per person. Register before Thursday, Oct. 15 at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Pumpkin Splash: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Community Recreation Center Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Ages 3-12 enjoy pool pumpkin picking, DJ entertainment, refreshments and pumpkin decorating. $11-$16. To register, (847) 490-7020.
Oct. 16
Little Limelight Cafe: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Tripp School, 850 Highland Grove Drive, Buffalo Grove. Students in grades 2-8 will perform. Acts can be instrumental or vocal, dance, solos, duets or small groups. Visit vbg.org.
Where the Wild Things Are: 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Ages 508 celebrate this famous picture book with a scavenger hunt and craft. To register, (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.
Oct. 17
Toddler Art: 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Art program for ages 2-3 explores the ways young children use their hands as creative tools. Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info. Dress to get messy.
Community Pumpkin Fest: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Community Protestant Church UCC, 418 N. Prairie Ave., Mundelein. For children 12 and under. Carve and decorate pumpkin, snacks, contest. (847) 566-4000.
Methodist Campground walking tour: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Des Plaines. Staffer Ray Hund leads guests on a historic walking tour of the grounds. Lean the history, see historic buildings. $5-$10. Reservations to (847) 391-5399.
Barrington Roundup family fest: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Barns of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington. Family activities, refreshments, see the Roundup horses before auction. (847) 382-8778.
Barrington Scarecrow Festival: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Memorial Park, downtown Barrington. Free festival features pony rides, pumpkin and cookie decorating, games, moonwalk, slide, food, scarecrow building. barrington-il.gov.
Fall Festival: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Olmstead Nature Shack, 920 Cypress Lane, Elk Grove Village. Roast marshmallows, sing songs, search for plastic pumpkins, craft, hayride, more. $10 for children; adults free with paying child. (847) 437-9494.
Studio Spooktacular: 9:30-11:30 a.m. ages 4-6; 1-3 p.m. ages 7-11, Saturday, Oct. 17, The Studio, 1326 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Halloween crafts for boys and girls. $22-$27. (847) 640-1000.
Hoffman Estates Pumpkin Fest: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Sunderlage Farmhouse, corner of Vista Lane and Volid Drive, Hoffman Estates. Village of Hoffman Estates Historical Sites Commission hosts. $2 fee includes a pumpkin, acrylic paint for decorating and refreshments. (847)-781-2606.
Oct. 18
Family Relay Challenge: Sunday, Oct. 18, Ruth Macintyre Conservation Area, Schaumburg. Family Relay requires teams of two family members, one must be in fifth or sixth grade and the other must be a family member 13 or older. Course is one mile. $15-$20. Register with Jennie, (847) 490-7015 or parkfun.com.
Meet comic book artist: 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Gene Ha, the graphic artist behind the comic book "Top Ten," gives tips and techniques for drawing comics. To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.
Pumpkin sale: 9 a.m.-dusk Monday-Saturday; noon-dusk Sundays through October, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Proceeds benefit youth mission trip to Haiti.
Oct. 19
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can watch a new Anime movie or series and enjoy Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Oct. 20
Career Discovery: 1-3 p.m. 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive. Two-hour workshop for individuals seeking assistance with career planning. $5. (847) 214-7399.
Oct. 21
Preschoolers sing with Mickey Mouse: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, Woodfield Mall's Comcast Connections Court. Kids sing, karaoke-style, to one of their favorite Disney standards. Selected children will sing as a group on the Rosemont Theatre stage before the 6:30 p.m. opening of the Road Show Oct. 23; all auditioners will get one free ticket. (773) 250-7677 or shopwoodfield.com.
Beautiful Bats: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Lean about the world of bats from the Flying Fox Conservation Team. For children through grade eight. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info.
Home-school program: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. "Day of the Dead." Families hear a short presentation about the holiday and make a colorful skeleton-themed shadow box called a nicho. Reservations required, (847) 391-5399. desplaineshistory.org.
Database Demo: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Grades 7-12 learn how to access library databases. Register with a valid district card at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
Calling all princesses: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Community Center Dance Studio, 1919 Walnur Ave., Hanover Park. Girls ages 3-7 are welcome with an adult to a dancing princess tea party. Includes refreshments, craft, music and surprises. Proceeds benefit the Hanover Park School of Dance Company Allegro costume collection. $14 per couple. Register before Wednesday, Oct. 21 at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Oct. 22
Boo 2U Fest: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Fifth and sixth grade students experience a variety of entertaining activities including a DJ, games, snacks, haunted house, more. Come in costume and receive a gift. Register before 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. $13-$19. (847) 490-7020.
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, South Barrington Community Center, for a mystery trip. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Lunch included. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Babysitter's Training course: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 22, Nov. 5 and Nov. 19, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on activities, video, role-playsand discussions will teach you to be the best babbysitter. Receive Babysitter's Training certificate from the American Red Cross upon completion. For ages 11-15. $65-$75. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Halloween Hose Decorating Tour: 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Schaumburg. Travel around Schaumburg to visit and judge about 15 houses entered in the Halloween House Decorating Contest. Register before 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. $5-$7. (847) 490-7020.
Wizard Rock Concert: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. "Wrock" out to Harry Potter-style music played by Chicago-based bands Dreary Inferi and Diagon Alley. Wear your favorite Hogwarts attire. Free. Teens register with a valid district card at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.
Oct. 23
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, South Barrington Community Center, for a trip to ESPN Zone. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Lunch and game card included. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Fall Carnival: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, South Barrington Community Center. Family Halloween event for all ages includes carnival type games of skill, movie, popcorn, lemonade. $3 per person includes 10 game tickets. Additional game tickets five for $1. Registration required before Friday Oct 16 to (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Halloween Spooktacular: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, St. Anne School cafeteria, 1 Bridlewood Trail, South Barrington. Pumpkin and cookie decorating, carnival games, costume contest at 7:15 p.m., no masks or weapons allowed. Free, open to St. Anne School families. (847) 304-8651.
A Haunting in the Valley: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, Spring Valley Nature Center, 111 E. Schaumburg Road. Twisting trails hold mystery, adventure and surprises, wagon rides, bonfire, Halloween activities, refreshments. $5. To register, (847) 490-7020.
Trunk or Treat: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, village of Arlington Heights Public Works building: 222 N. Ridge Ave. Trick or treat from cars sponsored by business and organizations, games, jump inflatables, demonstrations, arts and craft project, refreshments. Come in costume, parents must accompany children. For ages 3-10. $5. Call Laura, (847) 577-3000.
Oct. 24
Model Search and Baby contest: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Golf Mill Shopping Center. Miss Sunburst Model Search and Baby Contest. Baby pageant for boys and girls through age 3; model search for girls ages 4-27. For information, pageantinfo.com.
Wii Teen Gaming Fest: 204 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Wii games, all skill levels welcome. Register at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
Preschool Halloween Spooktacular: 1-2:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Road, Arlington Heights. Wear a costume to trick or treat in the park, play games, crafts, treats. Adult must accompany children. Ages 306. $12-$17.50. Register at (847) 577-3000 or ahpd.org.
Family hay ride: 5-6 and 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Community Center Church Street entrance, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Enjoy the scenery, hot cider and a story on this hayride. $2 nonresidents. (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Howlin' Halloween Fest: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Lions Recreation Center, 411 S. Maple, Mount Prospect. For ages 3-8. Arcade of kids games, hayride, face painters, train, live entertainment, craft and pumpkin patch. Wear a costume. $4 per child; adults free. (847) 632-9333.
Spooky Skating Special: Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, Central Community Center, 1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. $1 off regular fee. Wear a costume.
Oct. 25
Family concert: Dan Nichols, one of the most popular and influential Jewish musicians in North America, presents a family concert at 3 p.m., Sun., Oct. 25, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. This concert is open to the community at no charge.
Turkey dinner: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook. Turkey, potatoes, dressing, vegetable, coleslaw, cranberries, rolls, dessert and beverage. $15 adults; $5 children 3-12. For tickets, (847) 272-2246.
Oct. 27
Halloween Happenings: 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 27, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. The Puppet Place presents "Hansel and Gretel." for children through eighth grade. Dress in Halloween costume for a parade through the library. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info.
Dancing through the Decades: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, Beth Judea Youth Lounge, Route 83 and Hilltop roads, Long Grove. Teen dance through the decades dressed in clothes from their favorite decade. Free for members; $10 nonmembers. All invited. Aaron, (847) 634-0777.
Oct. 29
Career Night: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Prospect High School. Careers in health and natural resources will be highlighted. For information, call Krista Paul, (847) 718-7947.
Parenting Teenagers: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 10, Spectrum Youth and Family Services, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Guided discussion and support for parents who reside in Schaumburg Township and have children ages 10-18. $25 per parent or couple. Register at (847) 884-6212.
Halloween Party: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Community Center activity room, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Ages 9 and under enjoy creepy games, crafts, prizes, mini pumpkin hunt, snacks. $4-$8. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Oct. 30
Halloween Fest: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Elk Grove Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Hot dog meal, stories, games, family costume parade, pumpkin decorating, crafts, hayride. $5 per child; $4 adults before Thursday, Oct. 29. $10 per child; $8 adults at the door. (847) 437-9494 or elkgroveparks.org.
Oct. 31
Halloween Party: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St. Palatine. Palatine Park District host Halloween party for ages 1-10. Games, goodies, crafts, puppet show, Jim Nesci and his cold blooded creatures. $5-$7. Register at (847) 991-0333 or platineparks.org.
Scary Silly Stories: 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Chris Fascione acts out fun and family-friendly Halloween stories for all ages. To register, (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.
Trick or Treat at Victory Centre: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Bring your children to trick or treat at Bartlett Victory Centre. (630) 213-0100.
Halloween Boonanza: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Schaumburg. Children ages 1-14 enjoy carnival-type atmosphere with hay rides, prizes, candy, crafts, trick-or-treat in Safety Park, games, entertainment, moonwalk more. $6 per person. To register, (847) 490-7020.
Trick or Treat at Golf Mill: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Golf Mill Shopping Center, Golf Road and Milwaukee Ave., Niles. (847) 699-1070.
Halloween Party: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31, Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. Gym time, games, goodies, crafts, entertainment for ages 1-10 hosted by the Palatine Park District. $5-$6. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Nov. 6
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, South Barrington Community Center, for a trip to Navy Pier which includes a scenic boat cruise. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Bring money for lunch. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Nov. 12
Career Night: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Rolling Meadows High School. Careers engineering/industrial technology/business and computers will be highlighted. For information, call Krista Paul, (847) 718-7947.
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.
Nov. 13
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, South Barrington Community Center, for a scavenger hunt and movie. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Lunch included. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Harvest Party: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Hay ride, games, DJ and food for children in grades five and six. $13. (847) 985-2143 or parkfun.com