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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Nov. 9

Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Nov. 9, 16 and 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children under 3 and caregivers can stop by to meet with other families and share a variety of toys and books. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. VAPLD cardholders only. No registration required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Lapsit: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months and their parents can enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Nov. 10

Storytime: 10:15-10:45 a.m. or 1:15-1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 10 and 17, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Stories, simple craft, fun for ages 3-5 without parents. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

Family Storytime: 7:15-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays Nov. 10, and 17, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Stories, simple craft for ages 3-5, but siblings and caregivers are invited to participate. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

39 Clues: Bonjour, France: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Follow in the footsteps s of the first book in the best-selling mystery series "39 Clues." Taste a chocolate croissant, lean some French phrases, exchange trading cards, and do a little sleuthing. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Toddler Yoga: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Ages 2-5 learn how to pose like a tree, bear, dog and more. Registration required, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonlibrary.org.

Nov. 11

Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 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.

Leisure Lizards: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Supervised fun day for grades K-eight. Gym sports, games, bingo, baggo, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, more. $23-$29. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Krusin' Kids: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Fun trip for grades two-eight to Enchanted Castle. Lunch provided. $34-$43. For information packet, (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Learn About Veterans Day: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Explore the holiday through stories and a craft. For kindergartners through fifth graders. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Nov. 12

Puppy Dog Tales: 10:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, Nov. 12, and 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Boks, songs, games and a simple craft for ages 2-3 with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

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.

Holy Family Academy open house: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. All families interested in 2-year-old preschool through eighth grade are invited to attend. For information, call Heidi Rooney, (847) 907-3461 or holyfamilycatholicacademy.net.

Read to Rover: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-5 can sign up at the Ask Here desk on the first floor for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with a dog. No parents or siblings in the room during the session. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Nov. 13

The Cradle Will Rock: 10:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Nov. 13, and 20, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin lane, Rolling Meadows. Books, music, songs and finger plays. Ages 6-23 months with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

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

Fantastic Friday: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Gym sports, games room access, arts and crafts, board games, Baggo, outdoor play, movies for ages 5-12. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Drum Circle: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will have a Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument or they will be provided, and experience an amazing change in consciousness and personal vibration. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with self and with each other. All are welcome.

Bean Bag Turkey Tournament: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Community Center Gym, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Tournament winners will take home a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Doubles tournament and the age category is determined by the younger player on the team, all ages welcome. Must register before Friday, Nov. 13. Call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Comic Book Day: 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Comic book writer Russell Lissau teachers young writers how to make their own comic books using paper, rulers and drawing materials of choice. Grades four-eight. No registration required. (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

Shichi Go San-Japanese Celebration of Childhood: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13 Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Ages 3-7 discover Japanese culture, see stories on a kamishibai and create a craft. Registration required, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonlibrary.org.

Nov. 14

Middle School drop-in: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades six-eight include dodgeball, basketball, music and dancing, volleyball, Karaoke, Guitar Hero, more. Pizza and pop for sale. $7 at the door, (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Lego Club: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Intergenerational experience for friends, neighbors, children and adults to join in creativity and play. Enter the church though the doors a the top of the ramp on the south side of the church. Free. (847) 259-4839.

Guitar Hero Tournament: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Compete in a Guitar Hero tournament with prizes for the top competitors in each skill level. Register at, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

Chess Workshops with CheckMates: Beginner 9:30-10:30 a.m., intermediate and advanced 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 14, 21 and 28, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 1-8 can learn chess through physical activities and game play. Participants are invited to a tournament on Dec. 19. Participants should attend all three sessions. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Charlotte's Web: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A live theater performance of "Charlotte's Web" appropriate for kindergartners through fifth graders. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Pictures with Santa Claus: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.

Nov. 15

Teen Yoga and Yogurt: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can start out with lessons on improving balance, flexibility and core and muscle strength, then enjoy nutritional yogurt smoothies. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Nov. 16

Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Nov. 16 and 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children under 3 and caregivers can stop by to meet with other families and share a variety of toys and books. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. VAPLD cardholders only. No registration required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Anime club: 4-5:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 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.

Nov. 17

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart open house: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 760 W. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest. Parents and their daughters are invited to learn about Woodlands. Includes presentations by faculty members and student leaders, tours of the campus. (847) 234-4300.

Scratch Programming: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 or 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 6-8 can create an animated character or video game with Scratch, a free program designed by MIT. Space is limited. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Nov. 18

Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 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.

Holiday Cookies and Cupcakes: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Pastry chef Rosemary Deneen of Food-is-Fun! demonstrates the basics of decorating holiday cookies and cupcakes and shares her recipes. For adults, youth adults and teens. To register, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

Nov. 19

Puppy Dog Tales: 10:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Boks, songs, games and a simple craft for ages 2-3 with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

Babysitter's Training course: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays Nov. 19, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on activities, video, role-plays and 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.

Real Men Read: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Schaumburg Township District Library Youth Services classroom, 130 S. Roselle Road. Children ages 5-14, accompanied by fathers, grandfather, uncles or adult brothers, may bring their favorite book and read aloud.

Nov. 20

The Cradle Will Rock: 10:30-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin lane, Rolling Meadows. Books, music, songs and finger plays. Ages 6-23 months with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

Family Christmas Party: Registration deadline Friday, Nov. 20. 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Avalon Banquets,1905 Higgins Road, Elk Grove. Elk Grove Village Italian Sister City Organization invites families and friends to a party; Santa will be there to distribute gifts that guests bring for their children (write the child's name on the gift). $30 for adults, $15 for children 3-8, free for children under 3. For tickets, call (847) 734-9800.

Nov. 21

Pictures with Santa Claus: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.

Teen Bollywood Dancing: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can learn steps of and participate in Bollywood dances. Wear comfortable and colorful clothes. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Meet the Berenstain Bears: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. See a performance of "The Berenstain Bears" and meet the cast in the lobby after the show. For tickets, (847) 291-2367 or northbrooktheatre.com.

Nov. 22

Pictures with Santa Claus: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.

Nov. 23

Drumming circle: In honor of International Drum Month, Native American Heritage Month and upcoming Thanksgiving, enjoy a Drumming Circle at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski will present "Drumming Circles-The Rhythm of Life." Learn the history, religious use and culture of exotic drums from around the world, and experience firsthand how playing these drums releases stress, promotes creativity and self-expression. Instruments are provides and all ages are welcome. This is free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Contact (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.

Nov. 24

Scratch Programming: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 6-8 can create an animated character or video game with Scratch, a free program designed by MIT. Space is limited. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Nov. 25

Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 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.

Movie on the big screen: 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Comedy adventure about a 78-year-old balloon salesman, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure. Rated PG, 96 minutes. No registration required.

Nov. 28

Gamer's Glory-open play: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Board, card and video games provided for play. (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

Nov. 30

Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children under 3 and caregivers can stop by to meet with other families and share a variety of toys and books. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. VAPLD cardholders only. No registration required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Dec. 2

Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Mary Edsey, native Chicagoan and author of "The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland," takes a look at area holiday displays from the traditional to the incredible from downtown Chicago to the southernmost boonies. For adults and young adults. To register, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

Dec. 4

Pictures with Santa Claus: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.

Dec. 8

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.

Dec. 11

Holiday movie night: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, Meineke Recreation Center, Schaumburg. For grades five and six. $11 includes soda, popcorn and sweet treat. (847) 985-2143 or parkfun.com

Dec. 12

Cookie Walk/Living Nativity: Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, will sponsor two events on Saturday Dec. 12. A Cookie Walk will be held from 9-11 a.m. The cost of cookies is $9/pound. The Living Nativity will be held at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. (847) 397-4372.

Dec. 19

Breakfast with Santa: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Bartlett Park District Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Pancake breakfast, holiday crafts, visit with Santa. For ages 2-8 with paid/registered adult. $12-$16 adults; $10-$14 per child. (630) 540-4834.

'Winter Tales': 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Culturally diverse blend of old and new folk tales for children with Roscoe the Elf and a magical reindeer dance. $5. For tickets, (847) 202-5222 or palatineparks.org/box office.

Jan. 20

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.

Feb. 10

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.