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.

Palatine Parks: The Palatine Park District is now taking registration for a variety of winter programs at the new Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road, which will open Monday, Jan. 4, with the Grand Opening Wednesday, Jan. 9. Winter programs include classes for children and adults, fitness, dance and athletics. For information, visit palatineparks.org/falconprograms.html.

Dec. 21

First Aid for Little People: 2-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 1-3 can learn basic first aid skills and make a personal first aid kit to take home. No registration required; tickets given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Movie on the big screen: 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. A team of trained secret agent guinea pigs work for a government agency. (Rated PG- 88 minutes) (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

Winter Break Camp: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays Monday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 30, Ahlstrand Fieldhouse, 6900 Catalpa Road, Hanover Park. Sign up for a full or half-day. $16-$24 per day. Open to children in grades kindergarten-sixth grade. (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Winter Break Camp: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21-Wednedsay, Dec. 23; and Monday, Dec. 28-Wednesday, Dec. 30, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Ages 6-12. $41-$61. (847) 490-7020.

Spring Valley Winter Break Camp: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Ages 7-10 learn about winter ecology. Activities include tracking animals, looking for birds, learning about snow, snowshoeing and more. $54-$65. (847) 985-2100.

Winter Break activities: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Drop-in and make a colorful winter wreath featuring cutout mitten shapes. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Dec. 22

Graeme and Catherine Thomson: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Join Graeme and Catherine Thomson of HL Games and play board and card games that focus on a combination of entertainment and education. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Lunch with Santa: 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. seatings Tuesday, Dec. 22, Village Tavern, Long Grove. Reservations needed. (847) 634-3117.

Beauty and the Beast: 1-1:40 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. The tale of "Beauty and the Beast" performed by a puppeteer and string puppets from Roberts Marionettes. For ages 3 and up. No registration required; tickets given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Nintendo Wii Game On: 1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22 and 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Teens can play Wii games including "Guitar Hero" and "Super Smash Bros. Brawl." To register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Candy Cane hunt: 2-3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, Community Center Dance studio, 19019 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Candy cane hunt, hot chocolate, cookies, craft. For ages 11/2-10. $4-$6. For information/registration, call (630) 837-2468 or hppark.org.

Gamin' Eve Bash: GameWorks, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Schaumburg Park District and GameWorks host event for teens 11-15 years that includes unlimited play on 220 interactive and virtual games, food buffet, soft drinks, music and dancing. Lock-in event, District 54 dress code applies. $35 before Tuesday, Dec. 22. 847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.

Dec. 23

Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 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.

Pictionary and Pizza: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For grades 3-6. The library will provide the lunch and drink. Space is limited. No registration required; tickets given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Create a Craft: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Drop in and create a craft. Children under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult. To register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Guitar Hero, Rock Band: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 29, Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Play on the big screen, sign up as a band or an individual. Prizes awarded to winners. For grades six-eight. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Dec. 24

Photos with Santa: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, through Thursday, Dec. 24, the Santa Village at Northbrook Court, lower level near Neiman Marcus. Children visiting will receive a free coloring and autograph book.

Dec. 28

Lapsit: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime with their parents. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Dec. 29

Teddy Bear Tea Party: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Bring your Teddy bear or other favorite stuffed toy to hear stories an enjoy treats. Parents and grandparents are also welcome. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Falcon Park Neighborhood Welcome: Noon-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road, Palatine. Come see the new facility and preview some programs including free drop-in basketball, volleyball and soccer and free use of the track. For information, (847) 202-5111.

"The Art of Railroads": 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Registration required. $3 adults; free for children 12 and under. Celebrate the railroad heritage of Des Plaines and the United States with Janet Thompson and William Grice III. Program for families includes photos, poems, paintings, more. Registration required. For information, call (847) 391-5399 or desplaineshistory.org.

Hodge Podge Crafts: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 29, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Drop in between 10-11:30 a.m. and make a craft from the library's leftover materials. For 3-year-olds to fifth graders. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Create a Craft: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Drop in and create a craft. Children under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult. To register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Nintendo Wii Game On: 1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Teens can play Wii games including "Guitar Hero" and "Super Smash Bros. Brawl." To register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Dec. 30

Winter Break activity: Noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Lean hose to make a snowman without any snow. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

New Year's Eve Party: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, Community Center Dance studio, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Pizza, juice and dessert, games, prizes. Open to children in grades kindergarten-six. $8-$12. To register, (630) 837-2468 or hppark.org.

Dec. 31

Almost New Year's: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Dec. 31, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Children ages 406 play games, make party favors and celebrate 2010. Register at (847) 506-2620 or ahml.info.

CD Clocks for Teens: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can decorate old CDs and assemble a CD clock. $3 kit fee. Space is limited. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

New Year's Eve Party: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 31, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Children are invited to an early New Year's Eve party. Make a craft, play games, make some resolutions and have snacks. This program is most appropriate for children between the ages of 5-10 years. No registration required. Tickets given out 30 min. before program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Jan. 4

Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can enjoy a new Anime movie or series and Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Jan. 6

Legos at the Library: 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Feb. 3, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Build something related to a book-based theme or make whatever you want. Snacks provided. Ages 6 and up. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

Jan. 7

After school crafts: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Ages 6 and up make cool crafts after school. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055.

Jan. 9

Enchanted Kingdom Puppet Show: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A variety of characters from various fairy tales will appear. For ages 4-12. Tickets given out 30 minutes before program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Jan. 10

Chess Tournament: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Indian Trails Public Library partners with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation for their second annual chess tournament. All play levels welcome; for first-graders and older. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Jan. 11

Improving Grades: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Learn to use the library to ge better grades, improve test scores and have more fun while learning. Register at (847) 923-4437.

Jan. 15

Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

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.

Jan. 30

Mysteries of the Spellbinder: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Magician Walter King Jr. will perform state-of-the-art illusions for participants in the winter reading program. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Feb. 3

Legos at the Library: 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Build something related to a book-based theme or make whatever you want. Snacks provided. Ages 6 and up. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.

Feb. 10

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

March 2

JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.

undated

Salt Creek Park District preschool: The Salt Creek Park District offers preschool for children, who turned 3 after Sept. 1. If you child is potty-trained three and four day programs are available. Call (847) 259-6890 for information.

Schaumburg High preschool openings: Schaumburg High School has several openings available during the 12:15-1:45 p.m. session of preschool. The preschool meets Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from early February until late May. Children must te 31/2-5 years old, toilet-trained and current immunization records must be provided. $100, plus a $25 registration fee. Call Emily Wydra at (847) 755-4736.

Teen Center Des Plaines: The Des Plaines Teen Center and Game Room are open 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. For a schedule of special events or information, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Education registration: Congregation Kneseth Israel is now taking registration for the new school year. Torah school for pre-K-high school, adult education classes and an award-winning youth program 6-12 are offered. The synagogue is at 330 Division St., Elgin. For information, contact the synagogue office, (847) 741-5656 or visit the Web site, www.ckielgin.org.

Help for preschool: A free or reduced tuition program for families with unemployed parents is being offered by Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W, Michigan Ave. in Palatine. A family with one unemployed parent will be offered half price tuition; if both parents are unemployed, the child will receive free tuition. This will remain in effect for as long as is necessary. This will allow the child a chance for fun and to be in a nurturing environment. It will allow the parents a chance to go on interviews, actively job search and some time to relax. Unemployment brings an extremely stressful environment for families, this will allow for break. The tuition relief is available for all preschool programs, including the afternoon KinderClub. In addition, free or reduced tuition is available to military families. Those deployed in the states will be offered half tuition rates; those deployed overseas, free. For more information, contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

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.

Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third - fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth - eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For more details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Creative Corners Preschool registration: Registration is in progress for the Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool 3-year and 4-5-year classes at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplaineparks.org.

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, Elk Grove Village, 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.