Lake County 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. Deadline is two weeks before event date.
Feb. 1
Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens in sixth through 12th grade can enjoy a new Anime movie or series and Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Grayslake Cooperative Nursery School: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, GCNS at the Shops of Prairie Crossing, 960 Harris Road, Suite 1B, Grayslake. Grayslake Cooperative Nursery School will hold an open house, at which parents may register for the 2010-11 school-year. GCNS offers two-, three- and five-day options for children ages 2-5. To request registration materials, call (847) 223-9820.
Love and Logic Parenting: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 1 to March 15, Warren Township Youth and Family Services, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee. Program introduces parents to the L&L approach to parenting children ages birth to 12. $15 per couple for Warren Township residents; $60 for nonresidents.
Feb. 2
Storytimes: 10 a.m., various days, Feb. 2-25, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Register for one four-week session per session per child only. Terrific Twos & Threes, for ages 2-3 with an adult meets Tuesdays; On My Own, for unaccompanied children age 3-5, meets Wednesdays; Wild About Books, for ages 2-5 with an adult, meets Thursdays. Sign up at eapl.org, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or call (847) 438-3840.
Movie for preschoolers: 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Preschoolers and their adult caregivers are invited to watch the animated movie "Winnie the Pooh: Un-Valentine's Day" for free. To register, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Meet a Wolves player: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Meet Chicago Wolves player Paul Postma as part of the Read to Succeed winter reading program. Registration required. Call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
Preschoolers and stories: 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays beginning Feb. 2, Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Drop-in stories are offered for families. Call (847) 244-5150 or visit wnpl.info.
Yogakids: 5:30-6:30 p.m. for grades 3-5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for grades 6-8, Tuesdays, Feb. 2 through March 9, Warren Township Youth and Family Services, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee. A natural way for children to learn how to better deal with anxiety, stress or impulsivity. $20 for Warren Township residents; $60 for nonresidents. To register, call (847) 244-1101, ext. 401, or visit wtysprograms.eventbrite.com. For information, visit warrentownship.net.
District 79 Registration Night: 6 p.m. for parents whose children's last names begin with A-L, 7 p.m. for M-Z, Tuesday, Feb. 2, Fremont Elementary School, 28908 N. Fremont Center Road, Mundelein. Parents can register their incoming fall 2010 kindergartners. Bring the child's original certified county birth certificate with the seal affixed; parents who have no students currently enrolled in the district will need to forms of proof of residency. For information, call Diann Serio, at (847) 837-0437, ext. 2204.
Feb. 3
Keep Your Teeth Healthy: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. For preschoolers accompanied by their caregivers. Brush up on tooth care awareness with dental hygienist Gina Strelecki. Free; registration required. For details, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 3 and 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Pajamarama Storytimes: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, March 2 and April 7, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Children of all ages can wear pajamas and enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and crafts. An adult must accompany children under the age of 3. No registration required. For information, call (847) 438-3840.
Feb. 5
Chess Nuts: 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 and 19, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Ages 8-12 can join other chess enthusiasts for a pickup game. Sign ups preferred, but drop-ins are welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Friday Fun Faire: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 5 and 12, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Children 3 years old through kindergarten can enjoy a story and make a craft. Adult supervision required. Call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Boys Lego Creation Night: Register by Friday, Feb. 5, for program 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Grayslake Park District Rec Center, 240 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Drop-off friend for boys ages 4-7. Each child will receive a variety of Lego pieces to use their imagination and create something to take home. There will also be pizza, a movie and games. $25 for Grayslake residents, $31 for nonresidents. For information, call (847) 223-7529.
Moving Pictures, Dancing Feet: 1:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 and March 5, St. Joseph's Formation Center, 112 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Movies, music, movement and crafts for ages 2-6; caregivers are welcome. No registration required. Call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.
Guitar Class: 4-5.30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Wauconda Area Public Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Teens can learn basic chords and simple rock songs. Acoustic guitars will be provided, or bring your own. Free, registration required. Call (847) 526-6225 or visit wauclib.org.
Feb. 6
Just for Guys - Spies: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. For boys in third and fifth grade. Explore world of spies and secret agents, with refreshments and activities. Free; registration is required. For details, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Macaroni Soup: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. A family concert with musician Carole Peterson. Refreshments will be served afterward, and there will be prize drawings and giveaways for all children who attend. To register, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Mother/Son Date Night: Register by Saturday, Feb. 6, for program 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Grayslake Park District Rec Center gym, 240 Commerce Drive, Grayslake. Boys ages 4-8 with their moms will enjoy pizza, play games and decorate cookies for dessert. Dress to play in comfortable clothes and gym shoes. $36 per Grayslake resident couple, and $45 per nonresident couple, $15 per additional child. For information, call (847) 223-7529.
Crazy Chemical Concoctions: 11 a.m.to noon Saturday, Feb. 6, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Hands-on science program for kindergartners through fifth graders. No registration required; tickets given out 30 minutes before program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
The Lightening Thief: 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 6, Petranek's Pharmacy Community Room, 426 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Games, activities and snacks based on "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. Come dressed as an Olympian for a chance to win a prize. No registration needed. Call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.
Feb. 8
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 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.
Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 8-9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes, and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 9
Teen Safety Pin Jewelry: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Use everyday safety pins to create jewelry. $3 kit fee. Space is limited; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 11
Success In School - Learning through experience: 4-6 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11-25, Warren Township Youth and Family Services, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee. A group for children who want to feel more confident working in a group setting by learning to problem-solve in a series of fun, interactive activities. For grades 6-8. $45 for Warren Township residents; $55 for nonresidents.
Feb. 12
Twisted Teens Book Discussion Group: 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Book group for teens. Discuss "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson. For information or to register, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Friday Fun Faire: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 12, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Children 3 years old through kindergarten can enjoy a story and make a craft. Adult supervision required. Call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Club meetings feature art contests, anime episodes on a big screen, American and Japanese snacks and even brief Japanese language lessons. For sixth grade and up. No registration is required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Feb. 13
Igby Mania Party: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. We will play Igby games, have Igby food, and read the winning Igby essays. There will be a special appearance by Igby. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Super Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and March 6, 13 and 20, Cook Memorial Public Library District Temporary Library Center, 114 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Stories, songs and crafts for ages 2-7 with an adult. No registration required. Call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.
Chinese New Year Celebration: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Music, crafts, live performances and festivities for families and children of all ages. The Chicago Chinese Cultural Center will perform "The Story of the Lion Dance" from 1-2 p.m.; Kerry Leung will perform a Moon Concert on flutes, the Chinese Lute, mandolin, fiddle and Moon guitar from 2-3 p.m.; Students from the Fenghua Chinese Academy in Lake Zurich will demonstrate several ancient Chinese arts including folk dancing and Tai Chi from 3-4 p.m. No registration is required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Star Wars Extravaganza: 1-3 p. m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Children in preschool through sixth grade can go to Jedi Training School, hone their lightsaber skills with a Wii, and shake hands with Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters. For more information, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Feb. 15
Morris, the Magic Man: 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Magic, laughter and fun for the whole family. Tickets are required. Get tickets at the Youth Services Desk or online at lvdl.org.
High Tea with Dolly: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills; or 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Petranek's Pharmacy Community Room, 426 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Bring a favorite doll and do her hair, create a hat for her, and enjoy snacks. To register, call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.
Feb. 16
Meet the Gamer: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Meet Steve Rehkemper of Rehco LLC. inventor of the Rubik's Revolution and the new Rubik's Touch. Registration required for this teen program; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 17
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 18
Yogakids: Register by Thursday, Feb. 18, for program 9-9:50 a.m. Thursdays, March 4 to Apr. 15, Pure in Form Pilates Studio, 649 N. Barron Blvd., Grayslake. Aged 3-6 can learn traditional yoga techniques and explore creative movement, health, language, music and art. $62 for Grayslake residents, $78 for nonresidents. For information, call (847) 223-7529.
Feb. 19
Chess Nuts: 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Ages 8-12 can join other chess enthusiasts for a pickup game. Sign ups preferred, but drop-ins are welcome. For information or to register, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Feb. 20
The Write Stuff: 1 p.m. the third Saturday of each month, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. A series of hourlong creative writing workshops for grades 3-6, with the goal of creating a literary magazine. The Feb. 20 program is "Games Writers Play,"with games to spark creativity. Registration for each session opens on the day of the previous session. To register, call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Healthy Eating Around the World: Noon Saturday, Feb. 20, Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. Sample vegetable salsa from Mexico, hummus from the Middle East and fruit kebabs from the tropics, and pick up a few healthy snacking tips along the way. All ages are welcome, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.
Feb. 21
Family movie: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Children and their adult caregivers are invited to watch the film "Shorts" for free. For details, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Feb. 22
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 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.
Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22-23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Stories, rhymes, and a short film for ages 3-5. No siblings or guardians in the room. No registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 24
Friendship Social Skills Group: 5:30-6:30 p.m. for grades 3-5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for grades 6-8, Wednesdays, Feb. 24 to April 21, Warren Township Youth and Family Services, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee. For children who are shy or lack confidence and need a safe place to practice some basic social skills. Free. Phone registration required; call (847) 244-1101, ext. 402. To register, call (847) 244-1101, ext. 401, or visit wtysprograms.eventbrite.com. For information, visit warrentownship.net.
March 1
Novel Adventures: 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Run, jump, tumble and climb on a book-themed activity course. All ages are welcome but all children must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.