Northwest Suburban kids, teens and family

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.

Kingswood Preschool registration: Kingswood Preschool registration for the 2010-2011 school year is now open. For information about the program, current tuition prices or to schedule a personal tour, contact Laura Kpoka, (847) 398-0770, ext. 24 or kingswoodpreschool@comcast.net. Visit kingswoodpreschool.com.

Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten has begun registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Classes are offered for children ages 2 through kindergarten. Hours are from 9-11:30 a.m., with extended day options available. To schedule a tour of Noah's Ark, located at 98 Algonquin Road, call (847) 844-3738. www.barringtonumc.com.

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. Winter programs include classes for children and adults, fitness, dance and athletics. For information, visit palatineparks.org/falconprograms.html.

Creative Kids Preschool: Registration is being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year at the Prospect Heights Park District Creative Kids Preschool. Ages 21/2-4 welcome. For information, (847) 394-2848, ext. 12.

Bartlett Woman's Club scholarships: The Bartlett Woman's Club is again offering its yearly college scholarship to a high school senior, who resides in Bartlett. Applications are available at the Guidance office of Bartlett, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin and Larkin high schools. All other high school seniors need to call Ruth Beckner at (630) 837-8125 for an application. Applications are due April 1.

Before and After School Club: Before School Club begins at 6:30 a.m.; After School Club ends at 6:30 p.m., Hanover Park Park District. Activities, arts and crafts, sports, outside and homework time. For information and pricing, call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale: Tables and space are still available for the Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. This indoor sale offers the opportunity to make money while spring cleaning. Tables and space are provided in the CRC gym. Limit of two tables per family. Only children's items may be sold. Cost for one table is $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Cost for two tables is $16/$24. Call (847) 490-7020 for information.

Feb. 1Red Cross Babysitting Clinic: Registration begins Monday, Feb 1, for the Saturday, March 6 clinic, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Educational session covers basic child care, emergency action, first aid, more. Must be Mount Prospect residents and at least 11 years old by the program date. $15 nonrefundable registration fee. Register in person at the Library's Registration Desk.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.Take Good Care of Your Teeth: 7-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Children's dental hygienist explains how children should take care of their teeth. Class includes audience participation, puppets, video, free toothbrushes and other handouts. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 2Preschool/Child Care information night: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Talk with directors and teachers of Mount Prospect preschools and child care centers. Ask questions, lean about early childhood programs and services. (847) 253-5675.Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 3Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 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.Stories, Music and Crazy Kazoos: 7-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Nationally acclaimed storyteller Beth Horner is the guest speaker. To register, (847)-358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org. 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.Make a Mess: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. or 6-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3-Feb. 24, Ahlstrand Fieldhouse, 6900 Catalpa, Hanover Park. Ages 3-5 play games using shaving gel, whipped cream and paint. Create goo, Playdough and messy art projects. $24-$36. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.Feb. 4After school crafts: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Ages 6 and up make cool crafts after school. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055.Palatine Park District Preschool: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Birchwood, 435 W. Illinois Ave.; Maple Park, 316 N. Winston; Parkside, 262 E. Palatine Road, in Community Park; and Eagle Park, 1425 N. Oak St. Preview the state licensed preschools, meet with staff members, ask questions, learn about programs. Children are welcome to explore the classrooms. New student registration for the 2010-2011 year began Monday, Feb. 1. Call Karen, (847) 705-5123, ext. 239 with questions about preschool. Science Squad: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Larry Ciupik, an astronomer from the Adler Planetarium, presents the inside scoop on the work of a research astronomer in the Southwest deserts of the United States. For middle and high school students. Register at ahml.info.Feb. 5School's Out! Come and Play: Friday, Feb. 5 and Monday, Feb. 15, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Games and structured outdoor learning activities for children ages 6-12. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring a lunch. $30-$45. Extended care is available from 7-9 a.m. and 305 p.m. for an additional fee. For information, (847) 985-2100.African American History: 10-10:45 a.m. Friday Feb. 5, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Interactive drama workshop for students ages 8-14 that takes them back in time through African dance and narrative as they learn about Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and others. Register at (847) 923-3439.Feb. 6Fun fest: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Woodlawn School, 6362 Gilmer Road, Long Grove. Buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, Baggo, putting contest, horse, free throw contests and board games, card tournaments, bingo and more. Adults $25; children under 13 years of age $10. R.S.V.P. to (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org. Winterfest Weekend Trip: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Lake Geneva, Wis. Join the Des Plaines Park District for a trip to Lake Geneva's 14th annual Winterfest Weekend. Activities include A synchronized ballet of water, light and music at the Dancing Horses Theatre, lunch, snow sculptures, exotic bird show, accommodations at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge and Spa. $199-$219. (847) 391-5711 or desplainesparks.org. Guitar for busy adults and teens: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Crash course teaches basic chords and gets you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Designed for the absolute beginner. Bring your acoustic guitar. For information/registration, (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org. 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.Daddy Daughter Dance: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Group games, crafts, dancing, music, dinner and dessert. Every daughter receives a corsage and gift bag. $30-$45 per couple, $15 for each additional daughter. Register at (630) 837-2468 pr hpparks.org. Chocolatepalooza-A Teen Tasting Fest: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Grades six-12 enjoy an afternoon devoted to chocolate. Tastings, cookie towers, trivia and contests. To register, (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.Feb. 7Catholic Schools Week open house: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School, 432 W. Park, Arlington Heights. Super Bowl party: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday Feb. 7, Teen Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Games, prizes, pizza and the Super Bowl on the big screen for grades six-nine. $5. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Boy Scout Troop 401 Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, Feb. 7, Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. Tickets at the door $5 adults; $3 children. All welcome.Feb. 8Drums and Dreams workshop: 4-5 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 8-22, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Ages 8-14 participate in a variety of hands-on drumming activities during this motivational workshop instructed by Breaking Grounds in Drumming. $10. Register at (847) 923-3439.Feb. 9Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.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.Make a Tiger Craft: 3-6 p.m. main library, 700 N. North Court; 1-4 p.m. Freeman Road branch, 1262 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates, Tuesday, Feb. 9. The Palatine Library welcomes in the Year of the Tiger with a special craft. Drop in for grades 2 and up. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 10Make Valentines: 3:30-5 p.m. Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids of all ages can drop in to make Valentine's Day cards. JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.Anti-Valentine Party: 708 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades six-12 can make their anti-Valentine's Day sentiments known while playing Cupid Darts, decorating conversation heart cookies and more. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 12Friday night movie for teens: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Snacks provided. Zac Efron movie about a middle-aged father, who finds that his life's is not exactly what he expected. (847) 259-6055. (PG-13, 102 minutes). Fantastic Friday: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Children ages 5-12 enjoy gym sports, game room, arts and crafts, board games, Baggo, movies and big screen TV. $10-$13. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Wiggles and Giggles: 10-11 a. m. or 6-7 p.m. Feb. 12-March 12, Community Center Rom C, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Children ages 12-36 months enjoy climbing, sliding, jumping and crawling equipment. $18-$27. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.Feb. 13Boy School Troop 209 Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13, United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. $5 at the door. John, (847) 934-0683.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.Model Search and Baby Contest: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Golf Mill Shopping Center, Niles. Miss Sunburst Model Search and Baby Contest for boys and girls in various age groups. Visit pageantinfo.com or visit the mall's customer service center near JC Penney for an entry form. For information, (847) 699-0440 or golfmill.com.Feb. 15Family Indoor Camp In: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19-7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, activities, open play time, quiet hours. Must bring your own sleeping bags and tents to set up in the gym. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 15. $40 per family of four; $60 nonresident families. Additional family members $10. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.The Great Tooth Fairy Caper: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-three find out what really happens to the teeth they loose. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 16After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays Feb. 16 and March 16, Hoffman Estates branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.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.Wolves player visit: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Meet right wing Spencer Machacek of the Chicago Wolves, who will speak about his experiences and sign autographs. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Feb. 18Healthy Snacks and Kitchen Safety: 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids ages 10-13 make four after school snacks while learning important safety tips for working in the kitchen. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.Creative Kids Preschool open house: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. See the classrooms and meet the teachers. For ages 21/2, 3-and 4-year olds. (847) 394-2848.Feb. 19Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.Dad and Daughter Princess Date Night: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Entertainment, catered dinner, dancing and games for dads and their daughters ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Additional daughter is $14/$16. Registration required before Friday, Feb. 19. Call (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.IPRA Teen Ski Trip: Friday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 20, Bus departs from the Clauss Recreation Center, Roselle, for the IPRA Teen Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain. For children ages 6-12. $60-$75 or $75-$90. For information, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200 or visit roselleparkdistrict.com.Feb. 20Kingswood Preschool open house: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 20, Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The nondenominational preschool is currently accepting registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Three-year-old classes meet 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes for 4-year-olds are held 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Call director Laura Kopka (847) 398-0770 ext. 24 or visit kingswoodpreschool.org.Feb. 21Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Open to dads, (granddads, big brothers, uncles or cousins) and their daughters ages 10 and under. Dress up to dance, enjoy refreshments, photos and entertainment. $25-$37.50 per couple. Register at (630) 894-4200.Feb. 23Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.District 15 registration: 9:30-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at all District 15 schools. Kindergarten and new-student registration in Palatine Township Elementary District 15. Kindergartners entering the 2010-11 school year must be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2010. For a list of required material to bring in order to enroll, go to ccsd15.net. Parents unsure of which school their children will attend may call (847) 963-3000.Feb. 25After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 25 and March 18, Hanover Park branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Feb. 26Family Tropical Escape Night: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Families dress in tropical theme clothing to enjoy music, games, munchies, more. $10-$15. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.