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

Battle of the Bands 2009: Applications are now available for the Mount Prospect Library's first-ever Battle of the Bands competition, to be held Saturday, May 16. Teen musicians age 19 or under, who are in a musical group, band or orchestra, must submit an application by April 30 to compete for the opportunity to play to a live audience and win prizes. For details, contact Rose, (847) 253-5675, email rallen@mppl.org, or stop by the Fiction/AV/Teen Desk.

Parents Who Care open gym: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, April 27, Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road. Interactive play with balls, push toys, mats, hoops, more. $1.50 per child. (847) 604-4582.

Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies, birth to 18 months and their caregivers, enjoy time together building language skills. Registration is required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A short film and stories for ages 3 to prekindergarten 5. No parents or siblings in story room. Registration is required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Home Depot Kids' Workshop: 7-7:45 p.m. Monday, April 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. This workshop teaches children ages 5-12 do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Registration is required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

April 28

All Career Expo: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Willow Creek Activity Center, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington. High schools in Districts 211, 214, and 220; the Northwest Education to Careers Partnership; and Harper College will host Career Expo 2009 to help students gather information on career options, research career fields, and determine educational requirements needed to pursue desired careers. For information, visit edcareerpartnership.com.

Teen Advisory Board: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Students in grades 6-12 can voice their opinions on past programs and help start new ones. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Pajama Storytime: 7-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3-7 can put on pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal library to listen to stories, finger plays and songs and play games. Registration is required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

April 29

Magic Class: 5:30-6:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Children ages 5-12 learn tricks from a professional magician. $17-$22. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Teen Computers MS Word: 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can learn to create, format, edit, save, and print a document in Microsoft Word. Registration is required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

April 30

Children's Day, Book Day: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Traditional Mexican celebration honoring children with singer, songwriter, and musician Tricia Sebastian, who will entertain with traditional and original songs in English and Spanish. To register, mppl.org/events or (847) 253-5675.

May 1

Red Cross Babysitting Clinic: Registration begins Friday, May 1, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., for the June 17 Red Cross Babysitting Clinic. Educational session covers basic childcare, emergency action, first aid, and more. Participants must be Mount Prospect residents who are 11 years old by the program date. $15 nonrefundable registration fee. Register in person at the Mount Prospct Library's Registration Desk, 10 S. Emerson St.

May 2

Free Comic Book Day: All day Saturday, May 2, Mount Prospct Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Teens and kids are invited to stop by the Fiction/AV/Teen or Youth Services desks to pick up a free comic book, courtesy of Comix Revolution, Mount Prospect. Limit one comic book per person, while supplies last. (847)-253-5675.

Baby Music: 11-11:45 a.m. or 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. Babies up to 23 months and their parents or caregivers enjoy songs, movement and play. (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.

Street Theatre auditions: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Auditions for Street Theatre, a paid summer traveling drama company for ages 16-25. Season runs June-July. Contact Beth, (847) 490-7015, ext. 2023 or bewaller@parkfun.com.

Volunteer Bash and concert: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Forest View Educational Center, 2121 Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Includes entertainment by The Neverly Brothers, food, raffle prizes, children and family activities, more. Tickets for the Neverly Brothers show are $20. Visit volunteerinfo.net or call (847) 228-1006.

Big Trucks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Family Aquatic Center parking lot, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Children can see and sit in vehicles including a fire truck, police car, school bus, dump truck, more. Free coloring books to all who attend. (847) 991-0333.

Astronomy Day: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, William Rainey Harper College, Building Z, Palatine. See the moon, planets, stars and galaxies, telescopes on display, astronomy lectures, displays, photographs, projects for children. All ages, free. nsaclub.org.

Cub Scout Pack 15 sign up: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and 9, Grace Lutheran Church, 780 S. Bartlett Road, Streamwood. For boys ages 7-10. bsapack15@yahoo.com.

Pancake breakfast: 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, Park Central, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. Hosted by the Rolling Meadows Senior Center. $5 adults; $4 ages 4-12; free for 3 and under. (847) 818-3205.

Teen Advisory Group: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton. High school kids are invited to eat pizza, talk books and plan projects for the group. (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.

May 3

Boy Scout Troop 297 spaghetti dinner: 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Enders Salk Elementary School. 345 Salem Drive, Schaumburg. Adults $7.50 or two for $14, children 12 and under $5. To make a donation of food or door prizes or to receive tickets, call Jane Bratanch, (847) 736-1891

Mother-Daughter Tea and Fashion Show: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Registration required for this event featuring the fashions of the Titanic historic period. Space limited. ((630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.

Young Eagles Rally: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Schaumburg Regional Airport, Irving Park Road and Wright Blvd. in Schaumburg. Hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 101, Young Eagles promotes aviation to children ages 8 to 17 by giving them their first flight in a private airplane, meeting the pilots and seeing different types of aircraft. Rallies are held the first Sunday of each month. To register call Chuck Soumar (708) 788-6390 or visit www.Youngeagles101@aol.com.

Elk Grove High School Auto Show: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 500 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Classics, muscle cars, trucks, and SUV's, imports, more. Product vendors and local automotive dealers, food, raffles, prizes, entertainments by Midleys in Motion. Admission Free. (847) 718-4426.

May 4

Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, May 4, 11 and 18, Vernon Area Pub­lic Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Parents with infants and toddlers can drop in to meet other families and share a variety of toys and books. with your child. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time designed especially for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. Registration is not required; VAPLD cardholders only. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Parents Who Care open gym: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Monday, April 27, Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road. Interactive play with balls, push toys, mats, hoops, more. $1.50 per child. (847) 604-4582.

May 5

Princess and Pirates Hidden Treasure adventure: 6:30-7:40 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Celebrate the month of May with your mom and Glitzy Girlz. Dress up as a princess/pirate and get ready for a craft adventure. Ages 3-9 with adult. $33, register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.

May 8

Teen scrapbook night: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Introductory class teaches all the steps and ideas you need to make a scrapbook. For ages 12-18. $20-$25. (630)-540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.

Kids Club: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, Elk Grove Village Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave. Crafts, songs, and interactive play for children birth-6 years. Register at (847) 604-4582.

May 9

Middle School Drop-Ins: Saturday, May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades six-eight. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

Family bingo: Bingo with Bubbe will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Can you think of a better way to spend time over Mother's Day weekend than with your family, playing bingo? Join us for a night of bingo games, prizes, food and friends. Cards can be purchased before the event at a discounted rate, call (847) 459-1677 for more details.

Trip to Miller Park Milwaukee: Buses leaves 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, from RecPlex, Mount Prospect, for the 6 p.m. game Cubs vs. Brewers at Miller Park. $65 includes transportation and reserved seats. Fundraiser hosted by the Mt. Prospect Parks Foundation. Proceeds support the Mount Prospect Park District youth baseball program. mppd.org or (847) 255-5380.

Middle school drop-in: May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Social and recreational activities for grades six-eight includes dodgeball, basketball, music and dancing, volleyball, karaoke, guitar hero, Ping-Pong, racquetball and walleyball, board games, and special events. $7 or bring a canned food item for the Self Help Pantry and receive $2 off. (847) 391-5700 or deslainesparks.org.

May 12

Yoga for Kids: 4-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning May 12, for eight weeks, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Children ages 10-14 learn how to focus and center using the physical and mental benefits of yoga. $63-$72. (847) 298-3500.

May 13

Book Bingo: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, Prospect Highes Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St. For grades K-eight. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

May 14

Jamma Tales: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Vernon Area Pub­lic Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children may wear pajamas for this evening storytime. Siblings are welcome. Registration is not required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.

Drop-in Craft: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 14, Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N. Elm St. For children through kindergarten. Create a colorful windsock to hang outside in the wind. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

District 212 Eighth Grade Athletic Parent Night: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, West Leyden High School, 1000 N. Wolf Road, Northlake. For parents of all incoming freshmen who will be attending either the East or West campus. Information about the athletic opportunities available to freshmen. (847) 451-3971 or (847) 451-3137.

May 15

Preschool Fun Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 15 at the Pat Shephard Center, 421 N. Springinsguth Road.

Games, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, more for ages 2-6. $8 per child available for current preschool students through their class. Registration the day of the event is $10 per child. Picnic food available for purchase.

May 16

Des Plaines Park District Community Fair: 9 a.m.-noon May 16, Juno parking lot and at Mountain View Mine Adventure Center, 510 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Events include Pooch, Pet, and Pedal parade; Touch a Truck; child safety seat inspections; mini health fair; bike registrations and safety checks; train rides; pictures with McGruff; Adopt-A-Pet and Heartland Animal Shelters with adoption animals; Police Canine and Animal Control units; free bike helmets to the first 75 children who need them. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.

May 17

Fahrrad Tour Von Schaumburg bike ride and picnic: Noon Sunday, May 17, Blackwell Elementary School, 345 N. Walnut Lane. Celebrate Schaumburg's German heritage with a one-hour, police guided tour of its bikeways. At the end of the ride enjoy free food and drinks, outdoor barbecue, live band. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com

May 19

Exoplanets-World Beyond Our Solar System: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Presented by NASA Ambassador Jim Kovac. Find out about the recent discoveries of extra-solar planets within the Milky Way galaxy. (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.

May 21

Girl Scout Troop 2258 Spring Sock Hop: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 21, Winston Campus Elementary School safe, 900 E. Palatine Road. Children $5 in advance; $6 at the door. Adults free. DJ, prizes. Call Gina, (847) 471-5886.

May 22

Spring Community Garage Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, May 22, Salt Creek Park District Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Local residents are invited to sell items or browse all the goods on display. For a fee of $6, you get a 10' x 10' space and 8-foot table. This event is for all ages. Jessica, (847) 259-6890.

May 31

Flying 4 Kids: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Statewide kite fly to raise awareness for the Park District Youth License Plate program. Families, kids, kite enthusiasts and novices welcome. Includes refreshments. Free, for all ages. (847) 490-7020.

June 1

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock will be presented from 9-11:30 a.m. June 22-26 at Saint Paul Lutheran School, 17 S. School St., Mount Prospect. Extended Day options available. Deadline to register is June 1. Call Stephanie at (847) 951-4670 or Dari at (847) 255-0332.

June 15

Hellenic American Academy summer camp: Session begins June 15. For camps hours, fees and information, (847) 317-1063.

June 22

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 22-26 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. You may register online at www.stpeter-ah.org or in the church office. There is a $5 fee per child to cover supply costs.

July 20

Vacation Bible school: Kids ages 3 years through fifth grade are invited to attend Crocodile Dock VBS. There is no cost for admission. This VBS will be held the week of 10 a.m. to noon July 20-24 at Grace Community Church, 431 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Contact Gia Miller at (847) 776-1900 or gia.miller@aboutgrace.com to register.

undated

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.