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.
Pumpkin sale: 9 a.m.-dusk Monday-Saturday; noon-dusk Sundays through October, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Proceeds benefit youth mission trip to Haiti.
Oct. 19
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 watch a new Anime movie or series and enjoy Japanese snacks. To register, (847) 459-4100 or www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
District 207 finances: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, Maine East High School. Superintendent Dr. Ken Wallace and assistant superintendent for business Mary Kalou provide information, answer questions and listen to ideas from community members about the structural budget deficit facing the district. Community invited.
Oct. 20
Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 20 and 27, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Friendly high school students help grades one-eight with homework. (847) 259-3500.
Career Discovery: 1-3 p.m. 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive. Two-hour workshop for individuals seeking assistance with career planning. $5. (847) 214-7399.
Oct. 21
Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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.
Preschoolers sing with Mickey Mouse: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, Woodfield Mall's Comcast Connections Court. Kids sing, Karaoke-style, to one of their favorite Disney standards. Selected children will sing as a group on the Rosemont Theatre stage before the 6:30 p.m. opening of the Road Show Oct. 23; all auditioners will get one free ticket. (773) 250-7677 or shopwoodfield.com.
Beautiful Bats: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Lean about the world of bats from the Flying Fox Conservation Team. For children through grade eight. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info.
Home-school program: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St. "Day of the Dead." Families hear a short presentation about the holiday and make a colorful skeleton-themed shadow box called a nicho. Reservations required, (847) 391-5399. desplaineshistory.org.
Database Demo: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Grades 7-12 learn how to access library databases. Register with a valid district card at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
Calling all princesses: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Community Center Dance Studio, 1919 Walnur Ave., Hanover Park. Girls ages 3-7 are welcome with an adult to a dancing princess tea party. Includes refreshments, craft, music and surprises. Proceeds benefit the Hanover Park School of Dance Company Allegro costume collection. $14 per couple. Register before Wednesday, Oct. 21 at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
District 207 finances: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Maine West High School. Superintendent Dr. Ken Wallace and assistant superintendent for business Mary Kalou provide information, answer questions and listen to ideas from community members about the structural budget deficit facing the district. Community members invited.
Oct. 22
Boo 2U Fest: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Fifth and sixth grade students experience a variety of entertaining activities including a DJ, games, snacks, haunted house, more. Come in costume and receive a gift. Register before 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. $13-$19. (847) 490-7020.
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, South Barrington Community Center, for a mystery trip. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Lunch included. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Babysitter's Training course: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 22, Nov. 5 and Nov. 19, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on activities, video, role-playsand 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.
Halloween Hose Decorating Tour: 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Schaumburg. Travel around Schaumburg to visit and judge about 15 houses entered in the Halloween House Decorating Contest. Register before 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. $5-$7. (847) 490-7020.
Wizard Rock Concert: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. "Wrock" out to Harry Potter-style music played by Chicago-based bands Dreary Inferi and Diagon Alley. Wear your favorite Hogwarts attire. Free. Teens register with a valid district card at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.
Bollywood Dance Workshop: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Hands-on workshop on Bollywood dancing. Watch and participate in all the dances. Adults and kids are welcome. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Oct. 23
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, South Barrington Community Center, for a trip to ESPN Zone. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Lunch and game card included. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Fall Carnival: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, South Barrington Community Center. Family Halloween event for all ages includes carnival type games of skill, movie, popcorn, lemonade. $3 per person includes 10 game tickets. Additional game tickets five for $1. Registration required before Friday Oct 16 to (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Halloween Spooktacular: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, St. Anne School cafeteria, 1 Bridlewood Trail, South Barrington. Pumpkin and cookie decorating, carnival games, costume contest at 7:15 p.m., no masks or weapons allowed. Free, open to St. Anne School families. (847) 304-8651.
A Haunting in the Valley: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, Spring Valley Nature Center, 111 E. Schaumburg Road. Twisting trails hold mystery, adventure and surprises, wagon rides, bonfire, Halloween activities, refreshments. $5. To register, (847) 490-7020.
Trunk or Treat: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, village of Arlington Heights Public Works building: 222 N. Ridge Ave. Trick or treat from cars sponsored by business and organizations, games, jump inflatables, demonstrations, arts and craft project, refreshments. Come in costume, parents must accompany children. For ages 3-10. $5. Call Laura, (847) 577-3000.
Teen Coffee House: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can express themselves at the library's open mic night and karaoke jam. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Halloween Costume Giveaway: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Pick out a gently-used Halloween costume for free, thanks to the Junior Girl Scouts of Troop 358. To donate gently-used costumes, bring them to the event or contact Vidya Nahar, at (847) 537-4710. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, St. Paul of the Cross Parish, Washington and Northwest Highway, Park Ridge. Maria Council of the Knights of Columbus host family fish fry to support the Sunday Supper program. Tickets at the door $15 adults; $12 seniors; $6 children 4-12; free for ages 3 and under. For information, mariacouncil.org or call Scott, (847) 219-4344 or Rick, (847) 881-2455.
Oct. 24
Model Search and Baby contest: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Golf Mill Shopping Center. Miss Sunburst Model Search and Baby Contest. Baby pageant for boys and girls through age 3; model search for girls ages 4-27. For information, pageantinfo.com.
Wii Teen Gaming Fest: 204 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Wii games, all skill levels welcome. Register at (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.
Preschool Halloween Spooktacular: 1-2:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Road, Arlington Heights. Wear a costume to trick or treat in the park, play games, crafts, treats. Adult must accompany children. Ages 306. $12-$17.50. Register at (847) 577-3000 or ahpd.org.
Family hay ride: 5-6 and 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Community Center Church Street entrance, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Enjoy the scenery, hot cider and a story on this hayride. $2 nonresidents. (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Howlin' Halloween Fest: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Lions Recreation Center, 411 S. Maple, Mount Prospect. For ages 3-8. Arcade of kids games, hayride, face painters, train, live entertainment, craft and pumpkin patch. Wear a costume. $4 per child; adults free. (847) 632-9333.
Spooky Skating Special: Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, Central Community Center, 1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. $1 off regular fee. Wear a costume.
Paddy Lynn's Chillers: 11 to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, Indian Trails Library, Large Meeting Room, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For kindergartners through fifth-graders. Paddy Lynn will read scary stories for Halloween. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Little Ladies Tea Party: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Camelot Park, 1005 E. Suffield, Arlington Heights. For girls, ages 5-9, who love dress-up. Includes juice, snacks, holiday story, craft. $15-$22.50. (847) 577-3000 or ahpd.org.
Fall Festival: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Roasted hot dogs, apple bobbing, s'more making, games and costume fun. All ages. (847) 895-3654.
Oct. 25
Family concert: Dan Nichols, one of the most popular and influential Jewish musicians in North America, presents a family concert at 3 p.m., Sun., Oct. 25, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. This concert is open to the community at no charge.
Turkey dinner: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook. Turkey, potatoes, dressing, vegetable, coleslaw, cranberries, rolls, dessert and beverage. $15 adults; $5 children 3-12. For tickets, (847) 272-2246.
Family Fun Day/Walk-a-thon: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Hersey High School's Roland Goins Stadium, 1900 E. Thomas, Arlington Heights. Walk-a-thon, live band, student music groups, games, food, moon walk, magician, raffles, more, to benefit Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Registration is $5, with a family cap of $20. Find the pledge sheet at jhhs.d124.org/activities/FinePerformingArts/index.php. For information, Kyle, (847) 718-4884 or Joann, (847) 718-4942.
Oct. 26
Adventure Club - Pumpkins: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Enjoy snacks and stories and decorate pumpkins. For kindergarten through third grade. For information, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Oct. 27
Halloween Happenings: 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 27, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. The Puppet Place presents "Hansel and Gretel." for children through eighth grade. Dress in Halloween costume for a parade through the library. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, or phpl.info.
Dancing through the Decades: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, Beth Judea Youth Lounge, Route 83 and Hilltop roads, Long Grove. Teen dance through the decades dressed in clothes from their favorite decade. Free for members; $10 nonmembers. All invited. Aaron, (847) 634-0777.
Blam! Let's Make Comics: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, Indian Trails Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Russell Lissau journalist and comic book writer will discuss the ins and outs of making comics. For grades 3-5. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Teen Cracks in the Wall Murder Mystery: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can follow clues to solve a murder. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Guitar FUN-damentals: Fall session begins Tuesday, Oct. 27, for eight weeks, Hanover Park Park District. Small group classes, bring your own guitar. Three levels. For information, (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Oct. 28
Son Of Franken-Scream Halloween Magic Show: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Halloween entertainment for the entire family. No registration required. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Oct. 29
Career Night: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Prospect High School. Careers in health and natural resources will be highlighted. For information, call Krista Paul, (847) 718-7947.
Parenting Teenagers: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 10, Spectrum Youth and Family Services, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Guided discussion and support for parents who reside in Schaumburg Township and have children ages 10-18. $25 per parent or couple. Register at (847) 884-6212.
Halloween Party: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Community Center activity room, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Ages 9 and under enjoy creepy games, crafts, prizes, mini pumpkin hunt, snacks. $4-$8. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
"Haunted High School:" Children ages preschool to 5th grade are invited to a safe Halloween alternative, 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road. Enter through Door 22; come in costume. Games, Monster Mash dance, face-painting, the pumpkin shot, temporary tattoos, Halloween storytelling, "Boo"sical chairs. Must be accompanied by a parent. Free, but donations of canned food for the local pantry are requested. (847) 718-5200.
Drum lessons: Thursdays beginning Oct. 29, Hanover Park Park District. Children and adults learn jazz, rock, blues, funk and Latin fund drum techniques during private half-hour lesson an a professional drum st. Instructor Verne Duddles. For details, (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Awesome Halloween party: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Hat Trick Hockey, 6347 Consumers Ave., Palatine. Children ages 8 and under enjoy face painting, games, prizes, maze and moonbounce. Parents must accompany children. $4-$6. Registration required, call (847) 259-6890.
Oct. 30
Halloween Fest: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Elk Grove Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Hot dog meal, stories, games, family costume parade, pumpkin decorating, crafts, hayride. $5 per child; $4 adults before Thursday, Oct. 29. $10 per child; $8 adults at the door. (847) 437-9494 or elkgroveparks.org.
Teen Late Night Halloween Bash: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Traditional Halloween fun with a vampire twist. Teens can wear a costume to win prizes, eat treats, and play games including Twilight Trivia. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Haunted Mystery Tour: 4:30-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Olympic Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Road, Arlington Heights. A trip to Enchanted Castle and the Jaycees Haunted House in Lombard for children ages 10-14. Haunted house, miniature gold, go cart rides, laser tag, pizza, more. Parents, who would like to attend, call Matt Healy at (847) 577-3040. $45. (847) 577-3000 or ahpd.org.
Oct. 31
Halloween Party: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St. Palatine. Palatine Park District host Halloween party for ages 1-10. Games, goodies, crafts, puppet show, Jim Nesci and his cold blooded creatures. $5-$7. Register at (847) 991-0333 or platineparks.org.
Scary Silly Stories: 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Chris Fascione acts out fun and family-friendly Halloween stories for all ages. To register, (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.
Trick or Treat at Victory Centre: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Bring your children to trick or treat at Bartlett Victory Centre. (630) 213-0100.
Halloween Boonanza: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Schaumburg. Children ages 1-14 enjoy carnival-type atmosphere with hay rides, prizes, candy, crafts, trick-or-treat in Safety Park, games, entertainment, moonwalk more. $6 per person. To register, (847) 490-7020.
Trick or Treat at Golf Mill: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Golf Mill Shopping Center, Golf Road and Milwaukee Ave., Niles. (847) 699-1070.
Halloween Party: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31, Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. Gym time, games, goodies, crafts, entertainment for ages 1-10 hosted by the Palatine Park District. $5-$6. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Russian Children Theatre "Charodei" Present: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A theatrical game of well-known fairy tale characters. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Nov. 6
QUEST Days Off School Program: Meet 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, South Barrington Community Center, for a trip to Navy Pier which includes a scenic boat cruise. For grades six-eight. $40-$45. Bring money for lunch. To register, (847) 381-7515.
Nov. 11
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 Plaiens. Fun trip for grades two-eight to Enchanted Castle. Lunch provided. $34-$43. For information packet, (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Nov. 12
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.
Nov. 13
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.
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.
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
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.