Lake Co. family calendar
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.
Oct. 12
The Magic of Duck Soup: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 12, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. A magic show with illusions such as the Broomstick Suspension and Metamorphosis. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Ben Franklin and the Levitating Frog: 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Kindergartners through sixth-graders can learn about the forces of electricity and magnetism, including magnetic fluids in action, a super powerful magnet that will attract a dollar bill, a magnet floating in midair, and 50,000 volts of electricity safely transmitted through the bodies of volunteers to light up a fluorescent bulb. To register, visit fremontlibrary.org or call (847) 918-3218. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Goth Puppets: 2-3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Teens can make a spooky sock puppet. For information or to register, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Oct. 13
Preschool Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. or 2-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 13 to Nov. 17 or Thursdays, Oct. 15 to Nov. 19, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Stories, songs and finger plays for ages 3-5 (not yet attending kindergarten). Halloween costumes may be worn Oct. 27 or 29. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Have a "Fang-tastic" Halloween: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Teens in grades 7-12 can get lessons from J.J. Blinkers of Antioch on making Halloween makeup the most effective, then watch the classic movie "Frankenstein." To register, call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Parent Lecture and Discussion: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School, 9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling. "The Developing Will: From Pregnancy to Adolescence. How to Avoid/Work Through Power Struggles and Tantrums and Help Your Child Achieve Self-Discipline" will be presented. The suggested donation is $10 per family. For information, call (847) 850-5490.
It's a Batfest: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Kindergartners through third-graders can listen to fun and spooky bat stories, learn some facts about bats and make a bat craft. For information or to register, call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Oct. 14
Traveling With the Family: 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Learn how adequate planning, a few organizational tools, and snacks and games can help a family focus on fun and relaxation during a trip. Registration is required; call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Oct. 15
Traveling Science Center: 1-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Fremont Public Library parking lot, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Children of all ages are invited to climb aboard this 320-square-foot science room on wheels. No registration is required; children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (847) 918-3206 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Outdoor tie-dye: 1-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Patrons are invited to bring only one washed-and-dried white T-shirt, pillowcase, or other cotton item and transform it into a wearable work of art at the library's outdoor tie-dye station, weather permitting. For details, call (847) 918-3206 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Film for kids: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, Wauconda Area Library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Children and their adult caregivers are invited to watch "Monsters vs. Aliens" free of charge. For information, call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.
Oct. 16
Little Limelight Cafe: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Tripp School, 850 Highland Grove Drive, Buffalo Grove. Students in grades 2-8 will perform. Acts can be instrumental or vocal, dance, solos, duets or small groups. Visit vbg.org.
Friday Fun Faire: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Children from age 3 through kindergarten can enjoy a story and make a craft. Adult supervision required. To register, call (847) 356-7711 or visit lvdl.org.
Oct. 17
The Write stuff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Lake Villa District Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa. Grades 3-6 can work on different kinds of writing. The topic will be "Scare up a Spooky Tale." Participants will write scary stories. At the end of all sessions a literary magazine will be made. To register, call (847) 365-7711, or visit lvdl.org.
Saturday Stories: 10-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Stories geared to children ages 2-5. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Haunted Trail and Bonfire: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Lindenhurst Park District, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. There will be around a dozen different spooky scenes, for $1 per person. Wagon rides through McDonald Woods are $1 or one canned food item. Other attractions include the Witches' Kitchens, a kids game tent, face painting, moonwalk and pumpkins and gourds for sale. There will also be a costume contest for children, a children's story teller, music fest for children, Magic Dave and Jason the Juggler. Stage activities start at 3 p.m. The Haunted Trail is from 4:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. After dusk the bonfire will start and there will be hot apple cider heated in a cauldron. (847) 356-6011 or lindenhurstparks.org.
Haunted Harvest: 6-10 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 31, Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Child-friendly event transforms the farmyard with activities like graveyard golf, the train of terror and more. All night pass: $15 per person, kids 3 and under free with purchase of adult pass. Individual activity pricing also available. (847) 362-4636 or lambsfarm.org.
The Purple Tornado: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Chasing4Life, a team of storm trackers and chasers, will show children in kindergarten through fourth grade how tornadoes grow, what they look like, and why they are like 2-year-olds. To register, visit fremontlibrary.org or call (847) 918-3218.
Chasing4Life: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Chasing4Life, a team of storm trackers and chasers, will present two programs for children at Fremont Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 17. Students in grades 5-12 will get the inside scoop on outrageous weather as the Chasing4Life team focuses on storm monitoring and chasing and weather safety facts woven in with stand-up comedy. To register, visit fremontlibrary.org or call (847) 918-3218.
Workshop for Parents: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. A panel of area experts will speak about topics including vaccination, vitamins in young children's diet, and infant massage. To register, visit fremontlibrary.org or call (847) 918-3218.
Trucks, Trunks and Treats: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Sullivan Community Center parking lot, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. A variety of local organizations will bring their vehicles for kids to trick-or-treat in costume (the park district will supply treat bags). There will be a variety of activities and "haunted" vehicles. Weather permitting. $1 per child; children under 2 are free. Registration is required; visit vhparkdistrict.com, register
Oct. 18
JUF Book Buddies: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, Barnes and Noble, Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Free activity for families with children ages 0-5. Learn about Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) with an hour of stories, crafts, songs and fun. To register, visit juf.org/book_buddies or call (312) 444-2844.
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 can watch a new Anime movie or series and enjoy Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Oct. 20
Preschool Fair: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. Meet area preschool teachers and gather information. No registration required. Call (847) 223-5313 or visit grayslake.info.
Oct. 21
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. 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.
Oct. 24
Saturday Stories: 10-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Stories geared to children ages 2-5. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Haunted Hike: 7-10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 6-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, United Methodist Campground, 1250 Campground Road, Des Plaines. Boy Scout Haunted Hike hosted by Lakota Lodge 175 Order of the Arrow. Hikers be greeted by ghouls and goblins; the evening also includes a band, concessions and pumpkin decorating. There is also a fright free event for younger children from 4-6 p.m. Saturday. Any Boy or Girl Scout in uniform is $4, otherwise children are $5 and adults are $6. There will be a 2009 patch for sale designed by the boys of the Lodge.
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.
Nov. 5
Teen Stitch and Share: 4-6 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For all levels of knitters ages 11 and older. Patterns for projects to be donated to Good Shepherd Hospital will be provided for those interested. This program is free. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433.
Nov. 13
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 12, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Grades 6 and up can watch anime on the big screen. Snacks will be served. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Dec. 3
Teen Stitch and Share: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. For all levels of knitters ages 11 and older. Patterns for projects to be donated to Good Shepherd Hospital will be provided for those interested. This program is free. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433.
Dec. 12
Anime Club: 4-5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Grades 6 and up can watch anime on the big screen. Snacks will be served. No registration required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Ongoing
Boy Scout Troop 275: 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday, Community Church of Round Lake, 217 Goodnow Blvd., Round Lake. Troop 275 participates in monthly camp outs, service projects and adventure activities. Open to boys ages 11-17. Call (847) 715-6511 or e-mail inthecourt@sbcglobal.com.
Board Game Days: 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to drop by the Teen Area to pick from a variety of board or card games to play. This is a free program and registration is not required. Call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.
Baby Jam: 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Offers music specially chosen for babies 6- to 23-months-old to give the babies a safe space to move and bounce; an alternative activity will be provided for siblings older than 3. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Family Jam: 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a different style of music each week to get everyone dancing, for children ages 2-5 with an adult. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Big Screen Games: 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Offers a different interactive DVD game each week for first- and second-graders. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Afternoon Adventures: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a different craft, game, or activity every week for first- and second-graders. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Lunch & Listen: Noon Fridays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Features a one-hour sample of a different book on CD each week for students in fourth grade and up. Participants are invited to bring a sack lunch, and the library will provide drinks and snacks. For details, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org.
Fremont's Impressive Teens: 4 to 5:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Open to students in grades 7-12. Teens who attend two F.I.T. meetings are eligible to earn service hours by volunteering at the library. Register online at fremontlibrary.org, by calling (847) 918-3218, or in person at the Youth Services desk.
Homeschool Mondays: 10:30 a.m. to noon Mondays, Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. A chance for homeschooling families to get to know one another. Parents can network while their school-aged children can play together. Most Mondays require no registration; one Monday per month will feature a program for which patrons must register. To register or for information, visit fremontlibrary.org, call (847) 918-3218, or stop at the Youth Services desk in the library.