Kids, teens and family

To have an event listed in this calendar, e-mail the details at least two weeks in advance of the event or registration deadline to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com. Please put "Kids, teens, family" in the subject line.

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 website www.phpl.info

Around the World in 28 Days: Mondays, 7:15-7:45 p.m. through Oct. 6; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Celebrate Autumn with tales from around the globe. (847) 259-6050.

Family Adventure: Take a Hike with the Rolling Meadows Adventure Pack; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Group and family activity. Bring your Rolling Meadows Library card and a driver's license to the library and ask to check out a Rolling Meadows Adventure Pack. You will receive a backpack, a GPS unit accurate to 15 feet anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, a pair of binoculars, and a book of clues and coordinates to begin your adventure.

Sept. 5

The Party's Here: 7-10 p.m. Sept. 5, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. The Party Here is a safe, supervised, action-packed program held the first Friday of each month for seventh and eighth graders of District 54 and area parochial school. A variety of activities are offered each month including a DJ with sound and light system, table tennis, foosball, dodge ball, wallyball, jewelry making, card area and other games. Snacks and soda are available for purchase. Fee is $12 for one event; $30 for a three-event pass; or $48 for a six-event pass; or $63 for a season pass. Call (847) 985-2143 or www.parkfun.com.

Drop-In Baby Talk: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Storytime for babies age 3-23 months and a caregiver. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Family Fun: 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 4 and Nov. 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road.

Stories and a crafts for the family. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Before and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; non-school 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.

Sept. 22

Aviation Explorer Post #9 open house: 4-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22; Chicago Executive (formerly Palwaukee) Airport; 1100 S. Milwaukee in Wheeling. Sponsored by Windy City Flyers and meets twice monthly. Young people ages 14-21 interested in aviation are invited. Call Michael Haupt at mhaupt@edge-information.com or call (847) 736-5812 or visit www.AvExp9.org.

Oktoberfest: Noon-7 p.m., Sept. 22 through 30; River Trails Park District, 10th Hole restaurand, 1500 E. Euclid Ave., Prospect Heights. Cost: $14.50 per person. Features German fare includes bratwurst, homemade German potato salad and red cabbage and a frosty stein of beer from the special "Oktoberfest" beer selection

Sept. 23

Open Storytimes: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23; 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24; and 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 26; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Stories and songs for children ages six and under. An adult must accompany children under three. For details, call (847) 253-5675.

Sept. 24

Quest Academy high school fair: 6-8 p.m. Sept. 24, Palatine High School, 500 N. Benton St., Palatine. All area middle school students and their families are invited to meet with staff from a variety of day and boarding school. Free admission. (847) 202-8035, ext. 438 or www.questacademy.org.

Families Facing Autism: 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Learn about resources available in the northwest suburbs for families facing autism and spend time networking with other families facing similar challenges. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Sept. 25

Japanese printing for kids: 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. The art of Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese form of fish printing, is presented for kids ages 10-13. Register at www.ahml.info under "programs" or call (847) 392-0100.

Sept. 26

Spanish Storytime: 6-6:30 p.m., Fridays, Sept. 26, and Oct. 3; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Special storytime told primarily in Spanish, These sessions are best suited for children ages 3 through 7. An adult must accompany children under the age of three. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Art in the Park workshop: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, Stevenson School, 1414 Armstrong Lane, Elk Grove Village. A FIND (Family Involvement Nurturing Development) program. Call (224) 366-8560, ext. 6639 to register.

Fantastic Friday: 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 26, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Class designed for older children and features 90 minutes of games, sing-a-longs, storytime, art project, socialization exercises and more. Additional dates are Oct. 10 and Nov. 21

Parents attend class with children. Space limited. To register, call (847) 490-7020 or www.parkfun.com.

Sept. 27

Oktoberfest: 4-8 p.m. Sept. 27, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Live German music and traditional dance instruction. Brats and beer served. Preregistration fee is $6 adults over 21; $3 for youth. $8 adults and $4 youth at the door. Admission price includes meal and first drink free. (847) 490-7015 or www.parkfun.com.

Infant Massage: 10-10:45 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Parents will learn ways to relax with their babies. Participants should bring an oversized towel or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Reserved for babies who have not begun to crawl and a parent. To register, visit www.mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Video Game Extravaganza: 2-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Open play video game session featuring the video game titles Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Open to grades 6 through 12. To register, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.

Sibling Class: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 27, Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster, Park Ridge. Class designed for children ages 3-9 who are expecting a new baby in the family. Includes tour of nursery, discussions, hands-on tips on how to hold, feed and diaper a baby. For information or to register, call (800) 323-8622 or visit www.advocatehealth.com.

Fishing derby: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 27, Plum Grove Reservoir, Algonquin Road by Harper College. Palatine Park District host this fishing derby for all ages. Includes awards, raffle, concessions. Participants 16 and over must have a fishing license, which can be purchases at the salmon Shop, 111 S. Northwest Highway, Palatine. For information, call the park district at (847) 991-0333.

Book Brunch: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades 4-6 can come together for food and discussion. "H.I.V.E." by Mark Walden will be discussed. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Scarecrow Festival: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Vogelei Park, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Scarecrow contest, activities, games, food, entertainment, more. Free event for the entire family. (847) 885-7500.

Sept. 28

Great Western Bike Trail: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28; Des Plaines Park District offers a day trip to the Great Western Bike Trail and Historic Sycamore. Hike or bike along 17 miles at the LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve Trail, Ferguson Creek, through the only native colony of Speckled Alders, and the Great Western Trail. Lunch and wine tasting at the Sycamore Winery is included. Shop at the Farmer's Market. Trip departs from and returns to the Lake Park Clubhouse. Residents: $39; nonresidents, $48. For details or to register, call (847) 391-5700 or visit www.desplainesparks.org

Fall Family Fun Fiesta: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, Sport Center, Schaumburg. In honor of Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play a variety of structured supervised sports, games and activities will be offered for families. Concessions available. Registration required, call (847) 891-1266 or www.parkfun.com.

Run to Read 2008: 7-8:30 a.m. check in Sunday Sept. 28, Dirksen School, 116 W. Beech Drive, Schaumburg. Includes 100-yard and 400-yard dash for kids; 5K race; family fun walk, to promote fitness and literacy in School District 54. For information, call Terri at (847) 357-5028.

Sept. 30

Pajama-Rama:. 7 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and 28, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Special evening storytime for families. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Oct. 1

Hip-Hop/Jazz dance: Classes begin Wednesday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oc. 8 and run through Nov. 19, Heritage Elementary School gym, 507 Arnold Ave., Streamwood. Pom-Pon or Hip-Hop/Jazz class for boy and girls sponsored by Champion Youth Outreach. For class times, age brackets and fee schedule, call (847) 759-0576 or www.championyouth.net.

Oct. 2

Drop-in Craft Night for UFOs: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Crafters (teens and adults) are invited to attend this drop-in craft night to work on UnFinished Objects (UFOs). Bring your project with you and visit and talk with other crafters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Oct. 3

Sons of the American Legion Oktoberfest: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Traditional German food, music and beer. $10 at the door. www.amlegion-palatinepost690.org.

Safety awareness and self-defense: 6-6:40 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 3-Jan. 16, Heritage Elementary School gym, 507 Arnold Ave., Streamwood. Hosted by Champion Youth Outreach the course teachs children the necessary skills to identify and deal with strangers and bullies, combining safety awareness education with karate instruction in a fun, structured environment. $77 for 12 weeks; or $7 per class. (847) 759-0576 or www.championyouth.net.

Saturday Oct. 4

Streamwood Park District Pumpkinfest: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4, Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W. Irving Park Road. Pumpkins, hay ride, teen entertainment, safe trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating contest, family pet show, Kddie run, wood carving demo, petting zoo, more. For a complete list of events and times, visitwww.streamwoodparkdistrict.org or call (630) 372-PARK.

Library makeover open house: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Celebrate the completion of the library's remodeling project with entertainment, crafts, refreshments, and more. Meet Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk and Wolves mascot Skates. Everyone welcome! For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Palatine Park District Fall Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Palatine Stables, 1510 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Learn more about horses and life at the stable, pony rides, wagon rides, crafts, activities, pumpkins for sale and concessions. Free admission, fee for some activities. All ages, no dogs allowed. (847) 359-0009.

Locked In at the Library: 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. For teens in grades seven-12. Trivia contest, movie making, Rock Band gaming, Air guitar tourney, more. Registration required, call (847) 923-3191 or teenservices@stdl.org.

Oct. 5

Young Eagles Rally: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 5, Schaumburg Airport, Irving Park Road and Wright Blvd., Schaumburg. :Children ages 8-17 can meet the pilots, see the different types of aircraft and take a flight. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 101, weather permitting. For information or to register, call Churck at (708) 788-6390 or e-mail Youngeagles101@aol.com.

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 5, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg. Hands-on demonstrations of pioneer-era and 1880's farm life such as cider pressing, grain threshing and blacksmithing; homemade food, entertainments, crafts and games for children, hayride, more. Admission $4 per person or $16 per family of six or fewer, with each additional member at $4 each. (847) 985-2100 or www.parkfun.com.

The Other Side of Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights and Wheeling: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6; Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. In celebration of the Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year, "The Other Side," by Jacqueline Woodson, Indian Trails finds out what is on the other side of these three communities. We will celebrate with music, food from local vendors, and crafts representative to different parts of the world. (847) 459-4100

Harvest Festival: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8; Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Celebrate harvest time from the library garden with music, food and children's activities. (847) 459-4100.

Halloween Pumpkin Splash: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Water Works, Schaumburg. Activities include pool pumpkin picking, DJ entertainment, refreshments and pumpkin decorating. Registration deadline Oct. 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire event. $11 per person. (847) 490-7015.

Oct. 9

Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Read to Rover: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9; Indian Trails Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Children in grades 1-5 will have a one-on-one reading time with a dog. Register only at the "Ask Here" desk on the first floor for one 15-minute session. No parents or siblings will be allowed in the room during the session. (847) 459-4100.

Field trip to Rink Side: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, meet at the South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. For children in grades K-five. Registration due Thursday, Oct. 9. $40; $48, nonresidents. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Oct. 11

Royal princess breakfast: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Girls ages 3-8 can dress in their favorite princess attire to attend this event which includes games, crafts and a continental breakfast. Registration required by Oct. 11. Ages 3-5 must have a parent in attendance. $10; $13 nonresidents. (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.

Oct. 13

Bubble Wonders: 11 a.m. Oct. 13, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Geoffrey Akins, premier bubble artist will teach the art and science of bubbles with his creations. Tickets are available at the Reader Assistance desk for Palatine Public Library cardholders. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.

Oct. 14

Pajama-Rama:. 7 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 14 and 28, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Special evening storytime for families. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Oct. 15

Spooky Little Chefs: 5-6 p.m. for ages 4-6; 6-7 p.m. for ages 7-10 Wednesday Oct. 15 and Wednesday Oct. 29, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Create traditional Halloween goodies, come in costume. Registration required. $19, residents; $26, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

What's Cookin?: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Stories and food related activities for children in grades K-2. Registration required. Call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Macaroni Soup with Carole Peterson: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Fun music-filled family program. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Fright Fest drive-in movie for teens: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, South Barrington indoor pool, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Movie, games, pizza and swim for teens in grades five-eight. Registration required by Oct. 15. Call (847) 381-6515 or sbpd.net.

Oct. 16

Halloween Family Ball: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Meineke Recreation Center, 2203 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Come dressed in costume ready for dinner, dancing, games, pictures, prizes. Registration deadline is Oct. 16. $13; $20, nonresidents. (847) 490-7015 or parkfun.com.

Oct. 18

Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Science in Action: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Children in grades three-six make a science-related craft. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Wheels Rallye Team Halloween road rallye: 6 p.m. registration Saturday, Oct. 18, Woodfield Mall parking lot, light pole B, Schaumburg. $15 per vehicle. Event ends at Barnaby's in Schaumburg. For information, call Dennis, (847) 446-2904.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Mixin' in the Kitchen: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 21, Tuesday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday Dec. 2, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 6-10 prepare simple nutritious recipes that will be eaten in class. Bring your own apron. Regisration required. $21, residents; $25, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Boo 2U Fest: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Dj, games, snacks, haunted house for children in grades four-six. Participants in costume will receive a parting gift. Registration deadline, Oct. 22 before 5 p.m. $12; $18 nonresidents. Parents need to sign-in and out children. (847) 490-7015.

Oct. 24

Haunting in the Valley: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary, Schaumburg. Haunted trail wagon ride, bonfire, refreshments. Come in costume. Matinee rides for younger children from 5-6 p.m.; night rides begin at 6:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchase suggested. $4 per person. Wagon rides, on a first-come, first-served basis, limited space available. For information, (847) 985-2100.

Oct. 25

Palatine Park District's Halloween Party: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 25, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Includes crafts, games, treats, puppet show and Jum Nesci returns with his cold blooded creatures. $4; $5 nonresidents; $6 day of event. Purchase tickets at the Community or Birchwood recreation centers. Tickets can also be purchased by mail with checks made payable to the Palatine Park District, 250 W. Wood St. Palatine, IL 60067, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Call (847) 991-0333.

Monday, Oct. 27

Fairytale Theatre: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25 -Monday, Dec. 15, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 3-5 will act out a weekly story with some of their favorite fairytale characters. Includes creative movement and pantomime. Registration required. $65, residents; $73, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

Oct. 28

Pajama-Rama:. 7 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 28, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Special evening storytime for families. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and must be accompanied by a caregiver. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Spooky Little Chefs: 5-6 p.m. for ages 4-6; 6-7 p.m. for ages 7-10 Wednesday Oct. 29, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Create traditional Halloween goodies, come in costume. Registration required. $19, residents; $26, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

"Dirty Dancing," trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, bus departs from the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. Timeless story of first love, full of heart pounding music. Arrive in downtown Chicago's theater district with time for lunch on your own before the 2 p.m. performance at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Seats are in the balcony. $65, residents; $98, nonresidents. For all ages, under 17 with an adult. Reservations required, (847) 991-0333.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Dramatic Expressions: 5-6 p.m. Thursday Oct. 30-Thursday Dec. 15, Bartlett Community Center, 7 S. Bartlett Road. Children in grades one-four can learn the fundamentals of theater while being introduced to theater games, stage directions and movements, theatrical terms and character development. $81, residents; $89, nonresidents. Registration required. www.bartlettparks.org or (63) 540-4800.

Bram Stoker's Dracula: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. A one-women-show portraying highlights of the famous horror classic will be performed for adults and teens No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Halloween Boonanza: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31, Community Recreation Center and Safety Park, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Carnival atmosphere with a variety of themed activities including hay rides, prizes, crafts, trick-or-treating, games, entertainment, more. Registration deadlines in Thursday, Oct. 30, by 5 p.m. $5 in advance; $7 at the door.

Nov. 2

Young Eagles Rally: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, Schaumburg Airport, Irving Park Road and Wright Blvd., Schaumburg. :Children ages 8-17 can meet the pilots, see the different types of aircraft and take a flight. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 101, weather permitting. For information or to register, call Churck at (708) 788-6390 or e-mail Youngeagles101@aol.com.

Nov. 3

Stage Combat: 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, Noble Fool Theatricals, St. Charles. Perform basic unarmed hand-to-hand stage fighting techniques with an emphasis on safety and storytelling. Taught by a member of the Society of American Fight Directors. For ages 15-21. $175. Register at (630) 540-4800 or www.bartlettparks.org.

Nov. 8

Streamwoods Cultures of Our Community celebration: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, Park Place Family Recreation Center, 550 S. park Blvd. Sponsored by the Community Relations Commission, the event includes the many different cultures represented in Streamwood including African, Albanian, Chinese, Columbian, Iranian, Jamaican, Mexican, Native American and Polish. Presentations, question and answer, snacks. For Streamwood residents. Call Jennifer, (630) 736-3816.

Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Mixin' in the Kitchen: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday Dec. 2, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 6-10 prepare simple nutritious recipes that will be eaten in class. Bring your own apron. Regisration required. $21, residents; $25, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

Nov. 13

Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Dec. 1

Battle of the Bands: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Deadline to register Dec. 1. For eligibility requirements and submission instructions, call Amy, (847) 923-3191 or e-mail aalessio@stdl.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Mixin' in the Kitchen: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 2, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Children ages 6-10 prepare simple nutritious recipes that will be eaten in class. Bring your own apron. Regisration required. $21, residents; $25, nonresidents. www.bartlettparks.org or (630) 540-4800.

Dec. 4

Read to Starr: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Kids in grades one-three can schedule a 15 minute appointment to read with a certified therapy dog. Registration required, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Dec. 7

Young Eagles Rally: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7, Schaumburg Airport, Irving Park Road and Wright Blvd., Schaumburg. :Children ages 8-17 can meet the pilots, see the different types of aircraft and take a flight. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 101, weather permitting. For information or to register, call Churck at (708) 788-6390 or e-mail Youngeagles101@aol.com.

Dec. 13

Drop-In Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Story program for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Please no older brothers or sisters. No registration required. For information, call (630) 837-2855 or www.bartlett.lib.il.us.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

"Wicked" trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17, bus departs from the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Join the park district for this last chance to see one of Broadway's most popular musicals before it leaves Chicago. Arrive in downtown Chicago's theater district in time for lunch on your own before the 2 p.m. performance at the Oriental Theatre. Seats are in the balcony. All ages, under 17 with an adult. $80, residents; $120, nonresidents. Reservations required, call (847) 991-0333.

Sunday Jan. 25

"Spamalot" trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 25, bus departs from the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. Lovingly ripped off form the classic film comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," Spamalot is a new musical directed by Mike Nichols. Arrive in downtown Chicago's theater district with plenty of time for lunch on your own before the 2 p.m. performance in the Auditorium Theatre. Seats are in the balcony, no elevator access in this venue. $70, residents; $105, nonresidents. Reservations required, call (847) 991-0333.