5 family-friendly events in the suburbs
Is the cold weather making the kids or grandkids squirrelly? Get them out — and give one of these family-friendly events a try this weekend.
1. “Frozen” weekend at Cantigny.
If your kids love Elsa, Anna and Olaf, head to Cantigny Park in Wheaton for showings of the hit animated film, a theme party and a snowman-building contest.
The contest goes on all weekend long — weather permitting. Families are invited to create and decorate a snowman anywhere in the park and then submit a photo for online voting and the chance to win tickets to Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Cantigny on April 4.
“Frozen” frenzy peaks Saturday, Feb. 28, with Cantigny's Frozen Eve in the Visitors Center. The $20 event runs 6 to 9 p.m. and includes costumed characters, screenings of the movie, crafts, a sing-a-long and more. Reservations are required by calling (630) 260-8232 or emailing jgibson@cantigny.org.
Cantigny Park, 1S151 S Winfield Road, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
2. “The Princess and the Pea” at Marriott.
A commoner must prove she is worthy of a prince in Hans Christian Andersen's “The Princess and the Pea,” from Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences. See it at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28, at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $17.23 per ticket. (847) 634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com.
3. High Wheeler Train Show.
Railroad enthusiasts can view 20 operating model train layouts at the High Wheeler Train Show in Harper College's Sports Center, Building M, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.
Special kids' activities include coloring and crafts. The event is sponsored by the Fox Valley division of the National Model Railroad Association.
Admission is $9 for ages 13 and older; $7 for seniors ages 65 and older; $2 for kids ages 5-12; kids under age 5 are free. Cash only. highwheelertrainshow.com.
4. Chicago Family Palooza.
Let the kids blow off some steam at this indoor festival, featuring a zip line, a petting zoo, inflatables, train rides. a climbing wall, entertainment and more in the Mega Center and ballroom at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. The event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.
Purchase a general admission wristband for $8 or an activity wristband for $15. (630) 584-6300 or chicagofamilypalooza.com.
5. Musical magic.
The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra presents its Young People's Concert, featuring classical selections and music from the “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings” films. The event takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Trapp Auditorium at Waukegan High School, 2325 Brookside Ave., Waukegan. Students are free. Adults are $5 when accompanied by a child. waukegansymphony.org.