Rock stars of tomorrow show at the James Chicago

Feeling left out of Lollapalooza because you now have little ones? Kidzapalooza, the family-friendly stage of Lollapalooza, invites you to the Very Important Rocker event at the James Chicago. Featuring children's artists the Verve Pipe, the Happiness Club, Dan Zanes and Recess Monkey, the presentation promises to be a free fun music festival experience for families. Head down to the James for a morning of music, entertainment and family fun with performers available to sign autographs and take pictures. Paul Frank, design house and apparel company, will provide giveaways including car seats, diaper bags, beach cruiser bikes and other accessories. If you'd like to stay overnight, the James Chicago offers an exclusive Weekend Adventurer Package with complimentary Paul Frank gear for the kids and passes and tickets to some of Chicago's most famous attractions.

8:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the James Chicago, 55 E. Ontario. V.I.R. event is free, but reservations are required by contacting Kidza@dkcnews.com, jameshotels.com or (312) 337-1000.

Go ask your father

If it's his turn to step up to the plate, book the Dad's Survive and Thrive package at the Omni Chicago. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, an Omni Kids pack, Wii console with game setup in the room, juice box and snack amenity upon arrival, cookies and milk turndown, complimentary in-room movie with popcorn, selection of bedtime books, complimentary upgrade to a corner suite and pre-arrival concierge call to plan the kids' activities.

Through Sunday, Sept. 5. Rates start at $234 per night at the Omni Hotel, 676 N. Michigan Ave. (312) 944-6664 omnihotels.com.

Home of the brave

Think you've "been there, done that" at all of Chicago's museums? If there's anyone in the family that leans toward the History Channel, war movies and military books, surprise him with a trip to the Pritzker Military Library. At 30,000 volumes, the library's book collection is impressive with titles spanning all periods of history, countries, cultures and branches of the United States military services. Admission is free.

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 610 N. Fairbanks Court, second floor. Call (312) 587-0234 or visit pritzkermilitarylibrary.org.

Midwest

Fairly perfect

Shopping, big-name entertainment, rides and games on the midway and thousands of cream puffs make up the Wisconsin State Fair. Main stage entertainment includes Lyle Lovett, Bret Michaels, Train, Asleep at the Wheel, plus the Steve Miller Band and Three Dog Night for the boomers and Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen for the tweens. Kids can hang in the arcade, try out the rock-climbing wall, explore the huge dinosaur simulation exhibit, enjoy magic shows at the family stage or get behind the wheel of one of the NASCAR simulators. Shop in the Big Backyard Galleria, watch chefs' cooking demos and see sculptured bonsais, massive vegetables, handmade quilts and blue-ribbon apple pies in the Horticulture, Culinary & Crafts Pavilion. There also will be lots of different competitions and plenty of food.

Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 5-15. Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. Admission is $9 for adults (12-59); $6 for seniors 60 and older and disabled persons; $4 for children 7-11; free for ages 6 and younger. It takes place in West Allis, Wis. Call (800) 884- 3247 or visit wistatefair.com.

Would you like fries with that?

Seymour, Wis., the Home of the Hamburger, tops 'em all with its 22nd Annual Burger Fest, "Burgers Gone Wild." The town, 15 miles west of Green Bay, claims the title of having the first ground beef sandwich. Take in a hot-air balloon rally and balloon glow; a Hardee's Build a Burger Contest; a Bun Run; World's Largest Hamburger Parade; an antique car show; a hamburger-eating contest; Hamburger Meat weightlifting competition; a ketchup slide competition; kids' activities and live music as well as a giant burger that will be grilled and served to Burger Fest guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in downtown Seymour. Commemorative admission buttons cost $3 in advance, $5 on the day of the event and children 12 and younger admitted free. Call (920) 833-6688 or visit homeofthehamburger.org.

Boop-boop-be-doop

The town of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., will be hosting its first Betty Boop Festival in collaboration with Fleischer Studios and King Features Syndicate. The festival marks the anniversary of Betty Boop's animation debut and honors Grim Natwick, born and buried in the Midwestern town, and who was Betty's original top animator at Fleischer Studios. Count on a Betty Boop Bash and Dance, Betty Boop films, discussions on the animator's life and work, lots of food and music, a motorcycle show and an arts and collectibles exhibit.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 6-7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, in downtown Wisconsin Rapids and South Wood County Historical Museum, 540 Third St. S. Visit bettyboopfestivalwi.com and find Betty Boop hotel packages at visitwr.com.

Fairy fine festival

If a yearly visit to the nearest Renaissance fair doesn't twist your knickers, head to Vasa Park in South Elgin for the sixth annual World of Faeries Festival. This year is the Celebration of the Green Man: Spirit of the Wild Wood, so you know it's going to be interesting. Browse fairy art and crafts, get a sitting massage or your Tarot cards read, watch a magic show or sword-fighting demos and take in lots of live folk music.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and free for kids 12 and younger. Call (815) 788-1630 or visit theworldoffaeries.com.

Worth the trip

Thanks to MTV, the whole country now knows about the weirdness that can be the Jersey Shore, but just in case you're not convinced, there's Weird Contest Week in Ocean City, N.J. Five days of wackiness includes taffy sculpting, French fry sculpting, a paper clip art contest, Miss Miscellaneous pageant, artistic pie eating (in the shape of boats, seagulls and even the state of New Jersey), wet T-shirt tossing, super hero impersonations and much more.

11 a.m. daily Monday through Friday, Aug. 16-20, at the Music Pier, boardwalk and Moorly Terrace in Ocean City, N.J. Call (609) 525-9300 or visit visitnj.org.