Kids, teens and family
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. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.
SPARK program registration: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 735 Westgate Road, Des Plaines. Register for early childhood and school age programs including Mini-School, preschool, Jr. Kindergarten, extended day kindergarten and school age before and after school programs. (847) 824-1065 or 62.org.
Before and After School club: The Hanover Park Park District sponsors this fun and safe program for children before and/or after school. Games, snacks, crafts, more for children attending Horizon, Ontarioville, Laurel Hill, Hanover Highlands, Parkwood and Greenbrook schools. For information, (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Feb. 16
No school sports time: Noon-1:30 p.m. for grades three-six; 1:30-3 p.m. for grades seven and eight, Monday, Feb. 16, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Basketball fun under the direction of a supervisor. $3. (630) 894-4200.
School day out trip to Legoland: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, meet at Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. For ages 6-14. $22. (630) 894-4200.
American Girl Place lunch and shopping: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., American Girl Place, Chicago. Bus departs from the Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. For ages 3 and over with parent. $48-$72 fee per person includes transportation and lunch in the American Girl Cafe only. For information or to register, call (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Teen Speed Friendship: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Bring a copy of a favorite book, CD or movie to use as a discussion starter during this timed get-to-know-you experience. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Youth School Day off open gym: noon-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, and Friday, Feb. 27, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Open gym for grades three-12. $5. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Tool Time with Bob: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Basic training and familiarization of the uses of everyday hand tools for ages 11-14. $17-$22. Register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettpark.org.
Mudge the Dog: 10-11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3-7 can meet "Mudge" from the "Henry and Mudge" books, have a snack, make a dog craft and have their picture taken with "Mudge" to take home. Registration required. For information or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Teen game day: noon-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Wii sports on the big screen and other video games for ages noon-2 p.m. $5. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Lincoln Mania: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Make a Lincoln beard and stove pipe hat. For ages 5-12 with an adult. $1. (847) 391-5399.
Skate for History: Noon-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, Central Community Center, 1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. School children and their parents can help preserve the 1896 Central School and support the Mount Prospect Historical Society by roller skating. $5, bring your own skates. Limited rentals available. (847) 392-9006.
Feb. 18
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Thursday, Feb. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. For children 18-36 months and their caregivers. Share stories, finger plays and songs to encourage listening and motor skill development. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Teen spinning: 4:14-5 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 18-March 25. Challenging cycling class for ages 11-15. $48-$72. Register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Home-school program: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. program: "Native Americans," features reproduction artifacts, fur pelts and a model wigwam. For ages 5-12 with an adult. Register at (847) 391-5399.
Feb. 20
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, Feb. 20, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
Friday Night Teen Splash In: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, South Barrington Park District pool, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Movie, games, pizza, swim for grades five-eight. $10-$15. Register before Wednesday, Jan. 14, at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
After Hours Game Night: 9:30-11:45 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teen can play Halo3, Magic: The Gathering and more (teens under 18 must have a permission slip to play Halo3). There will be music, food and prizes. For information, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Pajama Storytime: 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 20 and 27, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Children can wear pajamas to hear stories. Free. Register at (847) 392-0100 or www.ahml.info.
"High School Musical": 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20; 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22, Ivy Hall School, 1072 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove. Buffalo Grove Park District performance of "High School Musical."Tickets in advance at the Alcott Center $8; $10 at the door. Call (847) 850-2132.
Feb. 21
Flick and float: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Splash Central, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Bring your water noodle, raft or inner tube and float away while watching a movie on a big screen. $5-$7. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Middle School Drop-Ins: Saturdays, Feb. 21, March 14, April 18 and May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades 6-8. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Teen Advisory Board meets: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Des Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to attend and suggest books, movies and music and plan the library programs you want to see. Snack food provided. dppl.org.
Winter Wonderland Father/Daughter Ball: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Arlington Lake Golf Club, Arlington Heights. Dancing and activities for dads and their daughters ages 4-11. Dress to impress. $30 per person; $10 for each additional child. Amy, (847) 577-3021 or Tim, (847) 577-3025.
Chicago Auto Show trip: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, bus leaves from the Salt Creek Park District. Transportation and show ticket, 15-$18. Call (847) 259-6890.
Feb. 22
School day out trip to Gameworks: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, meet at Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. For children ages 6-14. $22. (630) 894-4200.
Preschool open house: Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, will host an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. Programs for children ages 3-6. Register for 2009 summer and fall programs. See www.ByFaithAlone.org for details or contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230.
Feb. 23
Creative Mondays: Writing club from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Drawing Teens from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays Feb. 23 and March 23, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend one or both programs. registration required, teenservices@stdl.org or call (847) 923-3191.
Allowing Your Voice to Sing class: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 12 through April 13, Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. For ages 8-15. Ages 16 and up will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Community Center Art Studio. Basics of Technique and performance skills. $125-$156. (630) 837-2468.
Preschool Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 24, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3 through prekindergarten 5 can enjoy a short film and stories. No parents or siblings in story room. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies birth to 18 months and their caregivers can enjoy time together building language skills. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Preschool registration Schaumburg Park District: Registration packets for the 2009-10 school year will be available beginning Monday, Feb. 23, at the Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way; Bock Neighborhood Center, 1223 W. Sharon Lane; Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road; and the Pat Shephard Center, 421 N. Springinsguth Road, all in Schaumburg. Lottery for residents will be March 9. (847) 490-7036 or parkfun.com.
Feb. 24
Mother/daughter manicures: 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Receive hand treatments and massage while learning how to five yourself an at home manicure. All ages. $20. (847) 506-7141.
Family Fun Night: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Interactive fun and games for children ages 6 and under with their families. Free. (847) 490-7036 or parkfun.com.
Character Counts program: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, Windsor Elementary School, 1315 E. Miner St. Arlington Heights. Family night sponsored by the Windsor PTA includes activity stations in trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Nancy, (847) 342-0957.
Feb. 26
A Taste of Preschool: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Mini-class includes a morning meeting, center exploration and creative art, ending with a musical activity. Parent will have the opportunity to ask questions while the children engage in activities. Free, registration required before Monday, Feb. 23, openings limited. (847) 490-7036 or parkfun.com.
Feb. 27
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, Feb. 27, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
Babysitter's training course: 6-9 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 27 and March 6, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. Fun, fast-paced, hands-on, course for ages 11-15. Earn a Babysitter's Training Certificate from the American Red Cross. $65-$75. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Glam-A-Rama Girls Night Out: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, South Barrington Park District banquet room, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. For mothers and their daughters ages 5-12. Mom's learn how to create updos on their daughters. Includes goody bags and refreshments. $40-$45 per couple; additional daughters $15. To register, (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Magic class: 4-5:55 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Magic class for ages 5-12. Learn tricks with cards, ropes, coins, mind reading, more. $17-$22. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Youth School Day off open gym: noon-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Open gym for grades three-12. $5. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Pajama Storytime: 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 27, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Children can wear pajamas to hear stories. Free. Register at (847) 392-0100 or www.ahml.info.
Feb. 28
Arlington Heights Parks preschool registration: Doors open 5 a.m.; registration from 7:45-8:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Pioneer Park, 502 S. Fernandez Ave. Open to Arlington Heights Park District residents. Nonresidents may register beginning March 16. Preschool programs for ages 3-4 and 4-5 (847) 577-3000 or ahpd.org.
March 1
Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, Thomas Middle School, 1430 N. Belmont St., Arlington Heights. Benefits children with learning disabilities. Tickets at the door $5; $3 ages 5-12; free for ages 5 and under. (847) 824-3941.
March 3
Immanuel Lutheran School open house: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. (847) 359-1936.
March 6
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, March 6, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
March 8
Purim carnival: The Youth Department of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual Purim Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the synagogue's Social Hall. There will be games such as basketball, Moonwalk, a giant slide, Hamman Toss, Bozo Buckets, balloon animals, Tic Tac Toe and more. There will be prizes, and food (lunch will be available for purchase). There will be a Tot Corner, an area with easy-to-reach, easy-to-play games for the younger crowd. Game tickets are 25 cents each; games range from 2-5 tickets. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777, ext. 114.
March 9
Rockin' Roarin' Dinosaurs: Begins week of March 9, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Children ages 3-6 discover the mysteries of the past through book, videos, music and crafts. Session is three weeks. $30-$35. (847) 298-3500.
Purim: Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin will celebrate Purim at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit congregationshiratshalom.org.
March 13
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, March 13, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
March 14
Family pirate brigade: 7:15-9:15 p.m. Saturday, March 14, Splash Central, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Pirate-themed evening of water fights, water balloons, cannonball contests, relay races and food delights. $5-$8. Register at (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Middle School Drop-Ins: Saturdays, March 14, April 18 and May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades six-eight. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Got Shabbat: Families with children ages 4-8 can spend a Shabbat afternoon at JCC's Got Shabbat? from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Enjoy craft projects, food, Shabbat songs and Storybook Yoga with Katie Klatt-Bowen. Call Susan Ellenby at (224) 406-9223.
March 18
Mary Poppins trip: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, Cadiliac Palace Theatre. Bus departs from the Palatine Park District, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine. All ages 17 and under with an adult. $50-$75 fee includes transportation and show ticket. Lunch is on your own. For information or to register, (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
Lunch with the Easter Bunny: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, Biltmore Country Club, Barrington. Hosted by the Barrington Woman's Club. Proceeds benefit the club's philanthropic endeavors. $40. (847) 882-6450 or (847) 381-2123.
March 20
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, March 20, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
March 23
Spring Break Camp: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 23-17, Bartlett Community Center gymnasium, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Games, swimming and activities for children in grades K-six.
$112-$158. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Spring Recess Science Camp: Noon-3 p.m. March 23-27, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road. For ages 8-13. $80. (630) 540-4800 or bartlettparks.org.
Des Plaines Park District day trips: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23-27, depart from and return to the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Day trips for children in grades two-eight include Enchanted Castle, Pickwick Theater, Pump-It-Up Entertainment, Rinkside Sports, Chuck E. Cheese, Schaumburg's Indoor Waterworks, Brunswick Zone and Orbit Skate Center. $34-$43 per trip. For information, (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
March 27
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, March 27, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
March 30
Fun with Chinese: 4:30-5:20 p.m. Mondays, March 30-May 18, South Barrington Community Center, 3 Tennis Club Lane, South Barrington. South Barrington Park District and Happy Chinese School present this class to teach Chinese to all beginning learners in a fun and easy way. $120-$128. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net. Visit, HappyChineseSchool.com for information.
April 3
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, April 3, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
Horizon Bingo night: 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 3, Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Ave., Streamwood. Free family fun, win prizes, raffles, snacks available for purchase.
April 4
Lunch with the Easter Bunny: Saturday, April 4, Bartlett Community Center, Oak Room, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Hosted by the Bartlett Woman's Club. $6 per person includes lunch and raffle prizes, and Easter buckets for each child. Two seatings 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations required. Karin, (630) 289-6533.
April 10
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, April 10, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
Aqua Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, Splash Central, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Children, divided into age groups, collect eggs in the water. Bring a bathing suit, towel and a basket for gathering the eggs. Advance registration required. $8-$10. (630) 540-4800.
April 17
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, April 17, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
April 18
Middle School Drop-Ins: Saturdays, April 18 and May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades six-eight. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
April 24
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, April 24, Sport Center gymnasium, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Parent-supervised open gym for children ages 6 and under. Includes balls, riding toys, climbing mats. $40-$60. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
May 9
Middle School Drop-Ins: Saturday, May 9, Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines. Recreational activities for grades six-eight. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
June 15
Hellenic American Academy summer camp: Session begins June 15. For camps hours, fees and information, (847) 317-1063.
Preschool openings: The Salt Creek Park Preschool has immediate openings for its 3-4 year old program. Call (847) 259-6890.
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 Web site phpl.info
Before and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; nonschool 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.