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.
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.
Read to Succeed with the Chicago Wolves: Through Feb. 14; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Open to kids kindergarten through eighth grade. Program features prizes and chances to win tickets to Chicago Wolves games. Sign up at the Ask Me Desk in Youth Service. (847) 259-6050
Youth open gym: 4-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. To participate you must have an Open Gym Photo ID. Limited to the first 40 participants in grades three-12. $5 per visit. (630) 540-4834.
Tales with Tails: Registration began Jan. 5; Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Children in grades two through five read to a specially trained dog from Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy during five weekly, 15-minute sessions held Thursday evenings from Feb. 19 to March 19. Program is reserved for Mount Prospect Library cardholders. Register in person at the library's Youth Services Desk. Call (847) 253-5675.
Feb. 2
Gamers Group: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays Feb. 2 and March 2; Schaumburg Township District Library Youth Services Classroom, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Teens in grades 6-12 can enjoys many types of video gaming, including Rock Band, Wii. PS3 and more. No registration required. (847) 923-3191.
Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Reading manga, watch anime and eat Japanese snacks. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Churchill School concert: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, Eisenhower Junior High School, 800 W. Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. First/second grade students perform. Beth, (847) 357-6300.
"Jeffery the Great": 1:45, 3 and 3:35 p.m. Monday Feb. 16, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. High energy show of comedy, juggling and magic. Tickets available starting Monday, Feb. 2. To register, (847) 358-5881, ext. 132 or palatinelibrary.org.
Feb. 3
Author visit: 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Robert Renteria, author of "From the Barrio to the Boardroom," will share secrets to success, his own personal struggles growing up and his commitment to inspire youth to avoid the pitfalls and make better choices to lead a productive life. For details, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Band festival: 7:30 p.m. Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Band students from Eisenhower Junior High School and the Hoffman Estates High School band perform. Nancy, (847) 357-5500.
Feb. 4
Abraham Lincoln: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Abraham Lincoln will be on hand to discuss the importance of reading as the library celebrates his 200th birthday. For details or to register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Maine East High School eighth grade orientation: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. Students and parents of students who will be members of the Maine East High School Class of 2013 are invited to attend. For information, call Mrs. DeBoor at (847) 692-8520.
Toddler Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and 18, and Thursdays, Feb. 5 and 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.
"Gettin Started" A Sophomore Student Parent Evening: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd. Paul Genovese, college/career counselor, will be host a post high school awareness evening for sophomores and their parents. Discussion includes when and how students should begin to explore college options; financial aid, scholarships, standardized testing, college admission requirements and the college admission process. (847) 718-4411 or paul.genovese@d214.org
Drop-in chess club: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Children at all levels meet other players, learn strategies. Chess set provided. dppl.org.
Champion Youth Outreach classes: Wednesdays, Feb. 4-March 18, Heritage Elementary School gym. Classes in Pompon and Hip-Hop/Jazz. $6 per class. For age requirements and times, call (847) 759-0576 or championyouth.net.
Feb. 5
Bead workshop: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road; or Feb. 12, at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library, 1550 Hassell Road. Teens in grades 6-12 make gifts for themselves or others in this beading workshop. Registration required, teenservices@stdl.org or call (847) 923-3191.
Valentine's Dolly: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Ages 3-12 can make and dress their own Valentine's Day dolls. Ages 3-5 must be accompanied by a parent. Fee is $35.50. For information, visit ahpd.org or call the Arlington Heights Park District, at (847) 577-3000.
High School Information Night: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Christian Liberty Academy, 502 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Meet the Christian Liberty Academy teaching staff and hear more about the school. For information call (847) 259-4444 or visit christianlibertyacademy.com.
Feb. 6
Daddy/daughter dance: 7-9 p.m. Friday Feb. 6, North Park, 300 N. Highland Road, Inverness. Dads and daughters dress up for an evening of live entertainment, refreshments, more. $34-$44; $9 for each additional daughter. Reservations required. (847) 934-6300.
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, Feb. 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.
Royal Ball: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. For fathers and their daughters ages 4-14. Dinner, dancing, photo. $18-$23. Register at (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Youth School Day off open gym: noon-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 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.
Drop in create-a-craft: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Children can drop in to make cards and gifts for Valentine's day.
(847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.
Feb. 7
Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, Hanover Park Park District Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave. Dancing, prizes, dinner, more. $30-$45 per couple; $14 for each additional daughter. To register, call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.
Daddy/Daughter Dance: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Prospect High School Field House, 801 W. Kensington, Mount Prospect. The Prospect High School Choir Department will host "The Princess Ball" for girls ages 3-10 and their fathers. Admission is $16 per dad; all "princesses" are free. For information and registration forms, visit prospectchoir.com or call (847) 718-5370.
Celebrate Reading Party: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Winter Reading Program wrap-up party with cake and games. Register at (847) 459-4100.
Family Fun: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road. Stories and a craft for families. (630) 837-2855 or bartlett.lib.il.us.
Boogie Oogie Baby Bop: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Move with the music, hear musical sounds, baby-friendly puppets. For children 23 months and younger. (847) 253-5675 or mppl.org/events.
Candy creations: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Ave. Learn how to make molded chocolates and more. For ages 6-12. $22-$33. (630) 837-2468.
College Entrance Exam Prep program: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Teens in grades 9-12 can take the ACT Practice Test. Register at (847) 376-2787 or dppl.org.
Feb. 8
Discover the Eagles at Starved Rock: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, bus departs from the Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. For ages 17 and under with an adult. $52-$78 includes transportation, tour guide, eagle presentation and lunch in the Starved Rock Lode's rustic dining room. For information or to register, call (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org.
American Legion pancake breakfast: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Feb. 8, Miner and Douglas streets, Arlington Heights. All-you-can-eat flapjacks, raffle prizes. (847) 253-6632.
Feb. 9
Horizon School young artist reception: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, Hanover Park Park District Gallery. A show of work by students of Cindy Walker at Horizon School in Hanover Park will be on display through March 1. Meet and greet with the young artists. Call Susan, (630) 837-2468.
Mount Prospect Preschool registration: Monday, Feb. 9-Thursday, Feb. 12 before 3 p.m., Lions Center, Central Community Center and RecPlex. Call (847) 640-1000 for classes, age requirements, times and fees.
Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9 and 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 Drop-in Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Feb. 9 and 23 and Tuesdays, Feb. 10 and 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.
Jungle Jammin': Begins week of Feb. 9, Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Kids ages 3-6 discover plants and animals through stories, games, crafts and a journey through the jungle. Session is three weeks long. $30-$35. (847) 298-3500.
Feb. 10
Valentine Cake Decorating: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Children ages 3-12 can decorate a cake, cupcake, cake box and chef's hat. Ages 3-5 must be accompanied by a parent. Fee is $32. For information, visit ahpd.org or call the Arlington Heights Park District, at (847) 577-3000.
Pajama Storytime: 7-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 3-7 can wear their pajamas for stories and fun. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Feb. 11
Mother/Daughter - Fairies Forever: 6:15-7:25 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. For girls ages 3-8 and their mothers. Girls can dress in their favorite princess or fairy dresses. Each girl will get a set of fairy wings and an assortment of accessories for a photo session with mom. Participants should bring their own cameras. Each couple will decorate a photo album and crystal bracelet. Fee is $33. For information, visit ahpd.org or call the Arlington Heights Park District, at (847) 577-3000.
Feb. 12
Palatine Park District Date Night: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave., Palatine. For ages 3-12 with parent. $12-$18 per person. Dress up for a night of dining and dancing. Valentine theme evening included food and photos. Call (847) 991-0333.
Valentine's Day Blast: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, dancing, food and arts and crafts for fifth- and sixth-graders. $12 before Monday, Feb. 12. (847) 985-2143 or parkfun.com.
Teen Writing Workshop: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can get creative writing ideas and brush up on writing skills. Reservations required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
FAFSA Completion Evening: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Wheeling High School's Technology Center. Representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, local colleges and universities and District 214 college counselors will be on hand to assist families in completing the Web-based
FAFSA on site. Reservations required, (847)-718-7046.
Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday: Noon-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Crafts and activities in honor of Lincoln's bicentennial birthday. (847) 358-5881, ext. 132.
Feb. 13
No school sports time: Noon-1:30 p.m. for grades three-six; 1:30-3 p.m. for grades seven and eight, Friday, Feb. 13, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Basketball fun under the direction of a supervisor. $3. (630) 894-4200.
Friday Tot Lot: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Friday, Feb. 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.
Dad and Daughter Date Night: 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Live entertainment, dinner, dancing and games. Daughters must be between the ages of 4-10. $28 per couple. Registration required before Friday, Feb, 13. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.
Feb. 14
Love Stinks Anti-Valentine's Day Chocolate Fest: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Find out the worst places to take a date and the most depressing ways to get dumped. Includes morose decorations and a Chocolate Taste-off for kids in grades 7-12. Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.
Junior Historians: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 14, Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. For ages 8-13. Meetings focus on topics that relate to the community and its heritage. Register in advance. The February topic is "Presidential Lore and Lincoln's 200th." The fee is $15 for Arlington Heights residents, $18 for nonresidents. For information, visit ahpd.org or call the Arlington Heights Park District, at (847) 577-3000.
Love Stinks Teen Get-Together: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Create broken hearts, eat lots of sweets and participate in a sappiest poem contest. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Illinois Grade School Music Association contest: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, River Trails Middle School, 1000 N. Wolf Road, Mount Prospect. Solos and ensembles compete. For information, e-mail tsmith@rtsd26.org.
Feb. 15
Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. For girls ages 10 and younger. Refreshments, photos, dancing, music and the magic of Jim Jensen Entertainment. (630) 894-4200.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.