great events

great events great events

March &April

Photo courtesy of Cantigny Park, Wheaton.

Here’s your source for current and upcoming great events. Event information is subject to change without notice, therefore, we encourage you to call ahead and confirm – and be certain to tell ‘em you saw it in Suburban Family Magazine!

If you have an event of regional interest, we’d love to hear from you. Send to “Great Events” Fax: 866-779- 4320, E-mail: mail@subfam.com Mail: P.O. Box 1266, Westmont, IL 60559. Deadline for inclusion in the May/ June issue is Friday, April 10.

MARCH

MONDAY, MARCH 2

KIDS Little Chef Cook Off – Bring out your inner chef by creating and sampling the goodies you prepare. 9 AM – 3 PM. Ages 5-14. Johnston Recreation Center, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdaleparks.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

FAMILY Moon and Star Observing Night – Astroeducator shows us how to use a telescope to look at our moon! Aurora Eola Library. Aurora. aurorapubliclibrary.org

FAMILY Soup it Up and Craft Fair – Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Plainfield. 10:30 AM – 2 PM. Plainfield North High School. kiwanisclubofplainfield.org. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 ADULTS Stop Emotional Eating – Learn the how emotional ties to comfort foods are initially developed, and the formula to a healthy relationship with food. Age 18+. 6:30-7:30PM. BCC Program Room, Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org.

ADULTS Make and Take Spring Essentials – Learn about essential oils for spring and make products for you to enjoy at home. Age 18+. 7-8:30 PM. BCC Arts and Crafts Room, Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

EXHIBIT Spring Exhibit Opening Reception – Viewing of "Community, Culture, and Conversations: African American Heritage in Batavia." Free! 5-7PM. Batavia Depot Museum. Batavia. bataviaparks.org.

WORKSHOP It Might be Time to Make a Change – information about how to get started downsizing, and preparing your home for the market. 1:30PM. Villa St. Benedict, Lisle. villastben.org.

LECTURE Date with History: America’s First Women Soldiers – The story of American women who served in WWI as telephone switchboard operators in France. 7PM. Visitors Center Cantigny, Wheaton. fdmuseum.org.

WOMEN Women's Retreat IF: Gathering 2020 – Women will gather for live worship, be encouraged and challenged diverse female speakers. 5PM through 12:30 PM March 7th. Christ Church Oak Brook. christchurch.us. FRIDAY, MARCH 6

FAMILY Mother Son Night – Minecraft theme! Enjoy activities, craft, photo, dinner and entertainment for this fun night. 6:30 – 9 PM. The Core, Lemont. Register at lemontparkdistrict.org.

HISTORY First Fridays: Woman Up! – Celebrate Women's History Month with a night of art, music, and more that honors and respects women. FREE. Downtown Aurora. auroradowntown.org. FAMILY Sham-Rockin’ Fun – St. Paddy’sthemed games and entertainment. Ages 2+ with adult. 6:30 - 8 PM. Plainfield Township Community Center, Plainfield. plfdparks.org.

FUNDRAISER Gala of Hope – Black-tie gala includes dinner open bar, live music, silent and live auctions. 5:30 - 11:30 PM. Tickets. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago. chicagolights.org/gala-of-hope/ TOTS Magical Ice Cream Social – Hosted by the two most famous mice of them all! Crafts, too! Ages 1-5 with adult. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Naperville. Napervilleparks.org.

FAMILY Pizza & Game Night – Bring your own board games or borrow one of ours. Pizza served. Register. Community Recreation Center, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

ADULT Riding the Rails Bus Tour – A bus tour of historic and modern day railroad sites in El

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

ADULTS Sip & Sew – Modern Baby Hat – Stitch up your own cute baby hat from stretchy knit fabric. All supplies included. BYOB Optional. Register. 10:30 AM – Noon. Shawn Sargent Designs, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org. HEALTH Body Mind Spirit Expo – Exploration of alternative thought. Retail exhibitors, healers, lectures and demos. Midwest Conference Center, Northlake. bmse.net.

FAMILY Maple Sugaring Days – Nature hike. Learn to tap a maple tree. Exhibits. FREE. 12- 3 PM. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles. kaneforest.com. ADULTS Landscape Design Basics – Learn principles such as viewpoints, focal points, traffic flow and tips on adding color and texture to your garden. 11AM – 2 PM. The Growing Place. Aurora. Thegrowingplace.com.

FAMILY St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Parade with St. Patrick’s Day Queen. 10 AM. Countryside. countryside-il.org.

FAMILY Crafters to the Rafters – Come out and see a selection of crafts made by local and regional artists. 11AM – 4PM. Free. Concessions available. Deer Grove Leisure Center, Bensenville. bvilleparks.org.

FUNDRAISER Off the Wall: Adler Art Heist – Start with wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a gallery preview of the art to be “heisted.”6 PM. David Adler – Music and Arts Center, Libertyville. adlercenter.org. ADULTS Pints for Paws: A Craft Beer Tasting – Raise funds for the cats and dogs of the West Suburban Humane Society. 4-6:00 PM. Ike & Oak’s Brewpub, Woodridge. wshs-dg.org

MONDAY, MARCH 9

ADULTS Strategies to Pay Off College – Covers student loan basics and strategies for repayment. FREE. 7:00-8:30PM. JRC Lounge, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdaleparks.org.

TEENS Minute to Win it Games – Drop in for Grades 6-12. Free. Alive Center. Naperville. alivecenter. recdesk.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

SENIORS St. Patrick's Day Luncheon – Enjoy corned beef and cabbage, fresh fruit salad, rolls and dessert for lunch followed by bingo. Ages 60 and up. 12-2PM. Maryknoll Clubhouse, Glen Ellyn. Register at gepark.org.

FAMILY Green High Tea – Take your pick from a wide range of hand-selected brews, tea sandwiches, and holiday-appropriate pastries. 3-5 PM. Tickets. Mon Ami Gabi, Oak Brook. monamigabi.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

KIDS Spring Treats – We will make pretzel butterflies, rainbow fruit kabobs and chopped salad. Parents, please join for sampling during the last 15 minutes of class. 4-5:30PM. Ages 4-12. BCC Oak Room Kitchen, Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org.

ART Painting on Glass Workshop – Using paint, learn how to transform glass objects into decorative pieces. 7PM. Bloomingdale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale. Details 630-624-9545 or bpetrosius@gmail.com.

THRUSDAY, MARCH 12

TEENS Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament – Grades 6-12 welcome. 5-7 PM. Aurora West Branch Library. Aurorapubliclibrary.org.

ADULTS What's Jewish About Hereditary Cancer? – Learn about hereditary cancers in the Jewish community. 6-9PM. Marriott Suites Deerfield, Deerfield. jewishgenetics@juf.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

COOKING Irish Baking Class – Irish pastry chef teaches how to make 5 Irish delicacies. 6-8PM. Pinecone Cottage Tea House. Downers Grove. pineconecottageteahouse.com.

SENIORS St. Patrick's Day Party – Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Irish lunch and entertainment. Registration deadline is March 2. Plainfield Township Community Center. Plainfield. plfdparks.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

FAMILY Mother/Daughter Princess Tea –

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

FAMILY REPTILE RAMPAGE – Enthusiasts and experts from around the region will exhibit snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and more. 10AM- 4PM. Lake Forest Recreation Center, Lake Forest. Lfparksandrec. com.

HEALTH Body Mind Spirit Expo – Exploration of alternative thought. Retail exhibitors, healers, lectures and demos. Midwest Conference Center, Northlake. bmse.net.

FAMILY Maple Sugaring Days – Nature hike. Learn to tap a maple tree. Exhibits. FREE. 12- 3 PM. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles. kaneforest.com. OUTDOORS Dog Admission Day – Visitors can bring their dogs with them to stroll through the Arboretum. 7 AM – sunset. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org.

FAMILY Nature Discovery Days: Wild Weather – Fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. 1-4 PM. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room. Naperville. Napervilleparks.org.

LECTURE HERstory Speaks Lecture Series – Rosie Wins the War: The Story of Women’s Workplace Roles in WWII. 4-5 PM. For tickets call: 630-420-6010. Century Memorial Chapel. Naperville.

great events City Events

Chicago Polar Plunge – March 1. Plunge into Lake Michigan in support of Special Olympics Chicago. 10:30 AM. North Avenue Beach. Register chicagopolarplunge.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing – March 14. Dyeing of the Chicago River is at 9 AM and the parade begins at 12 PM. choosechicago.com.

Shamrock’n The Block – March 14. 12-6 PM. Music, entertainment, food and drink. Kids activities. Old St. Patrick’s Church. Tickets: bit.ly/ shamrockntheblock.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show – March 18- 21. “2020 Focus on Flowers”. Admire more than 700 plant varieties with demos, kid activities and workshops. Navy Pier. Chicagoflower.com.

Shedd Aquarium Asleep with the Fishes – March 20, 27 and April 17, 24. Overnight event includes activities, an aquatic presentation, animal encounters, aquatic crafts, a scavenger hunt and a Caribbean reef feeding dive. sheddaquarium.org.

Family Yoga - March 21 and April 18. Practice your turtle pose, then meet one of the Nature Museum’s box turtles during a special animal encounter. Children 12 and under with adult. 10:15-11:15 AM. naturemuseum.org. Chicago White Sox Home Opener – March 26th. Guaranteed Rate Field. Come watch the White Sox play the Kansas City Royals at 1:10 PM. mlb.com/whitesox/schedule/2020-03.

Chicago Cubs Home Opener – March 30th. Wrigley Field. Come watch the Cubs play the Pittsburgh Pirates at 3:10 PM. mlb.com/cubs/schedule/2020-03.

Chicago Spring Lantern Festival – 4/10 – 5/17. Downtown Chicago will be stunningly illuminated with more than 40 exotic and colorful shapes. 5-10 PM. Butler Field, Grant Park. chicagoevents.com.

Vintage Home and Garden Show –April 24-26. Vendors selling art, decor, vintage fashion, fancy foods and more! randolphstreetmarket.com.

Maple Syrup Festival – March 22. 10AM – 3PM. Maple syrup-making process from start to finish. Enjoy storytelling, crafts and a taste. North Park Village Nature Center Park. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Spring One of a Kind Show - April 24 – 26 at the MART. Shoppers will find everything from art and mixed media, to fashion, jewelry and furniture. 11 AM – 8 PM Fri, 10 AM – 7 PM Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM Sun. oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Enjoy teas, lemonade and light refreshments, meet Elsa and Anna and come dressed like princesses. Register. 10AM or 1PM. Lake Ellyn Boathouse, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org.

KIDS KIDZ RUMMAGE SALE – Kids: Want to get rid of or shop for gently used toys, games & other items? Register to have a table. The Core, Lemont. lemontparks.org 9 AM – noon.

FAMILY Fun with “Up Do’s” & Braids with Your Daughter – Mothers and daughters will learn how to create simple up do’s and braids. Goodie bags. Ages 4-12. 11AM – Noon. BCC Arts & Crafts Room, Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org.

FUNDRAISER Casino Night+ – Enjoy a night of Vegas-style blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas Hold’em. 21+. 7-10 PM. DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton. Wheatonparkdistrict.com

SHOPPING Spring Consignment Sale – Offering gently used boutique and designer children’s clothing. 9 AM – 4PM. Free admission. Canlan Sportsplex, Lake Barrington. growingcentsofstyle.com.

ADULTS Veggie Gardening and Seed Starting – Veggie Garden basics, greenhouse tour and take home seeds. 11AM – 2 PM. The Growing Place. Aurora. Thegrowingplace.com

TEENS First Lego League Junior Expo – Students are able to present their work and see how other teams tackled the challenge. 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Yellow Box Community, Naperville. firstillinoisrobotics.org.

ADULTS The Adoption Process from A to Z – Free program. 1:30 – 3 PM. Clarendon Hills Public Library, Clarendon Hills. tinyurl.com/adoptionaz.

ADULTS Hike with a Naturalist: Woodcock Walk – Join a naturalist to learn about the elusive woodcock. 18+. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room. Naperville. Napervilleparks.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

SHOPPING Spring Consignment Sale – Offering gently used boutique and designer children’s clothing. 10-2PM. Free admission. Canlan Sportsplex, Lake Barrington. growingcentsofstyle.com. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

WORKSHOP What to Do with All This Stuff – An appraiser and estate sales expert will advise on the process of selling, donating or disposing of household goods. 1:30 PM. Villa St. Benedict, Lisle. villastben.org. ADULTS - Wyckwood Lettering Club – Gather and share a passion for lettering. Themes and freebies. All skill levels. 6:30 PM. Wyckwood House, Aurora. wyckwoodhouse.com/events.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

FAMILY The Gluten Free Fix – Class participants learn what gluten is, how it’s affecting your body, how to find out if you’re gluten sensitive, and what to do about it. 6-8 PM. JRC Lounge, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdaleparks.org.

KIDS Little Leprechauns Parent-Child Program – This St. Patrick’s Day celebration for ages 3 to 5 will include stories, fun crafts and a special treat! 10 - 11 AM. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

LECTURE McCormick House Lecture Series – First for the Vote: How Chicago Women Won Suffrage for the Nation. 6:30 PM. Visitors Center, Cantigny. Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

FAMILY Pizza & Movie Night – Enjoy some pizza, and kick back with a movie on the big screen at PARC. 5- 7 PM. Prairie Activity & Recreation Center, Plainfield. Ages 2 + with adult. plfdparks.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 FRIDAY, MARCH 20

TEENS Anime Club – Hang out, watch anime, read manga, Japanese snacks, crafts and drawing. Grades 6-12. Aurora Eola Branch Library. Aurora. Aurorapubliclibrary.org.

OUTDOOR Bike Elgin – Explore Elgin by bike on low stress routes for 3-5 miles. Ages 8-80. 2-3 PM. Festival Park, Elgin. exploreelginarea.com. KIDS Music Together Spring Sing – - Families with children ages birth to kindergarten will enjoy this sing-along to celebrate the first day of spring! 9:30, 10:30 or 11:30 AM. Register. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

ADULTS Taste of the Farm – Showcases a wide variety of farm-to-table concept foods and delightful wine pairings. 6PM. Register. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

FAMILY Parents Night Out – Drop the kids off dressed in their favorite comfy pajamas for a movie and pizza night. 6-8:30 PM. Community Recreation

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

FAMILY Maple Syruping – Tap maple trees and turn the sap into maple syrup. Includes breakfast. Age: 2 + over with adult. 11AM-noon or 12:30-1:30PM. Jim Jenson Pavilion, Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org.

MOVIE - Green Night Out at the Movies – "Current Revolution" with discussion about the movie topic afterward. Free! Expo opens at 6PM. Movie at 7PM. Batavia City Council Chambers. BataviaEC.org. KIDS Spring Fun- Celebrate the arrival of spring in the Children’s Garden with games, art and outdoor play. 11 AM - 3 PM. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org.

FAMILY Home Show - All your home improvements under one roof. Refresh, Remodel and Renew hour home. 10AM – 5 PM. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. ChicagoHomeShow.net.

FAMILY Nature Night: Spring Night Hike – Hands on activities and short hike. 6-7:30 PM. 3+ with adult. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room. Naperville. Napervilleparks.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

KIDS Spring Fun – Celebrate the arrival of spring in the Children’s Garden with games, art and outdoor play. 11 AM - 3 PM. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org.

FAMILY Home Show – All your home improvements under one roof. Refresh, Remodel and Renew hour home. 10AM – 5 PM. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. ChicagoHomeShow.net.

FAMILY Nature Discovery Days: Wild Weather – Fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. 1-4 PM. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room. Naperville. Napervilleparks.org.

ADULT Lecture: Eugene Debs and the Pullman Strike – Discussion on moment in U.S. history, igniting an uprising that brought issues of worker justice into focus. 2 PM. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

KIDS Spectacular Spring Science – Investigate everything spectacular about spring through hands-on experiments! Ages 5-12. 5-6 PM. Register. Spring Ave. Rec Center, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org. FAMILY Stargazing at Mather Woods –Learn more about the cosmos, stars, and constellations. 7-8:30 PM. Mather Woods, Plainfield. plfdparks.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

FAMILY A History of St. James Farm – Overview of the history, buildings, farm life and a brief insight into the lives of Chauncey and Brooks McCormick. All ages. 7 PM. Auditorium, Wheaton. Register Dupagemuseum.org. Tidy Up Home & Life – Home organization tips that focus on what you keep rather than what or how much you discard. 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Aurora Santori Library. Aurora. Aurorapubliclibrary.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

ADULTS Bunnies and Brews – If you’re 21+, come and join us at McCaslin Park for an Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt! MIDNIGHT. There are 2 drink tickets included with registration. Carol Stream. Csparks.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

OUTDOOR Fishing: Trout Fishing for Kids – Introduce your young anglers to trout fishing at this preseason event just for them! 8AM – 12PM. Free. Wood Dale Grove, Wood Dale. dupageforest.org. ADULTS French Classics Cooking Class – Chef prepares three soulful winter recipes. Includes tasting and wine from each course. 10AM – Noon. Tickets. Mon Ami Gabi, Oak Brook. monamigabi.com. LECTURE Clara Barton - Explores the life of Clara Barton, the pioneering Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Free. Ages 10+. 4 PM. McCormick House Freedom Hall, Cantigny. Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

MUSIC Live performance: WWII Radio Hour – Reenactment of a 1940s radio hour, Abbott and Costello comedy sketches, and a tribute to veterans. Free. 3 PM Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

APRIL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

LECTURE McCormick House Lecture Series: April Fools! – Three stories, two of which are accurate and one false. Can you tell truth from fiction? Ages 14+. Choose 3:30, 5:30 or 7:30 PM. McCormick House, Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Register at cantigny.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

ADULTS Adults-Only Egg Hunt – Bring baskets and flashlights for our adults-only egg hunt. Light snacks and beverages. Ages 21+. 8:30 – 9 PM. Lake Ellyn Boathouse, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org.

TEENS Egg-mazing Race & Night Egg Hunt – Teams will complete various physical and mental challenges, solve clues and find the bunny hiding somewhere in the park. 5:30 PM. Wheeler Park, Geneva. genevaparks.org.

FAMILY Pizza & Bingo Night – Spend an evening with family and friends playing bingo and dining on pizza. Register. 6:30-8:30 PM. Community Recreation Center, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

a shelter. Keep the memories. Now taking reservations for Family Gatherings, Cookouts, Picnics and Summertime Fun! Visit our website to find a park shelter for your outdoor event today! plfdparks.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

KIDS H2O Egg-Venture – Children will visit with the Easter Bunny. Plus refreshments, coloring contest, jump in the jumpy and dive for eggs. 12-3 PM. Register. The CORE, Lemont. Lemontparkdistrict.org. FAMILY Egg Hunt on the Island – All ages are invited to search for eggs filled with treats in downtown Aurora. Free kid crafts, snacks, and trolley rides. 1-3PM. Stolp Island, Downtown Aurora. auroradowntown.org.

FAMILY Breakfast with the Bunny – Breakfast begins at 9,AM. Egg hunt begins at 10:30 AM. Prairie Landing Golf Club. West Chicago. prairielanding.com

FAMILY Doggie Easter Egg Hunt – Let your dog hunt for Easter eggs! 12PM. Register. West Main Community Park Bark Park, Batavia. Bataviaparks.org. FAMILY Holi: Festival of Color – Celebrate the arrival of spring and throw your worries to the wind. 12-5 PM. Downtown Naperville. thefestivalofcolors. org.

ADULTS Binny’s Wine Expo – 1-5 PM. Indoor event of wine sampling and education. Tickets. Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Hts. binnys. com/wine-expo.

FAMILY Flea Market – 12-5 PM. Up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. Kane County Fairgrounds. St. Charles. kanecountyfleamarket.com. FAMILY Easter Egg Hunt – Visit any time during event hours. Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, craft and movie. Free. 10 AM – 4 PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org.

FAMILY MasterChef Junior – Past winners take to the stage during exciting head-to-head cooking competitions and live Q&A sessions. 3PM. Rosemont theatre. Rosemont. chicago-theater.com. FAMILY Zoo Goes Blue for Autism – Throughout the day, special Zoo Goes Blue activities will be taking place for families with children on the autism spectrum. Brookfield Zoo. Czs.org.

FAMILY Spring Egg Scramble – Bring your basket to Easter egg hunt and photos with bunny. 10:45-11:15 AM. FREE. Wheeling High School Football Field, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

FAMILY Flea Market – 7 AM- 4 PM. Up to 1,000 dealers sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. A country breakfast is served on Sundays. Kane County Fairgrounds. St. Charles. kanecountyfleamarket.com.

FAMILY Easter Egg Hunt – The format is “open house” so visit any time during event hours. Take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, do a craft, and watch a movie. 10 AM – 4 PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

ADULTS Meal Planning with Marcels – We will talk meal planning, how to prep and plan ahead, share recipes, and much more. Ages 21+. 7-9 PM. Lake Ellyn Boathouse., Glen Ellyn. Register at gepark.org. SENIORS Senior Egg Hunt – You're never too old to hunt for eggs and you'll never know where you'll find one. Event is free for ages 55+. 1-1:30 PM. Register. The Core, Lemont. Lemontparkdistrict.org. THURSDAY, APRIL 9

KIDS Flashlight Egg Hunt – Bring your flashlight to look for eggs filled with candy and toys. Ages 7-10. 8:30 – 9PM. Check in starts at 8:15. Churchill Park, Glen Ellyn. Register at gepark.org. FRIDAY, APRIL 10

KIDS Egg Drop Challenge – Can you protect your egg from a 40ft drop? Eggs will be dropped age (preschool – adult). 10 AM – 7PM. Sci Tech Museum. Aurora. tinyurl.com/ SciTechAdmission. SATURDAY, APRIL 11

KIDS Easter Brunch, Hunt, and Climb – Easter egg hunt including the rock wall. Stay for snacks, crafts, sports, games and pictures with the Easter Bunny. 9-11 AM. Ackerman SFC, Glen Ellyn. Register gepark.org. off for a pizza and paint party and crafts. 6-8:30 PM. Community Recreation Center, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 18

ADULTS Road Rally – Form a team of 4-6 adults (18+) per vehicle for this four-hour scavenger hunt on wheels that will test your mind, body and teamwork. 3 – 8 PM. Register. This event is coordinated with the Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Lisle and Naperville Park Districts. Lisle Park District Community Center. Woodridge. Woodridgeparks. org.

FAMILY Home & Garden Show – Indoor event featuring the latest products and services to remodel, repair & beautify your home. Free. 10 AM – 5 PM. Pheasant Run, St. Charles. pheasantrunhomeshow.com.

TEENS Youth Fashion Show & Resource Expo – Entry includes glow necklace, Fashion showcase, Snacks/beverage. 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, Bolingbrook. junior-stars.org.

FAMILY Party for the Planet – Special Zoo Chats as well as green activities & crafts and fun for the entire family! 10AM to 2 PM. Brookfield Zoo. Czs.org. ...Yourcompleteweeklynewsletterfor “familyfriendly”thingstodoaroundChicago! Subscribe to at subfam.com YOUR WEEKEND+ SUBFAM FILL small 12.17:Layout 1 12/15/17 11:35 AM Page 1

MONDAY, APRIL 13

TEENS Scavenger Hunt – Hunt for clues in the room for a prize. Free. Grades 6-12. 2:30-5 PM. Alive Center, Naperville. Alivecenter.recdesk.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

SENIORS Spring Fling Luncheon – Catered lunch followed by an Easter egg hunt with prizes and treats. Left, Right, Center and card games available. 12-2PM. Maryknoll Clubhouse, Glen Ellyn. Register at gepark.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

ADULTS - Wyckwood Lettering Club – Gather and share a passion for lettering. Themes and freebies. All skill levels. 6:30 PM.Wyckwood House, Aurora. wyckwoodhouse.com/events SUNDAY, APRIL 19

FAMILY Home & Garden Show – Indoor event featuring the latest products and services to remodel, repair & beautify your home. Free. 10 AM – 5 PM. Pheasant Run, St. Charles. pheasantrunhomeshow.com.

MUSIC Smooth Rockin’ Jazz – Free concert featuring a mix of jazz, rock, blues and Motown. Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 3 PM. Wheaton. Cantigny.org. FAMILY Earth Day Celebration – Take a nature walk, view live animals up close and plant seeds at the butterfly garden. 11:00 am-1:00 pm FREE. Exhibitors. Heritage Park, Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com. ADULT Journey to Wellness Open House – New Massage Therapy Center. 12-4 PM. Food, raffles and giveaways. Hoffman Estates. gojourneytowellness.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

ADULTS Meal Prep for the Seasons – Create a meal-prep plan for your needs and perform LIVE cooking demonstrations. Lifestyles Fitness Center, Bolingbrook. bolingbrookparks.org. FAMILY Kite Night – Bring your own kite or purchase a kit at Cantigny ($3). Wind permitting. Food trucks on site. 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Parade Field, Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org.

FAMILY Parents Night Out – Drop the kids WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

FAMILY Earth Day Celebration – Cantigny will be awarded a water quality flag for its conservation efforts. Cupcake reception. Free. Visitors Center, 11:30 AM. Cantigny, Wheaton, Cantigny.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

ADULT Throwback Thursday Lecture: Exploring Park District History – History and evolution of the Elmhurst Park District from its inception in

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

TOTS Arbor Day Celebration – Day's events may include tree planting and dedication, butterfly aviary, visit from Seemore the Eagle, fun activities and a free hot dog lunch. 12-1 PM. Lemont. Lemontparkdistrict.org.

FAMILY FrogWatch USA Training – Love frogs? Then sign up to be a certified FrogWatch volunteer. 6-8 PM. Cosley Zoo, Wheaton. cosleyzoo.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

OUTDOOR Smelt-O-Rama – Seasoned Smelt anglers will be on hand to demonstrate the dip netting method. Learn how to catch, clean, and cook smelt! 6:00 PM. Forest Park Beach, Lake Forest. Lfparksandrec.com.

FAMILY Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show – All of our adoptable dogs will be available. Vendors, raffles, bake sale. 10 AM – 2 PM. Aurora Turners Club, Aurora. roverrescue.org.

FAMILY Earth Day Celebration – Farmers’ market, green vendors, used book giveaway, games, activities and walking parade. 11 AM – 3 PM. Peck Farm Park, Geneva. genevaparks.org. FAMILY Woodcarving Show – See a wide variety of carvings and carving styles, plus demonstrations. Visitors Center, 9 AM- 4 PM. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

FAMILY Earth Day Fair – Enjoy live music and food, shopping, go on a guided walk, experience earthy activity stations or rent a canoe to paddle around Lake Ellyn. FREE. 1-4 PM. Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org.

FAMILY Woodcarving Show – See a wide variety of carvings and carving styles, plus demonstrations. Visitors Center, 9 AM- 4 PM. Cantigny, Wheaton. Cantigny.org.

MUSIC Naperville Men’s Glee Club – A Cappella, chamber singers and musical improv. 3PM. Wentz Concert Hall. Naperville. Tickets. napervillemensgleeclub.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

KIDS School’s Out for Summer Slime! – Have the slime of your life creative seasonal slime in the concoction lab. Ages 5-12. 6-7PM. Spring Ave. Rec Center, Glen Ellyn. Gepark.org. pagechildrens.org.

KIDS Winter Play – Daily, through March. The Children’s Garden is open for outdoor fun. Explore activities such as painting snow or building a fort. 11 AM–3 PM. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org. ADULTS Women of Faith Conference – March 6 and 7. Live worship and biblical teachings, giveaways, raffles, food, and shopping. Christ Church, Oak Brook. Register at christchurch.us. FAMILY Maple Syrup Hikes – March 7–22 Weekends. One-hour hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 PM. Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods. Tickets. Lcfpd.org.

KIDS Gnome Hunt – Daily in March. The animals may be hibernating, but the Children’s Garden still has gnomes. 9:30 AM- 4 PM. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org.

OUTDOORS Maple Sugaring – March 7,8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. See how sap becomes syrup as you tap with tools from the 1890s and try a taste of real maple syrup. 1 – 4PM. Kline Creek Farm. West Chicago. dupageforest.org.

THEATRE Steel Magnolias – A classic story of family, strength in women and big southern hair. March 6-22. Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College. Naperville. Brightsidetheatre.com. EXHIBIT Downers Grove Art League – March 11 – May 3. Enjoy works of art by Downers Grove Art League. Mayslake Peabody Mansion, Oak Brook. dupageforest.org

THEATRE Frozen Jr. Youth Musical – A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Princesses Anna and Elsa. March 12-15. 7- 8:30PM. Bartlett Community Center, Bartlett. bartlettparks.org.

ADULTS United Marriage Encounter Weekend – March 20-22. Spend an entire weekend focused only on each other! Begins Friday at 7:30 PM. Addison. unitedmarriage.org. EXHIBIT On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond – Thru March 29th. Take a journey through 170 years of railroading history. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org.

EXHIBIT By All Accounts: The Story of Elm

hurst – Ongoing. Encounter an interactive tabletop map, videos, photos as well as interesting artifacts from the museum’s collection. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org.

FAMILY Chicagoland Family Pet Expo – Exhibits of pet-related products & services, entertainment and hands-on attractions for the whole family! March 20-22. 1-5PM. Arlington Park. Arlington Heights. petchicago.com.

FAMILY Spring Break Railway Days – March 23- 27. A different free railroad-themed activity each day of Spring Break. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org.

KIDS Photos with Ducks and Bunnies – March 25-27. 30-minute photoshoot with Live Baby Ducklings and Bunnies. Free edited 8x10 photo with ticket. Lyons Township High School, Western Springs. trufocusproductions.com.

EXHIBIT "Reima Ratti: Life and Art in the Great Depression – Through April 12. Explore the Great Depression through the eyes of a Lake County artists. Dunn Museum, Libertyville. lcfpd.org/museum.

EXHIBIT Spring Show & Silent Auction – April 11 – May 2. Silent Auction - View our pieces, place a silent auction bid and take home a unique piece of original artwork! Bloomingdale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale. Questions: 630-624-9545.

FAMILY Elmhurst Park District Scavenger Hunt – April 17-May 24th. Visit three Elmhurst parks listed, enjoy the playgrounds, answer questions, return and win prize. FREE. Elmhurst History Museum, elmhursthistory.org.

FAMILY Windy City Coin Op & Antique Advertising Show – April 17-19. Collections of vintage slot machines, penny arcade games, pin-ball machines, video games, comics, antiques and more. DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton. windycitycoinopshow.com. EXHIBIT Once Upon a Playground – April 17-May 24, 2020. A visual tribute to these vanishing playgrounds of the past. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org.

ONGOING

EXHIBITS DuPage Children’s Museum – New exhibit spaces; Creativity Connections Young Explorers and Make It Move Young Explorers. For children birth – 2 years. DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville. du