Wonderland Express

WHAT: Check out the winter wonderland of twinkling lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Outside, 750,000 white lights welcome your family as you walk and view the winter beauty. Inside, the exhibition of miniature trains winds over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls and through 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This exhibit is sure to bring out the child in us all.

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden- 1000 Lake Cook Road- Glencoe Illinois 60022

WHEN: Jan. 2-4

COST: Tickets are $9-$12 for non members

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.chicago-botanic.org/ or call 847-835-5440

Snow Much Fun

WHAT: Tired of freezing outside? Come skate in your socks in the indoor skating rink as you pretend you’re on ice. Show off your fashion style as you dress a snowman in traditional or wacky winter outfits. You can even build a snow fort using ice blocks made from a variety of materials. Come experience indoor frosty fun for the whole family.

WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum

WHEN: Jan. 2-4

COST: Children under one and members = free, children and adults = $9, seniors = $8

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/snowmuchfun.html

Holiday Message

Enjoy the Chi-Town weather and have a safe, happy holiday. We will return in 2009 with lots of great activities for you to enjoy.

The Day Santa Canceled Christmas

WHAT: Bring the entire family to a fun performance of this Christmas tale courtesy of Studio One Productions. As the tale is told, the world seems to have forgotten about Santa. Feeling unpopular, he decides to let the elves give him a makeover. Will this be enough to get Santa back in gear, or will he cancel Christmas? Time is ticking and the big day is in danger.

WHERE: Chicago Center for The Performing Arts (777 N Green Street Chicago, IL 60622)

WHEN: Dec. 19th COST: $10 per ticket

NEED MORE INFO: Call (312) 437-7373 or visit http://studioonedancetheatre.com

Teddy Bear Tea

WHAT: Bring your child along with his favorite stuffed friend and experience the teddy bear workshop while you meet special guests. Enjoy story telling, holiday world music, and a special holiday tea buffet in true English fashion. To celebrate the holiday spirit of giving, each ticket will go to the purchase of a teddy bear to be donated a group of three local hospitals.

WHERE: The Grill on the Alley at The Westin Chicago (909 North Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60610)

WHEN: Dec. 20th at 2:00pm – 4:00pm

COST: Ticket prices vary from $27-$45

NEED MORE INFO: Call 312-212-4372 or visit http://www.emeofchicago.com

Santa & Toy Extravaganza

WHAT: Join Loretto Hospital for this fun filled event. It’s their 17th Annual Visit With Santa Toy Extravaganza! All children 12 and under who attend will receive a free toy. More than 2,000 are expected!

WHERE: Columbus Park Refectory - 5701 W. Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60644

WHEN: Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am – 1:00pm

COST: Free!

NEED MORE INFO: (773) 854-5063

Drop In Art Day

WHAT: Bring the entire family for a chance to explore their creativity at the Art Center. Drop in for a day of art activities and performances everyone will enjoy. By the way, this drop in art day is free to all!!

WHERE: The Hyde Park Art Center – 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Chicago, IL 60615

WHEN: December 14th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

COST: Free!

NEED MORE INFO: Call 773-324-5520 or visit generalinfo@hydeparkart.org

Santa Brunch Cruise

WHAT: Enjoy a two-hour holiday Odyssey brunch cruise, complete with all of the trimmings, a bountiful buffet, live entertainment and a visit with Santa! Children can sit on Santa's lap as well as have their picture taken with him on board. You will receive one complimentary photo per family. Additional photos will be available for purchase.

WHERE: Odyssey Cruises is located at 600 E. Grand Ave at Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 7th from 1:00pm-3:00pm (boarding begins at 12:00pm)

COST: $54.90/adult, $27.45/child (age 3-11), infants under 3 are free

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.pyireservations.com/iebms/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=40118&oc=10&cc=chicago or call 888-957-2322

A Christmas Carol

WHAT: Enjoy the Charles Dickens classic following the holiday celebration of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve. Before the show, you can attend the Christmas reception featuring a visit from Santa, hot coco, milk, and cookies. Children will also be given a goodie bag to take home.

WHERE: The Raue Center For the Arts – Crystal Lake, IL

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6th at 3:00pm (pre-show Christmas reception at 2:00pm)

COST: Show Tickets: $22-$25 (pre-show tickets: $10 for children and $5 for adults)

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.rauecenter.org/whats-on/2008/12/christmascarol/

Gifting Green

WHAT: Kids can make useful eco-friendly gifts and ornaments perfect for the holiday season. Projects include mosaic bird houses, mosaic pots, paper mache bowls, paper ornaments, gift boxes, and more. These would be great for kids to give out as gifts.

WHERE: 2430 Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614

WHEN: November 28-30 from 11:00am – 3:00pm

COST: Material Fees: $15/bird house, $10/mosaic pot, $5/bowl

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.sciencechicago.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=6040&topic=&ages=

Mommy Pampering/Kid Art

WHAT: Moms can take a timeout at this wellness center while her kids enjoy an artistic break. Soul Spa offers a variety of services while children enjoy the on-site art and activity center.

WHERE: The Soul Spa at Flourish
3020 N. Lincoln
Chicago, Il 60657

WHEN: Sun. 12-5, Mon.-Thurs. 10-7, Fri. and Sat. 10-5

COST: Children’s art and activity center - $10 per hour/child
(cost of services vary)

NEED MORE INFO: Call 262-792-9120 or visit http://www.soulspaconcepts.com/Soul_Spa_Concepts/Soul_Spa.html

The Wild Reef

WHAT: Come visit 20 different habitats featuring 500 species in the largest public display of live coral in the Midwest. Thousands of underwater sea creatures small and large, colorful and camouflaged, friendly and poisonous will abound around every corner of this one-of-a-kind experience. Adults and children alike will get a glimpse of island life through this multi-sensory, interactive exhibit.

WHERE: The Shedd Aquarium

WHEN: Now-December, 2008

COST: All Access Pass: $21 for adult admission to Wild Reef, Oceanarium and general aquarium ($14 for Chicago resident adults); Mini Pass: $17 for adult admission to Wild Reef and general aquarium; or Oceanarium and general aquarium. Discounted pricing for seniors and children. Chicago residents receive a 30 percent discount every day.

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org/wildreef.html

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

WHAT: This two day event allows the public to preview, play and purchase the year's hottest new toys and games. The Fair showcases hundreds of companies and thousands of products from around the world along with raffles, tournaments, prizes, live entertainment, shopping, free gaming areas, Young Inventors' Challenge, 24x7 game playing featuring the coolest new games from Europe's famous Essen Fair, costumed characters, toy drive and live game shows. This makes Chi-TAG the most fun you can have in one weekend, packed under one roof.

WHERE: Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: November 22nd and 23rd from 10am-6pm

COST: $10 per adult, $5 per child 13 and under, free for ages 3 and under as well as scouts in uniform

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.chitag.com/ or call 847-677-8277

Horton Hears A Who!

WHAT:
Join Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for a book reading, activity center, and photo opportunities. This event features a visit from the Mayor of Whoville and a fun-filled reading of one of Dr. Seuss all-time classic childrens books, Horton Hears a Who! Photo opportunities with the Mayor of Whoville will be available for children and families. In addition, attendees can also enjoy a free activity center with holiday-themed arts and crafts, fun for the whole family!

WHERE:
Macy's on State Street – 111 N. State Street (Kids Department, 5th Floor) Chicago, IL 60602

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15th, 2008 12:00pm-3:00pm

COST: Free

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=855

Aztec World At The Field Museum

WHAT:
The Field Museum has assembled nearly 300 spectacular artifacts from museums across Mexico and the United States for a once-in-a-lifetime exclusive exhibition that will not travel to any other destination. Many of these treasures will be displayed outside Mexico for the first time, giving a rare perspective of Aztec art, science, trade, cosmology, and religious ritual. Come to the Field and check out the Aztec World along with the many other collections this museum houses.

WHERE:
The Field Museum in Chicago

WHEN:
The Aztec World collection will be on display from now- April 19th. The Field Museum is open on a regular basis. Regular hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Last admission is at 4 p.m. Open every day except Christmas.

COST:
Please visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/admission.htm for specific pricing information.

NEED MORE INFO:
Visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/index2.html

Over The Top Circus

WHAT: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is taking you OVER THE TOP! It’s a circus spectacular that is unbelievable, unforgettable, and affordable! OVER THE TOP is an all-new live entertainment extravaganza featuring the ultimate tug of war between Ringmaster Chuck Wagner and clown eccentric Tom Dougherty over a magical top hat that controls the circus. They continue to top one another until the Ringmaster and clown realize that the magic of the circus is not in the hat but in the hearts of everyone. The show culminates in an amazing display of gigantic glowing rainforest flowers surrounding Chinese acrobats swinging on vines and propelling through the air.

WHERE: Allstate Arena
6920 North Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL

WHEN: 11/06/08 – 11/16/08

COST: ticket prices vary

NEED MORE INFO: call 312-559-1212 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/Ringling-Bros-and-Barnum-Bailey-Circus-Over-the-Top-tickets/artist/1263288

Vote 4 Me!

WHAT: Take your kids inside a presidential election. Get a behind-the-scenes perspective of campaign season by working your way from presidential hopeful to Commander in Chief. Learn about what it takes to run a successful campaign and voice support for your favorite 2008 presidential candidate.

WHERE: McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum

445 North Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Nov. 7th-9th (the 9th is the last day of this exhibit)

COST: Admission is FREE!

NEED MORE INFO: call (312) 222-4860 or visit http://www.freedommuseum.us/

Baby Expo

PR Contact: Jamie Born 312-371-3787

What: The Nation's Largest Baby Expo Returns to Chicago with Everything for Baby and More...New Products, Interactive Entertainment, Samples, Baby Derby Races, Toddler Rodeo Races and Family Fun. For the 12th year, national magazine American Baby is hosting American Baby Faire, the nation's largest infant and parenting expo next weekend November 1 & 2, 2008 at Chicagolands Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center,. Many of the nation's juvenile industry leaders will be in town for a weekend of education and entertainment.
Here to showcase some of the latest trends in the juvenile industry is Jamie Born with American Baby Group and some little ones.
(detailed product list to follow)

Screen Details: American Baby Faire

When:
Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2, 2008

Location:
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 303-4100

Hours:
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m.

Web Site:
americanbabyfaire.com

Toll-Free Event Line:
1-877-959-BABY

Admission Cost:
Adults $8.00
Grandparents and Children (under age 12) FREE
$3 discount admission coupons available at local Babies“R”Us stores

Highlights:
American Baby Faire, presented by Babies“R”Us, the nation’s premier baby products retailer, will introduce expectant parents and young families to more than 100 exhibits showcasing the latest in child care, parenting information and services, the newest products for infants and toddlers, exciting interactive children’s exhibits and free product samples. There will be continuous live entertainment throughout the weekend as well as roving fairytale characters for children to meet.

Babies can compete hourly in the Babies“R”Us Baby Derby races for the title of Chicago’s “fastest crawler.” As many as 500 babies are expected to race throughout the two-day American Baby Faire event.

The Chicco Rodeo will debut at the American Baby Faire Chicago this year. Toddler cowboys and cowgirls can mosey on down to the official “rodeo track” and race toy horses. The rodeo track features complete with official racing lanes, cowboy referee, straw hats for the racers and fun prizes for winners.
American Baby Group, owned by Meredith Corporation, is the premier multimedia provider of information to expectant parents and young families. Led by the flagship American Baby magazine, the company's enterprises include 6 English- and Spanish-language magazines, americanbaby.com and healthykids.com, American Baby Faire expositions, sampling and coupon programs, the American Baby Show, custom publishing and market research.

For over sixteen years, the American Baby Faire has been the leading national consumer exposition for expectant parents and young families.

Spooky Seas

WHAT: Join the mysterious creatures of Shedd Aquarium for the Spooky Seas annual family Halloween celebration. This safe and exciting alternative for families provides a unique glimpse of the aquarium and animals after dark. The fee includes presentations, animal encounters, food, activities throughout the galleries, and a live DJ with dancing. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Families have the option to participate just for the evening or spend the night with the animals until morning. Children must be 5 years of age or older to spend the night. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHERE: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. to Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.
Evening-only Option: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

COST: Fee: $60 per adult or child ($50 per member)
Evening-only Option Cost: $25 per adult or child ($20 per Shedd members)
Children 2 years and younger are FREE

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org/family_programlistings.html#Family_Overnight_Spooky_Seas_20 and call 312-692-2702 to register for the event

The Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier

WHAT: The Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier is to be enjoyed by older children. The Captain at Navy Pier has traveled the globe in search of the darkness. Under his command, the captain’s crew has captured the most feared creatures known to man. You can join his dark crew. At the Captain’s command you will walk through this twisted cage of pain, and find The Fear before it finds you.

WHERE: Navy Pier in Chicago

WHEN: Now – 11/1/08 from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

COST: $20 (coupons can be printed online)

NEED MORE INFO: http://www.thefearhauntedhouse.com/tickets.html

Boo! At the Zoo

WHAT: From crazy costumes and treat bags to haunted hayrides and pumpkin-carving demonstrations, Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo festival is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween, and everyone is invited to attend! The not-so-scary event will begin at 11:00 a.m. each day and will include frightfully fun activities for the entire family - one of Chicagoland’s largest costume parades, Zoo Chats featuring bats, snakes, and owls, pumpkin carving, and the new hay maze!

WHERE: Brookfield Zoo: 8401 31st Street Brookfield, IL 60513

WHEN: Oct. 25th and 26th from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

COST:
General Zoo Admission:
Adults $11.00, Seniors 65 and Over $7.00, Children 3 to 11 $7.00, Members are FREE

All-in-One Tickets - Zoo admission plus the following attractions: Sharks! at Stingray Bay, Dolphin Show, Butterflies!, Children's Zoo, Hamill Family Play Zoo, Motor Safari, and Carousel:
Adults $22.50, Seniors 65 and Over, $16.50, Children 3 to 11 $16.50

Admission + 3 - Zoo admission plus choose three (3) from the following attractions: Sharks! at Stingray Bay, Dolphin Show, Butterflies!, Children's Zoo, Hamill Family Play Zoo, Motor Safari, and Carousel:
Adults $17.00, Seniors 65 and Over $12.00, Children 3 to 11 $12.00

(some Boo! At the Zoo events have additional fees)

NEED MORE INFO: visit http://www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Events/Boo!-at-the-Zoo for zoo information and the specific schedule of events

Chicago International Children's Film Festival

WHAT: Chicago International Children's Film Festival is one of the largest Kids Film Fests in North America. It includes 225 films, 44 countries, and 7 venues in 10 days! Help them celebrate their 25th Anniversary season! Don’t forget that Friday, October 24 is an in-service day for Chicago Public Schools. Don't stay home...visit the Festival!

WHERE: Chicago venues include: Facets Cinema, Harold Washington Cultural Center, and Kerasotes Showplace 14

WHEN: Friday, Oct 24 9:00a to 7:00p

COST: General Admission: $6.00 for children (3-16) and $8.00 for adults. Tickets are $5.00 per child for groups of 25 or more. General public tickets are available through Ticketweb for screenings Friday, October 24!

NEED MORE INFO: Call: (773) 281-9075 and visit http://cicff2008.org/content/weekday/60 for a specific film schedule and venue locatio

Halloween Fall Fest & No-Scare Maze

WHAT:
Enjoy the Halloween season in the park!
Activities at the park are designed to appeal to all ages. The Fall Fest includes: pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painting, & inflatables. The No-Scare Halloween Maze features colorful characters throughout a lit Halloween-themed maze. Near by are great pumpkin patches, haunted houses and much more.

WHERE:
Athletic Field Park
3546 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60618

WHEN:
October 18th & 19th
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

COST:
No-Scare Maze = $2; Fall Fest = prices vary

NEED MORE INFO:
Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (773) 478-2889

French Family Cooking

WHAT:
You can expose your child to French culture and language thanks to traditional French recipes that are easy and fun to make. Your child will learn how tasty, simple and pleasant French cooking can be, bring home samples, and be able to recreate them in your kitchen at home.

The class is open to kids between 7 and 10 years old accompanied by a family member.

WHERE:
Alliance Française de Chicago810 North Dearborn StreetChicago, Illinois 60610

WHEN:
October 17th from 2:00pm-4:00pm

COST:
$45 parent, $30 one child, $55 two siblings

NEED MORE INFO:
Visit www.af-chicago.org and call (312) 337-1070 to register for the class

Explore DuPage Children’s Museum

WHAT:
DuPage Children's Museum has three floors--each one special in its own way. Each floor is packed with exciting ways to explore art, math, science and how they work together in the world. There are also three Young Explorers Neighborhoods (adjacent to our other exhibits) designed for children up to 24 months.

WHERE:
301 N. Washington StreetNaperville, IL 60540

WHEN:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
9 a.m. to 8 p.m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Noon to 5 p.m.

* The Children’s Museum is open year round, but check out the calendar for specific programs and events: www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/WebCalendar

COST:
General Admission: $7.50 per person (ages 1 to 59)
Seniors: $6.50 per person (ages 60 plus)
Members are always FREE!

NEED MORE INFO:
Visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000

Get Movin', Get Shakin'

WHAT:
The Museum of Contemporary Art invites families to dance, create mobiles, make musical instruments, and construct sculptures of animals to perform.
These Target sponsored activities include:
Rattle and Roll!, Blowin’ In the Wind!, Calder Circus, and Dance! Dance! Dance

WHERE:
Museum of Contemporary Art 220 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611-2643

WHEN:
October 11, 2008 11-3pm

COST:
Free for Families with children 12 and under

NEED MORE INFO:
Visit www.mcachicago.org or call (312) 280-2660

Animated Animals

WHAT:

The Bill Peet Storybook Menagerie
Discover animals in the new illustration exhibition The Bill Peet Storybook Menagerie and in artwork from around the world during this family event.
This is a drop-in program and registration is not required.

WHERE:

The Kraft Education Center at The Art Institute of Chicago

WHEN:

Oct. 4th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

COST:

Free with admission to the Art Museum of Chicago

NEED MORE INFO:

visit http://www.artic.edu/aic or call (312) 857-7161

Pumpkin Patch

WHAT:

Find your Perfect Pumpkin at the Dollinger Pumpkin Farm! Come and find your pumpkin for carving, decorating, or making a pie. Prices range from $1 to $11 depending on size. You can also find apples, Indian Corn, gourds, squash, corn shocks, straw bales and mini pumpkins on the farm. Don’t forget to check out the Corn Maze, Haunted Barn, Petting Zoo, and other great attractions for KIDS of all ages. The Drollinger Family Farm even has a miniature steam train and horse drawn hayrides too!
Free Entertainment Every Sunday in October at 2PM

WHERE:

Dollinger Family Farm 7502 W Hansel Rd Channahon, Illinois 60410

WHEN:

September 27th thru October 30th 2008

COST:

Free Admission and Parking!

NEED MORE INFO:

Visit http://www.dollingerfarms.com/pumpkins.htm or call 815-467-6766

57th Street Children's Book Fair

WHAT: Join an upwards of 10,000 people for an afternoon of storytelling, music, dance and of course books. The fair kicks-off with a parade of classic and contemporary storybook characters led by none other than Mother Goose. New to the fair this year are characters from the popular qubo Channel children’s program VeggieTales. Those attending the fair will have an opportunity to take free photographs with the VeggieTales characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber by visiting the qubo Channel Pavilion. Family fun activities provided by some of Chicago’s most prestigious cultural institutions, include:
• The Museum of Science and Industry
• The Peggy Notebeart Nature Museum
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Oriental Institute

WHERE: 1300 block of East 57th Street and the 5600 block of South Kimbark Avenue. This location is 4 blocks west of the Museum of Science & Industry and 2 blocks east of the University of Chicago campus in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood.

WHEN: Sunday, September 28, from 1-6 p.m

COST: Free

NEED MORE INFO: visit www.57CBF.org or call 773 619-8371

Help spark young imaginations and creativity!

Brookfield Zoo + World Animal Day + Sharks!

WHAT: The Zoo is open year round, but this is the last weekend to get hands-on with the rays. Sharks! at Stingray Bay, features a 16,000 gallon saltwater tank and surrounding tropical paradise. Imagine touching cownose rays and southern stingrays as they glide beneath your fingertips. It's a safe, fun adventure for the whole family.

Celebrate World Animal Day with an entire day devoted to the celebration, education, and observation of animals. Join the animals at Brookfield Zoo for a fun-filled day of activities for the whole family including:
- National Geographic Photographer teaching with Fisher-Price Kid-Tough® Digital Cameras
- Screenings of Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies
- Music and Movement Classes
- Crafts and More!

WHERE: Sharks! is inside Stingray Bay and World Animal Day will take place in the Carousel Plaza inside the zoo. Brookfield Zoo is located at First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. There are exits to First Avenue from the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and from the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). Signs on First Avenue will direct you to the zoo's main entrance and zoo parking—or you can just follow the lion's roar.

WHEN: Sharks! ends Sept. 28th. World Animal Day will be Sunday, September 28th from 11am-3pm. Brookfield Zoo, managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, is open every day of the year! Hours change seasonally, as indicated on the web.

COST: 2008 General Zoo Admission: $11 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $7 for children 3-11 (members are free). For special event/exhibit tickets visit the Brookfield Zoo website.
Note of interest: Free Admission Starting October 2, 2008 through December 30, 2008 zoo admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free zoo admission is good only during normal zoo hours. Zoo admission fees apply to Holiday Magic dates.

NEED MORE INFO: visit http://www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Zoo-Home

The Field Museum + Story Time

WHAT: The Field Museum offers something for everyone any day of the year. Besides viewing the exhibits, Kraft is offering story time during September. Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab, hear a story, and make an art project to take home, all in 20 minutes! Selected titles in September include When the Wind Stops by Charlotte Zolotow, Mama by Jeanette Winter, The Wind Blew by P. Hutchins, and Rain by Manya Stojic.

WHERE: Crown Family PlayLab in The Field Museum

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays in September1:30 p.m.

COST: Free with Museum admission

NEED MORE INFO: call (312) 922-9410 or visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

World Music Festival: Chicago 2008

WHAT: Chicago showcases the best of international music at the 10th annual World Music Festival: Chicago 2008. The multi-venue festival showcases both traditional and contemporary music from many diverse cultures. The 2008 festival line-up features more than 70 events at 21 venues. Events include a mix of free and ticketed concerts, live radio broadcasts, in-store performances, and more.

WHERE: Navy Pier Beer Garden

WHEN: Friday, September 19 through Thursday, September 25, 2008

Saturday, September 20

12:00 p.m. Seckou Keita Quartet (African World Jazz)

1:30 p.m. Rupa and the April Fishes (French Indian Gypsy Jazz Fusion)

3:30 p.m. Chicha Libre (Peruvian Cumbias/Surf)

Sunday, September 21

1:00 p.m. Reelroad (Russian Folk Rock)

4:00 p.m. Cordero (Latin Rock)

7:00 p.m. Moscow Nights (Russian Folk)

COST: Free admission for most concerts

NEED MORE INFO: visit http://www.navypier.com/things2do/entertainment/special_events.html#worldmusic and click on World Music Festival: Chicago 2008 or for a full schedule of World Music Festival events citywide, visit www.cityofchicago.org/WorldMusic

Story Time at Lincoln Park Zoo

WHAT: Lincoln Park Zoo holds story time. Story Time is free and held every Monday and Wednesday at 9:15-9:45 a.m. and 10-10:30 a.m. in the yellow Farmhouse on Stockton Drive at the Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere. On Mondays, Professor Boonie delights young audiences with his funny tales and silly songs. On Wednesdays, Mr. Singer 's colorful costumes and interactive show charms the audience.

WHERE: Lincoln Park Zoo- located off Lake Shore Drive

WHEN: Open every day- Story time held Monday and Wednesday

COST: Lincoln Park Zoo is always FREE!!

NEED MORE INFO: call (312) 742-2000 or visit http://www.lpzoo.org/index.php

Arthur at KiddieLand Amusement Park

WHAT: wttw11 is bringing out an old favorite to Kiddieland one last time this season, it's Arthur. Arthur will be here for his final visit to Kiddieland to meet and greet guests from 2-7pm on both Saturday & Sunday at the Kiddieland gazebo. Get a picture of the entire family with this friendly character and enjoy entertainment and giveaways from Pepsi.

WHERE: Kiddieland Amusement Park

WHEN: September 13 & 14, 2008 (Arthur will meet guests from 2-7pm, both days)

COST: Cost varies depending on age of child/adult. Coupons are available at http://www.kiddieland.com/coupons.asp and at local Jewel-Osco stores.

NEED MORE INFO: call (708) 343-8000 or visit http://www.kiddieland.com/default.asp