Baby Loves Disco

WHAT: Baby Loves Disco is transforming night spots into child proof discos for toddlers, preschoolers and parents looking for a break from the normal routine. Who doesn’t love disco? Well, your baby will as you enjoy a full spread of healthy snacks and juice boxes along with books and kid-friendly activities. Let your kids try out the hula hoops, swirly scarves and rhythm instruments while enjoying the giveaways and services for both kids and parents.

WHERE: Club Metro - 3730 N. Clark Street - Chicago, IL

WHEN: Mar. 8th from 12pm-3pm

COST: $12 online advance purchase, $15 at the door (price is for each walking person)

NEED MORE INFO: Call 773-549-0203 or visit http://www.babylovesdisco.com/locations/chicago/

Sesame's One World, One Sky: The Sun

WHAT: Have you ever looked at the sun? It’s a star that we can all see, no matter where we live in the world. In this exciting workshop, you will discover ways you can explore the light of this special star.

WHERE: Adler Planetarium in Chicago IL

WHEN: Mar. 7th from 10am - 11:30pm

COST: $30 per person (child)/$20 per member

NEED MORE INFO: Call (312) 294-0361 or visit http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/special/index.shtml

Voyages of Dr. Dolittle

WHAT: Have you ever caught yourself talking to animals? Come follow Tommy Stubbins as he meets everyone’s favorite animal doctor, John Dolittle and his friends Polynesia the Parrot, Chee Chee the Monkey, Jip the Dog, Gub Gub the Pig, and Dab Dab the Duck. Join them on the adventure of a lifetime.

WHERE: Apollo Theater- 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. – Chicago, IL

WHEN: Feb. 27th – Mar. 1st (various show times)

COST: $12 per child, $15 per adult

NEED MORE INFO: Call 773.935.6100 or visit http://www.emeraldcitytheatre.com

Stories Come Alive

WHAT: Bring your kids and let the Lifeline actors read stories and play drama games with them. Featured pieces include those from Lifeline’s spring children’s show “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” by Betty MacDonald. Children ages 5-8 are welcome.

WHERE: Lifeline Theater at Rogers Park Library- 6907 N. Clark St. – Chicago, IL 60626

WHEN: Feb. 28th from 3:00pm – 4:00pm

COST: Free

NEED MORE INFO: Call 773.761.4477 or visit http://www.lifelinetheater.org/

Mardi Gras Masquerade

WHAT: Let the spirit of Fat Tuesday live on as your children, ages 5-12, learn about the history of Mardi Gras. Come enjoy traditional food, games, and music while making your own mask to wear.

WHERE: Lake County Discovery Museum - Rte. 176 at Fairfield Rd., Wauconda, IL 60084

WHEN: Feb.21st 11:00am - 12:30pm

COST: $5 youth (Lake County residents), $7 (non-residents) - Registration is required. Child's registration fee includes Museum admission. Please also register an adult chaperone who will accompany the child to the class at no charge.

NEED MORE INFO: Call (847) 968-3400 or visit http://www.lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org

Justin Roberts Kids Show

WHAT: Come see the national award winning, all-star performer, Justin Roberts, as he plays family hits such as “Not Ready for Naptime Players.” Justin will no doubt dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music, so come have some fun and sing along with his devoted fan base.

WHERE: Old Town School of Folk Music - 4544 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

WHEN: Feb. 22nd

COST: $15 General Public, $13 Old Town School Members, $15 Seniors & Children

NEED MORE INFO: Call (773) 728-6000 or visit http://www.oldtownschool.org

Sweets & Treats

WHAT: Come pump up the love at Chicago’s Annual Family Valentine Party. Enjoy the music, rock climbing, gifts, food, and of course, the inflatables. This event is open to the whole family. However, a drop off option is available for parents wanting some time to themselves.

WHERE: Pump It Up Chicago – 821 W. Eastman – Chicago, IL 60622

WHEN: Feb. 13th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

COST: $5/adult, $15/child (multiple child discount)

NEED MORE INFO: Call 312-664-7867 or visit http://www.pumpitupparty.com

Friendly Relationships

WHAT: Valentines Day is all about relationships. Join North Shore Pediatric Therapy as it celebrates with a friendship building party. Give your child the chance to meet other children in a comfortable, calm and understanding environment. The friendship party is the perfect opportunity for your child to learn appropriate social skills needed to make relationships successful. Whether your child is shy, anxious, sensitive, unwilling to share, or just has low self confidence, your child will have a blast participating in social activities at the friendship party. You will meet other families in a similar situation and have a chance to speak with professional therapists about your questions.

WHERE: North Shore Pediatric Therapy- 1308 Waukegan Road Suite 103- Glenview, IL 60025

WHEN: Feb. 15th from 10:00am – 12:00pm

COST: No cost, however, please RSVP to Robyn at robyna@NSPT4kids.com Or call the NSPT clinic at (877)486-4140

NEED MORE INFO: Call 847-486-4140 or visit http://www.NSPT4kids.com

Disney on Ice

WHAT: What can be better than Disney on Ice? Come see Worlds of Fantasy. It’s a thrill of high speed stunts, an enchanting undersea kingdom, and the circle of life. You will also inter the magical world of Pixie Hollow with some special fairy friends.

WHERE: The United Center

WHEN: Feb. 6th-8th, 2009

COST: Tickets must be purchased (price varies). Tickets start at $15. Visit www.ticketmaster.com and use code FAIRY to save $4 per ticket.

NEED MORE INFO: Call (312) 455-4500 or visit http://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/adServer.bs?cn=tf&c=20&mc=click&pli=720344&PluID=0&ord=[timestamp]

Gravity Art

WHAT: This is a great way to mix science with art. Come investigate the force of gravity and create a painting. Use painted golf balls as your media to roll in different directions. What designs can gravity create?

WHERE: The Kohl Children’s Museum of Chicago – 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026

WHEN: Feb. 6th-8th, 2009 (Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m., Sunday: 12-4 p.m)

COST: Members: Free, Children Under 1: Free, Adults and Children: $7.50, Grandparents and Seniors (55 and older): $6.50

NEED MORE INFO: Call 847-832-6600 or visit http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/

The Cinderella Ballet

WHAT: The State Ballet Theater of Russia is back to perform Cinderella. This ballet is three magical acts, choreographed by Vladimir Vasiliev. The ballet is hailed by the New York Times as a “…production full of enchantment with lovely scenery and graceful costumes.”

WHERE: Harris Theater in Chicago

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 30th, Saturday, Jan. 31st at 2:00pm and Saturday, Jan. 31st at 8:00pm

COST: Tickets needed- $25-$75

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/calendar/performance?id=1367&mos=7

Free Science & Industry Days

WHAT: Come find your inner scientist for free! This is a great chance to exercise your brain and escape the winter blues with live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and a look at many exhibits including the new Green Revolution exhibit. You can also enjoy an Omnimax film for $7 (adults) and $5 for children.

WHERE: Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 30th and Saturday, Jan. 31st

COST: Free general admission

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.msichicago.org or call 773-684-1414

Animal Boogie

WHAT: Bring the whole family to this event. Come boogie to live music by Alex and the Kaleidescope Band, play with Bubbles Academy, decorate cookies, create crafts, and even paint your face. You can do all of this while learning fun facts about animals. Don’t worry, the cookies aren’t dinner. You will dine on family friendly fare as well.

WHERE: Café Brauer in the Lincoln Park Zoo – 2021 North Stockton Dr.
(Complimentary valet parking available)

WHEN: Saturday, January 24th, 2009 from 10:00am – 1:00pm

COST: (Tickets required)
Individual Tickets = $60/adult and $40/child
Family Tickets = $150/two adults & two children, $30 each additional adult, $20 each additional child
(All children under age 1 are free)

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.lpzoo.org/events/boogie.html

FUNtastic Healthy Fair

WHAT: Join the Infinity Foundation for their 5th family fair: Healthy Choices for Healthy Families. This event is aimed at pre-schoolers through 6th graders. There are over 50 hands-on exhibitors highlighting healthy choices, fitness, arts and expression. Entertainment includes Mobile Music, Michael Hall magic shows, Ed and Annette’s Monkeys and more. Take this opportunity to learn about wellness with your kids. There will be free screenings and free samples. (Some of the exhibitors include fitness and health assessments for kids and adults, Kohl's Children's Museum, children’s books, artists, holistic health practitioners, yoga and massage for kids and adults, essential oils, natural foods, go green recycled products, and airbrush tattoos, arts and crafts).

WHERE: Highland Park Country Club - 1201 Park Avenue West - Highland Park , IL 60035

WHEN: January 25th

COST: Free

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.infinityfoundation.org or call 847-831-8828

American Girl Friendship Crafts

WHAT: Calling all girls!! Girls ages 8 and up can celebrate friendship with the 2009 Girl of the Year. Kids can express their understanding of being a good friend by decorating a “Friendship Wall” with meaningful words that will be inspiring to all. Girls can also make a friendship bookmark to share with their best friend.

WHERE: American Girl Place - 111 E. Chicago Ave. - Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: 1/17/09 from 11:00am – 1:00pm

COST: Free!

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.americangirl.com/

Free Shedd Admission

WHAT: Come to the Shedd Aquarium and receive free general admission to the original galleries and discounts to others including the Wild Reef. Bring the family to cozy up in Phelps Auditorium and enjoy the “Shedd Way” dog show. Experts will demonstrate how marine mammal training techniques can work on your pets at home. Don’t forget to stop by Chicago’s only 4-D theater and enjoy the big screen like never before.

WHERE: The Chicago Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. - Chicago, IL 60605

WHEN: 1-16-09

COST: Free General Admission

NEED MORE INFO: Call 312-939-2438 or visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music

WHAT: The Count, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Zoe, Bert, Ernie and all their Sesame Street friends are joining Elmo on stage to make wonderful music as they join together to find the new music teacher’s instruments. Her lost instruments are far from the norm, include things such as rubber duckies, trash can lids, etc., but they all make beautiful music.

WHERE: Rialto Square Theater - 15 East Van Buren Street Joliet, IL 60432

WHEN: Friday, Jan 9th at 7:00pm – Saturday, Jan 10th at 2:00pm – Sunday, Jan 11th at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

COST: Ticket prices vary

NEED MORE INFO: Call (815) 726-7171 or visit http://www.rialtosquare.com/

Found In Translation

WHAT: Bring your family to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a free day with two special artists. Explore the relationship between art, language, and ideas. Your family will draw inspiration from artists Jenny Holzer and Joseph Grigely and create word art. For example, you may develop a poem that creates animal shapes and more.

WHERE: Museum of Contemporary Art - 220 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Jan. 10th from 11am-3pm

COST: Free for families with children 12 and under

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