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