What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL, March 6th – 8th 2020
With over 40 family friendly events going on in the Chicagoland area this weekend,
from Maple Sugaring to St. Patrick’s Day events, you are sure to discover
fun for the whole family in this weekends guide!
Major Ongoing Events this Week:
- March 6th – 8th
- Navy Pier
- “Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life size dinosaurs. From the very small, to the gigantic, sky-scraping dinosaurs that can only be seen at our events, Jurassic Quest has over 80 true-to-life size dinosaurs in each of its two touring shows. In collaboration with leading paleontologists, each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail. Whether their prehistoric counterpart had skin that was scaly, had feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense in bringing this realism to life.”
Rhea Lana’s West Chicagoland Consignment Event
- Yorktown Mall, Lombard
- Friday March 6th from 7 – 10 pm = Guest Pre Sale Shopping (check their social media to snag a pass!)
- Saturday March 7th – Wednesday March 11th: Open to the public, free admission, doors open at 10 am each day1
Frozen Jr – Live Theatre Performance
- Carol Stream Park District, performance at Glenbard North High School
- March 7th & 8th, 21st & 22nd
- “Watch our talented Carol Stream kids bring Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.”
- Chicago Children’s Theatre
- February 29th – March 21st
- Fridays at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 1:30 PM
- “Red Kite, Brown Box is a nationally unique, live theater experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play.”
- The Actors Gymnasium
- Now playing through March 22nd
- “The Actors Gym applies its unique brand of physicalized stage-craft to tell a ghastly tale of garden tending. Join us for an all new spectacularly spectral circus!”
- Not recommended for children under age 5
- 949 W. 16th Street
- “Welcome to Nevermore Park! This 6,000 square foot immersive art experience will transport you into an exciting alternate reality filled with new sights and sounds. Powered by the imagination of Hebru Brantley, visitors will get the chance to spend a day in the life of his iconic characters, Flyboy and Lil Mama. Come explore this vibrant community filled with joy, hope, and wonder! Expect the unexpected around every corner.”
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Feb 8th – March 22nd
- “We play with color in artistic installations and feature 10,000 brilliant blooms in unexpected ways: via a towering kaleidoscope, a floating carpet, and a dramatic chandelier, designed to be lit and transformed by the winter sun.”
NOTORIOUS RBG: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG
- Feb 9th – Aug 16th
- Illinois Holocaust Museum
- “Based on the book and Tumblr page of the same name, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the first-ever museum exhibition focused solely on this judicial icon, whose image graces mugs, t-shirts, posters, and bobbleheads. The exhibit is a vibrant exploration of Justice Ginsburg’s life and her numerous, often simultaneous roles as a student, wife, mother, lawyer, judge, women’s rights pioneer, and Internet phenomenon. Whether you’re a fangirl or a legal scholar, don’t miss this blockbuster exhibit!”
- “Home to Chicago’s first ever Infinity Mirror Room by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, wndr places works from Richard Prince, Barbara Kruger, and Alex Israel in conversation with thought-provoking, innovative technologies and stunning interactive installations. Around every corner comes an opportunity to be creative, discover something unexpected, ask questions, and, most importantly, play.”
- 1130 W. Monroe, Chicago
- “Wake up with wndr! On the second and last Sunday of each month, wndr hosts Sunday Morning Cartoons from 10AM-12PM. Included with your ticket are classic cartoons projected in our Atrium, all-you-can-eat cereal from our cereal bar, and a tour of the museum to finish your morning. You won’t want to miss it! All ages welcome! Kids 10 and under get free admission.”
FORTS! Build Your Own Adventure
- Filament Theatre
- November 30, 2019 – March 15, 2020: Saturday / Sunday @ 1pm & 3pm
- “Enter a world of play and creation as Filament Theatre transforms into a play-space for children and parents to build new worlds. Using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines, and more, build adventures of your own devising. With theatrical design elements working together to support creative play, your family is sure to be swept away in the adventure! Snacks and drinks will be available.”
- Daily November 2019 through March 2020
- “The animals may be hibernating, but we still have gnomes. Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden?“
- Daily from 11 am – 3 pm through March 2020
- “Join us in the Children’s Garden for winter time fun! We’ll set out activities to complement the day. Activity may include painting snow or building a fort. Whatever it may be, you’ll find all the tools you need to have some frosty fun.”
Dragons Alive! The Science and Culture of Reptiles
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- “The exhibit features 10 species of reptiles from around the world for you to see up close. Stare into the deep eyes of the bearded dragon, measure yourself against the mighty black-throated monitor, and wonder at the beauty of the colorful jeweled lacerta. The frilled dragon, blue-tongued skink, and the majestic uromastyx are ready to show you how these fierce creatures have inspired people throughout the ages. Through encounters with live collections and kid-friendly activities, the limited-time exhibit offers something for everyone. Let your imagination soar to new heights as you explore the exciting connections between dragons, people, and cultures!”
- Chicago History Museum
- Open now until September 8th
- “Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968 invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features over 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago. Chicago, like other US cities, erupted in the wake of King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. While the center of his activism was focused on dismantling southern Jim Crow, the systems that kept African Americans oppressed in the American South, he spent time in Chicago and often spoke out on the realities of northern discrimination, particularly around the issues of poverty, education, and housing.”
FRIDAY
10:30 AM & 6:30 PM: Music & Movement Time
- Dupage Children’s Museum
- “Shake, rattle, and roll. Children love music! They feel music physically and emotionally. Young children are learning that movement communicates messages and represent actions. They “think with their bodies” well before they think with words. Body movement is not only fun for children but also a good opportunity for them to solve problems. So let’s get moving, have fun, and make some music!”
10:45 AM: Made in Chicago: Bateman Elementary Chorus and Dancers
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- “Chicago Children’s Museum invites local CPS elementary school performing arts classes to perform at the museum, and in return, they get a free field trip and visit. Do art, get paid for art!”
11:00 AM: Dr. Seuss Story Time & Activity
- The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
- “Parent and child story time is free with your admission and is usually held in our multi-purpose room at 11:00 AM.”
11:00 AM: Arbor Reading Adventures
- The Morton Arboretum, Sterling Morton Library
- “Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular and interactive story time! We’ll read stories, make a craft and then head out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change weekly.”
11:00 AM: Juicebox Children’s Series: Porchlight Music Theatre
- Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall
- “Chicago’s musical theatre center for almost 25 years, Porchlight Music Theatre will guide kids through a famous musical told storybook style. Participants will learn music, sing, dance and even help the performers bring the story to life.”
11:30 AM: Shadow Puppet Story Time
- Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park
- “Join us for this exciting adventure into story and legend with Bill our amazing story time expert and his trusty sidekick who puts on an amazingly shadowy performance.”
11:30 AM: Dragon Discovery
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Musuem
- “What does it take to care for a dragon? Join our scientists as they work with these amazing critters. Whether it’s a feeding or training, there’s something new every day!”
6:00 PM: Lucky Dunk Mug
- Color Me Mine – Geneva
- “Join us for a lucky fun Kids Night Out! We will be creating our Lucky Dunk Mug and hosting a fun St Patrick’s Chocolate Dipping with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!
There will be fun snacks and bottled water for all the artists to enjoy while creating their masterpiece! This is a drop off event so drop the kiddos off and enjoy a couple hours of kid free time! Sign up today! Space is limited.”
SATURDAY
7:30 AM: Breakfast Bookclub: Elephant & Piggie
- Dupage Children’s Museum – Naperville
- “Storybook characters come to life during this fun literary experience at the Museum. Enjoy a hot breakfast provided by Bean Sprouts Café, a photo op with Elephant & Piggie, a special story time, and exclusive time in the Museum’s exhibits. Stay and continue to play after the Museum opens; each ticket includes Museum admission.”
8:30 AM: Legoland Play Well Days
- Legoland Discovery Center, Schaumburg
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago has teamed up with AUTISM SPEAKS® to provide a sensory friendly LEGO® experience on the first Saturday of each month between 8:30am – 10:00am! Special accommodations will be made during Play Well Days including:
- Reduction of sound and light levels
- Quiet spaces
- A reduced center capacity
- Special $15 ticket price
- Earplugs will be provided at request
9:00 AM: Mother & Son: Flannels & Flapjacks
- 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest
- “Moms and your little lumberjack(s): put on your flannel and come on out for a fun filled pancake breakfast! This action packed morning includes lumberjack themed activities (including Paul Bunyan’s inflatable ax throwing!), crafts, and, of course a hearty breakfast! Registration includes both mother and son. Ages: 5-12 years.”
10:00 AM: Family First Saturdays at Shedd Aquarium
- 10 AM – Noon
- “On the first Saturday of each month, join us for a deep dive into the world of aquatic life! You’ll learn about your favorite animals through hands-on activities, games, crafts and time behind the scenes with Shedd’s animal experts. This program includes aquarium admission, so afterward your family can continue to explore!“
10:00 AM: Festival of the Sugar Maples
- March 7th & 8th, March 14th & 15th
- 10 AM – 3 PM
- Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo
- “Hear how maple syrup was made hundreds of years ago… Discover how maple trees produce sap each spring… Learn how sap is collected from maple trees… See how maple syrup is made at the evaporator house!”
10:00 AM & 10:45 AM: Little Miss Ann
- Dupage Children’s Museum – Naperville
- “Little Miss Ann is bringing her down-to-earth, yet upbeat, interactive and energetic performance to DuPage Children’s Museum. Ann Torralba aka Little Miss Ann is an award winning kids musician, a former Chicago Public School teacher, a mom, a veteran instructor at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, and a first generation Filipina-American.”
10:00 AM: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Saturday Morning Cartoon Brunch
- Carbon Arc Bar
- “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.”
10:00 AM: Sensory Friendly Showing of Disney’s Onward
- Hollywood Palms Cinema – Naperville
- “For a fun and family filled Saturday, join Special Needs Mom Squad for an exclusive private screening of Disney’s Onward.
This is a private event designed exclusively for families with children and young adults with diverse needs. The theater environment will be tailored for those with sensory needs.
This includes: elimination or reduction of trailers, lights dimmed to a twilight and sounds reduced.
Each ticket includes ONE admission to the movie, your choice of either bottled water or canned soda and one individual sized popcorn.
DOORS OPEN AT 10AM and showing will start promptly at 10:30AM.”
11:00 AM: Juicebox Children’s Series: Porchlight Music Theatre
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- “Chicago’s musical theatre center for almost 25 years, Porchlight Music Theatre will guide kids through a famous musical told storybook style. Participants will learn music, sing, dance and even help the performers bring the story to life.”
11:00 AM: Ag All Around Us
- Discovery Center Museum
- “Plow into this seed-sprouting “Agsperience” while exploring the many ways agriculture makes use of science, technology, engineering, and math! Join us and our Farm Bureau friends for hands-on projects, oodles of information, and farming fun. Meet the people who grow your food, fill up on facts playing barnyard bingo, enjoy savory samples, create critter crafts, and more! Included with Museum admission.”
11:00 AM: Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash
- North Berwyn Park District
- “Join us as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 116th Birthday and National Read Across America Day. Come dressed as your favorite Dr. Seuss character, there will be story-telling, craft time, photo opportunities with The Cat in the Hat and the Things, and the oh so popular OObleck!!! FREE!!”
11:00 AM: How To Catch A Dinosaur Storytime & Activities
- Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook
- “Storytime and Activities Featuring How to Catch a Dinosaur and How to Catch a Unicorn!
Find dinosaurs and unicorns at Storytime! We’re reading two adorable rhyming stories followed by fun activities – join us! Recommended for ages 2-5.”
11:00 AM: Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- “The parade will begin at the intersection of Wilson Street and Spring Roads and continue north on Spring Road in Elmhurst.”
11:30 AM: Multicultural Event
- Community Recreation Center: 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
- 11:30 – 2:30 PM
- “During this free event, students and families can participate in games, crafts and activities that represent countries around the world. The event also will feature a variety of individual and group performances representing various countries. There will also be food available to purchase. Food vendors will accept cash.”
12:00 PM: Manhattan Irish Fest Parade & Festival
- The parade begins at E. North & Jan Streets, following west to State Street, where it turns south and ends at Second Street.
- Enjoy family fun at the Hansen Community Center Noon – 4
- Craft fair, rugby, raffles, games, and more!
12:00 PM: Maple Sugaring Days
- Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles
- Noon – 3 PM
- “It’s maple sugaring time! Come to Creek Bend Nature Center to explore the art, science, and folklore of the “sugar bush” or maple grove. You’ll learn how to identify and tap a maple tree, and you can try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. We’ll simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup. Before leaving, treat yourself to a sample of local, pure maple syrup in our Maple Cafe! And, pick up some to take home!”
12:30 PM: Family Viewing Party – Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- The Lantern Haus, Forest Park
- “Join us with your kids for a second floor view of the parade! Featuring indoor balloon candy drops, face painting, green swag, food, photo booth and adult beverages, this is the best way to watch the parade with kids! Tickets required, advance purchase HIGHLY recommended! FIT4MOM Oak Park River Forest will be here with a tummy time play area for our non-crawlers, and fun no-stress activity for our the pre-toddlers so parents can talk.”
1:00 PM: Countryside St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Parade begins at 61st & Kensington Ave
- Family Friendly events after the parade will be held at Ledo’s Pizza & Flagg Creek Golf Course
1:00 PM: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Lemont
- “Parade starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. featuring Lemont’s Own Irish Queen and the Stockyard Kilty Band. Entertainment, food and family fun following the parade at the Lemont VFW Hall.”
1:00 PM: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Forest Park
- “Come on out for a fun filled day on Madison! Join us at the 25th Annual St. Patricks Day Parade! With Sixty-plus entries including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, and local police & fire departments our Parade is the best in we the western-suburbs! The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. from Madison and Van Buren and travels east on Madison to Elgin. Grab your friends and join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our fabulous parade…or put together a group and be part of the lineup.”
1:00 PM: Maple Sugaring
- Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago
- “See how sap becomes syrup as you tap with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. This program is free, but there is a suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. Registration not required.”
1:30 PM: Sap’s Rising
- River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
- “Walk in the sugar maple forest to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making.”
1:30 PM: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at Atria Park
- Atria Park of Glen Ellyn
- “Join PIF kids of Glen Ellyn to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday! We will have all of his favorite books on hand to read to the residents! We will be silly like thing one and thing two and play all kinds of games as well! Hope you can join for this fun-filled afternoon!”
7:00 PM: 3rd Annual Wiener Dog Races & Raising Cane’s Kids Day
- Fox Valley Ice Arena, Geneva
- “Join the Chicago Steel Hockey Team for their 3rd Annual Wiener Dog Races at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva! Our races have been featured on NBC 5 and WCIU. Plus, it’s a Raising Cane’s Kids Day! Kids 12 & under can receive a ticket, Steel drawstring backpack & Raising Cane’s free kids combo card for just $10! In order to apply the discount, you must choose seats in the Red Zone.”
SUNDAY
10:00 AM: The Magic School Bus – Sunday Cartoon Brunch
- Carbon Arc Bar
- “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.”
10:00 AM: Festival of the Sugar Maples
- March 7th & 8th, March 14th & 15th
- 10 AM – 3 PM
- Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo
- “Hear how maple syrup was made hundreds of years ago… Discover how maple trees produce sap each spring… Learn how sap is collected from maple trees… See how maple syrup is made at the evaporator house!”
10:00 AM: Reptile Rampage
- Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Forest
- 10 AM – 4 PM
- “Visitors will have opportunities to meet, handle, and learn about many of these animals with representatives from museums, universities, zoos, nature centers and private collections. Children will be able to engage in all kinds of activities, including face-painting. A silent auction benefiting the Wildlife Discovery Center and various conservation programs will be ongoing throughout the day.”
10:00 AM: wndr Sunday Morning Cartoons
- wndr museum
- “Wake up with wndr for Sunday Morning Cartoons! Included with your ticket are classic cartoons projected in our Atrium, all-you-can-eat cereal, and a tour of the museum to finish your morning. You won’t want to miss it! All ages welcome! Kids 10 and under get free admission (must be accompanied by an adult).”
11:00 AM: Miss Muffy’s Family Friendly Drag Brunch
- Carbon Arc Bar
- “Grab your kids (or your chosen family) and come to the Carbon Arc Bar for Family Friendly Drag Queen Brunch!
Muffy Fishbasket and two of her best gal pals will be there to perform, read a story, lead a sing-along and help you enjoy your Sunday afternoon!
A Sunday Brunch for the WHOLE FAMILY!
Hosted by Chicago’s own Muffy Fishbasket and featuring special guest starring queens!”
11:00 AM: Baby & Me Storytime
- Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook
- “Can they guess which animal comes next in this pop-up, peek-a-boo, book? Bring your little ones ages 0-2 for sensory, Baby & Me Storytime fun.”
12:00 PM: Meet The Author Story Time: Chris Ferrie
- Dupage Children’s Museum – Naperville
- “Chris Ferrie’s Baby University series offers colorfully simple explanations of complex ideas for your future genius – the perfect way to introduce young scientists to the basic concepts of quantum physics, rocket science, general relativity, and beyond! Chris will also lead interactive “Story Science” activities and hands-on demonstrations.”
12:00 PM: Maple Sugaring Days
- Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles
- Noon – 3 PM
- “It’s maple sugaring time! Come to Creek Bend Nature Center to explore the art, science, and folklore of the “sugar bush” or maple grove. You’ll learn how to identify and tap a maple tree, and you can try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. We’ll simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup. Before leaving, treat yourself to a sample of local, pure maple syrup in our Maple Cafe! And, pick up some to take home!”
12:00 PM: Bolingbrook 4 Kids St. Baldricks Event
- Bolingbrook Golf Club
- “Join the BOLINGBROOK 4 KIDS St. Baldrick’s event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you’ll be a part of the excitement! Doors open at noon, program starts at 1 pm. Head shaving to begin at approximately 1:45. Raffles, 50-50, Photo Opps with Disney Princess, Face Painting, Hair Coloring, Family Friendly Food, Cash Bar…DJ and Irish Dancers performing.”
1:00 PM: Tinley Park Irish Parade
- Parade steps-off from 179th Street proceeding northbound on Oak Park Avenue until 172nd Street
- Head to the Vogt Visual Arts Center to continue the Irish celebrations!
1:00 PM: Maple Sugaring
- Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago
- “See how sap becomes syrup as you tap with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. This program is free, but there is a suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. Registration not required.”
1:00 PM: Sticky Mittens Smorgasbord
- Emily Oaks Nature Center
- “Prepare two different desserts and sip hot chocolate while enjoying a winter walk outdoors with your family. Warm up by a campfire and snack along the way. Sticky mittens are guaranteed!”
- Pre registration is requested
1:00 PM: Trinity Irish Dancer Performance & Lesson
- Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
- “Join the Trinity Irish Dancers for a full hour of traditional Irish dance and culture. This is a ticketed program. After the performance, a 30-minute lesson will be offered for aspiring dancers ages 3-12. Trinity will raffle off chances to win free classes and T-shirt prizes. Hope to see you there! Tickets required. Free tickets are available to Ela cardholders beginning 30 minutes before the start of the program and are first-come, first-served.”
1:30 PM: Sap’s Rising
- River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
- “Walk in the sugar maple forest to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making.”
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