Black History Month Family Free Days
American Writers Museum 180 North Michigan Avenue, ChicagoFamily Concert Series: Mr. Myers Band
Poplar Creek Public Library 1405 S. Park Avenue, StreamwoodWeek of Events
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Inventors Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Black History Month with a scavenger hunt around the Library! This STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) scavenger hunt will teach participants about achievements of Black pioneers and inventors as they search for related images hidden around the Library. The scavenger hunt runs from Feb. 23 - Feb. 29.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Excellence Scavenger Hunt
Explore Children’s Services in this scavenger hunt featuring past, present and future generations of Black excellence.
Black Inventors Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Black History Month with a scavenger hunt around the Library! This STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) scavenger hunt will teach participants about achievements of Black pioneers and inventors as they search for related images hidden around the Library. The scavenger hunt runs from Feb. 23 - Feb. 29.
Black History Month Family Free Days
Black History Month Family Free Days
Celebrate Black History Month with a literary twist at the American Writers Museum’s Family Free Days! Enjoy free admission to the museum and a variety of activities for the whole family. Forever Free: A Frederick Douglass Tour Discover the incredible legacy and enduring impact of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, as well as other Black writers who...
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Amazing Winter Residents
Amazing Winter Residents
Bring the family on a walk on our scenic trails! We will discuss some of the amazing year-round residents of the Preserves.
Railroad Museum Open House
Railroad Museum Open House
Explore the Bensenville Railroad Museum from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and take in the history of trains in Bensenville on a real 1920s engine by taking part in a variety of activities. The facility is also available for field trips and private tours. Note: The museum will be closed on all park...
Sunday Funday Game Day
Sunday Funday Game Day
What better way to spend time with family or friends than with a board game? Participants for this Sunday Funday Game Day will have a chance to try different board games with nature and history themes. An interpretive naturalist will be there to answer questions and explain the games (or play referee!).
Great Backyard Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count
Join the Kane County Audubon and help count birds at Hickory Knolls as part of this global event.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Lunar New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024 (Year of the Dragon, 4722), and the Lunar New Year parade will place on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travel north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and...
CSI: Critter Scene Investigation
CSI: Critter Scene Investigation
Can you guess what animals have been visiting from the clues they’ve left behind? Learn about tracks, scat and more during this adventure.
Family Concert Series: Mr. Myers Band
Family Concert Series: Mr. Myers Band
Mr. Myers plays a fun mix of island favorites from Bob Marley to Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon and more! With a 40+ year legacy of thrilling audiences of all generations, they'll transport you straight to the tropics! All ages are welcome; registration is required.
Free Admission for Children
Free Admission for Children
360 CHICAGO is offering free admission for children, along with all-day, family-friendly activations that include face-painting, a visual scavenger hunt, coloring stations, kiddie-cocktails and more. More info below - Hoping you can include in any family roundups you may have planned for the holiday! Families can enjoy the day off of school at 360 CHICAGO,...
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Some parties are worth melting for! This warm hug of a celebration will feature games, crafts, and a visit from a familiar snowman. The cold never bothered us anyway at the Geneva Public Library! "Let it go" with games, a craft, and a fun visit with a special snowman.
Wild Fest
Wild Fest
Featuring: Wolf, Crocodile, Sloth, Bats, Lynx, Opossum, Skunks, Armadillo, Owl, Hawk, Falcon, Cavy, Fennec Fox, Lizards, Snakes Hedgehog, Macaw, & MORE! Admission: $10 Adults | $5 Kids | FREE Ages 0-3 | $5 High School & College Students with School ID (Accepting cash, credit, debit. No online tickets. Pay at the door. Educational Presentations, Concessions,...
Black History Month Family Free Days
Black History Month Family Free Days
Celebrate Black History Month with a literary twist at the American Writers Museum’s Family Free Days! Enjoy free admission to the museum and a variety of activities for the whole family. Forever Free: A Frederick Douglass Tour Discover the incredible legacy and enduring impact of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, as well as other Black writers who...
The Pigeon Wants to Play
The Pigeon Wants to Play
Join us for some fun activities inspired by everyone's favorite bird, The Pigeon.
Let’s Dance
Let’s Dance
Let’s get our groove on in the Meeting Room with our very own, kid-friendly playlist! Ages 2-5 with caregiver.
Firefly Family Theatre: Sparks Snow Day
Firefly Family Theatre: Sparks Snow Day
Snow came early in Firefly Grove, so Spark the Firefly gets to experience her first snow day! Join Spark as she learns all about snow, hibernation and exciting winter activities like sledding and ice skating. Spark's Snow Day includes puppets, original music, and interactive movement. The show is ideal for ages 2-7 but has something...
Winter Carnival
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
Family Event: Presidents’ Day
Family Event: Presidents’ Day
Our family-friendly Presidents’ Day event features hands-on activities designed for families with young children. Let our nation’s leader know what you’re thinking with our “Letter to the President” activity. All letters will be mailed to the White House. Included with admission, which is FREE for Illinois residents on this day.
Animal Encounters
Superhero Science with Kid President
Superhero Science with Kid President
Release your inner superhero with fun games and mini experiments that feature favorites like Black Panther, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and you! That’s right, Kid President says “You may not have a cape or wear underwear outside your clothes (that’s a good thing), but...you have everything you need to make someone’s day more awesome.” Come make...
T-Rexplorers
T-Rexplorers
Get a glimpse of what it’s like to go on a Paleontological dig and see authentic dinosaur fossils from species like Triceratops and T-Rex. Come 15 minutes early (1:45) to meet “Green Bean” the baby Triceratops! Stay late to explore the fossils.
Celebrating Black Superheroes
Celebrating Black Superheroes
Join us for an afternoon of celebrating Black superheroes! We will play games, learn about the history of black superheroes and watch "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse." (Grades 6–12)
Monday Afternoon Movie: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Monday Afternoon Movie: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Swim by the library on your day off school for a fun family movie! Bring your own packaged snacks & covered drinks. Movie: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023 DreamWorks, Rated PG). Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken: Sweet and awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman is desperate to fit in at school, but she mostly just feels invisible. She's...
Under the Sea Fun
Under the Sea Fun
We'll go under the sea with crafts, games, and songs from the musical Finding Nemo Jr. performed by the Glen Westlake Middle School Theatre Club.
Trivia: Pop Culture Edition
Trivia: Pop Culture Edition
From a galaxy far away to a marvelous cinematic universe, test out your knowledge and see if the force is with you to become a Jeopardy champion. Win one prize to rule them all! Register as a team of up to six or individually. All ages. Meeting Room.
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Open Chess Play
Open Chess Play
Are you looking to play chess with other students? Stop by the Youth Services Department and build your chess skills by playing with others. Some chess sets will be provided. Feel free to bring your own chess set. Drop-in; no registration required.
Evening Movie: Into the Spider-Verse
Evening Movie: Into the Spider-Verse
Drop in for an evening movie! We're watching the animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018, Rated PG). With a great movie comes great snacks, too... All ages are welcome.
National Muffin Day Storytime
National Muffin Day Storytime
What happens when you give a kid a muffin? They'll celebrate National Muffin Day with delicious muffins, stories, and rhymes, followed by a simple craft.
Black History Month with Shanta Nurullah
Black History Month with Shanta Nurullah
Come celebrate Black History Month with storyteller and musician Shanta Nurullah as she shares stories and songs of African people.
Black History Month Story Trails
Black History Month Story Trails
Join us in celebrating Black History Month with a story trail. Each story will showcase a prominent Black figure.
Bilingual Storytime and Play – Cuento bilingue y juego
Bilingual Storytime and Play – Cuento bilingue y juego
In this story session, we will enjoy stories, music, and also some play time! Ages 0-5. En esta sesion de cuentos estaremos disfrutando de cuentos, musica, y ademas de un tiempo de juego! Ages 0-5 / Edades 0-5.
Ayodele Drum and Dance Performance
Ayodele Drum and Dance Performance
Join us for a celebration of West African dance and culture Ayodele, a Yoruba word meaning “Joy in the home”, is a diverse sister-circle of performing artists committed to studying and performing drum and dance as a wellness modality. More than 20 artists perform African drum and dance to educate and motivate young women and...
Tai Chi
Plum Games: Super Smash Bros Tournament
Plum Games: Super Smash Bros Tournament
Join us in the Hive for a gaming extravaganza! Will you be the big winner?
Craftopia
Bilingual Family Night
Bilingual Family Night
Looking for a fun way to spend quality family time together? Come join us at the library each month where we will feature activities, games, crafts, music and movies! Registration required.
Pajama Storytime
Pajama Storytime
Snuggle up to some great stories and songs! If you’d like, wear your P.J.s and bring something to cuddle. Registration is required but space is limited. Please register each child attending.
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
Dual Language Storytime: Hindi
Dual Language Storytime: Hindi
Experience rich culture and beautiful languages from around the world during our dual language storytimes! Books, rhymes, and songs will be shared to help foster an appreciation for the many languages spoken throughout our wonderful multicultural community. The activities presented are family oriented with stories suitable for the youngest ages. This program welcomes both Hindi...
Black Superhero Showcase
Black Superhero Showcase
Celebrate Black History Month with some of your favorite black superheroes. Participants will listen to stories, make superhero crafts, play games, and test their superhero knowledge. All ages
Elephant and Piggie Party
Elephant and Piggie Party
You are invited to a party! Come dressed in festive clothes and join us for a celebration of Mo Willems' characters Elephant & Piggie. We will read a story, eat snacks, and take silly pictures in our photo booth.
Reels at the Rialto
Reels at the Rialto
Rialto Square Theatre is excited to announce our year-round movie series called “Reels at the Rialto.” This movie series is a nod to our Vaudeville movie palace past. “It’s important for us to offer a wide variety of entertainment options for the residents of Joliet and surrounding areas,” says Wade Welsh, Rialto Square Theatre Executive...
Pop-in Play: Tell a Story
Pop-in Play: Tell a Story
Drop-in activities recommended for ages 2-5, with a participating adult. Pop by the Library for a playful morning of popular activities!
Spellbinder Magic Show
Spellbinder Magic Show
Spellbinder Magic Show with Walter King Jr. Magic of the Mind. First Show: 10am Second Show: 11am (45 mins) For information on how to bring your class, email your name, the name of the school, the class grade, and number of students to pdiggs@dusablemuseum.org.
I Love Me: Story Time
I Love Me: Story Time
Celebrate what makes you unique and special! We’ll read I Love Me! by LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss and Beth Hughes, along with other affirming books, rhymes, and songs. Create a self-portrait to take home. Register. Program Room.
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
Pinkalicious Tea Party
Pinkalicious Tea Party
Get ready to pink out! Join us for Pinkalicious inspired games, crafts, activities and of course a tea party! Recommended age: 4-8 years
STEAM Fun
STEAM Fun
Join us for some fun as we explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. What will we make today?
Simple Science: Electricity
Simple Science: Electricity
Learn about circuits and more in this class full of hands-on activities! Grades 1-8.
Indoor Movie Night
Indoor Movie Night
Woody, a good-hearted cowboy doll who belongs to a young boy named Andy, sees his position as Andy’s favorite toy jeopardized when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear action figure. Even worse, the arrogant Buzz thinks he’s a real spaceman on a mission to return to his home planet. When Andy’s family moves to...
Super Simple Origami
Super Simple Origami
Make cool origami animals! Turn a simple piece of paper into an awesome creation!
Eras Celebration
Eras Celebration
Spend a night celebrating all things Taylor Swift! Travel through the eras with games, trivia, crafts, snacks, and, of course, music! Let the games begin with Taylor-themed challenges. Can you recognize songs from the first note played? Are you enough of a mastermind to beat our brain teasers? Make the friendship bracelets, the paper rings,...
Black Creativity Career Showcase
Black Creativity Career Showcase
In celebration of Black Creativity, kids and families can talk with African American artists, scientists and engineers about innovative work happening right here in our city. This is an opportunity to learn from experts during dynamic demonstrations, hands-on activities and one-on-one conversations. Discover how to turn your passions into a career! Professionals will be stationed...
Engineering Fest
Engineering Fest
On Saturday, February 24, drop by Willis Tower anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for Engineering Fest! Activities are geared toward youth ages 8-12, but the whole family is welcome to join. The theme for this year’s festival is Building Tall, showcasing how engineers innovate solutions that provide communities with effective transportation networks, lead...
LEGO Trains
LEGO Trains
Explore a sprawling display of imaginative landscapes built of LEGO® bricks featuring small trains running through LEGO city streets, between skyscrapers, and into dreamlike scenes populated by mythological creatures. Fun for kids and fascinating for adults, this miniature world is sure to inspire and delight. In partnership with the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club, LEGO...
Winter Pop-Up Fun
Winter Pop-Up Fun
Check out a pair of our snowshoes, help with litter pickup, warm up by a fire, and play in the snow!
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Meet Her: Mari Copeny
Meet Her: Mari Copeny
This year's Meet Her! event presents a clean water activist. Most well-known as "Little Miss Flint," Mari Copeny will be speaking at MSI! At the age of 8, Mari wrote to President Obama challenging him to visit Flint, Michigan, drawing the country's attention to Flint's water crisis. Mari is now 16 and continues to fight...
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Looking for great deals on new or gently used books, CDs, and DVDs? Join the Friends in the Library by the in-house book sale for a special, expanded book sale. You can also buy a reusable Friends tote bag full of materials for $5!
Fandom Fest
Fandom Fest
Calling all Jedi, Whovians, Avengers, Trekkies, heroes and villains of all ages - BALibrary Fandom Fest is back! Join us as we celebrate all things fandom with an artist alley, cosplayers galore, epic photo ops, cool crafts, and live music! Get a free airbrush tattoo and join in on our passport challenge. Come in cosplay...
FanFest
FanFest
"Geek out" at the library with a day dedicated to your favorite fandoms! This family-friendly event will include games, activities, crafts, cosplay runway, virtual reality, a scavenger hunt, trivia, and more.
Family Event: Black History Month
Family Event: Black History Month
Did you know that the origins of Black History Month can be traced back to Chicago and the Bronzeville neighborhood? Come celebrate the history and contributions of this vital third of our city’s population through activities that center on this year’s theme of “African Americans and the Arts.” Fun for all ages! Included with general...
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Enjoy the beauty of winter outside with Garfield Park Conservatory’s Nature Educators! During the winter months, we will be outside in the Play & Grow Garden to experience a lot of fun outside, even when it’s cold. More dates later this Winter! Activities will include: Fort Building Fairy Furniture Whammy Doodles Smores And More! outdoor...
Railroad Museum Open House
Railroad Museum Open House
Explore the Bensenville Railroad Museum from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and take in the history of trains in Bensenville on a real 1920s engine by taking part in a variety of activities. The facility is also available for field trips and private tours. Note: The museum will be closed on all park...
Chocolate Walk
Chocolate Walk
Shopping is sweet at Town Square Wheaton! Join us for the first-ever TSW Chocolate Walk. Register for free and receive tastings of local-made artisan chocolates inside various shops and restaurants — along with steamy hot cocoa to keep you warm as you shop and stroll.
Global Connections: International Carnivale
Global Connections: International Carnivale
The next stop in Navy Pier’s Global Connections series is International Carnivale! The tradition of Carnivale is celebrated throughout the world in a wide variety of ways. Join us in the Aon Grand Ballroom on February 24th for an afternoon celebration featuring art-making activities, music, food, and dance from across the globe. There will be...
Celebrating Black History Month Through Storytelling
Celebrating Black History Month Through Storytelling
Celebrate Black History Month with professional storyteller Oba William King. King will share interactive stories, drumming, poetry, music and more. Through traditional folk stories and drumming, King explores how the African-American community shares the joy of the struggle, acknowledges the perseverance, and honors those who never gave up in the quest to be fully recognized...
Snowshoe Walk
Snowshoe Walk
Enjoy the Preserves of snowshoes. Snowshoes provided; 4” of snow required. If no snow is present, we will enjoy a winter walk.
Black History Month Celebration
Black History Month Celebration
Learn about the importance of Black environmentalists and how the Forest Preserves’ trails relate to the Underground Railroad Movement.
Seed Share with Sustain DuPage
Seed Share with Sustain DuPage
Dreaming of Spring and fresh produce from your garden? Get a head start on your planning and join Sustain DuPage at our free Seed Share! What to bring: We welcome heirloom and open pollinated seeds, including those purchased packets you didn’t use all of last year. Please bring seeds saved or purchased within the last...
Sensory Storytime
Sensory Storytime
Join us for a storytime intended for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing issues or for those who find traditional storytime programs challenging. Siblings welcome. Ages 3 – 9. Sign up begins 7/10.
Read, Learn and Create
Read, Learn and Create
We invite children grades 2-3 to join us as we celebrate Black History Month! We will read and discuss the works of bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi and his adaptations of beloved African American folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. Then we will create a unique mixed media collage inspired by the vibrant and spirited artwork of...
Rubik’s Cube Challenge
Rubik’s Cube Challenge
Test your skills against other kids at our first ever Rubik's Cube Challenge! If you have your own cube feel free to bring it along with you. If not, we will provide one for you to use. We will have various cubes to practice and play with should you not want to compete.
Retro Hour
Retro Hour
Enjoy retro-themed activities from the '80s and '90s. Listen to vinyl records, play retro video games, read old-school comics, or watch old cartoons. Drop-in event for grades 6-8.
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