Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...

Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own and join the jam!

Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girls ages 12-15. Participants will receive hands-on learning and skill-based practice with architecture, as well as learning from women who are leading the way in STEAM Fields.

Whose tracks are in the mud? Join us for the hunt and learn about tracks along the trails.

Come bring a plant, or several, to swap and trade with other plant enthusiasts! Presented in partnership with the Hoffman Estates Garden Club and Plant Swap Pop-Up. How It Works Swaps are the perfect opportunity for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts to meet, learn something new about plants, and become plant friends. The bonus is...

In honor of National Library Week 2024, Bluey is visiting us in the Discovery Corner to celebrate and take pictures with us!

Join us as we celebrate Week of the Young Child. Each day explores a new learning concept as we celebrate our youngest Library patrons.

Engaging storytime at 10:00 AM, led by our wonderful host, Miss Kathy. Fun stories, songs, and more. A designated playtime area for children, with age-appropriate spaces. The opportunity to meet and connect with other families in our community. Complimentary coffee and tea available for adults. Parents, feel free to bring a drink or snack for...

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days.    For information...

Let's celebrate Music Monday at the library! We'll sing, dance, play musical instruments, and get our wiggles out.

Enjoy a quieter, slower-paced storytime geared towards children with sensory issues who may be overwhelmed in a traditional storytime setting. Books and activities will be designed for children with sensory sensitivities. For children aged 3-7 years old with an adult caregiver. Limit 10 child/caregiver pairs

Every now and then we get a little bit tired of waiting for the solar eclipse, but wait no longer! Enjoy learning all about solar eclipses through activities and discussion, ending with watching a total eclipse of the sun.

Use our scope and sun viewers to watch the eclipse safely.

Join us for a party with solar viewing glasses, activities, crafts, and, in case of clouds, a live stream of the eclipse. The maximum eclipse will take place at 2:07 p.m. All ages. Free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-933-7248.

Join us on Monday, April 8th for the actual viewing of the Solar Eclipse. Patrons gather at Meeting Rm. 1 then walk across to the viewing site at Rahlfs Woods, to watch the live event. The library supplies the solar glasses for the event. Registration preferred but drop-ins are welcome.

A solar eclipse is coming! Drop-in to the main floor to grab free eclipse glasses (while supplies last) and complete a craft. We will livestream the eclipse and go outside to the west plaza to see the big event!

We're partnering with Harper College to watch the solar eclipse. Bring a picnic and head to Harper College to look through telescopes, enjoy crafts and storytimes and ask all of your eclipse-related questions! This event is located in the Harper Quad at 1200 W. Algonquine Rd., Palatine, IL. There is parking available in Lots 3-6...

Watch this rare natural phenomenon here! Telescopes ready for viewing.

The Great North American Eclipse is coming on Monday, April 8 and North School Park is the best spot in town for viewing! Join the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and Arlington Heights Park District between 1:00-3:30PM and pick up a free pair of Nasa-approved eclipse glasses or make a pinhole projector to safely watch the...

Experience this exciting celestial event together with activities for the whole family. If the weather is great to view the eclipse, we will meet at Pocket Park and have eclipse glasses available to use, while supplies last. In the case of cloudy or otherwise inclement weather, we will meet at the library in the Youth...

Join us for a party in Wilder Park as we watch the solar eclipse. Observe the sky as the sun is slowly blocked from view, learn about what eclipses are and why they happen, and take advantage of fun activities, games, and snacks. Eclipse glasses will be provided to attendees. Presented with the Elmhurst Park...

Come watch as the moon covers the sun, and it becomes nighttime in the middle of the afternoon! Will include solar-protection glasses and a fun kit of activities and learning!

Gather in North School Park (N. Evergreen Ave. & E. Eastman St.) to complete activities, learn about the solar eclipse including how to view the eclipse safely and take a photo at our photo station. In case of inclement weather, watch a live feed of the eclipse and do activities in the Hendrickson Room in...

Learn about a partial solar eclipse and view the eclipse through a special solar telescope and eclipse glasses (weather permitting).

Stand in the shadow of the moon! Be one of the millions of people across America to view the last total solar eclipse visible from North America until 2044! Join us in the open, grassy area of Whalon Lake as we view this incredible solar event. Bring your own chairs or blankets to find your...

Ciesz się dwujęzyczną opowieścią z piosenkami, opowieściami i innymi zajęciami. Stories, songs and activities will be presented both in Polish and English during this bilingual storytime! Drop in.

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 those...

Acompáñanos para una presentación de cuentos y música en Español e Inglés.

Join us as we celebrate Week of the Young Child. Each day explores a new learning concept as we celebrate our youngest Library patrons.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days.    For information...

Nature stories, crafts and activities. Children ages 3-6 w/adult.

Admission is free for all visitors on the second Tuesday of each month.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

An inclusive drop-in playgroup for children who receive or are considering therapy services, ages 0-5. Children play while families meet and find support. Siblings welcome.

Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr with us in this special storytime!

Join other homeschooling families each month for homeschool hangouts at the library! Explore different topics each month and connect with other homeschool families in the area.

Show off your brick building skills with this fun activity. Join other LEGO® fans to share ideas, free build, or use the challenge cards for your own special creation.

Every Tuesday Starting March 5 • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM • Free Program • Pre-Registration Required • For Students (6-12) and their Parents/Caregivers • Adults must accompany students Unleash your curiosity every Tuesday while exploring the wonders of agriculture, STEM, and nature! This program is for parents and elementary-age students (6-12 years old). Topics include: Coding:...

Illinois residents enjoy FREE admission to Shedd Aquarium on select days throughout the year! Tickets must be reserved online before your visit. Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings in August! Illinois Residents receive free admission from 5 – 9 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.)  Upcoming Free Evenings: August 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29,...

Enjoy this fun storytime in Polish. Recommended age: 3-7 years

Giveaways, free food samples, blood pressure checks, vendors, and more.

Free Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for you to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures— all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, you’ll need more...

New for 2024, enjoy free parking at Cantigny every Wednesday, March through October. Advance online registration is required. The normal $5 parking fee applies for guests not registered.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July. Upcoming 2023–24 Illinois resident FREE days include: March 12, 27–28; April 10, 18, 24; May 1, 27, 29   For information on more events like this, check out our...

Join us as we celebrate Week of the Young Child. Each day explores a new learning concept as we celebrate our youngest Library patrons.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days.    For information...

Wednesdays are Free Admission Days sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Learn about nature through music, movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Mar 13: Gold Hunt Apr 10: Butterflies May 8: Nature in Bloom

Bring your little one for open nature play time. Enjoy the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play space while helping your children connect with nature.

Children are invited to hear stories at the Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. After the program, explore the Nature Center and walk the trails. Cosponsored with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Drop in to the Crown Family PlayLab for free weekly activites for 2-6 year olds! PlayLab PlayDates are free to museum guests, don’t require pre-registration, and take place on IL Resident Free Days!   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with...

Join us for a sensory friendly movie screening of Pixar's Elemental to celebrate Neurodiversity Awareness Month. This is a welcoming space where the room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members are welcome to move around, talk, and sing. This program is intended for those with sensory sensitivities but all are...

The Adler is excited to announce that we will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm (our new Wednesday hours.) Stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of our Illinois...

Sticker Club members celebrate all they've read with pizza and a sticker swap. For grades k-5.

Take a break from your busy week and unwind at the library! Each Wednesday there will be a different activity like building, crafts, and games.

If Saturdays are too hectic for you to shop the Book Sale, these new Wednesday evening sales might be the perfect option. Find your next favorite book, movie or CD and benefit the Friends! The Friends of the Batavia Public Library will host its new, monthly Evening Book Sale in the lower level FriendSpace. Credit...

Bring the whole family for craft night at the library! Each week we will feature upcycled materials to create our craft with.

Children and their parents are invited to participate in Polish stories, songs, games and a craft. Zapraszamy dzieci i ich rodziców do udziału w naszym polskim programie, w którym oferujemy; bajki, piosenki, gry i zabawy w języku polskim.

A high-flying adventure from the magic of Steven Spielberg, Hook stars Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman as the infamous Captain Hook.

Join us as we celebrate Week of the Young Child. Each day explores a new learning concept as we celebrate our youngest Library patrons.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days.    For information...

Stop by to make a simple craft with your child. Each week explores a different topic to spark your child's creativity and curiosity. Ages 3-7. While supplies last. Drop in.

Ages birth-24 months with a caregiver. Come for unstructured playtime for you and baby. Enjoy coffee, a sweet treat and conversation while the little ones socialize and play. Limit: 35. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the event.

We are pleased to offer weekly Donation Days—every Thursday the museum is open—for Illinois residents. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days, or support us with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission. Illinois residents can reserve their Donation Day tickets online or in person.   For information on...

Acompáñanos para una presentación de cuentos y música en Español e Inglés.

Let nature inspire art! Try your hand at different crafts suitable for people of all abilities.

DuSable Museum of African-American history is free to Illinois residents to visit on Wednesdays. We also give free admission to military and to first responders. That means Police, Fire, EMT’s. With valid ID.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Celebrate National Library Week by joining us for cake in the lobby honoring the Des Plaines Public Library Board of Trustees and The Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library!

Learn to play storytelling and role-playing games. Game masters guide participants in adventures like rescuing dragon eggs, being creatures of myth and legend, or discovering what stuffed animals are up to when everyone is asleep. *Registration required

Drop in, learn, play, and have fun developing strategies! Chess Club welcomes newbies, novices, and masters and is led by chess expert and former teacher Brad Smith. All ages & walk-ins are welcome.

It's Playday Friday and Life Size Candyland is back! Join us in the Children's Department for a BIG round of a classic little kid board game.

Join us as we celebrate Week of the Young Child. Each day explores a new learning concept as we celebrate our youngest Library patrons.

Celebrate National Robotics Week with our Robot Block Party featuring cool 'bots and mecha-stars presented by area robotics groups. Learn what they can do and how they do it—and discover how robots are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. All activities are included in Museum Entry. Features and schedules for Robot Block Party will be...

Pick up a new Child ID safety kit and talk to an officer from the Darien Police Department. These kits provide crucial information that parents can hand over if officers ever need to respond to a missing child report.

Wrap up Week of the Young Child with a storytime and self-guided activities that celebrate children’s first teachers: their families! Learn ways to engage and support our youngest learners, laying the foundation for their future success.

The Language Labs will be here for a Polish language story time, including some basic Polish instruction, and a craft. Register. Program Room.

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and meet the Woodridge Public Library at the park for stories, songs, and lots of fun! Our friends from the Woodridge Park District are bringing a craft for us to make. This is a free program, open to the public. Please see the Park District website for other...

Join a real Ninja Squad Coach as they read a great story, then jump, roll, balance and PLAY like a NINJA! Perfect for kids 2-5 years with a grown up buddy as a guardian. Registration required.

Join us for songs, stories, and activities in both Polish and English.

Explore, discover, and imagine with our new educational play stations. We rotate our toys every week to ensure our future veterinarians, doctors, chefs, and store clerks never get bored! Drop in anytime between 11-4:30 for this self-guided, free-play day. Recommended age: 3 years and older

Start your Friday morning off at the library with a fun storytime all about animals. A new animal each week! Some bilingual Spanish.

An OUTDOOR farm-city & community open house & fundraiser that brings farm to the city. The KCFB FOUNDATION welcomes urban & suburban neighbors to see antique tractors and modern farming equipment, enjoy hands-on activities, see farm animals & more.

All ages. Create unique seasonal and theme-based projects. Materials provided while supplies last. Registration not required.

Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a family-fun day of fishing. Prizes awarded.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Fishing Derbies

Join us at the best children's resale around! Sale goes from 8am - 2pm, with all blue tags HALF OFF from 12pm-2pm! You won't find better deals or better quality items anywhere! Baby items, clothing for babies, boys, and girls, maternity clothes, shoes, outdoor toys, books and puzzles, sports equipment, strollers and bikes, board games...

Test Your Limits and Conquer Your Obstacles—1.5 Mile Run Featuring hill elevation and both grass/concrete terrain. Run, Climb, Jump, Push, Pull and Crawl Your Way to the Finish Line.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of 5K Races and Kids’ Fun Runs.

Fresh flowers, artisan foods, music.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.

Donate or Shop at the Spring 2024 Kids Resale Event. Event and donation drop-off location and times are below. Thank you for your donations! All proceeds from this sale will benefit Hephzibah programs. This event will be donation only. Spring 2024 Resale Dates & Times: Maternity Sale: Thursday, April 11, 7:30 -8:30 p.m. VIP Sale:...

Meet with community organizations that focus on health and wellness, speak with a personal trainer, receive free samples and free giveaways and be entered into raffles during the Courts Plus Health and Wellness Fair.

Held twice a year, in the Fall and Spring, The Park Ridge Newcomers Club Kids Sale has an established reputation for offering quality, gently used children’s items at reasonable prices. We continue the tradition year after year because of the many benefits it offers to our Members, the Local Community (our sales provide a convenient...

Gather your friends, group or neighbors for a clean-up party in the parks! Participants will assist the Park District by picking up trash & debris, raking and bagging leaves and assisting with the raking & leveling of our playground surface. The Park District provides bags and gloves and all participants receive a t-shirt and group...

The Bolingbrook Fire Department’s certified child passenger safety technicians will examine safety seats for proper installation, recalls and expiration dates.

Observe bird feeder activity as we make origami animals such as bunnies, insects and birds, including your own favorite animal!

Bring your family-building skills to Kids Landing during our Saturday Stay and Play! Your family will enjoy an endless variety of play patterns like construction, pretend play, role-playing, and inventing your own games while building with our new Blue Blocks. Most importantly, you will be deeply engaged and active and have hours of fun with...

Friends of the Library Book Sale in the FriendSpace in the Lower Level. Buying books at the Friends' sale is a great way to support the Library. Book sales are held in the lower level FriendSpace on the second Saturdays of the month, with the exception of June.

Celebrate National Robotics Week with our Robot Block Party featuring cool 'bots and mecha-stars presented by area robotics groups. Learn what they can do and how they do it—and discover how robots are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. All activities are included in Museum Entry. Features and schedules for Robot Block Party will be...

Science is Awesome! That's the message for kids and adults who attend our event. We welcome families, scout troops, teachers, and students of all ages for a fantastic day of science. Experience outstanding hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) leaders and innovators. You can get an up-close and personal...

Gently used books for sale at great prices. Adult fiction and nonfiction Children's fiction and nonfiction Adult materials in Spanish, Polish, Russian and more. Use of ISBN scanners allowed between 12-2 pm only.

No registration required. We like to make it, make it! Drop in for Makerspace Saturdays and make a cool creation. April 13: This week we will make Kooky kalediscopes! April 27: This week we will make beautiful jerwlery for our wonderful moms on Mothers' Day!

Introducing Kids Club! We will have specific kids oriented projects on select Saturdays each month. Bring your kids to a free craft! This week we are making painted rocks that look like butterflies. All supplies are included!

Turn found objects into something new while learning about the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Come dressed as your favorite superhero and meet some of your favorites! Registration required.

Join us for a bilingual storytime for the entire family! Enjoy stories, songs, and activities. Registration not required.

For families with kids 7 & under with an adult caregiver. Join us for music, puppets, interactive movement, and more! Spark the Firefly wants to plant a garden but doesn't know how to get her flowers to grow. With the help of her friends in the forest, Spark learns the parts of a plant, what...

This FREE indoor/outdoor event is hosted on the beautiful property of the Temple of Harmony Monastery in Joliet, IL. This year’s event has so many offerings, that everyone in the family will find something they truly enjoy experiencing.

An OUTDOOR farm-city & community open house & fundraiser that brings farm to the city. The KCFB FOUNDATION welcomes urban & suburban neighbors to see antique tractors and modern farming equipment, enjoy hands-on activities, see farm animals & more.

The EJH Music Boosters are holding a spring craft and vendor fair to support the music program. Fair is Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 10am - 3pm. We will have many crafters, a raffle and food.

Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...

Fiesta de Hungry Caterpillar Saturday, April 13 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Celebrate the 55th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with stories, games, crafts and more. All ages. Sign up begins 3/30. Presented in English and Spanish. Fiesta de La Oruga Muy Hambrienta Sábado, 3 de abril 10:30 a 11:30 a.m. Celebra el 55 aniversario...

Join us for a special National Library Week celebration! The dragon themed day kicks off with a Storytime featuring the dragon from Dragons Love Tacos at 10:30, followed by a visit from Mucha Salsa Taco Truck serving complimentary chicken tacos and cheese quesadillas (while supplies last). Then, from 11:30-1:30, walk through the reptile zoo featuring...

Join us on a fantastic journey into the world of alebrijes! Renowned masters of folk art from Oaxaca, Mexico, Jacobo and Maria Angeles, and their son and daughter Sabina and Ricardo Angeles experts in wood carving and creators of the popular figures known as alebrijes, will guide you through a unique experience of color and...

Princesses, superheroes, and cartoons, oh my! Follow the map and visit a variety of costumed characters in various stores throughout Downtown Wheaton. Snap a photo, collect autographs, and make memories, all in your favorite place!

Recommended for elementary and up. Sessions from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Register in advance. Are you ready for it? Let’s celebrate The Eras Tour and all things Taylor Swift! Come dressed as your favorite era to make friendship bracelets, pose at our photo booth, answer trivia questions and...

Come in to build cool LEGO creations. LEGOs are provided. Ages 6 - 11. No registration required.

A special Family Storytime presented in Mandarin with stories, songs, and activities for all ages.

You are cordially invited to the Franklin Park Public Library for High Tea beginning promptly at 12 pm. Tea (iced), assorted finger sandwiches, and tea cakes will be provided. We will also be making our very own hats to wear. Come dressed in your best fancy attire for a fun afternoon of High Tea.

Calling all girl coders! Designed for Grades 3-5, this monthly STEM class will cover topics like cybersecurity, computer science, and online safety. Students will learn new skills and develop problem solving abilities with hands-on activities. EncryptHer meets at the Library one Saturday each month and is presented in both English and Spanish.

Calling all Bluey fans! Enjoy music, dancing, and a story with your favorite pup. Best for ages 2-6 but the whole family is welcome to join in the fun.

It is that time when birds are migrating back north! Let's learn why they migrate, their unique appearances, and songs!

Trade cards, play games, talk with fellow fans, and maybe win a new pack of cards! For children up to 8th grade.

¡Sumerja a sus hijos en un nuevo idioma o aumente la fluidez durante este divertido programa lleno de historias y rimas en español! Immerse your kids in a new language or increase fluency during this fun program full of stories and rhymes in Spanish!

Hop along as we search for toads, frogs and their tadpoles near the water. During this event, we’ll also make a craft and learn the difference between frogs, toads and other amphibians. Waterproof rain-boots and flashlights are encouraged, please arrive prepared for the weather. Registration required.