World of Wheels (Naperville)
DuPage Children's Museum
Explore the use of wheels and how they can be used in art.
Sharks! at StingrayBay (Brookfield)
Brookfield Zoo
The stingrays are back at the zoo and they brought sharks with them. Touch the stingrays and meet the sharks that live in a 16,000 gallon saltwater pool.
Adventures with Agua (Brookfield)
Brookfield Zoo
Interactive exhibit uses games and hands-on activities to explore water-related environmental issues and simple ways families can help. Agua, the waterdrop character, guides visitors through four challenges. Become a gameboard piece, turn into a waterdrop, and learn what you can do to help preserve the Great Lakes.
Les Miserables (Lincolnshire)
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Performances run February 20 through May 11. Check the Web site for more information. Previews are Feb. 13.
Seussical (Lincolnshire)
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Performances run from March 6-May 11. Call for specific performance dates and times. 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. Sundays. Please call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for the exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary.
Skyscapes: Meteorological Phenomena (Chicago)
Notebaert Nature Museum
This exhibit uses the sky and weather in 20 photographs that demonstrate the beauty and sheer power of Mother Nature.
Gnome Hunt (Chicago)
Notebaert Nature Museum
Take part in the garden gnome hunt in and around the museum and grounds.
Celebrating Women Exhibit (Chicago)
Field Museum
Vivid color photographs from around the world portray festivals that celebrate women as fighters for freedom, bearers of light, or simply young and fancy-free girls.
Cool Globes (Chicago)
Field Museum
A selection of larger-than-life globes each designed to depict a solution to global warning will be on display from April 17-September 1. For more information, visit www.coolglobes.com.
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids (Chicago)
Field Museum
Enter the fabled world of dragons, journey to the depths of the ocean and soar above the clouds to uncover the origins of the powerful, dangerous and magical beings that have been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. Exhibit includes interactive stations and videos.
Arctic Seafloor (Chicago)
Field Museum
Photographs and other media take you on an icebreaking ship through the frozen Arctic world, and give you a first-ever look at the mysterious undersea mountains near the North Pole.
Travels of the Crow (Chicago)
Field Museum
Through artifacts and photographs this exhibit portrays the life of hunters, warriors, and nomads of the American Northern Plains.
George Washington Carver (Chicago)
Field Museum
Discover the life and work of George Washington Carver, born into slavery, who used his gifts to become a groundbreaking scientist, educator and humanitarian.
Crown Family Playlab (Chicago)
Field Museum
Interactive exhibit where kids can explore activities about nature, the world, science, music, art and dinosaurs in six unique areas. Concessions and changing stations are available.
Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice DNA Discovery Center (Chicago)
Field Museum
Discover what DNA is, how it works and what it can tell us in this new permanent exhibit with videos, interactives and displays
How People Make Things (Chicago)
Chicago Children's Museum
This exhibit tells how kids' favorite objects are made, from ideas to process and technology. Features live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
An Intergenerational Moment (Chicago)
Chicago Children's Museum
Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly presents an exhibit of works by artists from teenagers to the elderly depicting relationships between the young and old. For more information about the exhibit, call (312) 455-1000 or visit www.littlebrotherschicago.org.
What can you do with a paper bag? (Chicago)
Chicago Children's Museum
Visit MyArtSpace to discover what's interesting about a paper bag. Make hats, puppets, sculptures, murals, masks, and maps.
Comic Book Heroes: Max Simon Comic Book Collection (Indianapolis)
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The exhibit will introduce families to the vast world of comic books and will inspire them to read, collect and create. After a tour of the exhibit, kids can create their own comic book characters.
Curious George: Let's Get Curious (Indianapolis)
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Curious George comes to life as children's natural curiosity is encouraged as they explore science, math and engineering through hands-on interactive play.
Spin (Rockford)
Discovery Center Museum
This traveling exhibit explores the fun and science of objects that rotate. Check out the human centrifuge, create a mini-laser show, roll objects along a track and much more.
Salute Your Troops (Bourbonnais)
Exploration Station
Celebrate Armed Forces Day the entire month of May. Help us salute our troops by learning about life as a soldier. We'll visit different time periods in our armed forces history, sleep in their quarters, wear their uniforms, and even eat some of their food. Get a real understanding of why we celebrate and appreciate the work and lives of our nation's soldiers.
Eggs to Chicks (Glenview)
Kohl Children's Museum
Children can view the life cycle of the rare Black Java and White Java chickens through egg incubators, hatchery units, and a chick play pen, all at child-viewing height.
Sugar from the Sun (Chicago)
Garfield Park Conservatory
Visitors to this exhibit will use all five senses as they experience how a plant uses air, water and light to make sugar-the energy source not only for plants, but for all life on earth.
Age of Azaleas Spring Flower Show (Chicago)
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Spring Flower Show features a changing selection of spring blooming plants: azaleas, followed by hydrangeas in the second half. The display will also feature more than 5,000 bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
"Edward Hopper" and "Watercolors by Winslow Homer" (Chicago)
Art Institute of Chicago
Two new exhibits of American artists Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer are open on a combined ticket. Special dated tickets are required. Call (312) 930-4040 or visit the Web site to order tickets.
Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog (Glenview)
Kohl Children's Museum
This exhibit features hands-on activities based on the Clifford TV show. Kids can slide down the tail of a 9-foot-high Clifford statue.
Ancient Masterpieces from the Televisa Collection (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibition presents a select group of the ancient treasures of the Fundacion Televisa private collection in Mexico City. It will give viewers an overview of the variety of cultures that thrived in ancient Mexico -- Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Oaxacan, Colima and the Western Region.
Horns, Hooves Wings, Fins & Tails: Animal Imagery in the Permanent Museum Collection (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibit will explore the depiction of animals in Mexico from pre-Cuauhtemoc cultures and folklore to today.
¡Chupacabaras! Artists Reinvent the Myth (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
Local artists create new work about this popular 20th Century urban legend from Puerto Rico.
Miradas al Mexico Antiguo (Chicago)
National Museum of Mexican Art
This exhibit features many of the great artistic accomplishments of the ancient Mexican cultures.
Catastrophe! The Destruction and Looting of Iraq's Past (Chicago)
Oriental Institute Museum
The Oriental Institute Museum presents this short-term exhibit from April through December.
Going Places (Elmhurst)
Elmhurst Historical Museum
Explore horse-drawn carriage transportation from the early 19th century to the dawn of the automobile age. Exhibit includes artifacts such as carriages, assorted harnesses and tack.
The Comedy of Errors (Chicago)
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Performances run Tuesday-Sunday from April 27-June 29. Check the Web site for the performance schedule.
Around the World in 80 Days (Chicago)
Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works
Previews are April 16-25, regular run is April 27-June 1. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at (312) 337-0665.
ComedySportz Show (Chicago)
ComedySportz Theatre
All-ages-appropriate improv show at 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays, and 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Saturdays. The 6 p.m. Saturday show is recommended for families. Call or check the Web site for details.
Big Bugs Exhibit (Lisle)
Morton Arboretum
Kids can use a free bug detective guide to tour this exhibit of 12 giant insect sculptures made from trees and branches. The exhibit also includes related activities in the Children's Garden and kids’ bug meals in the Gingko Tree. Check the Web site for additional information and schedule.
Build-a-Bug Workshop (Lisle)
Morton Arboretum
Kids can create their own bugs out of craft materials while learning the parts of an insect. They can also visit "Wear-A-Bug" to decorate a bug mask to wear in a Garden parade! A different bug is featured every week. April 25-June 6: weekdays 1 – 4 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. June 7 through July 20: every day 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Wizard of Oz (Oakbrook Terrace)
Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
Performances are at 10 a.m. on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. select Saturdays, and 10 a.m. April 19 and 29. Call (630) 530-0111 for exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary. Tickets can also be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com.
Disney's "Aladdin" (Chicago)
Emerald City Theatre Company
Stage adaptation of the Disney show will be from May 3-July 11. Peformance runs about one hour. Check the Web site for performance schedule.
Packaging Presidents: Two Centuries of Campaigns and Candidates (Springfield)
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
This exhibit explores the changing phenomenon of the presidential campaign, with artifacts from 200 years of campaigns.
"Design in the Age of Darwin" (Evanston)
Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
Explores the relationship between evolutionism and English and American decorative arts. May 9-Aug. 24. Free.
LP Art (Wauconda)
Lake County Discovery Museum
Explore fifty years of original album cover artwork in this special exhibit. Special kids activities include cover creation, coloring, music matching games, dress up costumes and more.
Elmo Makes Music (Rosemont)
Rosemont Theatre
Performances are May 8-11.
Lizards and the Komodo King (Chicago)
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Special exhibit runs though summer 2008.
Walter Arnold Stone Sculptures (Elmhurst)
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Illinois sculptor Walter Arnold's featured works include gargoyles, pixies and architectural design in limestone and marble.
Exploring the Collection: Photographs by Terry Evans (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
In celebration of the museum's 75th anniversary, Chicago photographer Terry Evans sought to explore the collection of the Museum of Science and Industry. The result is an exhibition of more than 20 photographic studies that reveal the human ingenuity within each artifact and the power of a single idea.
The Glass Experience (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
Watch glass artists blow molten glass into works of art, observe stained glass pieces being repaired, and see displays of master works of glass. This exhibit is not included in general admission, and requires a ticket and specified entry time.
Omnimax Theater: "Dinosaurs Alive!" (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
The film explores some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Through computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures, and some familiar favorites, will come alive.
Smart Home: Green+Wired (Chicago)
Museum of Science and Industry
Tour a functioning green home that showcases the ways people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives. This exhibit is not included in general admission, and requires a ticket and specified entry time.
Knute Rockne All-American (Munster)
Theatre at the Center
Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from April 3-May 11. Call (219) 836-3255 for tickets.
The American Girls Revue (Chicago)
American Girl Theatre at American Girl Place
This one-hour show brings the stories of the American Girls characters to life through 10 original songs. 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays, 12:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays.
Sleeping Beauty (Chicago)
Chicago Kids Company
Performances are at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western), Chicago from Feb. 6-May 16. Weekday shows are at 10:30 a.m., also at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9, March 15 and April 12.
Soul Soldiers (Chicago)
DuSable Museum of African American History
Exhibit examines the Vietnam War and its impact from an African-American perspective, through artifacts and audio.
And Freedom for All: Martin Luther King Jr. & The Civil Rights Movement (Chicago)
DuSable Museum of African American History
Explore the hsitoric March on Washington through unpublished photos from the archives of Look Magazine taken by Stanley Tretick.
Northbrook-On-Ice Show (Northbrook)
Northbrook Sports Center
More than 400 skaters perform in this annual event. Call (847) 291-2993 for ticket information. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 10 and 2 p.m. May 11.
Blue Hues of Hughes (Chicago)
eta Creative Arts Foundation
A tribute to the poetry of Langston Hughes. Performances are weekdays at 10 a.m. and noon.
The Purse and the Person, a Century of Women's Purses (Rockford)
Midway Village and Museum Center
This exhibit examines day-to-day life from 1900-today through 500 women's purses and the accessories inside. This is the only upper Midwest showing of a popular traveling exhibit. Special activities and programming are held on select dates during the run of the exhibit. Visit the Web site for a schedule.
Asian/Pacific Heritage Month (Chicago)
Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library is celebrating Asian/Pacific Heritage Month during May. Check the Web site at www.chipublib.org for a complete schedule of programs that focus on Asian, East Asian and Pacific Islander culture, traditions and the contributions these groups have made to society.
Dinner Time (Aurora)
Aurora Historical Society
New exhibit traces changes in what, where and how Aurorans eat, and what that says about our local and national culture.
Shout! The Mod Musical (Chicago)
Drury Lane Water Tower Place
Musical travels in time from 1960 to 1970 chronicling the dawning liberation of women. Peformances run 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2, 6 and 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays.
Oliver! ()
Christian Youth Theater
Musical based on Dickens' Oliver Twist is performed at Timothy Christian Auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield, Elmhurst. Runs May 8-17. 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. May 8, 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. May 9, 2 and 6 p.m. May 10 and 17, and 7 p.m. May 16.
Seussical Jr ()
Christian Youth Theater
Musical based on Dr. Seuss characters runs May 8-18 at Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley. Performances are at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. May 8, 7 p.m. May 9 and 16, 2 and 6 p.m. May 10 and 17, 2 p.m. May 11 and 18.
Alice in Wonderland ()
Christian Youth Theater
Modern adaptation of the children's classic runs May 8-18 at CCC Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Dr., Zion. 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. May 8, 7 p.m. May 9 and 16, 2 and 6 p.m. May 10 and 17, and 2 p.m. May 11 and 18.
"The Jungle Book" ()
Christian Youth Theater
At Lake Zurich Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich, Ill. Free parking.
Stretch (Chicago)
Chicago Childrens Humanities Festival
Stretch is a dynamic canvas made from twelve miles and hundreds of strands of fine elastic, pulled tight across an entire stage, animated by dancers, live musicians, and colorful projections from Great Britain’s Crying Out Loud Productions. The performance is is designed to be accessible and fun for all, including children with special needs and those for whom English is not a primary language. held at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, Downstairs Mainstage, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Check the Web site for performance schedule.
Spectratone: Share This Place (Chicago)
Chicago Childrens Humanities Festival
Multimedia performance combines original songs, orchestral music, and a stop-motion film to explore the lives of insects. Performed at Adventure Stage Chicago at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 8, 7:30-8:30 p.m. May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 10.
Butterflies (Indianapolis)
Indianapolis Zoo
Exhibit features species from the United States, Central America, South American and Africa. Experience these beautiful and delicate creatures up close and personal.
Wicked (Chicago)
Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre
Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One becomes the Wicked Witch of the West and the other Glinda the Good Witch. Tickets can be ordered at (312) 902-1400, the box office or Ticketmaster.
Chris Carter, Mentalist (Skokie)
Skokie Theatre
Chris Carter's program includes audience participation, contemporary comedy, and puzzling psychic mysteries. Watch as he tries to guess someone's Social Security number, license number, even numbers on a dollar bill in that person's pocket.
Seussical Jr. (Downers Grove)
St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic School
St. Mary of Gostyn School presents their Spring Musical at Montini High School, 19W070 16th St. Lombard. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 8-9, 1 and 7:30 p.m. May 10, and 2 p.m. May 11. Call (630) 968-6155 or visit the Web site for tickets.
Fools (Chicago)
Saint Sebastian Players Theater Company
Neil Simon play runs April 25-May 18. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Call or check the Web site for more information. Tickets are also available at www.ticketweb.com.
Mother's Day workshop (Lockport)
P&J Kids Art Loft
Kids and moms can make crafts. Check Web site for more information.
Spring Migration Hike (Hammond)
Gibson Woods Nature Preserve
Join a naturalist on a hike to look for returning neo-tropical migrants like tanagers, orioles and warblers. Bring binocluars, strudy shoes and a field guide. Registration is required.
Spring Flower Show (Chicago )
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Features a changing selection of spring blooming plants.
Math Connections Exhibit (Naperville)
DuPage Children's Museum
This new neighborhood is specially created to help children understand math fundamentals in new ways. Kids can explore with hands-on exhibits, from a full-body crawl-through kaleidoscope to a big jumping mat and a huge balance.
Floating Sculptures (Glenview)
Kohl Children's Museum
Create a floating sculpture using cork, pipe cleaners, and foam shapes.
Jack and the Beanstalk (Chicago)
Chicago Kids Company
Performances are at St. Patrick Performing Arts Center, Chicago, weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and select Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. from April 24-July 17.
Vote4Me! Inside a Presidential Election (Chicago)
McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum
Get a behind-the-scenes perspective of campaign season by working your way from presidential hopeful to Commander in Chief. Learn about what it takes to run a successful campaign and voice support for your favorite 2008 presidential candidate.
Story Time at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve (St. Charles)
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve & Nature Center
The Nature Center will be filled with stories as St. Charles Public Library staff bring books, finger plays, songs, and more for children, infant through age 5. Children and their caregivers are welcome to enjoy the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center following the program. FREE. Registration required. Call (847) 741-8350, Ext. 10, to register.
The Big Sleep Show (Rosemont)
Rosemont Convention Center
Consumer health expo dedicated to sleep and alertness. Experts offer presentations about products and health considerations that will enable them to sleep better and stay alert. Presentations will cover insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, along with major ailments found to have direct links to sleep problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression and obesity. Presentations and displays also will promote everyday sleep wellness, including topics such as enhancing sleep environments, relaxation therapy and nutrition. Sleep and alertness issues related to women and new parents will be covered. The sessions will be interactive and encourage participation by attendees
Worlds Imagined: The Art of Children's Books (Park Forest )
Tall Grass Arts Association
Exhibit features 74 works by 11 children's book illustrators. The illustrations will be mounted next to sections of the accompanying text. Books by these illustrators will be on display in the gallery for students and parents to read.
Voices of HIV - Not a Fairytale (Chicago)
eta Creative Arts Foundation
Part of the Showfolk 2007-2008 season. Call for specific dates.
Mother's Day Event (Chicago)
Bubbles Academy
Enjoy open play, teatime and paint a terracotta pot to plant a flower for mom. You will cherish Appropriate for all parents, family members, caregivers, and children,
Organic Vegetable Garden (Oak Park)
Wonder Works
In May, Wonder Works will prepare and plant its 2nd annual organic vegetable garden. Drop in on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to lend a hand.
Open House/Informational Session ()
Held at: DeVry University Tinley Park Campus, 18624 West Creek Dr., Room 2240
May 7 & May 27th
RSVP by April 25, 2008
#CEU Continuing Educaton Units will be awarded for those who qualify.
Tatsu Aioke's Miyumi Project (Chicago)
Steppenwolf Theatre
Program mixes taiko drumming with jazz, contemporary and classical. Downstairs Theatre. Call (312) 335-1650 or visit the Web site for tickets.
Stories for a Spring Evening (Crystal Lake)
Prairieview Education Center
Bring the family and friends for an evening of tales and legends in a scenic setting. Event will be held indoors if weather is inclement.
Barlow Girl (University Park)
The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University
Concert by Christian rock trio.
Stargazing: Stellar Reports (Deerfield)
Ryerson Woods
Indoor astronomy program is presented by the Skokie Valley Astronomers. Afterward, view the sky with telescopes if weather permits.
Public Stargazing Outing: Mars and the Moon (Lowell)
Buckley Homestead
Calumet Astronomical Society presents free public stargazing programs at the Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead. Event includes use of telescopes, astronomical binoculars and other astronomy-related activities. Dress for the weather; programs are outdoors. Inclement weather may cause cancellation.
