Search for gnomes in the Children's Garden using your best "I Spy" skills. Checklist provided.

Grove Scene Investigations  | Glenview

Something has gone missing at the Grove. Help collect clues to find the culprit while learning about animals that live at The Grove. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

Bud, Not Buddy  follows the journey of a young African-American orphan as he searches for his father. Clues kept in a suitcase lead him to adventures in Depression-era Michigan, where he finds community among a group of jazz musicians and, ultimately, an unexpected sense of home. Performances are Jan. 12-Feb. 24, 2013.

Based on the book by Gary D. Schmidt, performances are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays from Jan. 19-March 2 (no performances Jan. 26-Feb. 2). Recommended for children 9 and older.

Musical that chronicles the sociological effects upon youth from fatherless homes and how they manage to uplift themselves in spite of it. Kwanzaa week holiday performances are Dec. 26, 27, 28. Regular run is Jan. 12-June 1, 2013.

From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes children on an interactive, improvised adventure. The actors use kids' suggestions and ideas to create a different story each week. Kids design the setting and help shapes the story. Runs through the end of February 2013, then moves to Stage 773 in Chicago.

Stanley Lambchop wants to travel the world to escape his ordinary life. One night, a bulletin board falls right on top of Stanley and he wakes up really flat. Recommended for kids 3-10.

Kids learn how tasty, simple and pleasant French cooking can be, bring home samples, and can recreate at home. For reservation information call (312) 337-1070.

Search for animal clues on the trails and discover animal behaviors by following their trails.

The Storybook Mom, Nili Yelin, reads to families and teaches the adults storytelling techniques to help promote literacy at home. Free snacks and book giveaway at the end of each session. Register at www.companies-that-care.org/tt-story-time.org.