Watch snow-sculpting teams form "frozen art" from giant blocks of snow. Abstract shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the skilled hands of state teams and high school teams. Walk or drive the one-mile route through the park to see sculptures.

Docents help children and others learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. New topics every month. September: "Traveling Seeds"; October: "Cone Bearing Plants"; November: "Fruits, The Seasonal Food Harvest"; December: "Eggs and the Conservatory Critters"; January: "Urban Wildlife"; February: "Chocolate"; March topic: "Survival in the Jungle"; April: "Carnivorous Plants"; May: "Water Works."

A variety of hands-on activities, service opportunities, and exhibits are available for families to enjoy throughout the day. At 2 p.m., join park ranger Cliff Goins as he leads an armchair tour of National Park Service sites that celebrate the civil rights movement.Or take part in a stewardship activity, such as preparing seeds for spring planting or cutting invasive honeysuckle near the center. Visitors also can make a free craft, enjoy the hands-on exhibits or help feed the Douglas Center's resident reptiles and fish and snowshoes and cross-country skis are available for free checkout.

Build a snowman out of biodegradable and natural items to win. Fill out an entry form at the main office.

Includes thematic stories, art project, self-guided activities and hot chocolate.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can traverse the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville or the 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Starting Sunday, Nov. 4, the trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 .m. daily until March 9.

Feature the black bear and its adaptations for survival in the forest. Crawl into the bear's den, compare your senses to that of the black bear, feel his fur, come face to face with a black bear mount and more.

Polar Adventure Days  | Chicago

FREE

Families can enjoy winter activities and meet live animals. Activities may include ice carving demonstrations, live animals such as birds of prey, Siberian huskies, live entertainment from the Old Town School of Folk Music, arts and crafts table, and free snowshoe rental if weather conditions allow. First 500 visitors receive a Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot chocolate. Dress for the outdoors. Call to confirm scheduled activities.

Help the Grove's restoration team collect seeds and make way for native wildflowers, grasses and trees by removing invasive, non-native plants. Bring work gloves if you have them. Jan. 19, Feb. 16.

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.