New exhibit showcases 50 rare and unique objects from the Sterling Morton Library's collections. The artifacts include a collection of butterflies that is more than 100 years old, an Eskimo bone carving, original woodblocks, and metal sculptures. Explore a modern cabinet of curiosities, with drawers that pull out and doors that open to reveal objects and interactive games, share your vision of a library in 50 years, and take part in a library-wide scavenger hunt.

If you're looking for an alternative to skating at Millennium Park this winter, look up. Way up-94 stories, to be exact. Touted as the World's Highest Ice Skating Rink, the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center gives ice skaters a bird's-eye view of the city and the lake.

At 20 feet by 45 feet, the rink is probably too small to be your solo destination of the day, but paired with a trip to see the view from the Hancock, it's a nice way for kids to burn off energy while parents enjoy the great view. And because it's synthetic ice, skaters stay warm and don't get wet.

The rink is scheduled to be open for skating from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. through April 18. A 25-minute skate session costs $6 (in addition to the cost to get into the Hancock Observatory). You can bring your own skates or rent some there for a dollar.

See a toy so amazing, so unbelievable, it has the power to transform into anything you want it to be. Enter a world where imagination rules, and ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Exercise the senses that children use to explore the world around them. Inspired by My Five Senses by Aliki.

The exhibit features the rare Black Java and White Java strains of chicken, which were an endangered species less than a decade ago. Includes a special child-height egg incubator, hatchery unit and a pen for newborn chicks.

The exhibit features the illustrations of W. W. Denslow, a Chicago resident whose famous illustrations helped to inspire the design of the classic 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland. The bright and colorful exhibit provides a variety of learning opportunities and hands-on activities within a three-dimensional representation of Denslow's distinctive illustrations.

Learn about Chicago's two World's Fairs though the experiences of three Elmhurst residents during the 1893 and 1933-34 fairs and explore rare artifacts.

Visitors become space adventurers and set off on a journey to discover the Universe in a way never done before. Travel a billion light-years and back, fly through space, orbit the Moon, zoom into a canyon on Mars, and soar through the cosmic web where a million galaxies shower down. The experience was created utilizing real telescopic data and the best scientific imagery.

Delve into the mysterious world of bioluminescence, from the glowworms dangling from the ceiling of New Zealand's famous Waitomo Caves, to the deep-sea fishes that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans. Discover the variety of ways in which light is used to attract a mate, lure unsuspecting prey, or defend against a predator, and see how scientists study this amazing ability to glow.

The exhibition showcases more than 100 animal specimens that have been preserved through the process of Plastination. From goats to giraffes and octopuses to ostriches, guests will see the inner workings of some of the world's most impressive animals and better understand the evolution of animals and the natural world.

Chicago Kids Company performs the classic tale from Feb. 6-April 12.

Professor McBumble's group of traveling actor's teach the lesson's of Anti-Bullying by using fairtales as their backdrop. Performances run from Jan. 23-May 3 at various locations. Check website for dates and location schedule.

Watch men painted blue do unusual performance art and original slapstick comedy. It's fun to sit in the front, but remember to wear a plastic poncho to avoid the flying food and liquids. Buy tickets at the box office, online, via Ticketmaster or by calling (773) 348-4000.

The Cat in the Hat is the perfect friend for a boring rainy afternoon. From games and mischief to Thing One and Thing Two, The Cat brings all sorts of trouble to this gray day--but will Sally and her brother be able to explain the mess to Mother? Performances run Jan. 26-June 9, 2013.

When happily ever after isn't what he expected, the Frog Prince heads out for a new adventure. While searching for his true amphibian self, he meets witches from Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. Performances run Jan. 26-June 9, 2013.

This third installment continues the marriage of classic literature to music. Students will be introduced to Blues concepts along with other contemporary music. Playwright J. e Franklin reconstructs timeless fables about morals and values that stimulate critical thinking in a setting filled with music, fun, and laughter. Showtimes are 10 a.m. and noon Monday-Friday from Oct. 29-June 14. Summer performances are June 24-Aug. 2.

Teenage DeShawn goes from making exceptional to poor grades in a matter of months due to the violent death of his best friend and the break-up of his family. Presented in collaboration with the University of Chicago Urban Health Initiative, this performance examines the need to recognize signs of depression in youth due to family disintegration and violence. Performances run Oct. 29-June 14.

The classic tale, live on stage. A special one-hour presentation for children of all ages. March 14-May 18.

Come meet Cat in the hat, listen to some Dr. Seuss classics in English and Spanish, enter to win a special Dr. Seuss give away pack, and more.

Interactive play group with caregivers and children of all abilities in an inclusive setting. Program focuses on social interaction, fine and gross motor development and sensory integration.

Exhibition highlighting the culture of illustration through the talented cartoonists, illustrators and voice actors connected to the Geneva community. Features well-known artists such as Daws Butler, the voice of Yogi Bear and many Hanna Barbera characters, along with Chester Gould, creator of the Dick Tracy comic strip.

Geared toward children with special needs, especially kids who may have a hard time sitting still or focusing in big groups. Sensory Storytime is followed by a new playgroup with sensory activity stations for kids and caregivers to explore together. These free storytimes, best for ages 2 to 6, are offered on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the Main Library, 834 Lake St. No advanced registration is required. Sensory Storytimes include stories and songs as well as large and small movement activities. A picture schedule is used in the front of the room, and individual schedules, fidget toys, and bean bag lap weights are available. Caregivers are required to be in attendance. Sensory Storytimes are 20 to 30 minutes long, and the sensory activities will be open for 30 minutes after the storytime ends. For more information, email sharris@oppl.org. Storytimes and activities are open to the general public, not just Oak Park residents.

Interactive learning centers include a barn slide, apple orchard and chicken coop. Maggie, a life-sized fiberglass milking cow sponsored by Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda, will be the focus of the new exhibit. Maggie is over five feet tall and features a working udder that recirculates the water that children "milk."

Native speakers from Language Stars provide a 30-minute interactive FunImmersion program with books, songs and activities conducted entirely in their native language.