See gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies in a tram tour. 60-minute and 30-minute tours explain the rich Arboretum history, and describe the trees and plants you'll see. There's also an opportunity to see lovely wildlife in a native habitat.

The new Railway Garden, a G-gauge model railway running through a 2.5 acre site, opens April 30. Visitors enter through a 1920s-era railway depot to see trains running through a garden of miniature plants, water features and a variety of landscapes. May 1 through October.

Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the conservatory's Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden to plant an imaginary garden, build a tropical habitat, help water the plants, or read a book under the tropical canopy. Runs through entire 2012.

Enjoy an all-you-can eat brunch in the zoo's Discovery Center, then take a stroll through the zoo.

Children can immerse themselves in backstage preparation, perform routines in center ring or manage the behind-the-scenes action of lights and sound. Plus, try making a circus balance toy or dress up like a clown.

From Fannie May to Brach's Candies, Tootsie Rolls, Frango Mints, Lemonheads and more, Chicago has a tasty history of making candy loved the world over. Learn about Chicago's sweet history and how candy and the City of Chicago grew up together. May 11-Sept. 18.

A special exhibit on the history of Girl Scouting, with special focus on Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Exhibit tells the story of Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting in America.

Take a look back at the role of Americans before, during and after wartime. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the month, including flag trivia, rolling bandages, learning about the Pledge of Allegiance in the Schoolhouse, a Victory garden tour and more.

Through the discovery of exoplanets, we have learned our solar system is not alone in the universe. IN this new space show, learn how, with new instruments like the Kepler Telescope and rapidly improving technologies, the discovery of exoplanets puts us one step closer to finding an Earth-like world.

Learn about the American bicycle and Chicago's bike culture. The exhibition details the roots of America's most democratic and sustainable form of transportation and considers why human-powered locomotion could be the way of the future for our rapidly evolving urban environment.

Mom, stepmom, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers ride trolleys free with paid child's fare.

Features a selection of jades used at the table, in the studio and as personal adornment. Qing Dynasty China produced exceptional carving for a growing jade market.

Visitors go on an interactive journey through the world of ancient Greece, where they can meet the gods, experience ancient Greek daily life and interact with the epic poem The Odyssey through more than 25 engaging interactive components, including climbing into a 13-foot tall Trojan Horse. Kids play and learn as they navigate rocky caves and open seas on "The Odyssey: A Hero's Journey" and e-mail home their Hero Record, belt tunes in the Sirens Karaoke Cave, discover which Greek god they are most like, match wits with Aristotle in a game of 20 questions, test their arm wrestling prowess in the Gymnasium and marvel at a working replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, believed to be the world's oldest computer.

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 story concerns Frederic, who, having completed his apprenticeship to a band of pirates on his 21^st birthday, is released from his servitude. Soon after, he meets the fair maiden Mabel, daughter of Major-General Stanley. The two fall instantly in love; but, as always, obstacles threaten to cause trouble for young Frederic. It turns out Frederic was born during the leap year which means even though he is 21 he has only had 5 birthdays, and is in fact indebted to the pirates for 63 more years. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic's only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Performances run April 11-June 10. 

Join Salt Creek Ballet for Princess Aurora's wedding, with Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots and the White Cat in attendance. Additional Salt Creek Ballet repertory will complete the performance. Performances are 5 p.m. May 12 and 2 p.m. May 13. The festivities begin with the 'Enchanted Princess and Dashing Knight' Pre-Performance Party on Saturday, May 12 from 3-4:30 p.m. The party will include games, prizes, treats and fairy dust. This pre-performance party has limited availability, tickets are $10 per child, and $2 per adult or $5 per child when accompanied by a children's performance ticket to Sleeping Beauty. For tickets, call (630) 942-4000.

Halloween Hayrides  | Naperville

Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume (parents included) and come to Knoch Knolls Park or Seager Park. Each registered child ages 1-12 who checks in with the hayride coordinator will receive a Halloween goodie bag filled with treats and prizes. Bring your own food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s'mores. Hot chocolate and apple juice provided. Registration required. Oct. 20, 21 and 27.

Learn all the basics of fishing including how to rig a pole, bait the hook, cast and handle fish. We'll be fishing rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Parents need to remain with children during the class. Designed for those ages 5-11. Bring folding lawn chairs and remember your camera! All bait and tackle are provided.

Exhibit includes bats, uniforms, contracts, team traveling suitcases and much more from Reggie Jackson. Items in the exhibit are presented in collaboration with the Mr. October Foundation for Kids, a non-profit organization to benefit at-risk children.