The nation's largest and longest-running auto exposition showcases over 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. Monday, Feb. 18 is Family Day and includes a special appearance by Disney Channel/Disney XD star Leo Howard.

Features live music, children's activities, vendor booths and a variety of sweets, desserts and gourmet baked goods. Plus, baking demonstrations and a Chocolate Bake-Off Contest.

Kids can play in the straw maze, take a 30-minute hayride through the snowy fields, visit with the horses and check out the new Scottish Highland bull calves who were born in early January.

A guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or garden scavenger hunt for natural objects

Experts from SOAR (Save Our American Raptors) talk about their owls. After the presentation, dissect owl pellets and make a craft to take home.

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

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."

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.

What is a stellar dendrite? Why is snow white? Are there really no two snowflakes that are exactly alike? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more, while investigating the snow.

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.

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.

Free, fun and educational arts project for kids. Projects change bi-weekly.

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.

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.

Discover how sounds make music, and how music makes you feel, with activities like making melodies on bolt- and wrench-a-phones, using soft sculpture pegs to make a music box, blowing air over a reed, moving musical notes on a staff, beating percussion instruments, and creating an artistic masterpiece that reflects how music makes you feel

Go "behind the scenes" for an all-new experience at the military museum, plus see rare artifacts seldom displayed. Also features guided tours and hands-on educational activities for all ages.

Watch as LEGO trains race through cities and towns, as well as scenes from popular movies in a custom-made display produced by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club. On Saturday, the DuPage Society of Model Engineers will be operating the HO model layout located on the lower level.

Hundreds of objects and documents from the exclusive private collection, together with a rare collection of first editions of his most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons. Interactive and multi-media displays and personal effects take visitors through a chronological tour of the life, literature and legacy of Dickens. View his personal traveling inkwell, take a ride in an early century carriage, and learn about the memorable characters, stories and themes of his famous tales through games, time period puzzles and Dickens' own personal Facebook page.

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.

Dozens of real engineers from local firms are setting up shop to give kids and adults hands-on experiences. Conquer fun challenges, meet local robotics teams, and more.

Meet scientist Jim Holstein as he shares meteorite specimens from the museum's collection, then stop by the art studio to make a piece of art that is out of this world.

The longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the U.S. features more than 100 dynamic works of art from amateur and professional African-American artists from around the nation.

Exhibit explores Schulz's personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Through original cartoons, reproductions and related Peanuts ephemera, guests see how characters were developed and evolved. Schulz's Santa Rosa, Calif. studio, recreated for the first time, allows for a deeper look into his work and life. Kids and families have a chance to exercise their own Schultz-like creativity with activities like making a zoetrope.

Bring the stroller along to explore the exhibits, then let the little ones get hands-on experience as they explore and discover nature during a 20-minute playgroup. Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17.

Pig hearts are very similar to the human heart in structure, size, and function. Kids under 12 must have adult present. July 15 and Aug. 10.

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

Activities include: an epic battle of good vs. evil as heroes join forces to save MINILAND from an invasion of criminal villains; a hero-themed costume contest; a super hero scavenger hunt for a chance to win four free annual passes; build your own crime-fighting super hero; creative building challenges for a chance to win prizes; and more.

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.

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.

The crew will visit Pooh and Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore from Feb. 9-March 30.

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.

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.

A burglar is at large in Boogle Bay and the prime suspect is the ghost of the infamous pirate Blackeye Doodle. Hungry for adventure, young Otto and his Uncle Tooth set out to capture the mischievous thief and recover the stolen goods. Performances are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Jan. 12-Feb. 17. One hour before each performance, for an extra $10, kids can participate in Stories Come Alive! Hour, an interactive storytelling session followed by on-your-feet theatre games to explore the characters, plot, and themes of the book

This inspirational dance theater piece tells the story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, specifically revealing how Anne, Helen's teacher, led her from a state of almost feral wildness into education, activism and intellectual celebrity. Audio descriptions are available.

This fresh version of the timeless tale contains songs, dances and puppetry. Performances run 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays from Jan. 20-Feb. 23.

Ever wonder what Cinderella's stepsisters were thinking? What happens when the tooth fairy retires? How would you feel if you were the emergency operator in Neverland? This sketch comedy revue entirely devised and created by a youth ensemble takes a second look at some beloved stories and characters. Performances are 4 p.m. Feb. 16, 17, and 24.

In honor of Carnaval this year the Evanston Escola de Samba is having a big celebration. In addition to music and dancing, there will be crafts, face painting, dance and drumming lessons.

Wind-generated sounds are the focus as Bienen School musicians demonstrate the sometimes unexpected possibilities of applying air to a blade of grass, kazoo, harmonica, slide whistle, trombone, garden hose, flute, seashell, oboe reed, pan pipe and other objects. The program will be held at Pick-Staiger.

Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon, families can enjoy a show from one of the city's popular kids' music artists. Visit the Web site for a schedule of entertainers and specific show dates. Runs through May 19.

Composer and trumpeter Orbert Davis and his CJP Chamber Ensemble present a family-friendly concert of the Emmy-winning music from the television documentary "DuSable to Obama", complete with video highlights and audience participation.

The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble will present the first live performance of artistic director Orbert Davis' Emmy-winning score to the WTTW television documentary. Special events include a shorter family-friendly matinee, ideal for children aged 7 and up, on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.

Story-Telling  | Chicago

FREE

Kids will enjoy stories staged with puppets and drawings, while being exposed to the French language. Side activities facilitate comprehension. Today's story is Le petit ogre veut aller à l'école, a story of an ogre who's learning to read.

Show features two days of special events and guests, including a kids coloring contest; a household pet Fun Match - see the website for details about how to enter your cat - and much, much more. Show attendees can pose for photos with famous cartoon cat Garfield, learn more about several cat rescue organizations, adopt the perfect shelter or pedigreed cat and meet the breeds at the Breed Booths. Show is held Feb. 16-17.

Dress up in your best clothes and have a date night with dinner and dancing. Each child receives a gift and picture with dad. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 15.

A-Z Entertainment has a hip hop dancer showing moms and sons the newest moves and grooves. Have your picture taken and enjoy dessert. Please wear gym shoes. This is a pre-registered event.