Get out there and play

They might paint on your walls more than they paint on paper, but there’s no doubt your budding little Picassos love art. Harness their artistic imaginations this Saturday at the opening of the Art Institute of Chicago’s new exhibit, "360 Degrees: Art Beyond Borders." The free event will include plenty of drop-in activities, performances and a visit with Artie the lion.

The exhibit is a year-long event to celebrate social, cultural and political life from around the world in one venue. During opening day, your family can enjoy Arabic percussionist Omar al Musfi at 10 a.m. Other performances give families a chance to learn about new instruments. These include Chinese pipa virtuoso Yang Wei, the gypsy jazz band Swing Gitan and lutist Joel Spears.

Once your family has their musical fill, head over to the Kraft Education Center for family-friendly events and activities including drop-in crafts, gallery walks and story times.

The opening day of "360 Degrees: Art Beyond Borders" runs from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. For more information, call (312) 443-3600 or visit artic.edu.

Get your tickets here

Three lucky Chicago Parent readers will win a family four-pack to see “Playhouse Disney Live!” at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, Oct. 17-19. Winners will choose between the following show times: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17, 5 p.m. Oct. 18 or 11 a.m. Oct. 19. Tickets will be held at will call. For more information, please visit playhousedisneylive.com. To win, visit our discussion board.

Get out there and play some more

Go Dutch this weekend as your family experiences the culture and cuisine of the Netherlands at the Elim Dutch Festival. Hosted by Elim Christian Services, the festival has enough family-friendly activities to have your kids clogging in their wooden shoes.

Hungry families can get their fill of Dutch fare for a nominal fee, beginning with a pannekoeke (pancake) breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m. on Saturday. Other Dutch treats include oliebollen (doughnuts), rodekool (red cabbage), pea soup, hutspot (a stew-like dish of boiled and mashed potatoes, carrots and onions) and poffertjes (a traditional batter treat prepared in a special pan).

Although it’s only the beginning of fall, keep an eye out for Sinterklaas—Dutch Santa Claus—who will make an appearance at the festival. The little ones will enjoy playing in the kids’ carnival, a petting zoo and magic show. If your family is into shopping, stop by the Dutch Village shops to find Dutch knickknacks and a Wooden Shoe Carver.

The Elim Dutch Festival, 13020 S. Central Ave., Palos Heights, runs from 8 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free parking with shuttle bus service is available and all proceeds benefit Elim Christian Services, which assists children and adults with disabilities. For more information, call (708) 389-0555 or visit elimcs.org.

Indoor fun

Inspire your kids to dance this Saturday at the Luna Negra Dance Theater’s performance at 3 p.m. which kicks off this year’s Kraft Family Series. The series is designed for families with kids 6 and up to learn about dance and creativity. The Luna Negra performance will use audience participation and interaction with the dancers to provide a healthy learning environment.

Future Kraft Family Series performances include the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, the Wycliffe Gordon Quintet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Dan Zanes. For a full performance schedule, visit the Web site. Please note that tickets to Dan Zanes are only available through ticket packages.

The Luna Negra Dance Theater takes place at Harris Theater Chicago, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. Tickets are $30, $15 kids, but $5 tickets are available using the source code 3024. Ticket packages to the entire series are available for $90, $45 kids and should be obtained by calling the box office. For tickets or more information, call (312) 334-7777 or visit harristheaterchicago.org.

Piece of the prize

This week, five lucky Chicago Parent readers will win a “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy” prize pack, which includes the “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy: A Tale of Tails” DVD and a Wubbzy Plush. For more information, visit wubbzy.com. To win, visit our discussion board. Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\article-detail.xslt