Meet gorilla keeper Betty Green
1 What do your kids think of your job at Brookfield Zoo? I have two girls: Erin, 11 and Dana, 8. They love it. They think it’s really cool that their mom is a zoo keeper.

READER TO READER
What is your secret to a sucessful day trip?

The art of carving
Cut the top off the pumpkin with a straight edge knife (a parent job). Cut the lid at an angle so the outside diameter is larger than the inside—this will keep the top from falling into the pumpkin.

Our favorite fall fruit
Did you know that the pumpkin is actually a squash? We often associate pumpkins solely with Halloween festivities, so read on to learn some fascinating facts about this round, orange and oh-so-carveable symbol of autumn.

Secrets, shops and a strange spy store
If your kids love mysteries, they’ll love the Centuries & Sleuths Bookstores, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park, (708) 771-7243.

Climb Chicago
Are your kids budding gymnasts? Or maybe they’re just constantly bouncing off the walls. Either way, here are 10 fun places for kids to climb around Chicago that will help release some of that pent-up, back-to-school energy.

An apple a day
Forget keeping the doctor away. Whether you pick your apples at an orchard or buy them locally grown at the store, this autumn treat is so delicious that your kids won’t even suspect the health benefits.

Follow the yellow brick road
I head off to see the wizard every year, but unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I’m not trapped in a twister and landing on the yellow brick road. Instead, my family and I hop in the car and drive to the Porter County Fairgrounds for the Wizard of Oz Festival. This family-friendly event will have you clicking your ruby red slippers in no time.

A living legend
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to life at Buckley Homestead in Lowell, Ind.

Art for all
If you want to introduce your child to art, but think a place like the Art Institute of Chicago is off limits to young kids, think again.