Hello, 2020! We've picked 12 events in the Western Suburbs not to miss this month, including family-friendly performances, free things to do and more. Check out our calendar to find more local events near you. Also, find out the best things to do in the city, North/Northwest Suburbs and South Suburbs.
Wizards, Wands and Wildlife
When: Jan. 3-4
Where: Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
Cost: $15
Witch and wizard families of kids 7 and up get sorted into houses and outfitted with a wand before attending magical courses where they will learn about owls and other fantastic creatures, the powers of plants, and the defensive strategies of wildlife. Participants are invited to dress in their favorite magical attire.
Dino Activity Day
When: Jan. 4
Where: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook
Cost: $8
Drop-in at the museum and learn more about fossils with hands-on activities for ages 5 and up. See and touch real fossils, put together 3D puzzles of dinosaur bones, and make a fossil imprint to take home.
An Enchanted Afternoon Fit for a Princess
When: Jan. 11
Where: Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Rd, Aurora
Cost: $12
Join Elsa, Anna, Belle, Ariel, and Moana for an enchanted afternoon of games, activities, and a deliciously dainty dessert. Kids ages 2-9 can dress up in their favorite princess outfits for this special event "fit for a princess."
Enchanted Railroad
When: Begins Jan. 17
Where: The Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with arboretum admission
Watch an intricate miniature model railroad wind through scenery that the whole family can enjoy. The trains run at a child-friendly height. More than 10 model trains wind through a two-level display of tree collections from around the world.
Animals in Winter
When: Jan. 17
Where: Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park
Cost: Free with admission
Find out how wild animals survive winter's cold. Meet some live bugs and worms that spend the winter deep in the soil and help pretend animals find places that protect them from winter winds and snow. Then help plastic and plush bugs, birds, mammals and reptiles find safe places to spend the winter in the Great Outdoors exhibit. You can also touch real mammal furs and bird feathers and make bird and mammal tracks on the play-dough table.
Winterfest
When: Jan. 17-18
Where: Flagg Creek Golf Course, 6939 S. Wolf Road, Countryside
Cost: Free
Enjoy a face painter, Home Depot craft project, Bingo for kids and adults, cookie painting, an exotic animal show, sledding and cross country skiing and more.
Rockin' Jewelry for Kids
When: Jan. 18
Where: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook
Cost: $12, $10 members, reservations required
Kids ages 8-16 can make their own gemstone jewelry to keep. Choose two different types of jewelry to make with stones from the Museum Shop and learn how to work with jeweler's tool. Completes Girl Scout jeweler's badge.
Beauty and the Beast
When: Through Jan. 19
Where: Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Cost: $34-$74
One of Disney’s most beloved animated films comes to life on stage with all the enchanted castle characters in a holiday extravaganza that will thrill, entertain and amaze young and old alike. Recommended for ages 5 and older.
Mary Poppins
When: Through Jan. 19
Where: Drury Lane Theater, Oakbrook Terrace 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Cost: $30 and up
Based on P.L. Travers' books and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's award-winning musical is an enchanting show containing unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft that will appeal to theater fans of all ages.
MLK Tribute Concert (Naperville)
When: Jan. 19
Where: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Cost: $10-$62
The Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change. Featuring several special guests, highlights will include the Chicago premiere of Joel Thompson’s The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, allowing listeners to experience a sweeping, musical journey meant to drive poignant conversation and change in society.
Husky Heroes
When: Jan. 25-26
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with admission
See Siberian husky sled pulling, skijoring and speed demonstrations. Visitors can meet the dogs and their handlers, inspect the equipment and have photos taken with the rig during this yearly event.
On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond
When: Ongoing
Where: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Cost: Free with museum admission
What role did the railroad play in shaping regional settlement in Chicago, its suburbs and throughout the Midwest? How do the railroads of a nearly a century ago compare with those running through the city today, and how do they manage to keep all those trains on the right track? Through fascinating artifacts and interactive multi-media displays, visitors will discover how Chicago area railroads helped create the suburban transportation landscape as we know it today.
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