Back in 1837, the first photograph hadn’t even been taken, let alone the perfect Instagram shot. To celebrate how far we’ve come, the Chicago History Museum throws a blowout bash for Chicago’s 180th Birthday, complete with music (“Happy Birthday” only makes sense), family-friendly storytelling and crafts. And since a birthday isn’t really a birthday if there’s no cake, this party features a slice for everyone. Plus, if you share a birthday with our fine city, you get a special certificate. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 4.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642-4600.
You gain a much greater appreciation for nature once you realize what a big role it plays in God’s gift to all of us, pizza. At the Weekend Family Class: Pizza Party, kids 4-10 dig into the debt pizza owes to gardens, since so many ingredients—tomatoes, wheat, herbs and vegetables—come from there. And you’ll leave with your own herb garden to take home to supplement your next family pizza night. Now that’s amore! $24. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. March 25.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440.
Chicago’s yearlong Shakespeare Festival might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your littles to the Bard’s finest work still. Short Shakespeare! Romeo& Juliet tells the tale of the OG star-crossed lovers, and it’s short enough (just 75 minutes!) to keep your kids’ attention right up to the final [gasping] breath. Just don’t come complaining to us if their next refusal to do chores comes out in perfect iambic pentameter. $34, $22 kids. 11 a.m. Saturdays.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-5600.
