Happy New Year! We may be almost a quarter of the way through 2018 (time really flies!), but Persian people around the world are just welcoming a new year this month. At the Persian Nowruz Celebration, you’ll enjoy learning about the traditions of Nowruz, such as coloring eggs, taking a family photo and visiting a Haft-Seen table. Plus, the museum’s galleries will be open to explore—including more than 800 interesting treasures from Iran, such as vases, coins and jewelry.
Free. 1-4 p.m. March 10. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514.
Please don’t bug out—all of the insects at Bug Bonanza are invited guests, not unwelcome pests. Kids can get up-close-and-personal with all kinds of unusual insects, from beautiful butterflies to creepy cockroaches. Plus, you’ll enjoy more bug-gy games, crafts and activities than you can shake six legs at. And since all the insects are brought by the experts from Men in Black Pest Control Services, you can rest easy knowing there’s no chance of taking any of these little buggers home.
Free with museum admission. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. March 31. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000.
You might think that maple syrup is the only acceptable pancake topper, but Pippi Longstocking would beg to differ. The beloved redhead stops by Pancakes with Pippi, an annual event that introduces kids to the Swedish way of eating breakfast (lingonberries just might be involved). After you chow down, the morning amps up with crafts, singing and dancing. No word on if Pippi will be lifting any horses.
$17, $12 members; $5 kids 1-2; free kids under 1. 9-11 a.m. March 3. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111.