Raise a glass—or a teacup—to Mother Earth at this sweet celebration, courtesy of Chicagoland’s “living museum.” The Earth Day Tea Party invites families with kids 2 and up to plant a plant and decorate a cute tea cup planter to take home (your windowsill will thank you), plus indulge in a fancy soiree, complete with sweet treats and a strong cup of tea. Wear your springtime best, and remember: pinkies up!
$30. 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. April 22. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074.
Silliness reigns supreme on April Fools Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the goofiest group this side of Central Park: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo (not to mention those crazy penguins). Madagascar: A Musical Adventure is playing at the Marriott Theatre through April 15, with two shows (10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) on the funniest day of them all. Laugh along with the animal antics—based on the hit 2005 movie—and “move it” to the upbeat music, all while making some lasting, and hilarious, family memories.
$17.23. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200.
Witches, at least of the black hat and broom variety, usually claim Halloween as their holiday of choice. But in Germany, the magical folk traditionally gather on the highest peak of the Harz Mountains each spring to greet the new season and the start of planting. At the Walpurgis Night Bonfire and Wagon Ride, you can celebrate spring by roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a bonfire and going on a old-fashioned wagon ride—no spellwork necessary.
$7, free kids 3 and under. 6-8 p.m. April 28. Spring Valley Nature Center& Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100.
