Monday, Feb. 23: “SONG OF THE SEA”
The Oscars just wrapped up, but that’s no reason to miss your chance to see one of animation’s most visually splendid films. This Irish export gained a higher profile in January thanks to getting short-listed by the Academy for best animated feature. (Director Tomm Moore’s debut feature, “The Secret of Kells,” also earned a nomination in 2009.) The story follows a girl, Saoirse, who’s secretly a selkie — a being from Gaelic myth with the ability to transform into a seal. Originally scheduled to play the Music Box earlier this month, it now runs this week; Monday offers bargain admission ($3 off the usual $10 ticket).
Where: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. (773-871-6604, musicboxtheatre.com)
When: 5, 7:45 and 9:45 p.m. (Through Thursday.)
Cost: $7.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Tuesday, Feb. 24: MEET THE AUTHORS OF “WHAT TEENAGE DRIVERS DON’T KNOW”
Naperville high schoolers will soon have a new supplemental text for drivers ed: “What Teenage Drivers Don’t Know,” written by two local authors, John Harmata and Paul Zientarski. Intended to supplement classroom teachings (and soothe nervous parents of teens with driver’s permits), the book isn’t destined only for a few classrooms: It’s for sale online and at local bookstores like Anderson’s, where the authors will discuss their insights. Find out more at unwrittenrulesoftheroad.com.
Where: Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville (630-355-2665, andersonsbookshop.com)
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend; $10 for the book.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Wednesday, Feb. 25: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS HOCKEY CLINIC
This week, the Chicago Park District’s annual series of free clinics draws to a close, so this is your last call. Kids get two hours of instruction from Hawks coaches, with ice skates and equipment provided for use. Kids with any level of experience are welcome Wednesday and Saturday at Mount Greenwood Park on the city’s Southwest Side.
Where: Mount Greenwood Park Ice Rink, 3721 W. 111th St. (312-747-6564, chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/ice-rink-events)
When: 4-6 p.m. (Repeats 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 28.)
Cost: Free.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Thursday, Feb. 26: “JACK AND THE BEANSTALK”
Everyone knows Jack, not to mention the singing harp and golden goose. But have your kids met Carmelita? That’s Jack’s cow and she speaks Spanish — which is just one of the fun fillips added to this famous fable. Plus your little ones will thrill to the stage magic of the beanstalk growing before their eyes. Maravilloso!
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773-205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com)
When: 10:30 a.m. (Runs through April 2.)
Cost: $12.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Friday, Feb. 27: “VIKINGS”
It seems hard to believe, but Vikings didn’t wear helmets with horns — and they didn’t train dragons, either. Find out what life was really like for the inhabitants of ancient Scandinavia at this new exhibit, which lets visitors pick up a sword (safely), spell their name in runes and play interactive Viking video games.
Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org)
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: General museum admission free through Saturday; “Vikings” admission requires tickets: $11, $9 for students, $8 for kids 3-11.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Friday, Feb. 27: “THE HAMMER TRINITY: THE EXCELSIOR KING”
What happens when you mix Old Testament drama, Tolkein-esque fantasy and Wild West action? You get The House Theatre’s thrilling stage epic, which began in 2012 with “The Iron Stag King” and continued the following year with “The Crownless King.” Having received rave reviews from kids and adults alike, the three-part drama roars to its conclusion with “The Excelsior King.” Catch part three on Friday nights, or settle in for marathon performances of the entire trilogy on the weekends —and enjoy BYO-dinner (picnic-style) with the cast. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Where: Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. (773-769-3832, thehousetheatre.com)
When: 7:30 p.m. (Through May 3.)
Cost: $15.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Friday, Feb. 27: “TOMATO QUEEN”
The always-free, family friendly Quest Theatre Ensemble premieres a new musical this weekend: “Tomato Queen,” a parable about the price of success with a tween protagonist named Camina. Large-scale puppetry and a 30-song score are hallmarks of the production, which follow young Camina’s adventures when she attends a “commercial success” camp.
More Top Picks Best Tandoor Ovens
Where: The Blue Theater, 1609 W. Gregory Ave. (312-458-0895, questensemble.org)
When: 8 p.m. (Runs through March 28.)
Cost: Free (donations accepted).
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: CHICAGO FAMILY PALOOZA
Rock climbing, inflatable sides, a zip line, a petting zoo, miniature golf and trackless-train rides are all on the menu at this two-day festival in St. Charles. Live entertainment during this massive indoor event ranges from deejays to magicians, so we feel confident every member of the fam will find something to love.
Where: Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles (847-875-9597, chicagofamilypalooza.com)
When: 10 a.m-6 p.m. (Repeats Sunday.)
Cost: $8-$15.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: “STOMP YOUR FEET TO THE JAMMIN’ BEAT”
The popular West Loop venue City Winery inserts itself into the kids’ concert circuit Saturday with this interactive performance, the first of three monthly gigs. Come clap your hands with the little ones to the sounds of the acclaimed Amy Lowe (pictured) and KingKatz, a local duo.
Where: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. (312-733-9463, citywinery.com)
When: Noon; doors open at 11 a.m. (Repeats March 28 and April 25.)
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at door.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: “THIS IS MODERN ART”
What is the purpose of art —and where is its “proper” place? Are graffiti-tagging youth artists or vandals? Our city must tangle with those questions in this world premiere, set in Chicago. Produced by Steppenwolf for Young Audiences and geared for ages 11 and up, the show plays exclusively to school groups on weekdays, with public performances on weekends. A sticker-writing event with local graffiti artists happens in the lobby Saturday between the two performances.
Where: Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. (312-335-1650, steppenwolf.org)
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. (Runs through March 14.)
Cost: $20, $15 for students (with ID).
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: MEET THE CAT IN THE HAT
No sun in the sky? Too cold to play ball? Don’t just sit inside, doing nothing at all: Come meet this cool Cat at Winnetka’s Book Stall! … Yes, it’s almost Theodor Geisel’s birthday — and to celebrate, this fun bookstore delivers the cure for your tyke’s cabin fever with this Dr. Seuss-inspired afternoon of fun and games, including an appearance by the mischievous Cat himself. Geared for ages 3 and up.
Where: The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka (847-446-8880, thebookstall.com)
When: 3 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Cantigny’s “Frozen” Eve
And the cultural avalanche known as “Frozen” keeps on rolling! This theme party includes snacks, face painting, costumes (kids are welcome to wear their Anna and Elsa outfits) and of course a screening and singalong. Here’s the best part: Families can enter the “Wanna Build a Snowman Contest” all weekend, from Friday through Sunday (snow permitting). Visit Cantigny during park hours, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., create your snowperson anywhere in the park, then submit a photo. The public will vote on the best snowman on Facebook, and the winning family will receive four tickets to Cantigny’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 4.
Where: Cantigny Park, 1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton (630-668-5161, cantigny.org)
When: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $20.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Sunday, March 1: DREAMTREE SHAKERS CONCERT
Welcome the month of March with tight harmonies and sweet guitar jangles of the local Dreamtree Shakers! Part of Beat Kitchen’s ongoing Concerts for Kids series, this fun band has a bunch of songs about circus life and animals. Hear a preview at dreamtreeshakers.com.
Where: Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. (773-281-4444, beatkitchen.com)
When: Noon. (Doors open at 11 a.m.)
Cost: $6.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
More Top Picks Best Fidget Chairs For Office Workers
Sunday, March 1: “ONE CAME HOME” WITH AUTHOR AMY TIMBERLAKE
Theater and literature come together with this coming-of-age story for the stage, part historical drama, part mystery. In “One Came Home,” set in 19th-century Wisconsin, a girl must solve her sister’s disappearance. The acclaimed book by Chicago author Amy Timberlake —winner of a Newbery Honor and an Edgar Award — comes to life with this Lifeline Theatre adaptation. Following Sunday’s matinee, audience members can stay to meet Timberlake for a discussion and get signed copies of her book ($7).
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (773-761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com)
When: 4 p.m.
Cost: Play: $40, $20 for students (with ID).
Click here to return to event photo gallery.
Sunday, March 1: CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR
It’s never too late to celebrate the Year of the Sheep! Navy Pier’s weekly Neighborhoods of the World festival celebrates Chinese culture today with a celebration of music, cuisine and folk art. In collaboration with the Chinese Fine Arts Society, the pier rings in the Chinese calendar’s new year, represented by the sheep (or goat or ram, depending on your translation).
Where: Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, 600 E. Grand Ave. (navypier.com)
When: 12-3 p.m. (Repeats Sundays through March 29.)
Cost: Free.
Click here to return to event photo gallery.