Monday, March 9: MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC STORYTIME
This free drop-in program brings 45 minutes of musical fun to young ones — from toddlers to 5-year-olds — while introducing parents to the school’s early-education programs. 11 a.m. at Merit School of Music, 38 S. Peoria St. Free.
http://meritmusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/FNL_Merit-Storytime-Poster.pdf
Thursday, March 12: “THE ILLUSIONISTS: WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE”
Seven of the world’s top magicians strut their prestidigitatious stuff in this touring show. Expect some dangerous escape stunts too. Runs through March 22 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. $13-$62.
http://www.theillusionistslive.com/tickets/north-america/chicago
Friday, March 13: CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
Spring is coming, honest! Catch early blooms at the garden show through March 22. The kids’ area features fun activities plus demos for worm composting and vegetable gardening. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. $17-$19, $5 for kids 4-12.
http://www.chicagoflower.com/kids-activity.php
More Top Picks Asus Rog Strix G16 Review
Saturday, March 14: PI DAY FUN RUNS
Fleet Feet Sports and the Illinois Science Council celebrate Pi Day (to 10 digits!) with fun runs in Lincoln Square, Old Town, South Loop and Elmhurst. Costumes encouraged. 9:25 a.m. at Four Fleet Feet locations. $31.41; $10 off for students.
http://www.illinoisscience.org/event/pi-day-pi-k-fun-runwalk
Saturday, March 14: ULTIMATE PI DAY AT THE ADLER
Our favorite planetarium teams up with WBEZ to celebrate our favorite irrational number. Try your stomach at the pie-eating contest, or what about the “parachuting pies” challenge? Noon-4 p.m. at Adler Planetarium. $12, $8 for kids 3-11.
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/events/pi-day-2015
Saturday, March 14: MAPLE SUGARING DAYS
Maple-tree tapping heralds the onset of spring, which begins next week. Enjoy demos and treats at this two-day Naperville fest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (repeats 1-4 p.m. Sunday) at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. $12, $8 for kids 4-12.
http://www.napersettlement.org/index.aspx?NID=235
Saturday, March 14: SUGAR BUSH FAIR
It’s the weekend for maple fests! Schaumburg hosts its celebration Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon. See maple syrup collected, take a hayride and eat pancakes outdoors. Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Free to attend, $4-$6 for breakfast.
http://www.parkfun.com/programs/special-events/sugar-bush-fair
Saturday, March 14: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
One of Chicago’s most festive holidays demands one of its largest parades! Arrive extra early if you want to see the Chicago River famously transform from its murky olive to vibrant Kelly green. Parade marches along Columbus Drive. Free.
http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com
Saturday, March 14: AW YEAH GAMES! GRAND OPENING
Celebrate Skokie’s newest destination for family fun. Sister store to Aw Yeah Comics across the street, this bright spot offers all-ages game demos and raffles at the opening party. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aw Yeah Games, 4904 Oakton St., Skokie. Free.
https://www.facebook.com/AWYEAHGamesInc
Saturday, March 14: MEET AUTHOR VERONICA ROTH
By now, Roth needs no introduction. The novelist teams up with Anderson’s Bookstore for a chat and screening of “Divergent.” 2 p.m. at Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $25, includes autographed copy of the “Insurgent” movie edition.
http://andersonsbookshop.com/event/veronica-roth-2
Sunday, March 15: JUSTIN ROBERTS AND THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS
Beloved homegrown kindie star Justin Roberts hits the ever-lovely Old Town School with his band for two live shows. Catch him now before he leaves for a New York residency! 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. $15.
More Top Picks Epson Picturemate Pm 400
Sunday, March 15: PHILIPPINE CELEBRATION
Navy Pier’s weekly Neighborhoods of the World festival continues through March. This week, enjoy Filipino culture with a celebration of music, cuisine and folk art. Noon-3 p.m. at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free.
Navypier.com
Sunday, March 15: CIVIC ORCHESTRA BRASS TRIO CONCERT
The Civic Orchestra, CSO’s training ensemble for emerging musicians, performs a series of chamber concerts this spring for families (kids 5 and up). Catch some brass in Pilsen at 2 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Free.
cso.org/Institute/CivicOrchestra/CivicEngagement.aspx
Sunday, March 15: DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
His b’day was March 2, but it’s never too late to celebrate! Enjoy raffles, noshes and meet the Cat in the Hat at this gallery devoted to the whimsical artist. 1-4 p.m. at Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery inside Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. Free.
Sunday, March 15: “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET” FAMILY NIGHT
Great balls of fire! Introduce the kids to the rock that swayed their grandparents at this all-ages performance. Tickets are buy-one-get-one-free with code word “family.” 6:30 p.m. at Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. $25-$82.50 adult ticket.