Area families got their groove on at the Little Sweethearts Family Dance at the Kohl Children’s Museum on Feb. 24.
The event included deejayed music, dancing, a hula hoop contest, conga line, and a Chinese dragon parade throughout the museum in tribute to its ongoing Children’s China exhibit.
This is the third year for the Little Sweethearts Family Dance, organizers say, which evolved from the Daddy Daughter Dance held for two years.
“We created the Little Sweethearts Family Dance as an inclusive alternative to the many Daddy-Daughter events that are available,” said Sheridan Turner, museum president and CEO. “This is an event where all families with very young children can come together to enjoy the magic that results from families playing together.”
Cinderella, Princess Anna and Panda Bear – the mascot from the Children’s China exhibit – were all on hand to meet and greet and to pose for photos. Glenview-based Randy the Magician performed two 25-minute shows and also provided roaming magic tricks throughout the museum between shows. Professional souvenir pictures were available, and in the art studio, children decorated keepsake photo frames and made paper boutonnieres and corsages. Temporary tattoos and snacks were available.
Brittany Konfara of Villa Park said her niece, Abby Rimmke, 2, of Winnetka was especially excited to meet Cinderella.
“She loves to dance,” Konfara said.
“This is a great event for dad and daughter to bond, and tonight we are giving mom some of her own mommy time in the process,” Amit Madani of Mt. Prospect said. “Girls are supposed to be daddy’s girls, so this Kohl event gives us a chance for time together.”
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.