Don't stay cooped up at home. We have activities the family can enjoy indoors and out. See the Chicago cabin fever guide here.
"Rainforest Adventure" at the Nature Museum: Abandon the tundra for the Amazon.
The nature museum's "Rainforest Adventure -- transports young visitors to the world’s rain forests -- with sightings of a live blue-throated macaw and a green tree python along the way.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive (773-755-5100, naturemuseum.org). Regular museum admission: $9 adults, $6 ages 3-12; free for under 3. — Photo: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
"Destination Solar System at the Adler"
A trip toward the sun sounds really good right about now. Travel through the galaxy -- and come back unvaporized -- from a seat inside the Adler's state-of-the-art Grainger Sky Theater. With a space-tourism storyline that transports you to the year 2096, "Destination Solar System" boasts some of the best imagery available, created from scientific data including satellite imagery, to illuminate the gaseous birth of our solar system, the hurricane winds of Jupiter's Great Red Spot and the methane rains that drip like syrup on Saturn's moon Titan. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive (312-922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org). $30, $28 for seniors and students with ID, $25 for kids 3-11 (includes general museum admission). — Photo: Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune
Illinois Discount Days at the Shedd
Luna, the orphaned southern sea otter pup, isn't accepting visitors just yet. But now is the time to visit the aquarium for another reason: January packs the most discount days of any month for Illinois residents with a valid ID. They receive free general admission or discounted upgraded admission to the aquarium.
Jan. 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 at Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (312-939-2438, sheddaquarium.org). Free general admission gets you to the Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World and Amazon Rising. The Shedd Pass and Total Experience Pass are also available for $8 off of each adult pass purchased and $6 from each youth pass. All available for on-site purchase only.
— Photo: Terrence Antonio James, Chicago Tribune
Wonders of Winter in Oak Brook
Visit the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate to enjoy free outdoor activities, including ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice cutting, geocaching and snowshoeing. Indoor activities are also available for those reticent to slip on a pair of boots (and who want to wait to explore the estate in a warmer season, as in this photo). Light refreshments provided.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 7 at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook (630-206-9566, mayslakepeabody.com). Free.
— Photo: Mayslake Peabody estate
"Dozin' with the Dinos" at the Field
On these nights at the museum, you'll be dozin' not only with the dinos, but also with Vodou dolls from the Field's special exhibit, adding a spookier-than-usual element to the Field's popular overnighter series. As darkness falls, you'll follow the flashlights through ancient Egypt and the African savannah. You'll play games from around the world and touch giant bugs. Cap your night with cozy bedtime stories before drifting off to dreamland in one of the exhibits. 5:45 p.m. Jan. 16, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, March 6, March 20 at the Field Museum, 400 S. Lake Shore Drive (312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org). $63 per person per sleepover, $55 for members. — Photo: Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune
Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon
Winter's answer to Millennium Park's water wall: The ice-skating ribbon at the new Maggie Daley Park nearby. The ribbon offers unrivaled novelty -- and cool views of the skyline -- with its undulating path around the park. Bring your own skates and skip the lines to rent. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, at Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St. (312-233-1001, chicagoparkdistrict.com).
— Photo: Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
"That's Weird, Grandma: Hot Cocoa Time" at the Neo-Futurarium
Still the must-see cultural event on a Monday night, arts-education group Barrel of Monkeys produces skits (of the typically zany stripe) written by Chicago Public School kids. The lineup changes each week by audience vote, so every show is different. 8 p.m. Mondays Jan. 12-Feb. 9 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. (312-409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org). $12, $6 for kids under 12.
— Photo: Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, Barrel of Monkeys
"Numbers in Nature" at the Museum of Science and Industry
Examine the hexagonal designs of every snowflake in a scientific light at the MSI's new exhibit, which connects mathematical concepts to the concrete world in a fun way. But let's not kid ourselves that everyone will stand in contemplation instead of racing to the exhibit's centerpiece: a 1,800-square-foot mirror maze. Can you navigate away from the dead ends and find the secret room within? Can you do it without hitting a wall? Probably not. Daily at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive (773-684-1414, msichicago.org). $18, $11 for kids 3-11 (price includes general museum admission). — Photo: Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune
Blackhawks Hockey Clinics at Chicago Park District ice rinks
The Chicago Park District teams up with the Blackhawks for a series of free clinics, with ice skates, equipment and -- best of all -- two hours of instruction from Hawks coaches, all provided gratis. Kids 6-9 with any level of experience are invited. Register in person at the clinics at one of the city's eight park districts with an outdoor skating rink (chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/ice-rinks ). Times and dates vary through Feb. 28. (chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/ice-rink-events).
— Photo: Chicago Park District
Cinderella's Ball in Orland Park
Put on your glass slippers and head to Orland Park's Cinderella Ball for dancing, crafting and light refreshments. Wehmeier Portraits will be on site to immortalize this magical evening with a custom photo of you and your date for an additional fee. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Orland Park Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane, Orland Park (708-349-1402, orland-park.il.us). $18 resident/$23 nonresident. Free parking. Ages 3 & up. — Photo: Jennifer Medema, Village of Orland Park
"Disney Frozen on Ice"
Was there ever a more perfect melding of ice show and theme? In "Disney On Ice Presents Frozen!," Elsa and Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and even the trolls take to skates to tell their story. Mickey and Minnie Mouse act as hosts, with guest appearances by other Disney princesses as well as characters from "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo" and "The Lion King."
Jan. 21-26 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; Jan. 28-Feb. 8 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Showtimes vary. Tickets start at $22.52 (800-745-3000, disneyonice.com). — Photo: Disney
Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids series
Get your little ones grooving every weekend thanks to Beat Kitchen's fine Concerts for Kids series, featuring a wide range of kindie artists. Many of performers are home-grown talent, including Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies, Miss Jamie from the Farm, Environmental Encroachment and the Boogers. Find the full lineup at ticketfly.com.
Noon most Sundays through May 24 at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. (773-281-4444, beatkitchen.com). $6. — Photo: Environmental Encroachment
Puppets Family Festival at the Art Institute
Kids can pull the strings at the Art Institute as part of the Chicago International Festival of Puppet Theater. The fun starts with a visit to the "Puppets!" exhibit, where kids can interact with hand and shadow puppets based on characters from the museum's collection. Then they can make their own with textural materials supplied by the museum, and team up to perform a puppet show. The festivities include short films by artist William Wegman and two performances of Bullooney Puppetworks' "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," based on Rudyard Kipling's classic short story from "The Jungle Book," at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 10:30-3 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe St. (312-857-7161, artic.edu). Free tickets to "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" will be distributed an hour before each performance in the Ryan Education Center, while supplies last. Admission to this drop-in program is free. — Photo: Art Institute of Chicago
"The Adventures of Tapman" at The Athenaeum Theatre
With a little something for everyone, this staged epic of "Tapman", a lovelorn scientist turned tap-dancing superhero (and his crime fighting compatriots Hourglass and Modern Marvel), promises to entertain each member of the family -- not to mention completely defy category. Weekends through Feb. 8 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. (773-935-6875, athenaeumtheatre.org). $27, $24 students/seniors, $17 for kids under 10.
— Photo: Nate Crossley
Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo
City ice-skating is never more quaint than at the Farm-in-the-Zoo, in a rink set up for its second season right in front of the big red barn. Bring your own skates or rent them at the farmhouse. Warm up inside with refreshments for purchase. Lockers are available for rental. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays; noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays through March 1 at Lincoln Park Zoo's Farm-in-the-Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. (312-742-2000, lpzoo.org/events/). Admission: $5; skate rental: $5. — Photo: Todd Rosenberg
"The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights"
Let's talk about the dream: This multimedia one-actor show combines hip-hop and history to tell the story of the Civil Rights movement. Presented by Chicago Children's Theatre, this Writers Theatre show weaves together accounts from Chicago-based individuals both famous and little-known who were active in the civil rights movement, including Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who knew Dr. King, and artist Margaret Taylor Goss Burroughs, founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History. 6 p.m. Jan. 24 & 31 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. (872-222-9555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org). $15. — Photo: Tom McGrath, Writers Theatre
"Short Shakespeare!: Macbeth" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Think of it as the original "Game of Thrones": Macbeth and his wicked wife plot to murder the king and steal the crown. One of the Bard's most popular tragedies, this thriller gets condensed into 75 minutes, making it a great way to introduce kids to Shakespeare (and not a bad choice for some grown-ups).
11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 14, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (at Navy Pier), 800 E. Grand Ave. (312-595-5600, chicagoshakes.com). $16-$20.
— Photo: Michael Brosilow, CST
"Kids Mardi Gras Party" at Bourbon 115
Why should the grownups have all the fun? Crafts, games and dancing will get this all-ages party swinging; Swamp Shop beads and masks for sale and the appearance of Disney characters will set it over the top. 4-7 p.m. Feb.16 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park (708-388-8881, 115bourbonstreet.com). $10, ages 3 and up.
— Photo: Kris Houston, Blink of an Eye Photography
Black Creativity Program at the Museum of Science and Industry
How many African-American pioneers in scientific and creative fields can your kid name? If their answer isn't astronomically high, head to the Museum of Science and Industry's annual Black Creativity Program. The Innovation Studio encourages youths to use tools and materials to solve real-life challenges, and a juried art exhibition showcases inventive art from African-American artists around the country. Don't miss Family Day Jan. 19 for talks from scientific professionals and even more hands-on activities. Jan. 19-Feb. 22 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive (773-947-3133, msichicago.org). $18, $11 for kids 3-11 (price includes general museum admission).
— Photo: J.B. Spector, MSI
"Chicagoland Family Pet Expo" at Arlington International Racecourse
If your little pet lover can't get enough of all things Fido and Fluffy, then she'll go ape over the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo. Besides the hundreds of exhibits featuring pet products and services, there's also entertainment, a petting zoo and plenty of paws-on fun. 1-9 p.m. March 20-22 at Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave. (847-385-7500, petchicago.com). $10; $5 kids 3-12; $7 parking.
— Photo: Lorae Mundt, Furry Expressions Family Pet Expo
"Math Symmetry" at The DuPage Children's Museum
With butterflies and snowflakes, math can be as beautiful as it is fun. Paint and print are two mediums used in this Creativity Class, which showcases the mathematical nature of life around us. Right and left brains unite! 9:30-10:15 a.m. Jan. 27 at The DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville (630-637-8000, dupagechildrens.org). $17 member/child partner, $23 nonmember/child partner.
— Photo: Katie Hall Photography
"Heartstrings Crafting" at The Wishcraft Workshop
Want to keep your crafty kid busy (and your kitchen glitter-free)? Join one of the fantastic classes at the Wishcraft Workshop, like the Heartstrings Crafting session, where your artistic offspring can create embroidered and appliquéd family portraits. (Beats the heck out of a Snoopy Valentine!) 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Wishcraft Workshop, 3907 N. Damen Ave. (773-348-9474, growartists.com). $35; $25 for additional siblings.
— The Wishcraft Workshop
"St. Patrick's Day Festival" at the Irish-American Heritage Center
Starting immediately after that whole "dyeing the river green" thing, the Irish-American Heritage Center's party keeps the St. Patrick's Day fun going with traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance, children's activities, an arts and crafts fair, and more corned beef and cabbage than you can shake a shamrock at. 1 p.m. March 14 at the Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. (773-282-7035, irish-american.org). $15, free for kids under 12.
— Photo: Stacy McReynolds
"Lions in Illyria" at Lifeline Theatre
Inspired by "Twelfth Night" -- one of Shakespeare's best romps -- this kid-friendly adaptation from Lifeline's KidSeries is full of comedy, music and fun. Need more? All of the main players have been replaced by animals. (After the show, stick around for the Stories Come Alive! Hour, which features interactive storytelling and up-and-at-'em theater games.) 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekends through Feb. 15 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (773-761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com). Tickets: $15; Stories Come Alive! Hour, $5.
— Photo: Suzanne Plunkett
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing rentals at the Morton Arboretum
Few places pack the winter wonderland punch that the Morton Arboretum offers. And with the ability to rent snowshoes and cross-country skis (in two-hour increments), you can get out there and marvel at the 1,700 acres of award-winning landscape, trails and trees all by your lonely traveler self. (Or, fine, take the kids.) 7 a.m. to sunset (when four or more inches of snow are on the ground) at The Morton Arboretum, Route 53, Lisle (630-968-0074, mortonarb.org). Museum admission is $9 for adults 18-64, $6 for kids 2-17, free for kids under 2. Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are $8-$22.
— Photo: The Morton Arboretum
"Objects and Voices" at The Smart Museum of Art
Pretty sure your kids don't need much help with this one, but the Smart Museum wants to amplify your children. "Objects and Voices," featuring guest musician LeRoy Bach and artist John Preus, will teach your little noisemakers how to build instruments, megaphones and voice modulators using everyday objects. Best for ages 4-12, accompanied by a tolerant parent. 1-4 p.m. March 7 at The University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Hyde Park (773-702-0200, smartmuseum.uchicago.edu). Free.
— Photo: Smart Museum of Art
"The Who's Tommy" at The Second City Training Center
Teaming up with School of Rock Chicago, The Second City Training Center presents "The Who's Tommy" and a multi-talented teen cast. You're going to have to be as quick as the Pinball Wizard if you want to catch this magic, however; "Tommy's" a one-night event. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Second City Training Center in the UP Comedy Club, 1608 N. Wells St. (312-662-4562, secondcity.com). $10.
— Photo: School of Rock Chicago
Ice Skating at Westfield Old Orchard
Mention the family-friendly ice rink at the Westfield Old Orchard mall and you'll have more shopping buddies than you know what to do with! The rink, in conjunction with the Skokie Park District, features skate rentals as well as special performances from the professional ice skating ensemble IceSemble. And no worries if you (or your kids) flop around on the ice like a newborn deer; the rink offers skating lessons too. 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1-8 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday through March 15 at Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie (847-673-6800, westfield.com/oldorchard). $2 to skate, $3 rentals, $12 for skating lessons. — Photo: Westfield Old Orchard
Chicago Sinfonietta Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Naperville and Chicago
Celebrate the memory and vision of Dr. King as interpreted by today's youth. This year's program includes a new symphonic work written by 17-year-old African-American composer Jherrard Marseille Hardeman, as well as performances by celebrated cellist and prodigy since age 4 Sujari Britt, the Waubonsie Valley High School Mosaic Choir and readings by Young Chicago Authors.
3 p.m. Jan. 18 at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at
Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312-284-1554, chicagosinfonietta.org). $16-$58. — Photo: Chris Ocken
"Too Hot to Handel" at Auditorium Theatre
If you thought your kids would never enjoy centuries-old choral music, think again! Part of Chicago's annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this unique version of Georg Friedrich Handel's famous oratorio blends traditional operatic singing with jazz and gospel for a joyously interactive, everybody-clap-your-hands experience. The soloists and 150-member choir, singing famous numbers such as "For Unto Us a Child is Born" and the iconic "Hallelujah" chorus, belt out the vocals with help from more than 50 musicians and, occasionally, from the audience. Jan. 17 & 18 at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway (800-982-2787, auditoriumtheatre.org). $25-$70.
— Photo: Auditorium Theatre
Rock climbing at Vertical Endeavors
When the walls feel like they're closing in, head out to Vertical Endeavors and scale them. Novices are sure to learn quickly at the largest indoor rock-climbing gym in the country, with more than 45,000 square feet of climbing surfaces. Those young muscles should be thoroughly spent by the time you pack it up to head home. Daily at Vertical Endeavors, 246 Windy Point Drive, Glendale Heights (630-784-9000, verticalendeavors.com). Day passes are $15 weekdays, $17 weekends. See website for hours and fees for equipment rental. — Photo: Vertical Endeavors
The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
"I hate puppets!" said just about no one ever. Still, it took until now for the city to have its own puppet fest: more than 50 shows over 12 days, featuring artists and puppet companies from both Chicago and around the globe. Among the many performances, Chicago Children's Theatre collaborates with Blair Thomas and Company to produce "The Selfish Giant" (pictured). The 12 hosting institutions include The Field Museum and the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, both of which host interactive family events as well as performances. Jan. 14-25 at 12 venues around the city; see chicagopuppetfest.org or follow #ChiPuppetFest for specifics. Admission prices vary.
— Photo: Joe Mazza, Jan. 7, 2015
Family cooking classes in Wicker Park
Encourage your child's independence in the kitchen with the help of The Kids' Table family cooking classes. These thrice-monthly primers enable adults and kids to work side-by-side in the kitchen, cooking everything from caramelized onion mac n' cheese to molten lava cake with berry coulis. Don't worry, families enjoy the fruits of their labor on-site and maybe even wrap up leftovers to share at home.
6-7:30 p.m., check website for menus and dates, 2337 W. North Ave.
Chicago (773- 235-2665, kids-table.com). $20/person. 2 & up. — Photo: Eva Ho Photography
Juicebox series at the Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory
"Culture vulture" doesn't have to be just a term of grownups, thanks to the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Now your toddlers can enjoy a wide range of inventive music, dance and theater too. After a holiday hiatus, the free Juicebox series returns with a winter lineup featuring a bluegrass band, a West African group and the Storybox Improv Theatre. Through March 21: First and third Fridays at Chicago Cultural Center (Preston Bradley Hall), 78 E. Washington St.; first and third Saturdays at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. (cityofchicago.org). Free.
— Photo: DCASE
Polar Peak in Rosemont
Rosemont's Polar Peak gives families a new way to break cabin fever this winter -- by shooting down a frosty four-story slide on an inner-tube thrill ride. Four lanes deliver pulse-quickening speed as you descend from the 260-foot summit. A fifth lane is half as high, providing a gentler slope for young children. It's the latest extension of MB Financial Park's winter wonderland, with ice skating through March, a celebrity hockey tournament Jan. 9 with NHL alumni, and a Shovel Race and Sled Box Derby Jan. 10-11. Through Jan. 19 (check website for temporary weather-related closures) at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont (847-349-5008, rosemont.com/mbfinancialpark/frozemont). Tickets: $20 per hour for tubing, ticketmaster.com. — Photo: Edward Marshall
Snow tubing at Blackwell Forest Preserve
The trip down Mount Hoy is a zippy one: 800 feet from top to bottom! If there's three inches or more of snow on the ground any weekend this winter, we say "carpe diem!" -- rent a tube before 3:30 p.m. and hit the slope. If that's too intense for you, rent snowshoes and take the family for a hike instead. To check snow conditions at the DuPage forest preserves, call for the Outdoor Report: 630-871-6422. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends (and school holidays) through March 1 at Blackwell Forest Preserve, Butterfield Road between Winfield Road and Route 59, Warrenville (630-933-7248, dupageforest.org). Inner-tube rentals $5/day (cash only); snowshoe rentals $5/two hours or $10/day (cash only).
— Photo: Forest Preserve District of DuPage
More Monster Jam in Rosemont
Chase the February blues away at this year's More Monster Jam in Rosemont. Expect to be massively entertained by Monster Jam trucks as they battle one another on the track. Be sure to check out new competition vehicles including extreme Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs as they race around the arena. Check site for showtimes, Feb. 5-8 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont (847-635-6601 monsterjam.com). General seating $22 adults/$12 kids (2-12), additional $3 charge for same-day tickets.
— Photo: More Monster Jam
Warm Stories on a Cold Winter Night at North Park Nature Village
Snow flurries are no match for the warmth of a good story at the city's favorite nature center. Storyteller Mark Kater infuses gentle humor into tales guaranteed to ease the mid-February chill -- and hey, if that doesn't work, that fireplace is pretty cozy too. 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road (312-744-5472, chicagoparkdistrict.com). Free, pre-registration required. — Photo: Chicago Park District
Emerald City Theatre's "Elephant and Piggie's We Are in a Play"
Mo Willems' popular "Elephant and Piggie" series for beginning readers goes musical! With a script adapted by Willems himself, the oddball friends (and their backup singers, the Squirelles) will have all of their little fans toe-tapping along. For a preview of a few songs, visit composer Deborah Wicks La Puma's site: crunchynotes.com.
Opens Feb. 14 (extended run) at Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com). $10-20.
— Photo: Hyperion Books for Children
Valentine Disco Bash at Indian Boundary Park
Sure, anyone can take their kid to a plain ol' dance, but how many parents can brag that they brought back disco to a new generation? This Valentine's Day, hustle your miniature John Travoltas and Gloria Gaynors to this disco dance with music, refreshments and, of course, disco lessons. 3-5 p.m. Feb. 14 at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave. (773-764-0338, chicagoparkdistrict.com). $2.
— Photo: Chicago Park District
Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island
Winter in the big city doesn't get much more fun than this! The 10th annual iteration of this fun monthly event includes free hot cocoa and (weather willing) snowshoe rental, plus music from the Old Town School, crafts and storytelling. Oh, and did we mention the animal encounters? Meet birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, along with Siberian huskies and coyotes. Nearby parking ($3) is limited, so plan ahead. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 24 and Feb. 21 at Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive (312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com). — Photo: Chicago Park District
"The Hammer Trinity"
What happens when you mix Old Testament drama, Tolkien-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 this winter 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. Opens Feb. 20 (extended run) at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. (773-769-3832, thehousetheatre.com). $15 for "The Excelsior King" alone; $45 for the trilogy.
— Photo: Michael Brosilow, House Theatre
"Get In Get Art Get Messy" in Beverly
The Beverly Arts Center opens its first floor to the community for an afternoon of free theme-centric programs. This round of activities will focus on artists "getting messy." Children and adults are welcome to try their hand at a host of art and craft projects, or hang up their smocks and attend seminars. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773-445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org). Free.
— Photo: Beverly Arts Center
Chicago Family Palooza in St. Charles
Chicago Family Palooza is a veritable paradise for families looking for fun on the grayest of days. Offering carnival rides, indoor bungee jumping, face painting, inflatables, petting zoo, entertainment acts and more, this indoor event covers 51,000 square feet and offers something to make everyone smile. 10 a.m-6 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1 at Pheasant Run Resort Mega Center and Ballroom, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles (847-875-9597, chicagofamilypalooza.com). General admission $8, activity wristband $15. Children under 3 free. Free parking.
— Photo: Chicago Family Palooza
Japan Festival in Oak Park
Introduce your family to Japanese culture without leaving Cook County. Oak Park and River Forest High School plays host once again to its annual Japan Festival. Japanese drums, koto harps, shamisen, traditional dance, Aikido and singing will be showcased alongside numerous activity stations. Try your hand at origami and calligraphy, enjoy the beauty of kimonos or participate in Japanese language lessons to enhance your understanding of Japanese culture and history. 12-6 p.m., Jan. 31 at Student Center Cafeteria South, Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave. (708-383-0700, oprfhs.org). Free. — Photo: Getty Images
"This Is Modern Art (based on true events)" at Steppenwolf
What is the purpose of art -- and where is its "proper" place? Are graffiti-tagging kids 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. The cast includes Kelly O'Sullivan (above), who was just in the hit production of "The Humans" at American Theater Company. Feb. 25-March 14 at Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. (312-335-1650; steppenwolf.org). $20, $15 for students with ID.
— Photo: Braden Moran, Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown
Welcome the year of the sheep by joining in the celebration of this Lunar New Year -- typically called Chinese New Year -- with a parade. It's the biggest annual holiday for much of the world's population, and Chicago's own Chinatown gets into the action too. Ring in the year of the sheep (or ram, which traditionally celebrates those who are loyal, gentle and artistic) with this spectacle filled with drums, dancing dragons and more. 1 p.m. Feb. 22 at Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue (312-326-5320, chicagochinatown.org)
— Photo: Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune
"25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at ATC Rep/Wilmette Theatre
Easily one of the best musicals from the past decade, this nonstop hilarity fest is getting a new staging at one of the North Shore's premiere theatrical destinations. The Actors Training Center and Wilmette Theatre -- celebrating their 100th year -- are producing this tale of a fictional spelling bee and the very real neuroses that come part and parcel with participation. Geared more for your bigger kids, this charming show brings a bit of PG language alongside the laughs.
4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 28- March 15 at ATC Rep/Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette (847-251-7424, wilmettetheatre.com). $18.
— Photo: ATC Rep/Wilmette Theatre
"The Diary of Anne Frank"
The real-life diary of young Anne Frank, who was hidden with her family in an attic in Amsterdam to escape the Holocaust, has taught many generations about the horrors of World War II -- and, simultaneously, reassured us about the resiliency of the human spirit. Now Writers Theatre brings the story to the stage (in a new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman) in the company's tiny performance space in the back of an indie bookstore, which should add a visceral charge to the audience experience. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Opens Feb. 24 (extended run) at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe (847-242-6000, writerstheatre.org). $35-$75.
— Photo: Andrew Burton, Getty Images
Louder Than a Bomb Youth Poetry Festival Team Finals
Rounding out a monthlong literary festival that includes performances, competitions, open mics, book releases and more, the Louder Than A Bomb Team Finals Competition features the four top-scoring Chicago high school teams for a four-round Olympic-style poetry slam. Enjoy dance and musical performances, notable guest judges and the most talented youth poets in the city. 6-9 p.m. March 28 at the Aerie Crown Theater, 2301 South Lake Shore Drive (773-486-4331, youngchicagoauthors.org). $20 adults/$10 students. — Photo: Ali Zayed
