Storytelling (and Music!) Festival at The Field Museum

If you're looking for something to do this week, make sure you check out the remaining days of this week's Storytelling Festival taking place at The Field Museum.

Tomorrow - Wednesday Dec 29 - at 2pm you can see a special concert by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. This is one of my favorite kids' bands and The Field Museum would be a super cool place to see them play. You've got to register in advance, and it's $5 on top of regular admission. Call 312.665.7400 to register.

On Thursday at 2pm, Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans will be playing songs from their new CD, Mommy Knows Best. Don’t miss her signature song “Bubble Wrap,” where everyone gets to pop those wonderful bubbles! This one's also $5 and pre-registration is required.

And Friday at 11:30am and 1:30pm, kids can play a part in the classic children’s story The Mitten by Jan Brett - a favorite in our house! Through dramatic play, you and your family will learn about the rewards of sharing, communicating, and respecting others.

Regular admission still applies, so make a day of it!

Chicago Family and Kids Fun New Year's Celebration Ideas

If you're hoping to ring in the New Year with your kids - most likely long before midnight - here are some suggestions. Visit the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events to see a more detailed list of options.

Bubble Bash 2010
DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
(630) 637-8000
Outer space is the theme for DuPage Children's Museum annual countdown to noon and family friendly New Year's Eve celebration. Musical performances, art activities, food and play spread throughout the Museum's three floors of fun. Reservations Required.
Time: 9am - noon.
Cost: Members $15, nonmembers $20, under 1 is free.

Ice Center's Family New Year's Eve Party
Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview
(847) 724-2800
The Glenview Ice Center will host a Family New Year's Eve Party! There will be candle making by Ultimate Art. A fun event for everyone in the family. New Years Eve kiddie toast at "midnight" (9 pm)
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
Cost: Free

New Year Eve Party at Wonder Works
Wonder Works, 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park
(708) 383-4815
Celebrate all the excitement of New Year's with even the youngest of children. Countdown with countries across the world as you learn some very interesting traditions, enjoy the special New Year's crafts, games, prizes, food and more. Registration is required.
Time: Noon to 5pm
Cost: Included with regular $5 admission.

New Year’s Eve at The ComedySportz Theatre
ComedySportz, 929 West Belmont, Chicago
(773) 549-8080
Choose a 5pm or 7pm seating. The ComedySportz Theatre created a special 5pm and 7pm show on New Year’s Eve that is perfect for children, teens and families. There will be a full main stage show, party favors, New Year’s count down and a cider toast with the cast after each show. Reservations recommended.
Time: 5pm or 7pm.
Cost: $22

Navy Pier's New Year's Eve Bash and Fireworks
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
(312) 595-PIER
Navy Pier presents a spectacular all-ages showcase of hip-hop dance, live music, and more at the Winter WonderStage. The celebration starts at 6pm and comes to a grand conclusion at 8:15 with a Family Fireworks show.
Time: 6pm
Cost: Free

New Years Eve Party at Pump It Up Chicago
Pump It Up Chicago, 821 W Eastman, Chicago
(312) 664-7867
Bring in the New Year with friends at this early afternoon family friendly celebration. Event features music, play time, pizza, sparkling beverages, gifts and a countdown with balloon drop.
Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: $15/child $5/adult

Free Chicago Holiday Family Fun

We've just released the ChicagoKids.com Winter Guide to Free Family Fun, and you can find lots of fun family activities and events taking place this winter in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Here's a sampling of free holiday activities for kids and families taking place in December:

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Weekends Nov 26 – Jan 2 (closed Dec 24/25)
One of the brightest parts of Chicago’s winter, ZooLights, is free and open to all. Head out for a winter evening of ice carving demonstrations, visits with Santa, warm drinks, cool crafts and more than one million beautiful lights.

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
December 3 – January 2
Navy Pier transforms into an enchanted 170,000 square foot holiday hamlet, and you can come out for music, entertainment, indoor ice skating, inflatable slides, carnival rides, food, beverages, and more. General admission is free, some rides and attractions have fees.

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Through December 24
Christkindlmarket Chicago is a holiday market that brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Children visiting the market can enjoy scavenger hunts, interviews with vendors, and singing German holiday songs.

Holiday Concert Series at Harold Washington Public Library
Select days between December 1-17
The Chicago Public Library presents its annual Sounds of Our City: 2010 Holiday Concert Series on selected dates during the month of December. The free, lunchtime holiday performances feature some of the best Chicago area children’s, grade school and high school choirs.

Ice Skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Through March 13
Come out for a family skate! The rink is free and open to the public, and skate rental is available for $10.

See more fun free Winter family activities at ChicagoKids.com.