The Adventures of Pinocchio at Chicago Shakepeare Theater

I was invited to see The Adventures of Pinocchio at Shakespeare theater, and I checked it out last week with my daughter Mia in tow (she turned 3 in April) and - just in case - our babysitter. The production is recommended for ages 5 and up, so I figured that perhaps after Mia saw Pinocchio doing his "I've Got No Strings" number, and after she got to meet Jiminy Cricket, she'd lose interest and the two of them could go explore Navy Pier.



Astonishingly (to me), Mia sat through the entire 75 minute production. I was surprised enough that she made it through the first scene, which was fairly scary and started off with Gepetto's wife "dying" - a word I've only recently introduced after the loss of our cat. There was booming thunder, lightning, darkness and an ominous storyteller voice, but Mia powered through, right on until the end.

I had assumed that this would be a pretty straightforward, if simplified, version of the Disney classic. Instead, Jiminy Cricket has no significant role, and we don't hear the classic songs "I've Got No Strings" or "Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide." However, this did not take away from my enjoyment one bit. The production was beautifully done, and the costumes held my attention as much as the story. The scene with the French marionettes was truly delightful, and the dancers really looked like they might have been operated by strings. The scenes with Fox and Cat were fantastic and they nearly stole the show.

The production is more dark than playful, but it brings home a message that's a good one for kids to learn: Life is full of choices - make smart ones (or you'll really be an ass!)

While Mia made it through, and even at one point told me "I'm really loving this!" I still agree with the recommendation of this show for ages 5 and up. There are definitely some frightening scenes, including Pinocchio and Gepetto inside the belly of the whale. Also, the storyline may not be terribly complicated, but some of the concepts will likely go over little ones' heads. I did occasionally whisper a quick, toddlered-down summary of the action to Mia to make sure she was keeping up, so at least she was generally following along.

Parents, you'll really enjoy this one as well, and you might even forget you're at a "kids' show."

Pinocchio is playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier through August 28. Learn more at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Pinkalicious the Musical

Until this morning, the only experience my daughter Mia and I had with Pinkalicious was reading the book one time at a bookstore about 4 months ago. It left quite an impression, and since then my daughter refers back to Pinkalicious when we talk about cupcakes or the color pink. So, there was actually much anticipation last night and this morning as we prepared for her 2nd ever theater experience.

Mia isn't known for her attention span, but within the first few minutes, she was in a Pinkalicious trance. The show begins with a scene that was at a level a three year old could understand, and that was also fun and engaging for older kids. Throughout most of the show, the pace was appropriate and the words in the songs were easy to understand, and the concepts were simple yet fun. There were a few faster paced numbers that I am certain Mia didn't understand, but it certainly didn't detract from her enjoyment.



One of my favorite songs was "Buzz Off," a fast-paced number featuring some bees and butterflies who mistake Pinkalicious for a flower. And the trip to Dr. Wink, where Pinkalicious is diagnosed with a case of Pinkatitis, is a musical romp where the actors have some fun with their quick dance steps and lines.

I did feel some concern for brother Peter, who was all but ignored by his parents, and I felt a little guilty watching Pinkalicious's mom spend too much time on her computer, but hopefully this all went over Mia's head.

After the show, we waited in a fairly long line for the chance to meet the actors and have them sign the autograph books that were passed out at the show.

Overall, a really delightful show that girls from 3 and up - maybe even age 2 - will really enjoy.

Pinkalicious
Emerald City Theatre at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut Avenue, Chicago
July 8 - September 3
Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Beauty and the Beast: Princess Perfect

Beauty and the Beast opened a six week run in Chicago, and little princesses from all over Chicago are making their appearances in the audience at the Oriental Theatre.

Kids will love the show, especially those familiar with the story and songs. It's best for the slightly older kids, as it's a lengthy show (more than 2.5 hours including intermission) and there are some dark parts that could be frightening. The scenes in the forest with the wolves could scare young kids, and the concept of a Beast kidnapping Belle would certainly give my 3-year-old some nightmares.



It's a festive show with lively performances for the more well known songs. "Be Our Guest" was one of the best numbers, with lots of high energy, great costumes and tinsel streamers shot out into the audience. I particularly enjoyed the beer-mug clinking number, but I think the complexities of that could be lost on the little princesses in the audience. Overall, this is a great show for little girls, and they'll enjoy seeing the movie brought to life on stage.

The show is at the Oriental Theatre through August 7, at 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets range from $18-85 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations and online at http://www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Win a membership to the new Cubs Kids Club

Perfect for your little Cubs fans - the just-launched Cubs Kids Club, presented by ComEd. This is the official Kids Club of the Chicago Cubs, and we're giving away a free membership!

Members will get special kid-specific perks, experiences and merchandise throughout the 2011 baseball season. Benefits include:

* Official Cubs Kids Club membership card
* Cubs Kids Club lanyard
* Catcher's chest protector backpack
* Cubs baseball cap
* School supplies package
* Cubs stickers
* Coupon for one free Wrigley Field Tour ticket
* Discounts on Cubs sponsor products

Learn more at the official web site.

For your chance to win, email news@chicagokids.com with the subject line "Cubs" by end of day Thursday, July 14!

Cirque du Soleil's OVO Creeps and Crawls Into Town

Cirque du Soleil is back in Chicago under the Grand Chapiteau at the United Center with OVO, and this year's production has a very different feel from previous shows. Cirque for me has always been about jaw-dropping, death-defying acrobatic feats, where I sat at the edge of my seat with ratcheted nerves wondering if I were about to witness some sort of tragic circus mishap. I found myself rapt again last night, but this time I was more in awe of the costumes and music than the feats themselves.

Don't get me wrong. OVO has plenty of truly amazing moments and incredibly talented performers. But the emphasis was much heavier on the visual, and there was more of a silly storyline going on here than I've seen before. There was actually an entire act with just the 3 main bug characters that was entirely comedic, which was very surprising given what I've come to expect from Cirque. The bugs are funny - they use expressive chirps, twitters and sounds that serve as their dialogue - but it seems a little out of place in a Cirque production.

The costumes were stunning, and the salsa-like music was almost enough to make me get up and dance. The mood was light and fun, and the costumes and music created an upbeat, festive atmosphere. The performers moved with bug-like mannerisms which made them seem even less human and more other-wordly, and the overall effect was enthralling. The jerky head movements and reptilian tongue flicks of the grasshoppers and the lithe, precise movements of the three feminine spiders really added to the "buggy" character of the show.

The finale was an extended act, with funkified grasshoppers using trampolines to jump vertically onto what was essentially an enormous climbing wall. The performers looked like they were actually defying gravity, and I kept thinking that Broadway's Spiderman has NOTHING on these guys. They bounced up from the trampolines and landed frozen still in poses on the wall. They'd bounce up backwards, and I felt like I was watching a video in reverse of someone jumping OFF the wall. I could have easily watched an entire two hours of this act. By far the best of the show.

The kids that I saw or spoke to were all in agreement that it was a great show. Toward the end, an 8 year old girl sitting next to us asked her dad "Is it over?" When he said "No," she answered "Good!" And kids as young as 3 were having a great time. There was just one short scene in particular near the beginning that could be scary for some kids. It included two menacing, stilt-walking, praying-mantis-like characters, and I know this would have terrified my 3 year old daughter. But overall, I feel like the bright colors, upbeat Brazilian style music, and comic relief should appeal to most kids in the 4 and up range.

So while this production may be lighter on death-defying feats, it makes up for it in other ways with its visual splendor and upbeat fun vibe.

As for finding out what the big OVO egg is - we don't. Maybe you'll mind, maybe you won't. My husband says "It doesn't matter." Meanwhile, I feel unfulfilled for not finding out if my guesses were right. Coincidentally, we just took a book out from the library this week called "Hunwick's Egg." It's about a bandicoot who finds an egg, befriends it and cares for it, and then waits and waits and waits for it to hatch. It never does. But at least we find out why - it's not an egg, it's a rock. In OVO, the egg never hatches and we simply don't know why. So if you need closure, you'll have to make it up yourself.

Cirque du Soleil's OVO
Playing June 29 - August 21
United Center - Grand Chapiteau
1901 W. Madison, Chicago
Learn More

Chicago Area Fourth of July Celebrations

The City of Chicago has cancelled the big fireworks show this year - Booooo!!!! We've rounded up some other great events taking place in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, so you won't feel like you're missing a thing.

July 1-3
Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival and Carnival
Community Park, Rte 53 and Ogden, Lisle
See beautiful balloons take flight at 6am and 6pm, and try a tethered ride for $25. Enjoy the children's activities that include moon jump, magic, picnic games, crafts, face painting, a lumberjack show, the Frog Lady, and much more. Enjoy the fireworks extravaganza at 9:45 pm on July 3. All ages. $5 Adults, free for 5 and under. FREE Sunday 11am - 4pm for Lisle residents with valid photo ID, and free Sunday for military members with valid photo ID (active and veteran)

July 1-4
Naperville Ribfest
724 South West Street, Naperville
The family area at Ribfest features entertainment and activities for the whole family! Activities include a carnival, inflatables, jousting, bull riding, big slide, euro bungee, petting zoo a circus aerial show and much more. On July 4, enjoy a fireworks display at 9:30pm. All ages. $12, free kids 11 and under. On Friday from noon - 4pm, enjoy $1 hot dogs, $ ice cream and $10 unlimited rides.

July 2
Racing, Music and Fireworks
Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
Take in a great day of horse racing and music by day, and the an amazing fireworks display by dusk. The day’s racing starts at a special post time of 4 pm and the racing action will run nearly seamlessly into a spectacular fireworks display that gets underway at nightfall. The first 20,000 in attendance will receive 3D Fireworks Glasses, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a complimentary Firecracker Popsicle. All ages. General admission tickets $10.

July 3-4
Wheaton's Independence Day Celebration
Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Rd., Wheaton
Beginning July 3rd at 6pm, Wheaton’s Graf Park will open for old-fashioned fun with picnicking and people watching. Kids can enjoy carnival rides including a giant slide, kiddie ferris wheel and inflatable obstacle course. Also take part in classic arcade games like the duck pond and boom blaster, as well as running races. DJ Gabe will be on deck from 6:00pm playing classic rock, pop, and a patriotic song or two to keep toes tapping. The fireworks start July 3 at 8:45pm. On July 4th, the parade starts at 10am. Free. All ages.

July 4
Fourth of July Celebration in Northbrook
Village Green, 1320 Shermer Ave, Northbrook
Begin the day with the traditional Pancakes in the Park from 7 am – 11 am at Village Green on the corner of Shermer and Meadow. The Dooley Brothers Band plays in the Gazebo from 9 am – 11 am, and the Police versus Firemen department softball game starts at 10 am. The Bike Parade kicks off at 2 pm from the corner of Western and Cherry followed by the mile-long Northbrook Parade starting at 2:30 pm from the corner of Western and Cherry, ending at Village Green Park. Fireworks begin at sundown from Techny Prairie Park and Field.

July 4
Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks
Deerpath Community Park, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest
Celebrate Independence Day with a community celebration featuring food, a beer garden, live music and activities for kids, all culminating in a gala fireworks display. The fun starts at 6pm, with local band Sixteen Candles, followed by a Pie Eating Contest at 7:30. At 8pm, kick back for a concert with Rick Springfield, and then enjoy the fireworks at 9:30. All ages. $10 admission, 5 and under free; standard parking pass $20.

July 4
Patriotic Celebration
Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cantigny Park will be alive with patriotic sights, sounds and activities for the whole family on Independence Day. Kids will love the inflatables, and painting our 20 foot mural on the Cantigny Parade Field from noon to 3 pm. They can ring the Liberty Bell, sign the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen, and see reenactors fire cannons. At 3pm, enjoy the Illinois Brass Band. Events and parking will be free all day on July 4th. All ages. 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Free.

July 4
Fourth Fest
Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Road, Highland Park
Play carnival games. Jump around in an inflatable. Go around the Fest in a train or hop on a pony for a ride. Feed the animals in our petting zoo.Stop and listen to live entertainment while feeding your hunger from one of our vendors in the concession area.*Tickets for games and rides: 3 for $1. All ages. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Family Fun at Taste of Chicago

You know summer is officially in full swing when Taste of Chicago gets underway! This famed Chicago event is a local favorite, and is packed with plenty of family friendly activities and events.

GETTING THERE

Taste of Chicago takes place at Grant Park, located at Michigan Ave. & Congress Dr.

If you can, avoid traffic and parking hassles and take public transportation. Call 836-7000 (any area code) to get details on CTA, RTA and Metra travel routes or visit www.transitchicago.com.

You can also park in the new Taste Parking Lots for a special discounted rate. You can park for $13 at the Waldron Deck parking garage at Soldier Field - get there by taking the exit at 18th Street from Lake Shore Drive. The free McDonalds Family Trolley runs on the North side of 18th Street and will take you to the Taste. The trolley runs roundtrip from Taste to the garage from 10:45 am - 8 pm daily, and 10:45 am - 5:30 pm on July 3rd.

GETTING IN

Taste runs June 24-July 2 from 11 am to 8:30 pm, and July 3 from 11 am to 6 pm.

Admission to Taste of Chicago is FREE.

Food and beverage tickets are sold in strips of 12 tickets for $8 (includes $2 charge for Taste amenities) Smaller “Taste of" portions are available at each food vendor and are between 2-4 tickets

Click here to see the Taste map.

FAMILY VILLAGE SCHEDULE

You'll find family fun at the Family Village, located at Columbus & Jackson. This special area features hands-on activities including arts and crafts stations led by area museums; family games; face painting; and green activities for kids.

The schedule also includes daily performances by Midnight Circus at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Circo Urbano, their new production, features an international cast of characters performing high-flying, gravity defying acrobatics and over the top theatrics. Admission to the Midnight Circus performance is $2 in Taste tickets.

Here's the full daily schedule:

Friday, June 24
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Make your own book beats music shaker with Chicago Public
Library (ages 3-10)
11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Create your own Butterfly Life Cycle Necklace with Peggy
Notebaert Nature Museum (age 6 -12)
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Chicago Public Schools Community Partnership Programs (ages 0-8,
arts & crafts, face painting)
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (ages 1-12, arts & crafts, face painting)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.National Museum of Mexican Art (ages 4-12)
3:15 - 4:45 p.m.Free mini massages for mom & dad (ages 18 & up)
4 - 7 p.m.Play LaLoteria (Mexican Bingo, win prizes)
4:30 – 7 p.m.It’s U Caricatures (ages 16 & under)
5 – 7 p.m.Decorate and enjoy a free slice of Eli's Cheesecake (while supplies
last, ages 12 & under)

Saturday, June 25
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Play Speed Chess Against the Best Youth Chess Players in Illinois
(ages 5-18)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.FIRST Robotics: See cool robots drive around and do crazy things!
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol: Come Fly With Us - Learn Why Planes Fly
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Play at Shedd's interactive kids station! (ages 2-12)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.True Star's Karaoke and Dance Challenge
1 – 3 p.m.Meet the SMURFS
4 – 7 p.m.Take a fun photo using Green Screen Photography

Sunday, June 26
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Face Painting, Temporary Airbursh Tattoos & Henna Art for Kids
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Chicago Philatelic Society: Free Stamps for Kids
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.FIRST Robotics: See cool robots drive around and do crazy things!
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol: Come Fly With Us - Learn Why Planes Fly
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Organic Sock Gardening with Chicago Metro AEYC (ages 2-12)
3 – 5 p.m.Design a fuzzy flower ring or a pair of super cool fuzzy super hero
glasses with K~Fleye (ages 8-14)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Family Bingo (win prizes)

Monday, June 27
11a.m. – 2 p.m.Healthy Farmers Market Eating Workshop with Fresh Connections
(ages 5-12, games, activities)
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Be a Rocket Scientist with Adler Planetarium (ages 6-12)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Explore hands-on science with the Museum of Science and Industry
(ages 5-15)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.FIRST Robotics: See cool robots drive around and do crazy things!
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Illinois Engineering Council: Why Things Work - Everyday Engineering
2:30 – 5 p.m.Color your favorite characters from Peter Pan & Beauty and the
Beast with Broadway in Chicago (ages 3 & up)
3 – 7 p.m."Wish you were here…" Design a postcard of your favorite Chicago
place with the Chicago History Museum (ages 4 & up)
3:30 – 7 p.m.DHS Community Alliance Team: Fingerprint ID Kit (ages 2-18)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Family Bingo (win prizes)

Tuesday, June 28
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Insect Petting Zoo and Worm Composting Demo with University of
Illinois Extension (ages 2 & up)
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (ages 1-12, arts & crafts, face painting)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Engineering Council: Why Things Work - Everyday Engineering
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Learn about the Environment with Environmental Protection Agency
(ages 5-12)
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Stretch-n-Grow - Fun Fitness for Kids (ages 3-12)
1 – 7 p.m.Sweet & Sassy summer makeovers for girls (ages 3-13)
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.Play the Giant Twister Game
5 – 7 p.m.Create your own Clay Coil Pot with Art Girl Pottery (ages 4 & up)

Wednesday, June 29
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Food Safety at home with the Food & Drug Administration
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Insect Petting Zoo and Worm Composting Demo with University of
Illinois Extension (ages 2 & up)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Make an Ape handprint with Lincoln Park Zoo (ages 2-10)
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (ages 1-12, arts & crafts, face painting)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Engineering Council: Why Things Work - Everyday Engineering
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Fun activities with Radio Disney AM 1300 Chicago
3:30 – 7 p.m.Learn to draw Celtic knots with the Irish American Heritage Center
3:30 – 7 p.m.Paint a refrigerator magnet with Plaster of Paradise

Thursday, June 30
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Create a mask or headress inspired by artwork from Africa in the Art Institute of Chicago
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Insect Petting Zoo and Worm Composting Demo with University of
Illinois Extension (ages 2 & up)
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (ages 1-12, arts & crafts, facepainting)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Bicycling Ambassadors: Learn about bike safety & win prizes! Bring your bike helmet for a complimentary fitting!
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Engineering Council: Why Things Work - Everyday Engineering
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Fun activities with Radio Disney AM 1300 Chicago
3:30 – 7 p.m.Candle Art with Art Zone (ages 4-16)

Friday, July 1
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Paint a refrigerator magnet with Plaster of Paradise
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Insect Petting Zoo and Worm Composting Demo with University of
Illinois Extension (ages 2 & up)
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (ages 1-12, arts & crafts, facepainting)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Bicycling Ambassadors: Learn about bike safety & win prizes! Bring your bike helmet for a complimentary fitting!
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Engineering Council: Why Things Work - Everyday Engineering
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Fun activities with Radio Disney AM 1300 Chicago
3 – 7 p.m.Sweet & Sassy summer makeovers for girls (ages 3-13)

Saturday, July 2
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Japanese Culture Center: Aikido demonstration/Japanese martial
arts (ages 5 & up)
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Face Painting, Temporary Airbursh Tattoos & Henna Art for Kids
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Action Booth Photos
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol: Come Fly With Us - Learn Why Planes Fly
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.True Star's Karaoke and Dance Challenge
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.Design masks inspired by African motifs with DuSable Museum of
African American History (ages 5-12)
3 – 6 p.m.Candle Art with Art Zone (ages 4-16)
5 – 7 p.m.Free mini massages for mom & dad (ages 18 & up)

Sunday, July 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Free mini massages for mom & dad (ages 18 & up)
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Design your own patriotic crafts with the Bronzeville Children's
Museum (ages 3-9)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Face Painting, Temporary Airbursh Tattoos & Henna Art for Kids
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol: Come Fly With Us - Learn Why Planes Fly
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.True Star's Karaoke and Dance Challenge
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.It’s U Caricatures
2:30 – 5 p.m.Paint a refrigerator magnet with Plaster of Paradise

Summer Solstice at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Summer is officially here, and the Nature Museum has a great way for you to celebrate with your entire family! On Tuesday, June 21, the Museum will be open from 5-9pm for a special Summer Solstice evening. It's free, and the entire Musuem will be open for you to enjoy.

Guests will enjoy a special evening of music, summer treats, fun activities and the chance to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil's OVO. You'll also having a chance to be among the first to tour the Museum's newest exhibit, Nature Trails. This will be the Museum's largest permanent exhibit, and is a 1/3+ mile trail right in the heart of nature in Lincoln Park. Forget you're in the city, and you can:

• Explore native vegetation such as prairies, savannas, wetlands and woodlands
  
• Marvel at the colorful cluster of butterflies at the Woodward A. Wickham Butterfly Garden
  
• Watch dragonfly larvae, diving beetles and tadpoles at the Pickerelweed Pond
  
• Listen to one of the sounds of summer—birds singing
  
• Smell the herbs and fresh, seasonal produce in the urban garden
  

Again, it's all FREE on Tuesday evening!

Father's Day Activities

You've brought Dad breakfast in bed, the kids have given their cards and homemade art - now what will you do the rest of the day? Here are a few great ideas.

Friday, June 17

Date with Dad
American Girl Place, 835 N Michigan Ave., Chicago
Bring Dad and make memories to last a lifetime. Dads can enjoy a delicious meal and special time with daughters. The fee includes an American Girl book, a commemorative photo and frame, and keepsakes to take home as a reminder of your day together. Ages 6 and up. 7:30pm. $40 per person.

Sunday, June 19:

Father's Day Brunch
Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum, Chicago Soldier Field will host its 4th Annual Father’s Day Brunch, opening the United Club’s fine dining to the public. Families can treat their "Dads" to an exquistite brunch, and also take a shot at kicking a field goal on the stadium field. Reservations required. All ages. 10am. $55 adults, $25 ages 3-12, under 3 free.

Father's Day Barbecue
Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield
This is one day where Dad can take a break for the grilling tasks. Bring Dad to this all-you-can-eat barbecue, which features all the trimmings, begins at Noon in the Zoo's Pavilions. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the grounds. All ages. Noon. $49 for adults and $35 for children (zoo members pay $39 and $29).

Father's Day Canoe Adventure
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Bring Dad to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden with Bob Kirschner, the Garden’s aquatic biologist. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Registration required. Ages 5 and up. 9am, 11am or 1pm. $89/$112 per canoe.

Father’s Day Brunch
Lamb's Farm, I-94 and Rte. 176, Libertyville
The whole family will love this tasty buffet, featuring country favorites made from scratch. Feast on country fried chicken and breakfast favorites including french toast, and the ever-popular omelets-to-order. Delicious desserts made in the Farm's very own bakery round out the perfect meal. Call the Country Inn Restaurant for reservations, at 847.362.5050. All ages. Seatings at 10 a.m., Noon, and 2 p.m. $19.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 12 & under. Children 23 months and younger eat for free.

Chicago's Best Summer Story Hours

Every day, somewhere in Chicago, there's a free story hour taking place! Check out some of the free story hours taking place this summer in Chicago and the suburbs. This list includes some of our favorites, and you can find more by visiting the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events.

Summer Storytime with Emerald City Theatre at Open Books Store
Second Saturdays at 11:00am
213 W. Institute Pl., Chicago
This story hour takes place on the second Saturday of every month this summer, with read-aloud stories, crafts, and drama games with artists from Emerald City Theatre. Free. For ages 3-5.

Story Time at Lincoln Park Zoo
Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 and 10:00am
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago
Story Time at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm-in-the-Zoo delights young audiences with silly songs and tall tales. Join Mr. Singer as he performs original songs while the wee ones dance and sing along. For ages 6 and under. Through September 9. Free.

Stories To Grow On Story Time for Kids at Flourish Studios
Wednesdays at 10:30am and 4:30pm
3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Featuring a reading circle with fun stories, songs and social time with other children all set in our beautiful space.

Story Hour at The Bookmarket at Hangar One
First Thursdays at 10:30am
The Glen - 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview
Storyteller Nili Yelin is one of Chicago's favorite storytellers, and the first Thursday of every month she tells stories at the Boormarket at Hangar One. Best for ages 2-6.

Storytime at Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor
Tuesdays at 11am
7347 W. Madison Street, Forest Park
Ms. Tracy (and her story telling glasses) has been studying improv and acting for the past six years. She tells stories at Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor every Tuesday at 11am.

Storytime at Women & Children First
Wednesdays at 10:30am
5233 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Store co-owner Linda Bubon reads and performs 5 or more stories for a room full of fabulous children. There's singing, dancing, and silliness every Wednesday morning in the store. It's free and featured for ages 2-5.

Garden Story Time at Morton Arboretum
Fridays at 11:00am
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Bring the kids and gather around for "Garden Story Time." Enjoy a different fun, nature-themed story every week. Takes place in the Children’s Garden on Fridays through October. Included with regular admission.

Kraft Story Time at The Field Museum of Natural History
Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project--all in 20 minutes. Included with regular admission. Best for ages 2-6.

Visit the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events to find more story hours and other events.