Top Picks For Kids: February 21-23, 2014

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Hello and welcome to this edition of my “Top Picks!” I hope you are surviving our heat wave this week and that the extra water isn’t getting you down. Not only is Spring is just around the corner, but in March, Mommy By The River will be celebrating a 1st Anniversary with my very first freebies for my readers to be announced! It’s my way of saying THANK YOU for your support and encouragement!

In my Top Picks for this weekend, you will find fun places to bring your kids in the following towns: Algonquin, Bloomingdale, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Geneva, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, St. Charles, and Wheaton. Best of all, they are all FREE or CHEAP! Please note that all of the events listed are drop-in and require no registration. And if they ask who sent you…tell them The Mommy did!

DISCLAIMER: The events posted below may change due to weather and other crazy circumstances, so I do encourage you to phone and/or check event information before heading out.

FRIDAY
Friday, February 21, 2014
Event: Barnes & Noble Pajama Storytime
Town: Schaumburg, IL
Where: Barnes & Noble at Woodfield Plaza Shopping Center, 590 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg
Age: All ages
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Description: Bring a special stuffed animal and wear your jammies for this evening storytime for families
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 847-310-0450

Friday, February 21, 2014
Event: Studio Movie Grill Toons Series: ”Care Bears: A Belly Badge for Wonderheart, The Movie” (G, 65 mins.) *(repeats Saturday & Sunday)
Town: Wheaton, IL
Where: Studio Movie Grill, 301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Age: See rating
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Watch a family-friendly movie with comfortable seating and the option to order food that will be brought to you before or during the movie
Cost: $2 per person; plus $1.50 per ticket if booked online (for advance seating reservations–but not necessary)
Information: Web site or 630-480-9557

SATURDAY
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Event: Hickory Knolls Discovery Days: “Jim Nesci’s Cold-Blooded Creatures”
Town: St. Charles, IL
Where: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles
Age: All ages
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Description: Meet ‘Bubba’ the 8-ft. alligator, lizards, snakes, giant tortoises and more ”modern-day dinosaurs” when Jim Nesci visits Hickory Knolls.
Cost: $5 per person
Information: Web site or 630-513-4399

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “The Smurfs 2“ (PG) *(repeats Sunday, but note time change)
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Marcus Cinema, 111 S. Randall Rd., Elgin
Age: See rating
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Description: Enjoy a movie and enjoy concessions specials!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site or 847-622-1000

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Event: Michaels Kids Club Craft Fun
Town: Multiple store locations including: Algonquin, Bloomingdale, Geneva, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, IL
Where: Area Michaels Stores
Age: Kids ages 3+ Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (30 mins. in length starting every 1/2 hour)
Description: ”Craft Foam & Felt Butterfly” craft
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Event: Barnes & Noble Event: A Visit With Corduroy Bear
Town: Crystal Lake, IL
Where: Barnes & Noble at Bohl Farm Market Place, 5380 Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL
Age: Young children
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Description: Meet costumed-character Corduroy Bear (bring your camera!) and enjoy a storytime featuring, “A Pocket for Corduroy.”
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 815-444-0824

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Event: Studio Movie Grill Toons Series: ”Care Bears: A Belly Badge for Wonderheart, The Movie” (G, 65 mins.) *(repeats Sunday)
Town: Wheaton, IL
Where: Studio Movie Grill, 301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Age: See rating
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Watch a family-friendly movie with comfortable seating and the option to order food that will be brought to you before or during the movie
Cost: $2 per person; plus $1.50 per ticket if booked online (for advance seating reservations–but not necessary)
Information: Web site or 630-480-9557

SUNDAY
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Event: Winter Habitats: Spring Valley Style (Wetland)
Town: Schaumburg, IL
Where: Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
Age: 5-yrs. old +
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Description: Explore the many habitats of Spring Valley including prairies, wetlands and woodlands!
Cost: $3/R or $4/NR or $10 per family/R or $15 per family/NR
Information: Web site or 847-985-2100

Sunday, February 23, 2014
Event: Horse-Drawn Sleigh/Wagon Rides
Town: Wheaton, IL
Where: Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Rd., Wheaton
Age: All ages
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Sleigh rides are 12-15 mins. long and depart every 20 minutes behind the main barn.
Cost: $5 per adult; $2 for ages 5 – 12; Children under age 5 ride FREE
Information: Web site or 630-668-6012
Special Note: Cash or checks only. Also, wagons are used in place of sleighs when there is less than 4″ of snow.

Sunday, February 23, 2014
Event: Studio Movie Grill Toons Series: ”Care Bears: A Belly Badge for Wonderheart, The Movie” (G, 65 mins.) 
Town: Wheaton, IL Where: Studio Movie Grill, 301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Age: See rating
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Watch a family-friendly movie with comfortable seating and the option to order food that will be brought to you before or during the movie
Cost: $2 per person; plus $1.50 per ticket if booked online (for advance seating reservations–but not necessary)
Information: Web site or 630-480-9557

Sunday, February 23, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “The Smurfs 2” (PG)
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Marcus Cinema, 111 S. Randall Rd., Elgin
Age: See rating
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Enjoy a movie and enjoy concessions specials!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site or 847-622-1000