Take Your Kids to a 'Toy Story' Party! Grab & Go Kids Planner:

Stories, knitting clubs and a pajamarama — pick and choose from this week’s array of events.

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Where/When: in Orland Park from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24
Why Go: Teens can learn the basics of knitting a scarf while socializing with friends. Needles, scarf patterns, and yarn are provided.
Pricing: Free, sign up by visiting www.thebridgeteencenter.org or calling 708-532-0500.

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Where/When: from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, and again from 4:30 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28
Why go: Kids aged 3 to 5 can go "to infinity and beyond" with stories, games, crafts and songs.
Pricing: Free, register by calling 708-532-0160 ext. 2.

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Where/When: in Oak Forest from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28
Why go: Get your child aged 4 through second grade into reading and challenge them academically at this fun event.
Pricing: Fee is $25 for residents, $32 for non-residents for any four of the eight sessions. For all eight sessions, the cost is $40 residents and $52 for non-residents.

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Where/When: from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25
Why go: Kids aged 3 to first grade can come dressed for bedtime for this nighttime storytime. Snacks will be served.
Pricing: Free, no registration required

Where/When: Opens Friday at McCormick Place and runs through Sunday. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Why Go: See more than 150 breeds of dogs competing in tests of agility and obedience. Junior dog judging for children 10-18. Puppy Spectacular with puppies competing for title of Best Puppy in Show.

Pricing: Friday admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and free for children 12 and under, Saturday-Sunday admission is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and free for children 12 and under. Visit website to print a $2 discount coupon.  

• GETTYSBURG, LINCOLN & THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA

Where/When: Exhibit opens Thursday at McCord Gallery in Palos Park and runs through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Why Go: Uniforms, flags, swords, muskets, letters, slave shackles and an amputation kit are among the many items that will be on display, many from private collections. A special exhibit will feature a revolver owned by General George Custer and a letter written by Chief Joseph Red Fox, nephew of Chief Crazy Horse, who at the age of 7 witnessed the massacre at Little Big Horn. Docents will be on hand to help discuss the significance of the items.

Pricing: $12 for adults, $10 for members, free for students and children under 18. 

• ELMO'S BIRTHDAY PARTY, Orland Park

Where/When: Borders stores in Orland Park, Matteson and Beverly from 2–3:30 p.m.

Why Go: Take children 3 to 6 to celebrate Sesame Street’s Elmo’s birthday party with storytelling, games and giveaways. No costume characters, sorry.

Pricing: Can’t beat free