YES! Spring has finally sprung here in the Chicago Southland! We don’t know about you, but we are pretty antsy to get out and enjoy the weather every chance we get. What better way to do this than by enjoying one of the 10 nature centers the region has to offer? From climbing the high ropes course at Irons Oaks to taking a quiet stroll down the wooded paths at Sand Ridge Nature Center, we’ve got your spring-time activities covered!

Can’t Miss Event:

All the Earth Day Celebrations throughout the Chicago Southland on Saturday and Sunday!

Friday, April 25^th

Halfway To Halloween
The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL
Here’s your chance to see a movie on the big screen! Can you guess the movie? It may take you 101 chances to guess the family friendly classic about love and puppies. Costumes are optional but bring your trick-or-treat bag to get some goodies. Admission is $1 and includes a bag of popcorn provided by SBI Mokena. Children ages 2 and under are free.
7-9PM
Spring Fling Daddy Daughter Date Night
Oak View Center, 4625 West 110th Street, Oak Lawn, IL
Dads and daughters will enjoy music, princess crafts, games with friends, and a build your own ice cream sundae bar!
6:30-8:30PM

Saturday, April 26^th

Annual Earth Day Parks & Preserves Cleanup
Whistler Woods, 480 Acme Drive, Riverdale, IL
800-870-3666
Help clean up the preserves in the morning and then celebrate with fun activities, recycling, hikes and more. Register at earthdaychicago.com. In partnership with Friends of the Parks.
Earth Day At The Oaks
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL
708-481-2330
11AM-2PM
Dee Alexander In Concert
The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
Chicago’s Best Singer (2009 Chicago Magazine) Dee Alexander celebrates the music of Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Nina Simone, and Dinah Washington, highlighting her versatility as a jazz, gospel, soul and world music vocalist.
8PM
Earth Day 2014
Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, 109th & Laramie, Oak Lawn, IL
708-857-2200
Bring the family out to learn about sustainable practices and proper recycling! Free shows, giveaways, raffles, demos, kids activities and more.
10AM-2PM
Earth Day Celebration
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Bring the whole family to Lake Katherine for a day of nature-themed activities, crafts, and educational displays. Free admittance.
10AM-2PM
Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Spring migrants are in the air and an early morning walk is the best way to see them. Dress for the weather. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
7-8:30AM
Earth Day
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Join us for a day set aside as a reminder to be good stewards of our planet every day. Activities include hikes, puppet shows, a craft and Earth Day Jeopardy!
10AM-3PM

 

Sunday, April 27^th

 

Party For The Planet
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Every day is Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo, but on this very special day we will be showcasing some of the steps you can commit to that will truly make a difference for animals across the globe! This year we will focus on the African Painted Dog which are medium-size dogs that live on the savannah and in the open woodlands of central and southern Africa.

 

Sports Collectible Show
Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-423-1758
Sports Cards, Toys, Nascar & More
9AM-2PM
Bird Walk
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL
630-257-2045
Join a naturalist to observe wild birds. Learn to identify birds by field marks, behavior, calls and habitat. Binoculars available for loan.
7:30AM
Ringing The Dinner Bell
Little Red Schoolhouse, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Pizza is NOT on this menu! Learn about what we feed our exhibit animals to keep them healthy as we watch them eat. A different animal will be featured for each date
2-2:30PM
Jerry Rossen Public Auction
Will County Fairgrounds, 710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-997-0245
6PM
Free Recycling Event
Brookfield Zoo, North Parking Lot, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Free electronic and bicycle recycling! Celebrate Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo by recycling your old unwanted electronics and bicycles for FREE and then enjoy our Party for the Planet.* Plus, receive free parking in the North Parking lot if you bring an approved item to recycle that day.
12-6PM

 

Wizard of Oz fans rejoice! Centennial Park will transform this summer as the Village of Orland Park hosts the Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival September 19-21, 2014.

The event will boast tethered hot air balloon rides, one of the largest carnivals in the Midwest with dozens of rides and games for adults and children alike, a Dorothy Gale themed petting zoo with pony rides, Wizard of Oz themed interactive displays, merchandise vendors and much more.
Admission and parking are FREE to the highly anticipated festival.

“We are delighted to be able to accommodate the 2014 Midwest Oz Festival at Centennial Park,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “It will be a nice addition to the numerous special events planned in Orland Park during the summer season. This is unlike anything we have ever seen in the area and anticipate a great event with family fun for all.”

The festival will feature special guest speaker and Master of Ceremonies John Fricke. Fricke is the spokesman for Warner Bros. as the host of the Hollywood re-premiere of the Wizard of Oz film on its 75th anniversary. He is a two-time Emmy Award winner as co-producer and co-writer of programs on A&E and PBS-TV.

“Since I was five years old, I’ve loved Oz. And I’m certainly not alone in that passion,” said Fricke. “Oz means memories and magic to virtually everyone of every age. This festival is a colossal opportunity to bring more Oz fans together than at any other place or time in history.”

Also a featured special guest is Roger S. Baum, the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum who is the author of the original Wonderful Wizard of Oz book. Roger is a bestselling children’s author whose 2013 book, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s return, will be released as a movie in theaters nationwide May 2014.

In addition to Fricke and Baum, many other special guests will be announced as the event draws near.

Attendees are expected from across the United States to participate in the nostalgic, family-friendly celebration.

David De John, festival organizer and owner of Pinnacle Promotions, Inc., chose Centennial Park in Orland Park after careful consideration of several different locations for its location close to highways and hotels, ample free parking and vast, appealing space.

“We are looking forward to putting on the largest and most incredible Wizard of Oz Festival in the world in the Village of Orland Park,” said De John. “Considering the original Wonderful Wizard of Oz book was written, illustrated and published in Chicago as well as where L. Frank Baum the author lived, it is only right to bring this festival to the Chicago area.”

Located at 10401 West 153rd Street, the festival will be held at the northwest part of Centennial Park and utilize the Metra parking lot area.

“As the newest major festival in the Chicago Southland, the Midwest Oz Festival will attract thousands of visitors to the Village of Orland Park and will have a significant regional impact,” said Jim Garrett, President/CEO of the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information and to see a complete list of planned attractions and events, visit www.midwestozfest.com.

Friday, April 11, 2014

 

Flashlight Egg Hunt
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL
708-957-0300
7:30-8:30PM

 
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Sgt. Means Park, 20712 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL
708-481-7313
Egg hunt at nightfall. 1 hour program at dusk

 
Teatro Luna’s Generation Sex
The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
Don’t blush, you know you’ve had your share of virtual exploits! From sexting to Skype to online dating, five Latina Ladies of Luna guide you through finding love and satisfaction in the digital age. Generation Sex is presented in English with a sprinkle of Spanish.
8PM

 

Saturday, April 12,^, 2014

Habitat Restoration Workday
Little Red Schoolhouse, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Take a break from the indoors this winter and enjoy the cool winter air as we work up some heat restoring our oak woodland. We’ll show you how to ID invasive plant species and how to remove them effectively. Gloves, tools and light refreshments provided. For ages 15 and over. (Groups, please call ahead)
10AM-12PM

 
A Stroll Through Calumet
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Join us as we go back in time to the Calumet area when there were glaciers, when Sand Ridge was a shoreline, when the first settlers arrived, and when agriculture and farming boomed. Then we’ll come back to the present day. A log cabin tour is included.
1:30PM

 

Spring Fishing Classic
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
10AM-12PM

 
Craft Show
Will County Fairgrounds, 710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-258-8359

 
Kidgits Club Breakfast With The Easter Bunny
Orland Square, lower level Carson’s Court, 288 Orland Square, Orland Park, IL
708-349-1647
Hop on over for breakfast with the Easter Bunny and enjoy interactive activities, Easter egg hunt, prizes and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.
8-10AM
 

Easter Egg Hunt
Village Green, 9446 Raymond Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL
708-636-4400
Three Easter Egg Hunts are planned for children ages pre-school through 4th grade. Bring your camera to take pictures of the children with the Easter Bunny! All children need to bring their own Easter basket to hunt. No pre-registration required.
11:30AM; 12PM; 12:30PM

 
Easter Egg Hunt
Centennial Park, 15600 West Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-7275
Hippity Hop…the bunny is making his stop at Centennial Park. Come out and help us gather eggs. From 1-9 years.
10AM SHARP

 
Tinley Park Brew & Vine Fest
Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL
708-532-5700
The Brew & Vine Festival is the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce’s signature event that draws 4000+ attendees from the Southwest Suburbs, Chicagoland, and from across the Midwest. Sample brews, wine and food from more than 65 vendors, enjoy live entertainment and a great night out.

 
Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
Utilities/Public Works Facility, 524 Center Road, Frankfort, IL
815-469-2177 x243
8:30AM
 

Sports Collectible Show
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-423-1758
Sports Cards, Toys, Nascar & More
9AM-2PM
 

American English
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
1964 marked the historic appearance of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of that groundbreaking event with American English as they return for their fourth visit.
7:30PM
 

Oak Lawn’s Annual Egg Hunt
Stony Creek Golf, Restaurant & Banquets
5850 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL
708-857-2433
Join us for arts and crafts, a visit from the Easter Bunny and an age segmented Easter Egg Hunt! Register before April 4th, limited enrollment available.
10-11AM & 1:30-2:30PM

 
Breakfast With The Bunny
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8355
Treat the kids to a visit with the Easter Bunny and his friends during an all-you-can eat buffet. Musical entertainment will make for an uplifting fun time for your entire family to enjoy. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Sa-Su 9AM & 11AM

 

 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Ringing The Dinner Bell
Little Red Schoolhouse, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Pizza is NOT on this menu! Learn about what we feed our exhibit animals to keep them healthy as we watch them eat. A different animal will be featured for each date
2-2:30PM
 

Wildflower Hike
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL
630-257-2045
Hike through the woods and observe our wildflowers. Many of these low-growing beauties will only bloom for a couple of days.
1PM
 

Downtown Tinley Bunny Hop
Historic Downtown Tinley Park
South Street adjacent to Oak Park Avenue Train Station, Tinley Park, IL
708-444-5678
Downtown Tinley Bunny Hop is a free event. Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, Egg Hunt, crafts, games, food and much more!
12-3PM
 

Eggcellent Open Gym
Racquet Fitness & Gymnastics Center
10444 South Central Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL
708-857-5179
Burn off some extra energy by exploring all the activities our Gymnastics Facility has to offer! Meet the Easter Bunny and do an Easter Craft.
10:30-11:30AM for 1-5 years, 11:45AM-12:45PM for 4-8 years, 1:00-2:00PM for 1-5 years and 2:15-3:15PM & 3:30-4:30PM for all ages

 

Breakfast With The Bunny
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8355
Treat the kids to a visit with the Easter Bunny and his friends during an all-you-can eat buffet. Musical entertainment will make for an uplifting fun time for your entire family to enjoy. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Sa-Su 9AM & 11AM

40 foreign Commercial Service Officers who work with tour operators that specialize in outbound travel to the United States stopped in Mokena and Frankfort as part of a tour of the Illinois Lincoln Highway. The diplomats from 28 countries heavily influence their country’s overseas travel options.

The bus stopped in Mokena at the Illinois Lincoln Highway mural and was welcomed by Mayor Frank Fleischer. Matthew Galik of the Mokena Area Historical Society talked about the history behind the mural and a note from the mural’s artist Jay Allen of ShawCraft Sign Co., gave the visitors an opportunity to look for some of the hidden secrets in the mural.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau will welcome the Sports Illinois Huddle June 2-4, 2014, to the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Alsip in Alsip, Ill. Destination management organizations from around Illinois will represent their respective regions and more than twenty tournament planners are expected to attend this three-day event.

The Huddle is an educational conference for Sports Illinois, a niche committee of the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus that is comprised of CVBs with designated personnel that actively attract sport tournaments and events to their region.