Archive for the ‘Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn’ Tag
Top Five Ways to Enjoy Spring Break in the Chicago Southland
Bodark Arc – Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Ahhhh, spring break has finally arrived! You may be not be headed off to Florida or Cancun, but don’t fret! There are plenty of fun things to do, right here in the Chicago Southland! From a day at the zoo to hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the region we have a list of the top five spring break activities the entire family will enjoy!
Enjoy A Day At The Brookfield Zoo!
With 216 acres to explore and around 450 species of animals, Brookfield Zoo is a great place to spend the day.While you’re there check out Hamill Family Play Zoo, a kid friendly exhibit that the kids will love! You may even be able to check “having an animal interaction” off your Chicago Southland Bucket List!
Baby Animal Alerts!
Gorilla Baby at Tropic World – After two weeks of asking for the public’s help in naming a 4-month-old female gorilla infant at Brookfield Zoo, the Chicago Zoological Society announced the winning name: Nora, which means “honor” or “light.” Nora was born on November 4, 2013, to 18-year-old mom Koola. Guests can see Nora and Koola and the rest of the gorilla family daily in Tropic World: Africa exhibit.
Charles Grey Seal at Pinniped Point- Nearly 3-month-old Charles Grey Seal can now be seen on exhibit at Pinniped Point in the pool closest to The Fragile Kingdom. Currently keeping him company is Mango Habor Seal. Over the course of the next few months, he will be introduced to other members of the harbor seal and grey seal groups. Charles was born on January 1, 2014 at Brookfield Zoo.
Root, Root Root for the Home Team!
Spring break and sporting events pretty much go hand in hand, right? Well there is definitely no shortage in the Chicago Southland! Celebrate opening day with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, March 31st as they take on the Minnesota Twins! Not a baseball fan? Check out the Chicago Fire game on Saturday, April 5th as they take on the Philadelphia Union. If you are really looking for some excitement, grab yourself some tickets in Section 8 and get ready for non-stop chanting and extreme fan support! Check out our post on the Chicago Fire Home Opener!
Indoor Activities The Kids (And Parents) Will Love!
With the weather we have had lately, it might not be a bad idea to have some indoor plans made for spring break. Luckily the Chicago Southland has two fabulous Children’s Museums to choose from! With over 15 hands-on exhibits, The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn will definitely keep the little ones occupied! KidsWork Children’s Museum in Frankfort has plenty of activities. From the game room to the pet vet; there is something to make the little ones smile! Frankfort is also home to an abundance of unique shops! Take a stroll through The Trolley Barn and then venture down Kansas and White Streets for a shopping experience you will love! We all know that shopping can make us hungry, so once you’ve shopped until you almost dropped, stop by the Pickwick Society Tea Room or White Street Café for a bite to eat!
Soak Up Some Sunshine!
Feeling outdoorsy? Spend the day at one of the many nature centers or trails in the region!
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens: 85-acre park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake. An estimated 100,000 people come to the park each year to hike or jog along the trails, canoe or kayak on the lake, attend a special event or educational program, or simply enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the abundant opportunities to see wildlife.
Sand Ridge Nature Center: 
Discover exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Calumet region. You’ll find native wildlife including birds of prey, snakes, turtles, and fish, and a Kid’s Corner with hands-on activities. You can watch bird feeders from the classroom, and outside stroll through a colorful butterfly garden, and enjoy a number of interpretive gardens. Reproduction log cabins depict the lifestyles of early 19th Century Illinois.
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center: Explore nearly 40-acres of nature preserves are home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. See beautiful woods, wildflowers, birds and furry friends along the way.
Little Red Schoolhouse: Connect with the historic past of the Palos Hills. In 1886 the present building, originally located on the Black Oak Trail at old 99th Street, replaced a log cabin school. Now hikers enjoy country lanes once used by its students. In 1932 the school house was moved to Camp Kiwanis by a local resident, using only one mule and log rollers. In 1952 it was moved to its present site, and in 1955 reopened as a unique, new kind of school. In place of the three R’s, fascinating stories are told to children and grown-ups who visit here, stories about forest preserve plants and animals and the earth of which they live.
Blow Off Some Steam and Just Have Fun!
Whether you are a kid or simply a kid at heart the Chicago Southland has plenty of places for you to let your hair down!
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Centers: If you like unique places, this is definitely one you will want to see. Not only does Haunted Trails feature 100s of games, rides, award -winning miniature golf, Go Karts, Batting Cages and a restaurant…the ENTIRE park is Halloween-themed! Awesome, right?
Hollywood Park Family Fun Center: Bring your family for a day of fun and games while affecting your wallet half as much! Award-winning miniature golf, Hollywood Speedway go-kart track, arcade games, indoor bumper cars, indoor laser maze, rock wall and Hollywood Memorabilia, Cafe-Pizzeria. Open year round!
Odyssey Fun World: If you have not been to Odyssey Fun World yet, you are missing out! From laser tag, to Go-Karts and miniature golf, they have it all. Get ready to have fun!
Brunswick Zone XL: Food, fun & excitement all under one roof! Bowling, billiards, arcade games and laser tag. How can you go wrong?
No matter how your family decides to spend their spring break in the Chicago Southland, we can promise you will not be disappointed! We want you to share your experiences with us! Tag us on Instagram @VisitChicagoSouthland using #ChicagoSouthland and your photo may be featured on our Facebook page!
For a full list of Things to See and Do in the region, click HERE
Can’t Miss Event of the Weekend: South Side Irish Parade
The South Side Irish Parade steps off at Noon on Sunday, March 16th and runs south down Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th. The annual South Side Irish Parade is a great time to spend with family and friends, both in bars and at house parties. Organizations encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and help keep the annual tradition a safe, family friendly event. Many of the Western Avenue bars support the parade and the organizers hope you will support them in a responsible manner helping them ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable parade.
The parade has grown from 17 children marching around the block 27 years ago to an event that hosts over 15,000 marchers and 250,000+ spectators each year. The South Side Irish Parade is a family-friendly event and has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol along the parade route. It is strictly enforced in accordance with a City of Chicago ordinance which includes fines up to $1000 for open containers in the public way.
Friday, March 14th
Supreme Promotions MMA Fights 15
Comfort Inn & Conference Centre & Georgios Banquets, 8800 West 159th Street, Orland Hills, IL
708-403-1100
Supreme Promotions MMA Fights 15 will showcase all the local MMA fighters in the area and highlight the following area gyms: UFC Gym in Orland Park, TEAM ONE in Tinley Park, Victory Martial Arts in Tinley Park, Gilberts Grappling in Hickory Hills, Elite in Orland park, and CounterStrike MMA in Downers Grove. To purchase tickets call 1-888-98-SUPREME or 1-815-999-5032
Doors Open at 6PM, fights start at 8PM-12AM
Are You My Mother?
Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL
708-747-0580
At long last, Baby Bird emerges from her shell and expects to be greeted by her mothers song. But her mother is not there. Where is she? Why isnt she home? Based on P.D. Eastmans classic picture book for young readers, Are You My Mother? is ArtsPower National Touring Theaters enchanting musical about an adventure that overflows with love, dedication & friendship.
10AM (School groups) & 7PM
Economic Forecast Breakfast-Prairie State College Foundation
Olympia Fields Country Club
2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields, IL
708-709-3631
Featuring James Hrabak. Please register by March 7, 2014. Advance registration required.
7:30am
Saturday, March 15th
Annual St. Patrick’s Concert
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
Paddy Homan will be accompanied on stage by some of Chicago’s most entertaining and talented musicians, Dennis Cahill on guitar, Teresa Shine on fiddle and the legendary John Williams on accordion. Paddy Homan, a native of Co. Cork, Ireland is a natural entertainer, elevating traditional Irish songs to new heights, and who adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to all of his performances. He has earned his place beside a wide variety of talented musicians who are recognized as the best in the business. Paddy Homan has received many awards, with the latest being 2014 Live Ireland Music Awards Best Male Vocal Album “The Hard Way Home”
Doors open at 6.30pm with concert starting at 7.30pm. Admission is $20.00 and tickets can be purchased in advance. In addition, The Cross Keys School of Irish Dance will perform an exhibition of Irish step dancing.
6:30PM doors open; 7:30PM concert starts
Record Collector’s Show
Comfort Inn & Conference Centre & Georgios Banquets, 8800 West 159th Street, Orland Hills, IL
773-585-6254
40 Dealer tables will offer original music releases from the 50’s – 90’s. Thousands of albums & 45’s to fill your collection.
9AM-3PM
Coyote Run Opening Day
Coyote Run Golf Course
800 Kedzie Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-8700
Masters Of Motown
Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL
708-747-0580
Get ready, because here they come… Back by popular demand, Masters of Motown performed at Freedom Hall to a Sold Out show. Enjoy Motown classics, stylish costumes and a night down memory lane.
7:30PM
Spring Craft Show
Founders Center, 140 Oak Street, Frankfort, IL
815-469-9400
Vendors & Crafters
9AM-3PM
Children’s Museum In Oak Lawn – Casino Night
115 Bourbon Street
3359 West 115th Street, Merrionette Park, IL
708-423-6709
Casino Night Fundraiser for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn Are you Feeling Lucky? Please join us for the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn for our Casino Night on Saturday, March 15th at Bourbon Street! This annual fundraiser will be a great evening with casino games (for charity purposes), auctions, raffles, good food, and so much more! For more information visit us at http://www.CMOakLawn.org!
7-11PM
St. Patrick’s Day Tea
Blue Island Historical Society/Albee House
13018 Maple Avenue, Blue Island, IL
708-371-8546
Grab your friends and come on by for a fun afternoon full of treats and tea!
Our teas typically include several choices of teas, small sandwiches, desserts, a short presentation, and raffles, all within our beautifully decorated historic home, the Albee House.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
2-4PM
Saturday, March 15th – Sunday, March 16th
North American Reptile Breeders
Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-5485
The shows are the best places for the general public and breeders alike to come out and meet many of the World’s top Reptile Breeders.
Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 11AM-4PM
Sunday, March 16th
Peotone Car Club Swap Meet
Will County Fairgrounds, 710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-828-2687
St. Patty’s Day Scramble
Coyote Run Golf Course
800 Kedzie Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-8700
Gaelic Park’s South Side Irish Sunday
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
On South Side Irish Sunday come to Gaelic Park for a full day of events. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. with four stages of continuous entertainment for the entire family. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under. Entertaining in the Emerald Room is the popular, lively local group, The Larkin & Moran Brothers at 1:30 p.m. Arranmore brings its contemporary folk music with an Irish flair at 5:30 p.m. The Dennehy School of Irish Dance displays its wonderful step dancers at 7.30p.m. The festivities in the Tara Room include Rico Quinn on stage 1:30 p.m. and Highland Reign at 6p.m. A delicious hot food buffet will also be available starting at 1.30pm. Popular Irish dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef Dinners, Fish & Chips and various sandwiches will be available for purchase. In the Carraig Pub, local sensations John Dillon will perform at 1:30 p.m. and Gerry Dignan at 6:00 p.m. Lastly, the Celtic Room hosts children’s entertainment beginning at 1.30p.m. with the Dublin Deceptions Magic Show, A Bit o the Magic at 3:30 and the Shamrock Shenanigans Magic Show at 5 p.m. All in all, Gaelic Park provides a great venue, with a traditional Irish atmosphere for the entire family to celebrate South Side Irish Sunday, no matter what the weather.
The Saoirse, Irish Band
Stony Creek Golf, Restaurant & Banquets
5850 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL
708-857-2433
Young Irish musicians play traditional Irish music accompanied by various instruments. The Saoirse have won several awards and have performed at Celtic Fest!
7-9PM
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th
Lake Katherine Dyes Their Waterfall Green
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
12PM & 4PM
Come visit Lake Katherine to see the waterfall turned green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Luncheon
Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
A traditional corned beef and cabbage luncheon will be served. The delicious hot lunch includes soup, salad, traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage luncheon, dessert and tea/coffee. Live entertainment is provided by Joe Cullen. In addition, The Cross Keys School of Irish Dance will perform an exhibition of Irish step dancing. Admission is $25.00 and reservations are required for the luncheon.
12PM doors open; 1PM lunch served
Looking for animal interactions? Check out the events at Sand Ridge Nature Center and Sagawau Environmental Learning Center!
Looking to learn more about the Dutch culture? Check out the Elim Dutch Festival in Palos Heights!
Want to watch soccer in a playoff atmosphere with 20,000 of your closest friends? Head to Toyota Park this Saturday evening for the Chicago Fire!
Looking to let your kids burn off some energy? Check out the Family Fun Fair in Oak Lawn on Sunday!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Night Owls
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Come join us on a night hike as we explore nocturnal animals and some of their adaptations through activities and games. Be prepared to go on a one hour walk on the trails. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Registration required by Wednesday, September 25.
7PM |
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Saturday, September 28, 2013
 Dutch Festival
Elim Christian Services, 13020 South Central Avenue, Palos Heights, IL
708-293-6509
A celebration of Dutch food, music and entertainment for all ages.
7:30AM-4PM
Worldwide Day Of Play
Sullivan Park, 99th & Kostner, Oak Lawn, IL
708-857-2200
Ball Games (Dodgeball, Kickball, Soccer), Disc Golf, Capture the Flag, Obstacle Course, Building Set as well as supervised but unstructured activities.
10AM-1PM |
The Wonder Of Salamanders
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
What exactly are salamanders and what do they do? Join us as we answer these questions and much more. We will seek our answers through an interactive presentation, see a resident salamander up close, and go on a search for salamanders and other amphibians. Intended for adults and children age 12 and up.
1:30-2:30PM |
Snakes
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL
630-257-2045
Learn how the geology of the Sag Valley has formed the habitat for several snake species.
1PM |
St. Mark’s Lutheran Flea Market
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot, 11007 South 76th Avenue, Worth, IL
708-448-6555
This flea market is held the last Saturday of months April through September. A wide variety of vendors are offered and booth space is still available. The August fair also features a family fair for children with games, prizes, face painting and much more.
8AM-2PM |
Fall Family Campout
Flossmoor Park, 2523 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-0300
4PM |
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 Chicago Fire Soccer
TOYOTA PARK, 7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, ILLocked in a tight playoff race, the Chicago Fire take on Montreal.
888-MLS-FIRE
7:30PM |
The Long And Winding Road Starring Jim Witter
The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
Take a memorable trip with Jim Witter in this multimedia presentation featuring over 30 hits, including “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Hey Jude,” “Blackbird,” “Yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Penny Lane,” and Jim’s favorite the Abbey Road medley. Jim Witter is an award-winning country music and Christian music singer/songwriter. Ten of Witter’s songs reached the top 10 on Canadian country radio.
8PM |
Sunday, September 29, 2013
 Fall Fun Fest
Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, IL
708-423-6709
Kid’s dash, Inflatable jumpers, craft vendors, Little Miss Ann entertainment, Kid Classic Toy Museum, free pumpkins while supplies last.
10AM-2PM
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Blueprint For Building Community
Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
John Perry, Village Manager, 1980s, speaking on his experience in Park Forest and Woodridge, IL, and leadership insights for good government. Book signing to follow.
2:30-4:30PM |
Sports Collectible Show
Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-6200
Sports Cards, Toys, Nascar & More
9AM-2PM |
What better way to welcome June than with some fun festivals and events in the Chicago Southland? From free movies to fun runs, art fairs and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, there is something for everyone this weekend!
Here are some of the events happening this weekend in the Chicago Southland:
The 2013 Chicago Southland Visitors Guide will help you head in the right direction for fun with 80 colorful pages including several tours, trails and other getaway ideas. The free guide is available by calling the Chicago Southland CVB toll-free at 888-895-8233, or head to VisitChicagoSouthland.com.
Explore the many
facets of railroading in the Chicago Southland by exploring the Illinois Central Rail Trail. See the nine interpretive murals and three interpretive gazebos along the Illinois Lincoln Highway. Travel around the Chicago Southland to discover veteran’s memorials from several wars. Seasonal ideas for fun, ethnic celebrations and 22 free things to do give visitors a great starting point for an enjoyable stay.
The 2013 Visitors Guide also features accommodations, dining, things to see and do, arts & culture, shopping, transportation and other visitor amenities in Chicago’s 62 south and southwest suburbs,
convenient to several interstates including I-55, I-57, I-80, I-94, I-294 and I-355.
Highlights include descriptions and pictures of the wide variety of venues located within the region: Toyota Park for big-name concerts and Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club; the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre for major touring musical acts; Major League Baseball at U.S. Cellular Field with the Chicago White Sox; Balmoral Park for year-round live harness racing; Windy City ThunderBolts minor league baseball at Standard Bank Stadium, and fun for the kids at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, plus much more!
The 2013 Discount Coupon Book has about 50 coupons offering great specials on dining, attractions, things to see and do, and services in the Chicago Southland, a region located just minutes from downtown Chicago via commuter rail or car.
Check out the official Chicago Southland destination website where visitors can also find a wealth of information, plus up-to-date listings of festivals and events in the region.
Odyssey Fun World: If you have not been to Odyssey Fun World yet, you are missing out! From laser tag, to Go-Karts and miniature golf, they have it all. Get ready to have fun!
Just Beyond the City Limits Blog 