Top Picks: Feb. 7-9, 2014

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In my Top Picks for this weekend, you will find fun events to bring your kids in the following towns: Bartlett, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, St. Charles, West Dundee, 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 7, 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. (please note that it says 11:30 when you select the drop-down for this date–I have not been able to confirm the time yet, but will update if a manager contacts me!)
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 8, 2014
Event: Hickory Knolls Discovery Days: “Big Run Wolf Ranch”
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: Get up close and cozy with a real wolf! Learn what life is like for wolves and coyotes, as well as other species of North American wildlife
Cost: $5 per person
Information: Web site or 630-513-4399

Saturday, February 8, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “Turbo″ (PG) (repeats Sunday, but note time change)
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Marcus Cinema, 111 S. Randall Rd., Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Description: See a family-friendly movie and enjoy concessions specials!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site or 847-622-1000

Saturday, February 8, 2014
Event: Michaels Kids Club Craft Fun
Town: Multiple store locations including: Algonquin, Bloomingdale, Geneva, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, IL
Where: 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: Make a ”Sweet Treat Bag”
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site

Saturday, February 8, 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. (please note that it says 11:30 when you select the drop-down for this date–I have not been able to confirm the time yet, but will update if a manager contacts me!)
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, February 8, 2014
Event: Barnes & Noble ”Love Monster” Storytime
Town: Multiple Barnes & Noble Stores
Where: Barnes & Noble stores including Crystal Lake, Geneva, Schaumburg and West Dundee
Age: All ages
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Story, activities and treats!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site

Saturday, February 8, 2014
Event: Winter Fest
Town: Bartlett, IL
Where: Bartlett Nature Center Shelter, 2054 W. Stearns Rd., James “Pate” Phillip State Park, Bartlett
Age: All ages
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: Watch teams of Siberian Huskies run the trail!
Adopt-a-Husky and their sleds will also be on site. Learn all about dog sledding and enjoy more outdoor fun!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 847-608-3100

Saturday, February 8, 2014
Event: Vintage Valentines
Town: Elk Grove Village, IL
Where: Elk Grove Historical Museum & Society, 399 Biesterfield Rd., Elk Grove Village
Age: All ages
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy some sweets and learn about Victorian Valentines. Create your own Valentine using materials provided and even a vintage steel tipped pen!
Cost: $2 per person ($1 for Historical Society members)
Information: Web site or 847-439-3994

SUNDAY
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “Turbo″ (PG)
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Marcus Cinema, 111 S. Randall Rd., Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: See a family-friendly movie and enjoy concessions specials!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site or 847-622-1000

Sunday, February 9, 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. (please note that it says 11:30 when you select the drop-down for this date–I have not been able to confirm the time yet, but will update if a manager contacts me!)
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 9, 2014
Event: Barnes & Noble Creativity For Kids Event
Town: Schaumburg, IL
Where: Woodfield Plaza Shopping Center, 590 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg
Age: All ages
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Description: A messy, but fun event!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 847-310-0450

Sunday, February 9, 2014
Event: Horse-Drawn Sleigh 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