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A very happy weekend to all of you moms, dads, grandparents, aunties, nannies, babysitters and (fill in the blanks). Not only is it a ”St. Patrick’s Day” kind of weekend, but Spring really is just around the corner! I think if I keep saying that enough, maybe I’ll start seeing some flowers pop through?
Have seen my latest GIVEAWAY, compliments of British Swim School – Schaumburg? You can get a FREE, 30-minute “fun in the water” swim lesson for your child at “Splash-A-Palooza” taking place on Saturday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. in Schaumburg. Space is limited to 25 sign-ups, and as of this writing, there are only about 14 spots left, so don’t delay! All of the details on the giveaway may be found HERE.
In my Top Picks for this weekend, you will find fun places to bring your kids in the following towns: Algonquin, Bloomindale, East Dundee, Elgin, Geneva, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, 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!
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
DISCLAIMER: Information on these events and activities is obtained through press releases, word of mouth, newspapers, publications and reader submissions. Although we are careful to report accurate dates and times as they are given to us, we realize that sometimes we receive inaccurate information or events may be cancelled. We strongly encourage you to confirm the information before heading out and/or to click the link that is provided for each activity to check the details.
FRIDAY
Friday, March 14, 2014
Event: Family Science Night
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a variety of hands-on stations offering experiments, demonstrations and more!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site or 847.741.6655
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Event: Studio Movie Grill Toons Series: ”Gruffalo: The Gruffalo’s Child” (G, 54 mins) (*repeats on 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 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
Friday, March 14, 2014
Event: St. Patrick’s Day Fireworks Display
Town: East Dundee & West Dundee, IL
Where: The Footbridge–located at North and Water Street in East Dundee – and at Lincoln Avenue in West Dundee.
Age: All ages
Time: 7:30 p.m. (bagpipes will start at about 7:20 p.m.)
Description: Watch a fireworks display
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site
SATURDAY
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration
Town: East Dundee, IL
Where: South from Illinois and Water Street; then East on Barrington Avenue; then South on River Street, ending at Jackson Street. The Grandstand will be located at the corner of Barrington and River Street.
Age: All ages
Time: 11:00 a.m. parade kicks off
Description: Come to the grandstand early and enjoy stiltwalkers, hairpainting by Spa Bleu, chair massages by Fox River Spa and Salon, and chalk art fun
Cost: FREE
Information: Web Site
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Town: Downtown St. Charles, IL
Where: Main St./Rte. 64, St. Charles
Age: All ages
Time: 2:00 p.m. parade kicks off
Description: Enjoy this annual parade complete with marching bands, dancers and floats!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web Site or 630.443.3967
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: Pioneer Farm Baby Animals Event (*repeats Sunday)
Town: Hampshire, IL
Where: Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timer Rd., Hampshire
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Hold baby lambs, goats, piglet, chicks and calf. Watch sheep being sheared!
Cost: $5 per person; $12 per family of 4; $20 per family of 5
Information: Web Site or 847-683-2863
Saturday, March 15, 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: ”Personalized Name Plate” craft
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “Walking With Dinosaurs” (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, March 15, 2014
Event: Health & Fitness Expo
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: The Centre of Elgin/Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: Fun activities, health screenings, children’s fingerprinting, presentations from the Elgin Police and Fire Depts.
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 847-531-7000
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: Sugar Bush Fair (*repeats on Sunday)
Town: Schaumburg, IL
Where: Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: Breakfast donated by Whole Foods Market, demonstrations, puppet show, hayride, and a pioneer sugar camp–it’s all about maple syrup!
Cost: FREE admission; pancake breakfast is $4 (half stack) or $5 (full stack)
Information: Web site or 847-985-2100
Special Note: Dress warmly–breakfast is in a tent outside, as well as outdoor activities
Parking: Is available at the District 54 Administration Building, 524 E. Schaumburg Road. Transportation will be provided to Spring Valley from this location via shuttle.
SUNDAY
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Event: Pioneer Farm Baby Animals Event
Town: Hampshire
Where: Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timer Rd., Hampshire
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Hold baby lambs, goats, piglet, chicks and calf. Watch sheep being sheared!
Cost: $5 per person; $12 per family of 4; $20 per family of 5
Information: Web Site or 847-683-2863
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Event: Studio Movie Grill Toons Series: ”Gruffalo: The Gruffalo’s Child” (G, 54 mins)
Town: Wheaton, IL
Where: Studio Movie Grill, 301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Age: See rating
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Watch a 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, March 16, 2014
Event: Kids Dream Winter Film Series – “Walking With Dinosaurs” (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
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Event: Sugar Bush Fair
Town: Schaumburg, IL
Where: Vera Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: Breakfast donated by Whole Foods Market, demonstrations, puppet show, hayride, and a pioneer sugar camp–it’s all about maple syrup!
Cost: FREE admission; pancake breakfast is $4 (half stack) or $5 (full stack)
Information: Web site or 847-985-2100
Special Note: Dress warmly–breakfast is in a tent outside, as well as outdoor activities
Parking: Is available at the District 54 Administration Building, 524 E. Schaumburg Road. Transportation will be provided to Spring Valley from this location via shuttle.
