February was short, but it packed a punch. Now, what do you have for us, March? The answer is lots and lots — especially when it comes to family fun. This weekend, go to a Lantern Fest for Chinese New Year, watch the antics of Elephant and Piggie, meet Elsa at Cantigny, attend a Purim party and more. It’s all proof that March will be a blast.
Lincoln Park
Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a Play”
If your pint-sized readers love Mo Willems’ beloved Elephant and Piggie series, this is the show for them. Join the cautious elephant, Gerald, and his playful Piggie pal on a music-filled journey to discover the true meaning of friendship. Held thru May 30 at Apollo Theater. Tickets start at $15. Ages 3 & up. Event details.
Navy Pier
Lantern Festival
Flock to the closing celebration of Chinese New Year where traditionally children carry lanterns in the evening to mark the last day of the Lunar New Year. The Navy Pier event includes a stage filled with music, dance and martial arts. Kids can learn calligraphy, paper cutting and lantern making. Held Sun., noon-3 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
The Loop
Red Kite, Blue Sky
This is a family theatrical performance especially designed for kids with autism and their families. A fantastical romp, you’ll soar through a world of birdies that live in the City in the Clouds. The kids will get to help the seasons change with a funky rain dance, and everyone can delight in the spectacular colors of a maypole rainbow parade. Held thru Mar. 4 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. $20/1 child & 1 parent; $10/extra adult. All ages. Event details.
Hyde Park
Purim Festival
Spend an afternoon enjoying all of your fam’s carnival faves with games, goofy prizes, a vision into your future with a fortune teller, arts and crafts, and yummy munchies. Make sure to rock your most festive duds for the occasion. Held Sun., 1-3 p.m. at the Hyde Park JCC. Free admission; there is a fee for games. All ages. Event details.
Wheaton
Cantigny’s “Frozen” Eve
Your little princes and princesses will delight in a screening of their favorite movie, and they can even participate in a sing-a-long with their friends. Elsa and the gang will also be there for photos with their adoring subjects. Held Sat., 6-9 p.m. at Cantigny Park. $25/person. All ages. Event details.
Rosemont
Polar Peak at FROZEMONT
MB Financial Park has turned into a wonderland of fun, complete with tubing, ice skating, brilliant lights and more. At the center of “FROZEMONT” is the four-story Polar Peak tubing hill — the grade is steep and the ride is thrilling. (There is a kiddie slope for those that don’t need as much adrenaline.) Held thru Sun. $20/hour for tubing; ice skating is free and skate rentals are $8. All ages. Event details.
Glenview
Little Sweethearts Family Dance
Boogie to tunes from the old days and your favorite current jams. There’s also a roaming magician and meet-and-greets with the Snow Queen herself. Take home a free keepsake photo, and everyone can make their own paper boutonnieres and corsages for their special sweethearts. Held Sat., 5-8 p.m. at Kohl Children’s Museum. $24/non-members; $12/members. All ages. Event details.
St. Charles
Chicago Family Palooza
Go bananas with everything from bungees to carnival games to a 220-foot-long indoor zip line. Your little climbers will also be able to take turns on the rock climbing wall, bounce around in the inflatables, challenge their friends to a game of miniature golf and hang out with their fluffy friends at the petting zoo. Held Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Pheasant Run Resort. $5-$15/person. All ages. Event details.
What are you going to do as you cruise into March? Tell us in the Comments!
— Kelly Aiglon & Natasha Davis
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photo: Elephant and Piggy / Emerald City Theatre by Johnny Knight
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