Urban myth: All playgrounds are created equal. Not true! Chicago and the ‘burbs have some that really go over the top to show you and your crew a good time. We’re talking unbelievable themes and play structures, plus cool add-ons like rope bridges, tire mazes and even faux Viking boats. Scroll through to discover local playgrounds that will stop you in your tracks.

For Brains & Courage: Oz Park Playground

Why will you go to this Wizard of Oz-themed playground? Because of the wonderful things it does! Walk the yellow brick road and explore the wooden tornado, then cozy up to statues of characters from the movie (you'll find them scattered throughout the park). Play, smell the flowers in the nearby Emerald Garden, and picnic on the lawn. What better way to ingratiate yourself with Dorothy and Toto?

2021 N. Burling St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

For Climbing Fiends: Harvester Park Playground

Climbing a tree is a rite of childhood and you can do it here in a fun new way. Not only does this playground offer many play options, but a large climbable tree beckons as you arrive. Scurry on up and be sure to save time to play in the sand and control water flow in the nearby streams.

15 W. 400 Harvester Dr., Burr Ridge; Online: brparks.org

For Big Imaginations: Indian Boundary Playground

All aboard! The one-of-a-kind wooden climbing structures here riff on both Native American and train themes, and add up to a day of adventure. Pretend to be a conductor as you navigate maze-like tire and wood structures, reveling in new discoveries around every turn. Kids can also cool down in the water spray feature that has dancing bears and spray misters. 

2500 W. Lunt Ave., West Ridge; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

For Spiderman Fans: Festival Park Playground

Crawl into a web of intrigue. As you make your way up the suspended ropes, you'll aim for the middle where you can jump on a mini trampoline and make the entire structure bounce and sway. There are other playtime gems here as well – the multiple musical instruments and piano embedded into the ground (just hop around on the squares to play notes) will be sure to delight. And just steps away is a splash fountain with multiple water sprayers cooling all ages off in hot weather.

132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin; Online: cityofelgin.org

For Baseball Fans: Sheil Playground

Batter up! If you have a soft spot for peanuts and Cracker Jacks, head here for a playground with a special baseball touch: There's a huge baseball scoreboard chalkboard on the brick wall to the north. Bring chalk and make a game out of who can do the most climbing and sliding.

3505 N. Southport Ave., Lakeview; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

For Little Farmhands: Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm in Aurora has it all—a rustic barn-inspired design, fun interactive features, huge slides and tons of maze-like passageways. It’s unlike any other playground we’ve seen. Hours (yes, hours) will fly by.

100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora; Online: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

For Viking Adventures: Veterans Memorial Playground

Pretend that you're setting sail on the choppy seas at this stomping ground. Its claim to fame is a large-size Viking boat structure that you can play on. Look below to see sharks and other sea creatures printed onto the soft play surface. There are also sandy “beaches” with additional play structures. This playground has many more options, including a large zipline that mom and dad can try.

55 E. Richmond St., Westmont; Online: westmontparks.org

For the Little Indiana Jones: Union Park Playground

Thomas G via Yelp

This newly renovated playground has challenging, modern equipment for all ages. From the large dome structure with rope climbing options to the swimming rope bridge over a ravine to the hanging rocking swings, this is climbing like you’ve never seen. Beware of the water sprayer—it looks innocent, but will soak you in just one run-through!

1501 W. Randolph St., West Loop; Online: chicagoparkdisrict.com

For Out-Of-This-World Fun: Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Playground

Playground Pointers

At this playground, you can pretend to be an astronaut and climb great to heights. The curved metal structure and tall climbing wall (with 3 options for different levels) will make kids, and adults, feel as though they are climbing as high as skyscrapers, with great views of Lake Michigan. Hidden water features, access to bathrooms and a beach, make this a playtime imagination destination.

31st Street & Lakeshore Dr., South Loop; Online: facebook.com

For the Climb: Maggie Daley

Take all other parks, give them a dose of steroids, and you have Maggie Daley Park. It's that cool. While there are certainly areas within the play structure you can climb, the Wave Hill is a 16,530 square foot play area with a rolling topography where kids can climb what feels like a mountain to them, roll down, and do it all over again.

 337 E. Randolph St., The Loop: Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

— Maria Chambers & Mistie Lucht

Featured photo: Pexels

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You know her from Parks & Recreation and that alluring deadpan, but Aubrey Plaza has been busy during the pandemic. Not only is she starring and producing Michael Levine’s Black Bear, she also been penning a new picture book for kids. True to Plaza’s reputation for beating to her own drum, this one is a holiday book, with a twist. Read on to learn more.

Coming in Oct. 2021 and available now for pre-order, The Christmas Witch is authored by Aubrey Plaza and Daniel Murphy with gorgeous fantasy-filled illustrations by Julia Iredale.

“Gather ‘round the fire to hear a Christmas legend that has never been told before…until now. Each year a        mysterious figure sweeps into town, leaving behind strange gifts in the night. No, not Santa Claus, but his          sister…”

The story introduces readers to Santa’s long lost, misunderstood sister, Kristtōrn, who just happens to have been raised alone by a witch of the woods. Kristtōrn embarks on a journey to find her twin, but is met with fear of her powers. And Kristtōrn has a temper. It leads to a confrontation that leaves the fate of Christmas itself in balance.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be publishing The Legend of the Christmas Witch with Viking this fall,” says Plaza.“This is a story that Dan and I have been working on for some time now and we can’t wait to introduce a character as fierce, independent, and headstrong as Kristtörn to readers this holiday season.”

We can’t wait to see all of those lavish illustrations and read the tale in its entirety by a cozy fireplace of our own. And according to Viking, it’s a two-book deal but no word on what the next book will be. We’ll wait as patiently as we can.

Pre-order it here, $18.99 hardcover. Geared toward ages 5-8, but we know you’ll enjoy it any age.

—Amber Guetebier

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Amanda Gorman made history on Jan. 20, 2021 as the youngest poet laureate ever to recite the inaugural poem. Composed, passionate and just 22 years-old, her words were heard by people across America and across the world. Coming this fall, Ms. Gorman has two new books with Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers. Read on for the scoop.

Book 1: Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

 

This picture book, geared toward ages 4-8, is a lyrical book, richly illustrated by Loren Long a NY Times bestselling illustrator. Picture a cast of characters led by a young, singing girl, to create change in their communities and the world, all designed to remind young kids that they have the power to make change and achieve anything.

Available for pre-order here, $16.95 (Hardcover)

Out in Sept. 21, 2021

 

Book 2: The Hill We Climb 

This collection of new poems from LA’s poet laureate, including the inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb” which she recited at the swearing in of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Believe it or not, this is Gorman’s first collection of published works. Geared toward ages 14 and up.

Preorder it here, $19.95 (Hardcover)

Out Sep. 21, 2021

Book 3: The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country 

This special edition book featuring the single poem, “The Hill We Climb” in its entirety. Geared toward ages 14 and up (Makes a great teacher gift!)

Preorder it here, $15.99 (Hardcover)

Available Apr. 27, 2021

photo: Shawn Miller via Wikimedia Commons 

 

About Amanda Gorman

Most of us know her now as the inaugural Poet Laureate of the United States, who was invited to read a poem at the inauguration of the 46th president. She is actually the first person ever to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She graduated from Harvard and now lives in LA where she is an activist and educator. Learn more about her at theamandagorman.com

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Some days, it feels like everyone around you can do something special but you—especially when you’re a kid. Now imagine being a Viking kid growing up with winged reptiles as your family. You don’t fly. You can’t spit fire. Your tail doesn’t shoot shards of bone when you get angry. What’s a Viking kid to do?

This fall, Netflix will bring the heat to the small screen with the release of DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders, an exciting tale of two kids and their winged, scaly pals who know that the coolest way to impress others is by helping them. Keep reading to find out why it’s a must-see during family screen time.

The Scoop:
In DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders, Viking twins Dak and Leyla—rescued and raised among dragons who teach them to speak the dragon language—have super powers of their own. They use teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving to help others, just like their dragon family did to help them. And we all can agree that firepower doesn’t hold a candle to friendship power. Here are a few reasons we can’t wait for this new show, which debuts on Netflix Sep. 27.

1. The show is familiar but new. Viking twins and their flight of four young flamethrowers exhibit ways to help others through acts of selflessness and bravery in a faraway corner of the Viking and dragon world where fans of How to Train Your Dragon movies have never yet visited. Dragons Rescue Riders is familiar, but new characters mean entirely fresh interactions and challenges, especially with the twins’ unique ability to communicate with dragons.

2. The show is about nice people (and dragons) doing good things. In each episode, the twins and their Rescue Riders embark on a mission to pay forward the kindness of the dragons that raised them and rescue other dragons—who are often just learning how to use their powers—along with people, sheep, and any other creature that finds themselves in danger’s path. This is a show that will fire up a belief in the power of friendship, teamwork and collaboration to overcome differences and help one another out.

3. The show is exciting, funny and easy to experience together. The show is intended for younger kids, but no matter the age or stage of your Dragons fan, Dragons Rescue Riders offers the right mix of creativity and credibility that viewers expect from DreamWorks. Don’t be surprised if your couch isn’t crammed with the whole family when you have Dragons Rescue Riders on.

4. The show will introduce new dragon friends. If your kid is ready to befriend a few new dragon pals, this show will make her day. New and endearing characters include Winger, the most powerful dragon of the crew, Summer who can swim as fast as other dragons can fly, fun-loving Cutter, Burple who is the lovable purple dragon with four stomachs and Aggro, quite possibly the smartest of all the dragons, but also a bit of a hothead. Your kids will soon be familiar with all the lovable quirks of this fun group.

Super powers are cool, and DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders gives parents a chance to have them with the touch of a remote control button. Tune in to watch all 13 episodes of DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders first season, exclusively available on Netflix on September 27th.

—Shelley Massey

All photos courtesy of DreamWorks Animation

photo: sathyatripodi via Pixabay

A new baby in the house changes everything. A new brother or sister sounds like a great idea, but once the squalling bundle comes home, it can be a different story! These books face the issue head-on with humor and a knowing wisdom for a smoother transition.

Use Your Words, Sophie

Authored and illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Use Your Words, Sophie is a sweet preschooler book geared toward welcoming and communicating with a new sibling.

Recommended for ages 3 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Viking, 2015)

Wolfie the Bunny

Authored by Ame Dyckman

Illustrated by Zachariah O'Hora

Wolfie the Bunny is a completely fresh take on the arrival of a new sibling. If kids see the new baby as a wolf in baby's clothing, they'll relate to little Dot, a bunny whose family comes home to their city stoop to discover a basket with a baby wolf.

Recommended for ages 3 and older

Quality: 5 out of 5

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015)

Behold! A Baby

Authored by Stephanie Watson

Illustrated by Joy Ang

In this new-baby book, the boom-voiced announcer dad and the boy's irritated retorts make for a fun, theatrical read-aloud with a familiar emotional arc: Boy hates baby, boy learns to love baby.

Recommended for ages 3 and older

Quality: 3 out of 5

(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2015)

Gwendolyn Grace

Authored and illustrated by Katherine Hannigan

This light, bright bouncy story about a rambunctious little alligator in a pink tutu would be a perfect read for anyone introducing a new baby to a slightly older sibling.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Greenwillow Books, 2015)

Lazy Little Loafers

Authored by Susan Orlean

Illustrated b y G. Brian Karas

This charming and humorous book refers to babies as "lazy little loafers" and questions whether these creatures contribute anything to the world. It's the perfect read for an older sibling who has to head off to school while the younger sibling stays home and plays.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008)

Little Miss, Big Sis

Authored by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Little Miss, Big Sis emphasizes the joys and rewards of being an older sibling. Jealousy doesn't rear its head in this story. The rewards and closeness grow as the sisters do.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Harper, 2015)

Mail Harry to the Moon!

Authored by Robie H. Harris

Illustrated by Michael Emberley

Likely every kid who's become a big sibling will relate to the feelings described in this book, and reading the story will give them the opportunity to explore those feelings without guilt, and with a happy ending.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

The Year of the Baby: Anna Wang, Book 2

Authored by Andrea Cheng

Illustrated by Patrice Barton

The Year of the Baby, a follow-up to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-year-of-the-book">The Year of the Book</a>, is a sweet story about an older sister concerned about the health of her adopted baby sister. Anna's full of curiosity about what baby Kaylee's life was like in China, where she was abandoned by her family and left at an orphanage.

Recommended for ages 6 and older

Quality: 4 out of 5

(Houghton Mifflin Children’s Books, 2013)

For more family-themed books and books for the youngest readers, check out our lists of Books About Families and Best Books for Babies and Toddlers.

—Common Sense Media

 

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Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

Handmade gear isn’t just for your great-aunt and her annual sweater set anymore. Thanks to Etsy and the thousands of creative folks who sell their wares on the site, “from scratch” is a cool concept again. We spent a few (hundred) hours pouring over the incredibly unique things for sale and came up with 22 wildly adorable winter hats that are just Insta-perfect for the cold weather season.

1. Rainbow Bright from RU Creations, $45.


2. Mr. Roboto from Guu Guu Ga, $34.13.

3. Fly the Coop from LoopsnChains, $30.

4. Sweet Style from All Kinds of Art, $19.

5. Perfect Pixie from Booga Bug (up to age 6!), $28.

6. Leapin’ Lizard from Florfanka, $42.71. 

7. Unicorn Toppers from EhPopokiDesign, $7. 

8. Juicy Fruit from RiverCraftSupplies, $21. 

9. Baby Christmas Tree Hat from CrochetBoutiqueKL, $29.99.  

10. Christmas Ho Ho Ho Hat from PamKR, $14.99.

 

11. Toddler Hooded Bear Cowl from KnottedGrannyKnits, $45. 

 

12. Kids Viking Hat With Horns from TreMelarance, $43.93 

13. Fabulous Fox from seasunhandicrafts, $22.

14. Holiday Tree Beanie from LNoelDesigns, $18.99. 

15. Christmas Snowman Hat from PreciousMomentsProps, $26.

16. Christmas Baby Santa Hat from TSBPhotoProps, $25.

17. Snowman Baby Hat from TSBPhotoProps, $27.

18. Fuzzy Bunny Hat from BabaMoon,  $28.80.

19. Long Tail Elf Hat from JuniKids, $40.27.

20. Kool Koala from 2mice, $24.

21. Baily Bear Cowl from CrastyCraft, $31.12.

22. Knit Pilot Hat from TreMelarance, $36.61.

 

Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.

— Gabby Cullen

 

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Is it just me or are any other adults out there really spooked by traditional nursery rhymes? At first they didn’t bother me any and I barely even paid attention to the words I was reciting to my little ladies. After ten years of reading rhyme after rhyme however, they are sounding more freakishly terrifying to my old ears. Maybe these things are the reason kids never sleep!

 

Rock-A-Bye-Baby

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop When the wind blows, the cradle will rock When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall And down will come baby, cradle and all.

This one is another terrifying ode to the Royals. King James II and Mary Modena supposedly snatched up a sleeping infant and passed it off as their own in order to ensure the succession of the Catholic reign. Sleep tight, kids.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Mary Mary quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells And pretty maids all in a row.

Another one about Queen Mary aka Queen of the creepy nursery rhymes. The garden is supposedly code-wo for graveyard and the guillotine  was lovingly referred to as “The Maiden.” Silverbells and Cockleshells are a reference to devices of torture. Never again am I reading a nursery rhyme to my kids.

Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after.

Nothing weird about this sweet diddy, right? Wrong. A small English town claims this rhyme is about a real couple who used to sneak off to a local hill to do the deed. Jill falls preggers, Jack smashes his head open with a blunt object (obviously not ready for fatherhood) and Jill dies in childbirth. A real love story here.

London Bridges

London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.

I will admit, I didn’t ever have high hopes of this one. Bridges tumbling are never good news. This rhyme is open to suggestion. Some say it centers around child sacrifices (covering ears now) other say it has to do with the Viking attacks in the early 1000’s. Either way I hate bridges more than ever now.

Three Blind Mice

Three blind mice, three blind mice, See how they run, see how they run, They all ran after the farmer’s wife, Who cut off their tails with a carving knife, Did you ever see such a thing in your life, As three blind mice?

The back story is there are no mice…and no farm…and no happiness. The farmer’s wife is actually Queen Mary of England who didn’t cut off any tails, but rather burned three opposing noblemen (and several thousand others) at the stake.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Baa, baa, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, Three bags full!

One for the master, One for the dame, And one for the little boy who lives down the lane

This one is not as creepy in truth. Most scholars agree that it has to do with The Great Custom Tax of 1275. In recent history people have become really offended over the famous rhyme swearing that it is racially charged. One school even changed it to Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep. (Rolling eyes right now.) I’m just glad this one didn’t end in death and destruction and years worth of therapy and nightmares.

Baa Baa Black Sheep for the win!

Kristin is a blogging SAHM of 4 unruly princesses.  When she is not busy raising humans and vacuuming up toys she can be found at the local Target or hiding in her laundry room where she writes for Red Tricycle, Suburban Misfit Mom and Sammiches and Psych Meds.

Oh chocolate cake, how we love thee! Flourless, layer cake, black forest, ganache, fudge, devil’s food, chocolate souffle – San Diego has some of the most delicious chocolate cakes southern California has to offer. And to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day on Jan. 27 (yes, there is an actual day), we’ve researched the best out there, just for you! Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

Photo: Sherry Aikens via Flickr Creative Commons

Chocolate Buttercream Cupcake at Babycakes
If you like your cake in mini sizes then Babycakes in Hillcrest is for you. This cafe celebrates all-things mini so you can get a hit of chocolate cake in cupcake style. Their ever-so-popular chocolate buttercream is a delicious combination of a light and fluffy chocolate cake with a rich chocolate buttercream. It flies out the door and is the perfect hit of chocolate without being too rich or too big. Babycakes has plenty of areas for you to savor your treat. There is a 1,000-square-foot patio out front with plenty of seating and a garden courtyard out back. And there are more than 25 cup cake flavors, plus cakes, cookies, cheesecakes and tarts to choose. Parking is on street, so be prepared to walk a few blocks.

Insider’s Tip: There’s full bar service starting at 4 p.m. and all day on the weekends. So if you prefer a more family-friendly vibe, come on weekdays and earlier in the day.

3766 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-296-4173
Online: babycakessandiego.com

Photo: Michael Seachang via Flickr Creative Commons

Extraordinary Desserts
A visit to Extraordinary Desserts is a must for any chocolate cake connoisseur. A wall length counter that’s filled with cakes, cupcakes and other sweet treats await you. Innovative flavors and cakes decorated to look like works of art really make this place extraordinary. Regulars swear by the the Viking, chocolate crème brulee and milk chocolate cremeuse are hidden between chocolate cake layers. And to up the ante crushed chocolate almond pralines are sprinkled all around. There are two locations to check out: a cozy cafe in Hillcrest and a larger cafe in Little Italy. Be prepared that there will be a queue to order your treats at the counter. But as long as you nab a table, most of your party can hang out. The pricing can be a bit indulgent, but it’s worth it for an occasional treat.

Hillcrest
2929 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-294-2132

Little Italy
1430 Union St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-294-7001

Online: extraordinarydesserts.com

Photo: Chris Hui via Flickr Creative Commons 

Linda’s Fudge Cake at The Cheesecake Factory
Don’t be deterred by the name Cheesecake Factory. While you’ll find more than 30 delicious cheesecakes to tempt, hidden away and just waiting for you to devour is Linda’s fudge cake. This is a mix of chocolate goodness — seven tiers of chocolate cake, covered in a rich fudge topping and then dropped and rolled in chocolate chips for as far as the eye can see. It’s so big and so good that one piece could easily be shared. And of course while you are here you can grab a meal, a drink or a coffee. There can be a wait during peak periods, so prep some entertainment options for the kiddos if you need to hang for twenty minutes of so to be seated.

Otay Ranch Town Center
2015 Birch Rd.
Chula Vista, Ca 91915

Fashion Valley Mall
7067 Friars Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92108

The Headquarters at Seaport District
789 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101

Westfield North County Mall
200 E. Via Rancho Parkway
Escondido, Ca 92025

Online: thecheesecakefactory.com

Photo: Cheri T via Yelp

The Elby at Sage French Cake
Head to Kearny Mesa to the Sage French Cake and you’ll start to hear whispers of “The Elby.” This famed cake is layers made up of chocolate ganache, followed by chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse, more chocolate cake, chocolate mousse then one last glorious layer of chocolate cake. As decedent as it sounds, Sage French Cake is a Japanese-French fusion bakery known for lighter and less sugary styles of cake, so while it will be rich it won’t be an overload! The bakery itself is straightforward — you can pick up a tea or coffee and grab a small table outside to enjoy our slice of goodness. Hot Tip: The cakes are made later in the morning, so we recommend arriving after 1 p.m. to make sure you have maximum choices!

3860 Convoy St.
San Diego, Ca 92111
858-571-3484

Where’s your favorite chocolate cake in San Diego? Let us know in the comments below!

– Lenya McGrath

Before your brain takes a summer holiday, check out what’s new on the culture scene. Museum and theater season is coming to a hilt and now’s the time to get your fill of fun and culture. Here are our top picks, from a Viking adventure at The Field Museum to a quirky-cool puppet show at the Chicago Humanities Festival.

photo: The Secret Life of Suitcases / Anne Binckebanck

Fantastical Puppet Show: “The Secret Life of Suitcases”
The Chicago Humanities Festival is back, and this is the must-see for the kindergarten and grade-school set. It’s a quirky puppet caper and marks the U.S. debut by Scottish puppet maker Ailie Cohen. You’ll be swept off your feet by the tale of an organized office worker, Larry, whose world gets turned upside down when a flying suitcase appears at his door. This is a collaboration with Unicorn Theatre and is best for ages 5 & up.

Held May 12-17
Tickets: $7/kids; $14/adults
Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Park
312-494-9509
Online: chicagohumanities.org

 photo: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez

Animal Paradise: “Amphibians” at Shedd Aquarium
Tadpoles swim overhead, ribbit-ribbit fills the air, and caecilians swim and slither. This is all part of the scene at Shedd Aquarium’s big new exhibit, opening in May. “Amphibians” showcases 40 species of salamanders, frogs and rarely-seen caecilians — highlighting their diversity, unique adaptations and the serious challenges they face. In more than two dozen different habitats, you’ll see tiny frogs not much bigger than a quarter to a nearly four-foot-long giant Japanese salamander, the second largest species of amphibian in the world.

Opens in May
Tickets: Prices vary, depending on your museum package. Click here for info.
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-939-2438
Online: sheddaquarium.org

High Seas Adventure: “Vikings” at The Field Museum
Did you imagine a helmut with horns on top? Yep, us too. But you won’t find one at The Field’s newest mega exhibit because no viking helmut has ever been discovered with horns! Its latest exhibit exposes the myths and explores the truth behind Scandinavia’s ancient — and infamous —seafaring raiders. Artifacts on display reveal glimpses into family and community, religion and rituals, travel and trade, aristocracy and slavery, and the roles of women. A highlight is the Krampmacken, a replica Viking ship from Sweden. You’ll also see exquisitely wrought brooches, depictions of Norse gods, gold and silver pendants, and Viking Age swords and other weapons.

Held thru October 4
Tickets: Prices vary, depending on your museum package. Click here for info.
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-922-9410
Online: fieldmuseum.org

 photo: Cirque Zuma Zuma

Acrobatic “Ooh”s and “Aah”s: Cirque Zuma Zuma
It has the reputation as the “ultimate African circus.” Count us in! You’ll be amazed at the wide range of African variety arts, including live music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and comedy. Expect colorful costumes and dramatic lighting that gives an air of mysticism to things. And if it all looks a little familiar, that’s because this group was a 2011 finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Appropriate for all ages.

Held April 25
Tickets: $36/ages 18 & under; $46/adults
McAninch Arts Center
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn
630-942-4000
Online: atthemac.org

photo: Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure / Joe Mazza

Music That Mesmerizes: “Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure”
Girl power! Two of Chicago’s most dynamic young actors, Isabelle Roberts and Ariana Burks, will alternate performances as Alice in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s musical romp that gets curiouser and curiouser. An eclectic live soundtrack (including everything from classic rock to punk to ska to Bollywood) will blow you away as Alice searches for her inner musical voice. Along the way, she faces challenges, fears and the Jabberwocky, a monster made of up of the dark thoughts and self-doubt that lurk inside of us all. In learning to believe in the impossible, Alice learns to believe in herself.

Held April 22-May 24
Tickets: $10-$38
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Gold Coast
872-222-9555
Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org

What big plans do you have this spring? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon