FREE BOWLING FOR KIDS!

Imagine a summer filled with kid-friendly entertainment that’s completely free. Too good to be true? Not so! Nationwide, AMF Bowling Centers are once again offering Summer Unplugged, where families can save money while providing fun, daily entertainment for the kids.

Better yet, it’s easy to sign up! Parents simply need to visit the AMF Bowling Centers' site to register. Once registration is complete, users will be able to download a coupon, good for one week, which will replenish throughout the summer. Plus, AMF will periodically send email reminders during the summer so you won't forget to print your vouchers. Children 15 and under can enjoy two free games on the house, every day, this summer from May 14 – September 3. Shoes are not included.

Is Your Dog the Next Champion?

The most exciting show in Chicagoland is just around the corner! Soon the area’s most talented dogs and their fun-loving owners will be contending in the 9^th Annual Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show .

A wonderful event for two and four-footed friends alike, the show is being held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12^th, at the Aurora Turners Club at 1335 Mitchell Road in Aurora, Illinois. Competitors will have an exhilarating time vying for first place in the Best Trick, the Fastest Eater, Bobbin’ for Dogs and other great categories. There are events especially for kids, too!

The show also includes a quarter raffle with a spectacular array of prizes, fun pet-related merchandise, and a cash raffle with a first prize of $300. Plus, there will be many lovable adoptable dogs and puppies at the show. All proceeds benefit Rover Rescue’s homeless dogs, saved from high-kill shelters and fostered in a network of private homes until they find their “forever” homes.

Entry forms for the Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show are available by calling 630.897.7454 or on the website at RoverRescue.org. Each $7 entry includes three categories; additional categories are $1 each. (People are admitted free!) All show entries must be received by May 10 ^th.

For more information about the 9^th Annual Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show , please go online to RoverRescue.org or call Rover Rescue at 630.897.7454.

Rover Rescue is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer dog rescue group based in the Fox Valley area. Using a network of foster homes, the group takes in dogs that have run out of time at high-kill shelters. In less than nine years, the group has found new homes for more than 4,700 dogs and puppies. And many more wait to be rescued!

Win a Family 4-Pack to THE KID'S EXPO!!

For your chance to win one of four (4) Family 4-Packs of tickets to

Family Time Magazine’s KID’S EXPO

At the NEW Tinley Park Covention Center (Saturday, March 24^th and Sunday, March 25^th) you must:

Comment below, AND 
Like us on Facebook ;

THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

You Can Also Follow Family Time Magazine ON THIS BLOG for up-to-the-minute Events, News, and Contests, and Twitter too! (It would be great if you would retweet this post!)

NOTES: 

• Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win.
• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 after NOON CST.
• Winners will be notified via email.
• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477 | Phone: (708) 342-5485

Easter Fun: Early Events for the Whole Family

Can't wait for Easter?!? DON'T!! 

Here are some 

EARLY Easter Events:

Friday, March 30

Teen's Flashlight Egg Hunt, teens, 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., Community Park, 120 E. Oak Street, Addison, (630) 833-0100. Try our first annual Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt! Have fun searching for eggs—find the special Golden Egg and win an extra prize! Registration deadline is March 25. www.addisonparks.org

Flashlight Egg Hunt, all ages, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Laramie Park, 5241 W 120th St. Alsip, (708) 389-1003. Grab your flashlight and head to park for an egg hunt for the nocturnal! Search the field for plastic eggs, candy, and glow-in-the-dark items—in the dark! Each participant will receive a glow in the dark necklace. Remember a flashlight and basket for your eggs and prizes! Please register early because space is limited and dress for the weather! This event will be outside, rain or shine. www.alsipparks.org

Junior High Flash Light Egg Hunt, 5^th– 8^th grades, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Marengo Park District, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo, (815) 568-5126. Bring your flash light, and let’s see how many eggs you can find.  Each egg will be filled with candy or money.  One egg will have a special prize of a Pool Pass for one at the Starfish Waters pool for the 2012 season. Fee: $5.  www.marengoparkdistrict.org

Flashlight Egg Hunt, ages 7-12, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m., Plainfield Park District, Van Horn Woods West, Lily Cache Rd. north of Caton Farm Rd., Kelly Rathke at (815) 436-8812 x 35. Bring your flashlight to Van Horn Woods for our 4th Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt! Kids will have the opportunity to hunt for eggs filled with prizes, gift certificates, and candy! MUST pre-register. No on-site registration. Event held rain or shine. Please arrive prior to child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Registration deadline date is Friday, March 23. Residents: $5; Non-residents: $7.50. www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com

Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt, ages 9–14, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m., Park District of LaGrange, location to be determined, Kevin Miller, (708) 352-1762. It's that time of year, so paint those eggs, keep an eye out for the bunny, and...Grab a flashlight? That's right! Come join us for the 2nd Annual Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt! Bring your flashlights and baskets, and get ready for a great night of looking for eggs filled with candy. There will be three age groups. Kids must be accompanied by a parent. There will also be chances to win cool prizes, so be sure to check your eggs before leaving the event! Fees: $3 pre-register/$5 day of event. www.pdlg.org 

Saturday, March 31

Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast, ages 10 and under, free, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Addison Park District Community Rec Center, 120 E. Oak Street, Addison, (630) 833-0100. Enjoy hot-off-the-griddle pancakes before the Easter Egg Hunt—with the Easter Bunny! The pancake breakfast, sponsored by Addison's Kiwanis Club, begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 11:30 a.m. The breakfast menu includes 'all you can eat" pancakes, sausage, milk, orange juice, and coffee for a small fee. Bring your own camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny between 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.  Be sure to arrive early as the Egg Hunt begins PROMPTLY at 10:30 a.m. www.addisonparks.org

Easter Egg Hunt, ages 11 and under, 9:00 a.m. –9:30 a.m., Commissioners Park, 12600 S. Kedzie Ave., Alsip, (708) 389-1003. Grab your Easter basket, and join in the search for eggs filled with treats that the Easter Bunny left for the children of Alsip.  Kids will be split into appropriate age divisions. Parents may help their children in the “Parent Assist” hunt only. Join us for refreshments, raffles, and a visit from the Easter Bunny after the hunt. Bring a basket, and don’t forget your camera. www.alsipparks.org

Breakfast with Bunny/Easter Egg Hunt, ages 2 and up, 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Barrington Park District Fitness and Rec Center, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, (847) 381-0687. Easter breakfast with Bunny is an annual Park District tradition that you and your child won't want to miss. A delicious, catered breakfast is served while Bunny's helpers are busy hiding eggs. Immediately after the breakfast, we'll have our annual Egg hunt. If you register for the breakfast, you're automatically registered for the Egg Hunt at Langendorf Park! Registration is sold per seat. All adults and children (2 and up) must be registered. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $8/$10 child; $10/$12 adult. www.barringtonparkdistrict.org

Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, 10:30 a.m., Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, (847) 381-0687. Hop along all over Langendorf to see how many of the Easter Bunny's eggs you can find hidden among the trees, grass, and bushes! This annual Barrington tradition is fun for all ages—children and parents alike. Inside each egg is a special treat, and throughout the park there are specially marked eggs that mean you've won an extra-fun Easter basket. Participants registered for the Breakfast with Bunny are automatically registered for the Egg Hunt. Note: We respectfully ask parents to limit their children to 15 eggs so everyone gets their share! Fee: $3 per child; $5 at the door (Breakfast with Bunny participants are FREE!) www.barringtonparkdistrict.org

EGG-citing Activities, all ages, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Plainfield Park District, Van Horn Woods West, on Lily Cache Rd. north of Caton Farm Rd., Kelly Rathke, (815) 436-8812 x 35. Join us for a snack, craft, and Egg Hunt with the Bunny! Make sure you remember your basket to hunt for colorful eggs that are “hidden.” Some of the eggs have a surprise in them, so make sure to check each before you leave! Bring your camera; the Easter Bunny will pose with your child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. MUST pre-register. No on-site registration. Event held rain or shine. Please arrive prior to your child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Registration deadline is Friday, Mar. 23. Residents: $5; Non-residents: $7.50. www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com

Heggie Field Easter Egg Hunt, ages 0-12, free event, 1:00 p.m., Heggie Field at Collins and Williamson Sts., Joliet, (815) 741- 7275. Grab your Easter baskets and head out to Heggie Soccer Fields for the Great Egg Hunt!  The park will be split up by age groups.  www.jolietpark.org

Nowell Park Easter Egg Hunt, ages 0-12, 10:00 a.m., free event, Nowell Park, 5 Mills Rd., Joliet.

Grab your Easter baskets and head out to Nowell Park for the Great Egg Hunt!  The park will be split up by age groups.  www.jolietpark.org

Bunny Bash, all ages, 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Schaumburg Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg, (847) 490-7020. Celebrate spring with indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family! Activities include egg hunts, a photo with the Bunny, games, crafts, moon jumps, concessions, pony rides, and a petting zoo. New in 2012: Pre-registered participants may begin check-in at 9 a.m. and have their picture with the Bunny taken prior to the beginning of the event. Pre-registration deadline is March 30. Pre-registration $8 per child/ day-of registration $9 per child. Children receive a wristband that includes all activities except concessions. Parents and children under 1 are free. http://www.parkfun.com

Soldier Field Spring Egg-Stravaganza, all ages, free event, opens at 9 a.m., Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, (312) 235-7000. Soldier Field and Dominick's celebrate the beginning of spring by inviting families to take part in the 9th annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza.  The largest candy grab in the city takes place here on the stadium field. The stadium opens at 9 for the general public to enjoy all types of kid- and family-friendly activities including face painters, fun inflatables, balloon artists and much more! Egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. with the first group of kids to collect all the goodies they can on the field. The first 2,000 children will receive a commemorative wooden egg designed by a local Chicago youth. Parking: Waldron Parking Deck—all other lots are regular rate on this day. www.soldierfield.net

Soldier Field Breakfast with the Easter Bunny—March 31, all ages, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, (312) 235-7000. For those looking for a great meal on this special day, please join us for a fantastic breakfast. Children 10 and under $12; adults $17.50; Children under 3 eat free with paying family. Reservations are mandatory for brunch, and must be made by Wednesday, March 28 by calling 312-235-7162 or emailing sfspecialevents@dncinc.com. www.soldierfield.net

Egg Hunt, Magic Show, And More, all ages, free, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Northbrook Park District’s West Park, 1730 Pfingsten Road behind Northbrook Sports Center. In case of inclement weather, event will move inside the Northbrook Sports Center. Events include: Spring Bunny Trail Magic Show (1:45-2:15 p.m.); Egg Hunt—bring a basket and find the golden egg to win a surprise! (Age groups divided); Pictures with the Bunny (Bring a camera!); Carnival Games; Inflatables, Face Painting, Clowns with Balloons; and DJ Music. No dogs are allowed during the event. www.nbparks.org

Egg Hunt, Oak Forest Park District’s Central Park, 15601 South Central Ave., Oak Forest, (708) 687-7270. Meet at Central Park Pavilion 15 minutes before hunt.  No registration necessary. Children are encouraged to find a maximum of six eggs.  Please remember—children-only in the hunt area. Bring your camera and come see the Easter Bunny! Hunt times divided by age group. https://sites.google.com/site/oakforestparkdistrict

Egg Hunt and Dance Party, grades 4-8, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Oak Forest Park District’s Central Park Building, 15601 S. Central Ave., Oak Forest, (708) 687-7270. Enjoy an evening of dancing to our DJ’s music in the gym, games, contests, and an egg hunt! Fee: $6.00 at door. Bring grade I.D. https://sites.google.com/site/oakforestparkdistrict

Cosley Zoo’s Great Egg Scramble, ages 2-10, 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Wheaton Park District’s Cosley Zoo, 1356 North Gary Avenue, Wheaton, (630) 665-5534. Come to Cosley Zoo for an egg-cellent time, and get ready to scramble for eggs and other trinkets. In addition to an egg scramble, participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the zoo's residents and take part in other activities. Bring your baskets to the zoo for a hopping good time! Children are divided into age groups. Groups are scheduled consecutively. Pre-registration required. Event is held outdoors rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Plan on staying with your child; this is not a drop-off program. Fee: $12(R)/$15(NR). www.wheatonparkdistrict.com

Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, 9:00 a.m., Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave.,

Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 627-6100. Get ready for a hopping good time with lots of prizes and candy. Children will have the opportunity to fill their Easter baskets with eggs that are filled with candy and prizes. Also, the Easter bunny will be on hand for pictures, so bring your camera! You must pre-register by March 23. www.obtpd.org

Brookfield Zoo’s Breakfast with the Bunny—March 31, April 1, and April 7, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd.,  Brookfield, (708) 688-8355. Hop to it! Bring the family to Brookfield Zoo for its annual Breakfast with the Bunny! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet in the zoo’s Discovery Center. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunities. Music will be provided by the Banjo Buddies. Additionally, there will be visits from some of Children’s Zoo’s furry critters. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. All purchases and reservations are final and nonrefundable. Please choose your dates carefully. The cost, which includes zoo admission, is: Member adult: $29.00, child: $21.50; Non-Member adult: $39.00; child: $27.50. www.czs.org/CZS/Brookfield/Zoo

Oak Lawn’s Annual Egg Hunt, ages 2–8, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103^rd, Oak Lawn. Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping through Oak Lawn! Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt, which includes an age-segmented search for eggs, a craft project, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Register early—space is limited. Registration ends March 23. Sorry there’s no rain date for this event! Please arrive at the start of the program, as there are other activities to enjoy. Fee:  $3 Res/ $6 Non-Res. www.olparks.com

-- Lisa Bakewell 

Your Chance to Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Mirror Mirror!

IN THEATERS MARCH 30!

For your chance to win one of five (5) Family 4-Packs of tickets to see an advanced screening of Mirror Mirror at a Downtown Chicago Theater on Wednesday, March 28^th (7 p.m. showing), you must:

Comment below, AND Like us on Facebook ; THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

You Can Also Follow Family Time Magazine ON THIS BLOG for up-to-the-minute Events, News, and Contests, and Twitter too! (It would be great if you would retweet this post!)

NOTE: This screening is overbooked to ensure capacity, and we strongly recommend that you arrive early! Seats are not guaranteed, are limited to theater capacity and are first-come, first-served. Also:

• Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win. 
• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 after NOON CST. 
• Winners will be notified via email. 
• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show.  Location: Downtown Chicago Theater

About the movie:

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror.  A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.  The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. 

After a beloved King vanishes, his ruthless wife seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter, Snow White, hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince, the jealous Queen banishes the girl to a nearby forest.

Taken in by a band of rebellious but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen. With the support of her new friends, she roars into action to reclaim her birthright and win back her Prince in this magical adventure comedy that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.

Mirror Mirror stars Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich, Eat Pray Love), Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Priest), Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Nathan Lane (The Birdcage), Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”), Mare Winningham (Brothers) and Michael Lerner (Elf), with Mark Povinelli (Water for Elephants), Jordan Prentice (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Danny Woodburn (Watchmen), Sebastian Saraceno (Bedtime Stories), Ronald Lee Clark (Epic Movie), Martin Klebba (Pirates of The Caribbean) and Joe Gnoffo (The Benchwarmers) as the Seven Dwarfs.

Down Home Guitars Hosts Open Mic Night

Down Home Guitars will be hosting their very first Open Mic Night on Friday March 30, 2012 from 7-9pm. There is a $3 suggested donation. 

All proceeds will benefit the 2nd Annual Frankfort Bluegrass Fest held on The Green. 

All ages are welcome to perform and/or support and enjoy other local musicians. This ongoing event will be held the last Friday of each month at Down Home Guitars 11 S. White Street Frankfort, IL 60423 (located in the Trolley Barn). For any questions please call Down Home Guitars at (815)469-6321 or send an email to classes@downhomeguitars.com

Win a Family 4-Pack to Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

For your chance to win one of four (4) Family 4-Packs of tickets to 

Disney Live! Presents 

Three Classic 

Fairy Tales

At the Rosemont Theatre on Friday, March 16th, you must:

• Comment below, AND Like us on Facebook;

• THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

You Can Also Follow Family Time Magazine ON THIS BLOG (for up-to-the-minute Events, News, and Contests) and Twitter too! (It would be great if you would retweet this post!)

NOTES: 

• Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win.

• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Friday, March 9, 2012 after 12 Noon EST.

• Winners will be notified via email.

• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: 5400 N. River Road

        Rosemont, IL 60018. Phone: (847) 671-5100.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.  Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown.  Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.  Playing the Rosemont Theatre Mar. 16-18.  Get your tickets today!

Chicago Flower & Garden Show Returns to Navy Pier

In Chicago, where blizzards shut down roadways and sidewalk salt sells out quickly, it’s never too early to think spring. Gardeners, in particular, are already springing ahead in anticipation of the perennially-popular Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 10-18, 2012 at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

In the style of high fashion and wearable art, the event celebrates “Hort Couture.” Designed to inspire, educate, and motivate, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show will reflect the influence of fashion and design in floral, plant, and landscape creations. Stylized posters and images for the event—inspired by high-style model sketches—are garnering buzz among fashion and floral industry circles for their fun fusion of style and blooms.

More than just a “pretty show,” the Chicago Flower & Garden Show—the only consumer event of its kind in the Midwest—offers an innovative and diverse array of ideas to learn from, be inspired by, take home, and try (whether the visitor is a green thumb or would just like to have one). Take home ideas from:

·         A catwalk of gardens: The Chicago Flower & Garden Show’s 25-plus, well-appointed stylized gardens are a visual shopping trip as they draw inspiration from textures and colors found in plants and fabrics, as well as alluring and beautiful embellishments found in nature. Practical as well as beautiful, visitors of all ages will find ideas they can try at home, whether their garden is a suburban perennial bed, a rural vista, or an urban balcony.

·         Cutting-edge notions: Love trinkets and new embellishments? The latest gardening tools and techniques will be showcased, as visitors learn how to create a rooftop garden at home, or incorporate hydroponics (plants grown outside of soil, in water). Meanwhile, those looking for new interior and exterior fashions can check out the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences garden, which uses “woolly pockets” to create vertical walls for plants.

·         The classic set: Just as some traditional fashions never go out of style, perennially popular programs return to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show in 2012. The always-anticipated Garden Gourmet series will feature delicious recipes and tips from several well-known chefs. More than 100 exhibitors of gardening, landscape, and horticulture products and services will be on hand to share their sustainable and eco-friendly wares.

·         The children’s line: Kids are in on the stylish fun too with potting parties and hands-on learning activities designed to inspire, educate, and motivate even the littlest plant lover.

·         Project garden runways: What would a “Hort Couture” show be without some friendly competition among designers? Photographers are invited to submit images for a special photo competition, with fashion-inspired categories such as “Hemmed Up” close-ups, “Pattern Freeze” still life shots, and “Triple Stitched” triptychs, among others. Another competition to find the best-dressed window box underscores the importance of creating a memorable first impression.

“Our ‘spring collection’ marries fun and style with the show-of-the-season, as we celebrate both the best of new designs and proven classics,” says Tony Abruscato, president, Flower Show Productions and director of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. “In March in the Midwest, people can’t wait to get in their gardens—or simply bask in the color and scents of spring. We’ve got it at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, which each spring draws thousands of eager visitors seeking inspirations of color, texture, and design for their yards, patios, or balconies. When you leave the 2012 show, you will have a wheelbarrow of practical and affordable ideas that you can try at home.”

Tickets to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show are available at the Navy Pier Box Office and online at www.ChicagoFlower.com. Weekday admission is $15 or $17 at the box office, weekend admission is $17 online or $19 at the box office, and tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Discounted parking at Navy Pier, and group rates and tours are also offered.

14 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR CHOCOLATE ALL FEBRUARY

AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Sweet Chocolate Events for Every Age

If you’re looking for a way to spread the love to family and friends this Valentine’s Day and throughout February, visit the Morton Arboretum where chocolatiers are bringing their passion for candy-making to inspire 14 chocolate-themed activities. 

From “sushi” to a kid’s chocolate pizza-making workshops to wine and beer pairings, we’re spreading the chocolate love with a daily chocolate exhibit and events throughout the month for kids and adults.

Kids Get Gooey on Feb. 19th making Chocolate Pizza

Belgian Chocolatier

1. Spread the Love with Chocolate. A Chocolate Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 4 and 5; 10 a.m-4 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sample and purchase unique sweets and chocolate-themed gifts made by 17 Chicago-area chocolatiers. Events will include: “Tempering Chocolate Explained;” “The Health Benefits of Chocolate;” “Dove Chocolate Discovery Tasting Party;” and “Mastering The Chocolate Martini.”
2. Sweat Treats. Chocolate-themed sweets and gifts will leave you smitten, on sale at The Arboretum Store, daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; The Arboretum Store
3. Kid-friendly Projects. A free chocolate-themed kids’ event – “Cool Kids Winter Play,” is on tap for February 1, 3, 4, & 5 from 11a.m. & 1 p.m. in the Children’s Garden.
4. Heart-to-heart Reads. “Arbor Reading Adventures for Children” are being held February 1 and 3, 11-11:45; $4 member children, ($5 non-member children); Adult must accompany child (no cost)
5. Signed with a Kiss.  A “Children's Book Signing and Storytelling” will be held Feb. 4; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sit down for story time with a reading of The Chocolate Story: A Sweet Little Fable, by Rick Moser. Kids can learn delicious lessons about making good choices.
6. Here’s to Truffles. A truffle-making workshop will be held Saturday, February 11; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center; $23 members ($28 non-member) Discover the secrets to making these delicious treats during this hands-on workshop.
7. Say “I love chocolate” with “Sushi.” A chocolate “Sushi” workshop will be held Sunday, February 12; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center $32 ($37 non-member). Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make chocolate "sushi" during this hands-on workshop.
8. The Science of Sweetness. “The Botany of Chocolate” workshop will be held Saturday, February 18; 1–3 p.m. Visitor Center; $22 ($29 non-member); Explore the history, culture, and science of chocolate in this workshop.
9. Sip the from the Vineyards of Chocolate. Explore the mystical union of chocolate and wine. Experts from Wente Family Estates and KOKKU Gourmet will demonstrate how to savor the nuances of five wines and single origin chocolate Sunday, February 19; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $20 Members ($25 non-members).
10.  Kids Get Gooey. A Chocolate “Pizza” Party, will be held Feb 19 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m; $10 ($15 non-member); Children will learn how to make a Chocolate “pizza” and other chocolaty treats.
11. Chewy Chocolate for Kids. A kids’ Chocolate Crepe Workshop will be held Monday, February 20 (President’s Day) 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Visitor Center; $20 ($30 non-member); Learn how to make chocolate crepes and sample chocolates in this cooking class for kids.
12. Sweet Home Chicago. At one time Chicago produced one-third of the nation’s candy and was known as the candy capitol of America. From Brach's caramels, to Mars Snickers bars, to Frango Mints, learn some of the history behind these tasty treats when Leslie Goddard, author and our resident historian presents “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History.” Saturday, February 25; 9:30-11 a.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $23 members (non-members $28) Includes a chocolate-themed brunch of puff pastries with caramel and warm chocolate; seasonal fruit; bacon and turkey sausage and beverages.
13. Cheers to Chocolate. Enjoy “small plate” servings and sample beer from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in the Ginkgo Restaurant with chocolate by Graham’s Chocolate paired with a variety of Leinenkugel’s Beer. Sunday, Feb. 26; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant $30 ($35 non-member).
14. What Inspires Chocolate? Discover everything you need to know about sweetness with our daily Chocolate Exhibit 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Visitor Center.  This mini exhibit highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees.

For more information or to sign up for, go to mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.

Family 4-Pack Ticket Giveaway: Disney on Ice 'Dare to Dream' at Allstate Arena!

TO WIN a 4-pack of tickets 

to Disney on Ice "Dare to Dream" at Allstate Arena (for the Wednesday, January 25th performance at 7PM), we want to hear from you!

For your chance to win…

•          Comment below (Tell us why you'd like to win these tickets);
•          Like us on Facebook ;
•          Follow us on this blog;
•          Follow us on Twitter (if you have an account); and/or
•          Tweet this post;
•          Then, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor  at Family Time Magazine (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (e-mail, phone, and address), and let us know if you: "Liked us on Facebook," "Followed us on Twitter,"  "Tweeted this Giveaway," "Commented on this post," and/or "Followed us on this blog." 

NOTES: 

•          Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win PER type of entry for the contest (i.e., comment, Facebook, Twitter, following the blog). Note: Comments cannot be copied and pasted. All comments must be original to count as an entry.
•          Winner will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 after 5 p.m. CST.
•          Winner will be notified via e-mail and must respond to e-mail on or before noon on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
•          Winner will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: Allstate Arena at 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018-3697. Phone: (847) 635-6601.
•          Tickets will be held in the winner’s name at will call. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream!

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!  Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.  And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!  Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!  Playing Allstate Arena Jan. 25-29 and United Center Feb. 1-12, with ticket prices starting at just $12 on opening night.

Events at Apple Holler!

What are you doing this week? How about Broadway in Chicago?

Spend New Year's Eve with the Blue Man Group!

RING IN 2012 WITH BLUE MAN GROUP!

Multiple Performances, Including a Matinee Performance Makes BMG the Perfect Option for the Entire Family to Celebrate the Holiday!

Blue Man Group, the critically hailed theatrical phenomenon on stage at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted Street), is wishing Chicago a Happy 2012 with three performances on New Year’s Eve. The day of performances kicks off with a matinee show at 4 p.m. for families to celebrate the holiday together and ends with the 7 and 10 p.m. performances featuring a complimentary champagne and sparkling cider toast and party favors. The final performance of 2011 will feature Blue Man Group counting down to the New Year and playing a special rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” on their custom made instruments including the Tubulum.

Blue Man Group’s production provides its audience with a unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that blends innovative theatrical spectacle and dynamic original music with hilarious comedy, art, technology and science to create a performance experience unlike any other.

Chris Jones from the Chicago Tribune gave the show a Four Star rating and said the material was “brilliantly revamped” and “truly joyous.” After seeing the new material in a recent performance, Hedy Weiss for the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “The show's creators have cleverly updated the production with new wizardry while retaining its essential mind-set.” Chicago Parent editor Tamara L. O'Shaughnessy said “the coolest blue guys in Chicago just got cooler.”

In the show, the Blue Men encounter a variety of environments to discover, engage with and explore of-the-moment situations with cutting-edge technology. Many of the signature scenes that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions have been in the show since its opening, though new material has been integrated. Newer passages include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads;” a funny and perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score.

Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, Tokyo, and on tour throughout the U.S. Blue Man Group can also be seen onboard the new Norwegian Epic by Norwegian Cruise Line – the Official Cruise Line of Blue Man Group.

The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Blue Man Group’s appeal is multi-generational, with several projects specifically designed for young people, including “Making Waves,” a popular touring exhibit for children, and the recently launched national “Invent an Instrument” competition.

BLUE MAN GROUP TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets prices for the 4, 7, and 10 p.m. shows on New Year’s Eve are $55 - $75. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com/bluemanchicago. For more information, visit www.blueman.com/chicago.

The Addams Family--Main Floor Ticket Special--$49!

*Valid on main floor seats for December 27 only. Not valid on premium locations, with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Normal ticketing fees apply. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Offer ends at 7:30 pm on December 27.