Wednesday Weekend Windup {Aurora Strong Benefit, STEM, Underground Railroad Hikes, Maple Syrup and More}

Aurora Strong Benefit, STEM, Underground Railroad Hikes and More This Weekend

There are a lot of great activities in the Chicago Suburbs this weekend including a benefit for those families affected by the tragedy in Aurora last week. Other options include Underground Railroad Hikes, STEM activities, learning about maple syrup, MPPL Fan Fest and more:
Ongoing:

• January 14-March 14 Gail Borden Library Take Flight Exhibit, Elgin, free, hands-on explorations to learn about flight, check for special programs
• January 19-February 24 Enchanted Railroad, Morton Arboretum, free with regular admission, get timed tickets when you arrive at the Visitor Center
• January 26-April 7 Chagall for Children, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 14 interactive exhibits encouraging you to insert yourself into Chagall's work, there are special sensory-friendly hours, the exhibit is free and great for kids ages 2-12, take a peek: https://www.alittletimeandakeyboard.com/2019/01/chagall-for-children.html
• February 9-March 24 The Orchid Show, Chicago Botanic Garden, see post for more info

Friday, February 22:

• February 22 Freeze Fest River Trails Park District, The Zone, Mount Prosect, 5PM-8PM, $2 pp for those 16 and under, Parkour, bounce house, photo booth, arts, crafts, freeze pops and giveaways, food for purchase

Saturday, February 23:

• February 23 Mount Prospect Public Library Fan Fest, 10AM-4PM, features authors and illustrators, costumes, crafts games and more, free but see schedule
• February 23  Farmhouse Museum Tours, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-3PM, tours on the hour, blacksmithing demo at 1:30, free
• February 23 STEM Expo, Illinois Institute of Technology, Wheaton, 10:30AM-3:30PM, a day of hands-on science learning
• February 23-24 Gnome Globes and Gnome Hunt, Morton Arboretum, 11AM-2PM, Children's Garden, hunt for gnomes in the Children's Garden (hunt is free with admission), then create a globe to bring home, globes are $7 pp for members, $10 for non, must purchase ticket in visitor's center, limited number, admission is separate, weather permitting
• February 23 Black History Month: Underground Railroad Hikes, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland, 11AM and 2PM, follow on an imaginary journey that follows a trail really used for the Underground Railroad
• February 23 Family Bauhaus Workshop, Elmhurst Art Museum, 1PM-4PM, STEAM activity, familiarize with visionary Oskar Schlemmer and design their own costumes inspired by his geometric ballets, free with admission
• Sap's Rising: February 23 & 24, March 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16  River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 1:30PM, walk in the maple forest and learn how maple sugaring is done, free
• February 23 Farm life in winter, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 1:30PM-3:30PM, learn about farm chores in the winter, free

Sunday, February 24:

• February 24 Fledgling Birder, Crabtree, 10:30AM, learn about birding tips, feeder tips and how to use binoculars, for families, free
• February 24 Aurora Strong Concert Benefit, Balldoyle Pub & Restaurant, Aurora, 12PM-4PM, live music, Irish buffet, Irish dancers, more fun & other donation funded activities, raising money for families affected by last week's tragedy, reserve tickets online
• February 24 Farm life in winter, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 1:30PM-3:30PM, learn about farm chores in the winter, free
• February 24 Addams Family Performance, Community Arts Center, Buffalo Grove, 2PM, teen performance $15 per