Spend quality time with the entire family at two winter festivals or Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, which is offering free admission in honor of a special milestone. Or, spend date night at Lyric Opera or a Northbrook Symphony Orchestra concert.
Find local and national nonprofits and causes to support:
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Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 160th Birthday
Jan. 9-13
Chicago
The city’s oldest museum is celebrating 160 years by giving Illinois residents free admission Jan. 9-13. Visit daily for historical scavenger hunts, a butterfly release at 2 p.m. and animal feedings.
“Bel Canto” PBS Viewing Party
Jan. 13
Chicago
If you didn’t see the world premiere of “Bel Canto” at Lyric Opera last year (or you want to see it again), the opera will air on PBS’ “Great Performances” this Friday, when Lyric Opera will also host a free (tickets required) viewing party.
Winter Carnival
Jan. 14
Northbrook
Make the most of cold temps with this annual Northbrook Park District carnival. Play games, make s’mores, ice skate, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and more.
Winter Fest
Jan. 14
Vernon Hills
Find even more wintery fun in Vernon Hills with the Free Spirit Sled Dog Demo Team, ice sculptures, s’mores, ice skating, sledding and more.
“In the Realm of Royalty”
Jan. 15
Northbrook
The Northbrook Symphony Orchestra will perform this concert of works by William Boyce, Haydn and Mozart with feature guest pianist George Vatchnadze. A free pre-concert lecture will take place at 2:30 p.m.
Bonus
- Chicago Children’s Museum will host the annual “What Does It Mean, Dr. King?” production throughout the day on Jan. 16. This original show presents the history of the Civil Rights Movement to kids, who are encouraged to ask questions and write letters to Dr. King.
- Help local organizations during the Park District of Highland Park and Highland Park Community Relations Commission Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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