THEATER

Charlotte’s Web, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, May 18 and 25, Thursdays, May 19 and 26, Fridays, May 20 and 27, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, and 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28. Bring the little ones to meet Templeton the Rat, Fern, Wilbur and of course, Charlotte in this magical tale of friendship, loss and redemption that teaches the importance of not judging on appearances. Tickets: $34-$36. Order tickets at (630) 530-0111 or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.

MUSIC

Free Concert: Steel Crazy Steelband, Cantigny Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29. The park’s Sunday afternoon summer concert series begins with Steel Crazy, a popular steel drum band from Aurora that promises tropical warmth, island rhythms and good vibes. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking ($10).

Fridays on the Green, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect: 6 p.m. Friday, June 3. Ken Dix and the Friday Night Lawn Jockeys perform. Bring chairs and blankets. Free.

Wee Heart Music Summer Sing-a-Long, Cantigny Park, Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: four-session program. Choose 9:30, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. class on Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, and 28. Each class is 45 minutes. Music supports your child’s development in every area and brings joy to the whole family. Enjoy interactive, parent-child songs, dances, chants and instrumental jam sessions. For ages birth-6 years. Cost: $59 for first child; siblings $46. Children 9 months and younger free. Parking is also free. Register at Cantigny.org or call (630) 260-8162.

Free Kids Concert: Jeanie B! Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 12 p.m. Sunday, June 12. Children will love this interactive, family-friendly performance by one of hottest acts on the kids’ music circuit. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking ($10).

Free Concert: The Saturday June Band, Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12. Led by veteran Chicago rocker Steve Kessler, the band plays with an infectious enthusiasm that draws in the listener. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking ($10).

ON STAGE

Kid Rock’s Beach Party Boogie, Cantigny Park Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, June 10. This music and movement parent-child event is perfect for kids ages 1-5. Songs and musical activities will have a summer and beach theme and plenty of props. Kid Rock has been providing music, dance classes and events since 1995. Learn more at rockitkids.com. Cost: $10 first child; $8 siblings. Parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or (630) 260-8162.

SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

“Let’s All Play,” Zoo Camp for Special Needs Kids, Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield: Eight 1-week sessions. Zoo Camp, which is accredited by the American Camp Association, serves 1,700 children each summer. Campers ages 4-14, divided into five groups by the latest completed school grade, explore animals and the natural world in fun, engaging, and age-appropriate settings through activities, encounters, games, art, and science inquiry. An estimated 6 percent of all Zoo Campers have special needs, including physical disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorders and attention deficit disorders. To learn more about Brookfield Zoo’s Zoo Camp, visit www.CZS.org/zoocamp.

FUNDRAISERS

Run For Hope: Cupcake Classic Kids’ 5K Run/Walk, McCollum Park, 67th St., Downers Grove: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 22. All participants receive a cupcake, T-shirt, goody bag and post-race refreshments. Proceeds benefit Noah’s Hope Fund. Fee: $15 for kids’ 1-mile run, $35 for 5K runners/walkers. Information: (773) 456-3835 or online at SignMeUp.com/112642.

Maryville 5K Family Fun Run/Walk, Maryville Campus, 1150 N. River Road, Des Plaines: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 4. 5K fun run and 1-mile family walk. Benefits Maryville Therapeutic Residential Program. Fee: $35 per person or $120 per family. Can’t run? Sponsor a kid who can. Register online at MaryvilleAcademy.org. (847) 294-1982.

FESTIVALS

Chocolate Fest, Long Grove Historic Village, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 20, through Sunday, May 22. Gourmet chocolate sweets, sauces, dipped strawberries and more. Kids’ activities include face painting, balloon artists, and a mystical magician. Live music will entertain. Tickets: $5, free for ages 12 and younger. Free parking in public lots. Information: (847) 634-0888 or online at VisitLongGrove.com.

JustPlay! Sports & Recreation Festival, Carol Stream Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Activities include zip lining, iceless ice skating, rock climbing, eurobungy, human foosball, scuba, fitness, parkour, inflatables, archery, dance/gymnastics/theater performances and more. Free admission. Information: justplay.org.

“Art in Bloom” Fine Art Festival, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19. One of the park’s biggest events of the year and a Father’s Day Weekend tradition, “Art in Bloom” features a juried art show, nearly 100 exhibiting artists, activities and crafts for kids, demonstrations, live music (Guitarra Azul and Classical Blast), delicious food and more. Free with paid parking ($10).

FUN & GAMES

Family Night: Golf, Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20. The park’s monthly Family Night takes a swing at golf. Guests can expect a few fun surprises all ages will enjoy.

No golf experience necessary. Free with parking ($5).

Spring Fun Fair, Mountain View Adventure Center, 510 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21. A family-friendly event includes a pooch, pet & pedal parade, Touch-a-Truck, climbing wall, inflatables, kids’ 50-yard dash. Free kids’ bike helmets for the first 100 children. Free admission. Information: (847) 391-5711 or online at dpparks.org.

Armed Forces Day, Cantigny Park First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: Saturday, May 21. Enjoy free parking throughout the day and see the debut of four Desert Storm dioramas in the First Division Museum’s lobby. The display is the work of Wheaton Academy students enrolled in a model-building class.

Date with History: “Combat and Other Shenanigans,” Cantigny Park, Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. Author and 1st Infantry Division veteran Piers Platt will discuss “Combat and Other Shenanigans: Tales of the Absurd from a Deployment to Iraq.” The book details Platt’s year as a cavalry platoon leader with a focus on the sometimes hilarious antics of the world’s finest soldiers, carried out when no one high-ranking is watching. Program and parking free. Visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org or call (630) 260-8187.

History Alive: American Revolution, Cantigny Park, First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 2. Children ages 6-12 are invited to learn about a different military topic every Thursday throughout the summer. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with interesting artifacts and participate in games and crafts from the designated time period. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

Movie in the Park: “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 3. Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars. Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with paid parking ($5).

History Connections: Helmet Evolution, Cantigny Park First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 7. Children ages 6-12 can explore a different theme every Tuesday during the summer and learn something new about our nation’s military history. This week, learn how soldiers’ protective helmets have changed through the years. Try them on, too. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

History Alive: Civil War, Cantigny Park First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Children ages 6-12 are invited to learn about a different military topic every Thursday throughout the summer. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with interesting artifacts and participate in games and crafts from the designated time period. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

Movie in the Park: “Hotel Transylvania 2,” Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10. Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars. Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with paid parking ($5).

Spring Valley Country Fair, Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg: 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. Experience a 19th century community farm fair. Test your skills at games and enjoy the sales pitch of a traveling medicine salesman. Admission: $3 per person, $12 per family, free for children 3 and younger. Information: (847) 985-2100 or online at parkfun.com.

History Connections: Smells Like History, Cantigny Park First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 14. Children ages 6-12 can explore a different theme every Tuesday during the summer and learn something new about our nation’s military history. This week, sniff the scent bottle and try to identify smells related to different conflicts. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

History Alive: World War I, Cantigny Park First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Children ages 6-12 are invited to learn about a different military topic every Thursday throughout the summer. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with interesting artifacts and participate in games and crafts from the designated time period. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

Storytime in the Garden, Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 17. Join the Winfield Public Library staff to explore favorite stories and other activities in Cantigny’s beautiful gardens. Contact Nuccia Choate at the library for details and reservations at (630) 653-7599. Free program and $5 parking fee is waived if you register with the library.

Family Night: Magic, Music and Cars! Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. The park’s first Family Night of the summer will feature a professional magic show and live music by country rocker Joe Kalish. It’s also Cruise Night (bring your cool wheels) and stay for Movie in the Park (“Cars 2”) at 8:30 p.m. Free with parking ($5).

Movie in the Park: “Cars 2,” Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars. Seating is on the grass by the red bandshell. Blankets, chairs and snacks welcome. Free with paid parking ($5).

Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place, (I-290 and Thorndale Avenue), Itasca: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 18. The largest of its kind in the Midwest, the 30th annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games will feature an extravaganza of activities and attractions from the Caber Toss to the Highland Dancers to the Dogs of Scotland. The event features an action-packed kids area with mini-golf, balloons, tattoos and mini athletics. Ticket prices: On Friday Children 12 and younger are free; $12 for Adults $10 for seniors (60+). On Saturday, Children younger than 2 are free; $5 for children ages 3-12, $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and older. Two Day Pass: Children younger than 2 are free; $5 for children ages 3-12, $30 for adults, $25 for Seniors (60+). Parking will be $5 per vehicle for parking on both Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 or guests may purchase a two-day parking pass for $8. Visit www.scottishfestivalchicago.org or call (708) 426-7149.

Father’s Day Brunch, Cantigny Park Red Oak Room, Cantigny Golf, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: Seatings at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m, Sunday, June 19. Treat dad to an amazing brunch along with panoramic views of Cantigny’s renowned golf course. After the feast, tee it up or attend “Art in Bloom” at Cantigny Park. Pricing, menu and other details are online at CantignyGolf.com. For reservations, call (630) 260-8188.

PLANTS & ANIMALS

Nature Tykes, Creek Bend Nature Center, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26. Geared for 3-year-olds, the group will explore the natural world through stories, nature hikes, songs, games and crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany child. Fee: $5 per child. Register at (630) 444-3190 or kaneforest.com.

Inchworms Parent-Child Program. Cantigny Park Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, May 25, June 1 and June 8. Introduce your little one (ages 18-36 months) to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. May 25: “Lovely Ladybugs.” June 1: “Dirt Don’t Hurt.” June 8: Diggin’ in the Dirt.” Cost $6; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or (630) 260-8162.

Sprouts Parent-Child Program, Cantigny Park, Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. three-session program: Wednesdays, June 1, 8, and 15. Children ages 3-5 are invited to explore seasonal nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts. The theme is “Dirt Don’t Hurt.” Cost: $18; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or (630) 260-8162.

Wild Wednesday, Cantigny Park Visitors Center backyard, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. Kids ages 3-10 will enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts every Wednesday through Aug. 10. Each week has a different theme. No signup necessary, just drop in. Free with paid parking ($5).

Second Saturday: From Farm to Park, Cantigny Park Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton: 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11. The McCormick Museum welcomes families to the Education Center for this monthly drop-in program with interactive themes. Environment is the theme for June, a nod to Robert McCormick’s interest in farming when he lived at Cantigny. Activities will include a “make and take” related to plants. Free with paid parking ($10).

Frog Chorus, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, now through Sunday, Sept. 25. What’s that noise? Start your own froggy band after exploring the different sounds frogs and toads make. Discover 19 displays with 23 larger-than-life copper frog sculptures located along the paths within walking distance of the Visitor Center.

Nature Story Time, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe: 10 a.m. Mondays. Stop by for nature-themed stories and activities in the Lenhardt Library.

Ribbit! The Exhibit, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle: now through Sept. 25. This spring and summer, hop over to The Morton Arboretum for Ribbit! The Exhibit, a whimsical collection of larger-than-life copper frog sculptures. On display through Sept. 25, Ribbit! The Exhibit features 19 displays of 5-7-foot-tall frogs taking part in a variety of activities, including playing instruments, catching butterflies and meditating on a lily pad. Handcrafted by North Carolina-based sculptor J.A. Cobb, the displays include the “Tree Frog,” who will be nestled in a stately white oak, “Zenny,” relaxing on his lily pad in the fountain of the May T. Watts Reading Garden, and the “Jazz Trio,” set in the Arboretum’s Arbor Court, home of the popular Wednesdays, Woods and Wine outdoor music series.