Animals, contortionists and cooking classes - oh my!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK



Where/When: , 255 Briargate Rd., Cary, IL. Thursday, February 10, 2011. The class is split into two groups: parents with kids ages 6 to 8 will cook at 4:30pm and parents with kids ages 8 to 11 start at 6:20pm.

Why go: Get a jump start on the weekend’s activities with a parent-child cooking class. Each pair will make treats that they can take home and share (or show off.)  Plus, you have all weekend to perfect the recipes you learn at home.

Pricing: $16 to $24 per pair, call the Cary Park District at 847-639-6100 for more information, or visit their website at www.carypark.com.



Where/When: , 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL. Friday, February 11, 2011, at 7:30pm.

Why go: This is not your typical clown and lion-tamer circus act. The New Shanghai Circus features acrobats, contortionists and group contortion acts that will amaze children and adults alike.

Pricing: $37 and up; contact the Raue Center Box Office at boxoffice@rauecenter.org or 815-356-9212 for tickets.



Where/When: , 126 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake, IL. Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10am to 11:30pm.  Held monthly on Saturdays.

Why go: Dogs make great listeners. Kids can pick out their favorite book and read to a trained therapy dog for 15 minutes. No guarantee that they will not beg for a puppy of their own afterwards.

Pricing: Free, registration is required.

For more information on this program, visit Patch’s coverage .



Where/When: Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda, IL. Open now through June 26, 2011. Museum hours.

Why go: Because kids love dinosaurs. This exhibit combines art and science to bring dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals to life, including a state-of-the-art hologram model of a Herrerasaurus.

Pricing: $6 for adults, $2.50 for kids ages 4 to 17, $3 for students ages 18 to 25 and seniors ages 55 and up, and free for children three years and under. Discount admission available on Tuesdays.



Where/When: Barrington Park District Fitness & Recreation Center, 235 Lions Dr., Barrington, IL. Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 2pm to 4pm.

Why go: This kid-centric show has all the standard crowd pleasers: animals, humor, music and storytelling, and it has an educational message that will please parents.

Pricing: Free



Where/When:  near Indian Trail Beach, 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills, IL. Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 6am to 1pm, with an hour-long children’s derby at noon.

Why go: It will get kids outside and enjoying the bounty of nature – the lake is said to have a variety of fish available for catch. Experience ice-fisherman will be on hand to help kids drill their hole.

Pricing: $5



Where/When: Harnish Meeting Room at , 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, IL. Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10am to 10:30am. 

Why go: It’s a short but fun-filled activity to keep little tykes entertained (ages 2 to 4 welcome.) Science concepts will be taught with a hands-on (and probably slightly messy) project – but hey, the bigger the mess, the bigger the fun.

Pricing: Free, please register in advance.