Let's Play! Fort Building
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, the Winnetka Park District, and the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool for a day of building, imagining, and playing together. Using simple, natural materials, children will work with their family and friends to create small and large forts, gathering spaces, and imaginative hideouts. This hands-on experience invites children to collaborate, explore the outdoors, and help shape a playful community space that’s uniquely their own. Register Here
Let's Play! Fort Building
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, the Winnetka Park District, and the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool for a day of building, imagining, and playing together. Using simple, natural materials, children will work with their family and friends to create small and large forts, gathering spaces, and imaginative hideouts. This hands-on experience invites children to collaborate, explore the outdoors, and help shape a playful community space that’s uniquely their own. Register Here
Let's Play! Fall Forest Exploration at Heller Nature Center
Discover the magic of fall at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park! Wander through golden prairies ablaze with color, collect acorns and native seeds to help plant next spring’s prairie, and make beautiful leaf prints to take home. Children will observe and draw the changing landscape from a cozy “sit spot,” building a connection with nature through hands-on exploration and play. Be sure to return for our Winter Nature Exploration—you’ll revisit your sit spot and see just how much the world around you has changed! Register Here
Let's Play! Geological Exploration
Bring your beach shovels and curiosity! Join Alliance partners—the Winnetka Park District, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and local geologists—for a hands-on exploration of Tower Beach’s geological wonders. Together, we’ll dig, uncover, and investigate the layers beneath our feet. Children will spark their sense of wonder as they make real-world discoveries on one of Cook County’s most unique beaches. Register Here
Let's Play! Cardboard Design Experience
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, Joseph Sears School, Kenilworth District 38, and the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library for a morning of hands-on creativity and open-ended fun!
Children are invited to bring their big ideas — we’ll provide the cardboard and tools to help their creations come to life. Come build, imagine, and invent together! Register Here
Let's Play! Winter Forest Exploration
Bundle up and head outside for a morning of winter play with The Alliance for Early Childhood, Heller Nature Center, and the Park District of Highland Park. Families are invited to engage in imaginative, child-directed outdoor play—paint the snow, go ice fishing with magnetic fish, build forts, and create icy works of art. Come play, explore, and celebrate winter together! Register Here
Let's Play! At Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Park West Cooperative Nursery School for a special morning designed just for young children. Families are invited to explore the museum and enjoy interactive pop-up experiences throughout the exhibits. Like all Let’s Play! events, this experience is free and open to families. Registration is required.
Let's Play! At the Farm
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood and Historic Wagner Farm for a morning of springtime exploration on the farm. Families are invited to step inside the 1920s farmhouse, barter for goods at the Farm Stand, get creative in the Maker area, play in the Farm Adventure Area, and explore the Heritage Center’s farmhouse kitchen and garden. Come experience farm life through hands-on play and discovery! Register Here
Let's Play! Sandcastles and Seagulls
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, the Wilmette Park District, and BackYard Nature Center for a morning of sandcastles and nature play! Bring your favorite sandcastle-building tools and a sense of adventure as we explore, build, and play together at the beach. We’ll meet at the swimming beach on the north end of Gillson Park. Register Here
Let's Play! Summer Forest Exploration
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, BackYard Nature Center, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County for an afternoon of outdoor, child-directed play in the beautiful Erikson Woods. Families are invited to explore open-ended play stations and take a guided walk through the forest. Come play, imagine, and connect with nature together! Register Here
Let's Play! Summer Nature Exploration
Join with The Alliance for Early Childhood and Community Partners, BackYard Nature Center and Cook County Forest Preserves, to engage in creative, imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family in beautiful Erikson Woods.
Let's Play! Sandcastles and Seagulls
Build sandcastles and play in nature with The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Wilmette Park District and BackYard Nature Center. Bring your sandcastle building tools and sense of adventure and enjoy a morning of play and exploration at The Beach! This year, we'll have one station - at the swimming beach on the north end of Gillson.
Let's Play! At the Farm
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Historic Wagner Farm for a morning of exploration at the farm in spring. Families can explore the 1920’s historic Wagner farmhouse, barter in the Farm Stand, enjoy the Farm Adventure Area playground, and visit the Heritage Center, which includes a 1930s recreated grocery store.
Let's Play! At Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Explore the wonders of The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park with special pop-up experiences for young children throughout the museum along with our partners at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Park West Cooperative Nursery School. This event, like all Let’s Play! experiences, is free and open to families.
Let's Play! Winter Nature Exploration
Bundle-up and head outside to join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Heller Nature Center and the Park District of Highland Park to engage in imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play. Paint the snow, go ice fishing with our magnetic fish, fort build with sticks and make some icy art pieces.
Let's Play! Cardboard Design Experience
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood and partners Joseph Sears School, Kenilworth District 38 and Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, to think outside of the box and get creative at our Cardboard Design Experience. Children will bring their own design ideas and we will provide the cardboard and tools for their creations to come to life.
Let's Play! Geological Exploration
Grab your beach shovels and get ready to dig, uncover, and investigate the geological wonders of Tower Beach with Alliance partners the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Winnetka Park District, and Dr. Charles Shabica from Shabica & Associates, Inc. Children will ignite their sense of wonder as we make geological discoveries and explore one of Cook County’s unique beaches.
Let's Play! At the Horse Farm
Join us for an unforgettable morning at Diettrich Farm in Salem, Wisconsin, where children and families will immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and farm life. They'll explore the farm’s enchanting nature playground, engage in hands-on horse grooming, and learn about horses and horse care in the beautiful arena. In addition, they'll discover the fascinating animals and insects on the farm - from bees (and beekeeping), to chickens, and kittens. You are invited to wrap up the adventure with a bring-your-own picnic in this picturesque farm setting. It's a perfect day to connect with animals, nature, and each other!
Space is limited to 50 families due to parking, so register early and only one person per car. Please don’t register if you are unable to attend.
Let's Play! Fort Building
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with the Winnetka Park District and the Tinkering School of Chicago to use simple, natural materials to build something truly amazing. Children will forge lasting memories, connect with nature, and be part of an awe inspiring collaborative project to create a special place all their own.
Let's Play! Fort Building
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with the Winnetka Park District and the Tinkering School of Chicago to use simple, natural materials to build something truly amazing. Children will forge lasting memories, connect with nature, and be part of an awe inspiring collaborative project to create a special place all their own.
Wiggleworms Party!
During the storytime break, bring your little ones for music and dancing with a teacher from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Space is limited. Tickets for both shows will be given out on a first come, first served basis at the Youth Desk starting at 9am the day of the show.
Children age 8 and under must be supervised at all times.
Wiggleworms Party!
During the storytime break, bring your little ones for music and dancing with a teacher from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Space is limited. Tickets for both shows will be given out on a first come, first served basis at the Youth Desk starting at 9am the day of the show.
Children age 8 and under must be supervised at all times.
Wiggleworms Party!
During the storytime break, bring your little ones for music and dancing with a teacher from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Space is limited. Tickets for both shows will be given out on a first come, first served basis at the Youth Desk starting at 9am the day of the show.
Children age 8 and under must be supervised at all times.
Wiggleworms Party!
During the storytime break, bring your little ones for music and dancing with a teacher from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Space is limited. Tickets for both shows will be given out on a first come, first served basis at the Youth Desk starting at 9am the day of the show.
Children age 8 and under must be supervised at all times.
Toddler Explorers
Dress for mess! This sensory playtime will be loads of fun, but it won’t be neat! Siblings welcome.
Learn more >> https://wilmette.libnet.info/event/10577382
The Hot Wing King Family Matinee
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at Writers Theatre on select Saturdays throughout the season. While grownups catch the 3pm matinee, young people can participate in a special theatre workshop taught by WT Education’s professional teaching artists. Register Here.
Workshop activities are designed to be active, fun, flexible, and adaptable to multiple ages and abilities. Young people from ages 5-12 are welcome. We ask that they are able to use the bathroom by themselves. For questions, contact Community Engagement Manager Kristin Hammargren at khammargren@writerstheatre.org.
Wake Up Words Family Playtime
The arts come alive at Wake Up Words Family Playtime! Join us on select Sunday mornings at Writers Theatre for active, creative, family-fun play. Each 60-minute session starts with a child-friendly performance followed by an artmaking activity for the whole family.
Activities are designed with ages 3-7 in mind, but all are welcome, including those under 3 years old. Parents and caregivers will learn tools for activating reading that they can take home. The atmosphere will be open and active, allowing young people to be themselves.
This program is free. Registration is required and closes at 2pm the day before the event visit writerstheatre.org/education for more info.
Let's Play! Summer Nature Exploration
Join with The Alliance for Early Childhood and Community Partners, BackYard Nature Center and Cook County Forest Preserves, to engage in creative, imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play as a family in beautiful Erikson Woods.
Wake Up Words Family Playtime
The arts come alive at Wake Up Words Family Playtime! Join us on select Sunday mornings at Writers Theatre for active, creative, family-fun play. Each 60-minute session starts with a child-friendly performance followed by an artmaking activity for the whole family.
Activities are designed with ages 3-7 in mind, but all are welcome, including those under 3 years old. Parents and caregivers will learn tools for activating reading that they can take home. The atmosphere will be open and active, allowing young people to be themselves.
This program is free. Registration is required and closes at 2pm the day before the event visit writerstheatre.org/education for more info.
Let's Play! Sandcastles and Seagulls
Build sandcastles, explore the bird sanctuary, and play in nature with The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Wilmette Park District and BackYard Nature Center. Bring your sandcastle building tools and sense of adventure and enjoy a morning of play and exploration at The Beach!
Little Hearts Tuesday Parent-Tot Play Group
Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too!
Wednesdays, January 10 through May 22*, 9:30-11 a.m. (come for one date, or many!)
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. -- Welcome, free play
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. -- Group activity
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play
This group will meet at Sacred Heart's Driehaus Center, located at 6200 North Sheridan Road (the brick house on the corner of Granville and Sheridan.) Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch.
We look forward to seeing you! Please pre-register so we know how many to expect. Thank you!
(No playgroup on April 3)
Let's Play! At the Farm
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Historic Wagner Farm for a morning of exploration at the farm in spring. Families can explore the 1920’s historic Wagner farmhouse, barter in the Farm Stand, enjoy the Farm Adventure Area playground, and visit the Heritage Center, which includes a 1930s recreated grocery store.
Monsieur Chopin Family Matinee
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at Writers Theatre on select Saturdays throughout the season. While grownups catch the 3pm matinee, young people can participate in a special theatre workshop taught by WT Education’s professional teaching artists. Register Here.
Workshop activities are designed to be active, fun, flexible, and adaptable to multiple ages and abilities. Young people from ages 5-12 are welcome. We ask that they are able to use the bathroom by themselves. For questions, contact Community Engagement Manager Kristin Hammargren at khammargren@writerstheatre.org.
Little Hearts Tuesday Parent-Tot Play Group
Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too!
Wednesdays, January 10 through May 22*, 9:30-11 a.m. (come for one date, or many!)
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. -- Welcome, free play
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. -- Group activity
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play
This group will meet at Sacred Heart's Driehaus Center, located at 6200 North Sheridan Road (the brick house on the corner of Granville and Sheridan.) Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch.
We look forward to seeing you! Please pre-register so we know how many to expect. Thank you!
(No playgroup on April 3)
Wake Up Words Family Playtime
The arts come alive at Wake Up Words Family Playtime! Join us on select Sunday mornings at Writers Theatre for active, creative, family-fun play. Each 60-minute session starts with a child-friendly performance followed by an artmaking activity for the whole family.
Activities are designed with ages 3-7 in mind, but all are welcome, including those under 3 years old. Parents and caregivers will learn tools for activating reading that they can take home. The atmosphere will be open and active, allowing young people to be themselves.
This program is free. Registration is required and closes at 2pm the day before the event visit writerstheatre.org/education for more info.
Little Hearts Tuesday Parent-Tot Play Group
Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too!
Wednesdays, January 10 through May 22*, 9:30-11 a.m. (come for one date, or many!)
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. -- Welcome, free play
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. -- Group activity
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play
This group will meet at Sacred Heart's Driehaus Center, located at 6200 North Sheridan Road (the brick house on the corner of Granville and Sheridan.) Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch.
We look forward to seeing you! Please pre-register so we know how many to expect. Thank you!
(No playgroup on April 3)
Let's Play! At Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Explore the wonders of The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park with special pop-up experiences for young children throughout the museum along with our partners at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Park West Cooperative Nursery School. This event, like all Let’s Play! experiences, is free and open to families. Registration required.
The Band’s Visit Family Matinee
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at Writers Theatre on select Saturdays throughout the season. While grownups catch the 3pm matinee, young people can participate in a special theatre workshop taught by WT Education’s professional teaching artists. Register Here.
Workshop activities are designed to be active, fun, flexible, and adaptable to multiple ages and abilities. Young people from ages 5-12 are welcome. We ask that they are able to use the bathroom by themselves. For questions, contact Community Engagement Manager Kristin Hammargren at khammargren@writerstheatre.org.
Let's Play! Winter Nature Exploration
Bundle-up and head outside to join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Heller Nature Center and the Park District of Highland Park to engage in imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play. Paint the snow, go ice fishing with our magnetic fish, fort building with sticks and make some icy art pieces.
Little Hearts Tuesday Parent-Tot Play Group
Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too!
Wednesdays, January 10 through May 22*, 9:30-11 a.m. (come for one date, or many!)
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. -- Welcome, free play
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. -- Group activity
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play
This group will meet at Sacred Heart's Driehaus Center, located at 6200 North Sheridan Road (the brick house on the corner of Granville and Sheridan.) Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch.
We look forward to seeing you! Please pre-register so we know how many to expect. Thank you!
(No playgroup on April 3)