Brookfield Zoo

So, the Brookfield Zoo isn't super close to Evanston, but it is supposed to be bigger and better than Lincoln Park. (I've never been) Starting October 2, 2008 through December 30, 2008 zoo admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free zoo admission is good only during normal zoo hours. Parking costs $8.75.

Meet your favorite Star Wars™ characters

Bring your kids to meet their favorite Star Wars™ characters in action at a special event at participating Pottery Barn Kids stores. Bring your camera and get ready to experience the Force in person. Priority tickets are available for this event. Visit a participating store anytime prior to the event day to pick up your complimentary tickets. (* Limit 10 tickets per person. One ticket per person required for entry to priority line. Lineup order within the priority line is on a first-come, first-served basis).

Special notes about this event: Pottery Barn Kids stores cannot confirm which characters will appear. Circumstances beyond the control of the organizers may necessitate substitution, postponement or cancellation without prior notice.

Here are the stores participating in Illinois:

Chicago, Pottery Barn Kids - Market Sq.
September 13th, Noon - 2 p.m.

Deer Park, Deer Park Town Center
September 6th, 10 a.m. - Noon

Oakbrook, Oakbrook Center
September 6th, 10 a.m. - Noon

Food for Thought

Come to the Downtown Evanston Whole Foods Market from 10:00-11:00 a.m. one special Saturday a month to learn how to make your favorite breakfast delights. Kids will learn how to measure, mix, chop and cook up breakfast in this free class open to children ages four and up. Space is limited, so please pre-register at Customer Service, or call 847-733-1600.

Saturday September 20th is waffles, last month they did omelette's. There isn't a set schedule of dates/recipes, so stay tuned here at the whole foods calender.

Library Storytime Registration TODAY

If you want to register your children for Parent/Child Workshop, Time for Two's, Book Babies, All by Myself, or any of the other programs do it today! Spots fill up fast. Call 847-448-8610. For more information, click here.

Dads and kids

Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Children's Room, Evanston Main Library

Come join the fun! Join us for a morning of family fun at the Evanston Public Library. There will be face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts. This is a free event! No registration required. Sponsored by the McGaw YMCA Adventure Guides Program. The Adventure Guides is a program offered in YMCAs across the country designed to strengthen the relationship between fathers and their children in grades K-3rd grade.

James and the Giant Peach

Come watch this, Wednesday, August 6, 7 p.m., Barbara Friedberg Room, Children's Department, Evanston Main Library.

Roald Dahl's modern classic for children is a delightful combination of live action and stop-motion animation. The story is about young James who is orphaned and left with his two cruel aunts. Rescued by a mysterious fellow, James ends up inside a giant peach, drifting over the Atlantic Ocean in the company of a gentleman grasshopper, a fast-talking centipede, an anxious earthworm, a matronly ladybug, and a spider.