Banish the Winter Blues, Get Outside and Start Thinking Spring!

If you’re tired of winter and need some outdoor activity, or just want to be reminded of warmer weather, then this is a good weekend to get out and about with the family.

Volunteer at Middlefork Farms Forest Preserve, dream of sailing away on Lake Michigan, or learn about where real maple syrup comes from and how to tap a tree to collect some.

Not ready to venture into the great outdoors yet? No problem! There are family friendly theatre options just a short car ride away.

Family Best Bets Of The Week

Northern Illinois Boat Show http://www.illinoisboatshow.com/

• Where/When: Lake County Fairgrounds. Noon-9 p.m., Thursday and Friday (March 3-4), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday (March 5) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (March 6).              

• Why Go:  More than 40 different boats on display, the kids will love exploring the cabins of so many different vessels. It’s been a long winter, so jumpstart your summer plans and consider buying one.
• Pricing: Adults- $6; Seniors and veterans- $4, Children - free.

Maple Syrup Hikes  

    http://www.lcfpd.org/programs/index.cfm?                            fuseaction=programs.viewDetail&section_id=2065

• Where/When: Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods on Saturday (March 5). Tours begin at 1 p.m.
• Why Go:  One hour walk through the woods, learning why trees have sap and which ones to tap. Educational and delicious!
• Pricing:  Lake County Residents - $5; non-residents - $7, 3 and under- free. Click on link above to register.

How Can You Run With a Shell on Your Back? http://www.marriotttheatre.com/index.aspx

• Where/When: Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (March 4-5).
• Why Go: An adorable and thoughtful children’s musical based on a tale by Aesop. The kids will love the story about six students who learn about the wonder of using their creativity and imagination while serving detention in the school library.
• Price: $15 per ticket plus tax.

Work/Preservation Day in Middlefork Farms Forest Preserve

http://www.lfola.org/getinvolved/workinapreserve.aspx

• Where/When: Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday (March 5).
• Why Go: Fresh air, exercise, and the opportunity for the entire family to give back to the community.
• Price: Free.

‘ Seussical, Jr.’

http://www.glenviewparkdist.org/Events/sys-cal-details.asp?id=1966

• Where/When: Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview. March 12-13 with performances at noon and 4 p.m. each day.
• Why Go: Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and Gertrude McFuzz come to life in this charming musical. A great way to spend some time in the magical world of Dr. Seuss. 
• Price: $6 each. For information, call (224) 724-5670.