Reptiles Dominate the Weekend

The theme for this weekend is reptiles. Reptiles in rainforests, reptiles in the recreation center, frogs on stage, and maybe a few reptile paintings to round out the weekend.

There is no room for being squeamish, show your kids that you can handle the scaliest, the greenest, and the slimiest creatures nature has to offer. By the end of the weekend they will think you’re even more amazing than they already do!

Family Best Bets Of The Week

Emerging Talent Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception

 http://www.deerpathartleague.org/

• Where/When: Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Ave., Lake Forest. Deer Path Art League from 5-8 p.m. Friday (March 11).
• Why Go: Expose your children to the artistic talents of local student artists, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about Summer Art Camp and spring/summer art classes.
• Pricing: Free.

Civic Safari to benefit United Way

 http://www.uwlakeco.org/site/PageServer?pagename=RainforestCafe

• Where/When: Rainforest Café in Gurnee Mills Mall, Thursday through Sunday (March 10-12).
• Why Go:  Get set for Reptile Rampage and eat in a rainforest while helping the United Way.
• Pricing:  It depends on how much you eat.

First Presbyterian Church Pre-School Art Fair and & Toy Drive 

http://www.firstchurchlf.org/preschool/

• Where/When:  Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest. 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday (March 11).
• Why Go: Enjoy the artwork of the pre-school children and teach your children the joy of sharing. Bring a new pre-school age appropriate toy to benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital.
• Price: Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring a toy for the toy drive.

Reptile Rampage

 http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/cs/rec/cs_rec2i21.htm

• Where/When: Lake Forest Recreation Center Gym, 400 Hasting Road, Lake Forest. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (March 13).
• Why Go:  Meet Bubba the alligator, see venomous reptiles, turtles, and snakes. Enjoy face painting and Play-Doh stations. Talk with reptile experts from the Chicago Field’s Museum and other organizations. It’s one of those don’t miss events in Lake Forest, so don’t miss it!
• Pricing:  $5 per person.

The Frog Prince

http://www.d125.org/events/event.aspx?F_d=03/13/2011&F_y=2011&F_m=3&EventId=2502&

• Where/When: Stevenson High School Little Theater, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday  (March 13).
• Why Go:  The Brothers Grimm classic fairy tale comes to life on this weekend of reptile mania. Spend some time at Reptile Rampage and then watch a princess kiss a frog. Finish the day eating in a rainforest. You’ll feel like you’ve spent the day in an exotic location.
• Pricing: $5 per ticket.