The Great Outdoors Awaits: Get Out and Enjoy

The days are getting longer and spring is almost here.

Get the family out of the house and start planning for a summer filled with outdoor activities at the Lake County Sportsman Expo, or take advantage of the amazing forest preserves in the area while learning to turn maple sap into syrup. There are also some fantastic theatre options that will entertain the entire family.

End the weekend with dinner at the legendary Lantern restaurant of Lake Forest before tucking the kids in to bed for the night.

Family Best Bets Of The Week

Lake County Outdoor Sportsman Expo

http://www.lakecounty.org/event_details.cfm?EventID=5934

• Where/When: Lake County Fairgrounds. 2-9 p.m. Friday (March 18); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (March 19), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (March 20).
• Why Go: Get ready for fishing, hunting, boating, and camping. The newest equipment and the prettiest cabin décor will be on display, so get set for the great outdoors this summer.
• Pricing: $7 per ticket.

Maple Syrup Hikes

http://www.lcfpd.org/

• Where/When: Ryerson Woods Conservation Area at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m. Saturday (March 19). Register by Friday, March 18.
• Why Go:  Spend some time walking through the woods, learn how to identify the sweetest maple trees, and how the sap from the trees is tapped and turned into syrup. The best part of the hike is tasting the pure maple syrup at the end of the tour.
• Pricing:  $5 for Lake County residents, $7 non-residents.

The Wizard of Oz

http://www.wilmettetheatre.com/events/

• Where/When: The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., at 10 a.m. or noon Saturday (March 19).
• Why Go: Follow the Yellow Brick Road (or Green Bay Road if you want to get there on time) to one of the most family friendly, all ages theatre productions in the area. Dorothy, Toto, and the whole Oz gang will be there. Don’t miss the chance to see them!
• Price: $10 in advance; $12 at the door.

Madagascar Live

http://www.rosemonttheatre.com/

• Where/When: Rosemont Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday (March 19); 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (March 19-20).                                            
• Why Go:  The animals of King Julien’s Madagascar are moving and grooving to fabulous new songs in this entertaining and vibrant show that the entire family will love. The costumes, music, and dancing take this story of friendship to an exciting new level.
• Pricing:  Ticket prices vary by seating sections. Use Code: SAVE for a discount when you order your tickets.

Dinner at the Lantern with the Balloon Lady

http://www.thelanternoflakeforest.com/5.html

• Where/When: The Lantern in Lake Forest from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday (March 20).
• Why Go: One of the best burgers in town and, the amazing balloon lady will create balloon characters for the kids while you’re waiting for your food. It’s a great way to end a fun-filled weekend. But the best part for mom is, no dishes!
• Pricing: Depends on what you eat.