Publications & Sites 
Family Friendly: Families can hike, see a show at arboretum
Strolling musicians set the stage for the whimsical family tale “The Wind in the Willows” Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 26 at the Morton Arboretum. The Theatre-Hikes presentation has audiences walk from scene to scene.
Strolling musicians set the stage for the whimsical family tale, “The Wind in the Willows,” 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 26 at the Morton Arboretum, Rte. 53 and I-88, Lisle. The Theatre-Hikes presentation is perfect for families with children ages 4 and older because the audience walks from scene to scene, giving kids a chance to burn excess energy. Travel distance is about two miles.
Special Events Manager Jenelle Hardtke said that the musical, based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s book, “teaches lessons about friendship.” She noted that youngsters will particularly enjoy watching 10 actors play the loveable characters, including Mr. Toad, Ratty and Mole.
“People that come to the Theatre-Hike get complimentary admission to the Morton Arboretum,” Hardtke said. “It’s a great opportunity to come before or after the hike and enjoy everything that the arboretum has to offer.”
Tickets are $13-$19 with discounts for arboretum members.
For details, call (630) 725-2066 or visit www.mortonarb.org.
Just peachy
Enjoy a lazy summer evening floating in a pool with your family while watching “James and the Giant Peach,” 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at Oak Brook Park District’s Family Aquatic Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road. The cost is $3 residents, $6 nonresidents. Reservations are required.
For details, call (630) 990-4233 or visit www.obparks.org.
Wiggle while they work
Families can enjoy two free Wiggleworms Wednesdays concerts on the Nature Stage at Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Rob Newhouse leads the fun at 10 a.m. on Aug. 22; Jodi Koplin is featured at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29. Wiggleworms is an early childhood music program from Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music.
For details, call (708) 688-8000 or visit www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Zoo-Home.aspx.
Kitten around
Who’s the Coolest Cat Around? Children can find out 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Oak Brook Barnes & Noble, 297 Oakbrook Center. They’ll hear two Eric Litwin books, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons and Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, then do a coloring activity.
For details, call (630) 684-0586 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com.
Move to movies
Kids from beginning walkers to 3-year-olds, accompanied by a parent, will learn age-appropriate balance beam, bars, vault, tumbling and other skills through movie themes at Gymnastic Movie Magic, 4 to 4:35 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 10 to Nov. 5, at Clarendon Hills Park District Community Center, 315 W. Chicago Ave. The cost is $67 for residents and $84 for nonresidents.
For details, call (630) 323-2626 or visit www.clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org.
