Your star student says his ABC’s backward and names every dinosaur species known to man. Keep his wheels turning with these extracurricular programs that go to schools and day cares.

Play On
Two teachers with ties to The Second City coax kids (preschool age and older) to explore their theatrical side with after-school drama clubs and comedy teams. Little spotlight stealers pretend to be animals and act out stories like Where the Wild Things Are.

Boogie Bubbles
Shake maracas, ring bells, and rattle rhythm sticks as Bubbles Academy instructors play ukelele in the upbeat music class. Simply listening captivates wee ones as young as 1 week, while older tots (up to 5 years) sing and move along.

Tumblebear Gymnastics
Classrooms morph into fitness centers when coaches roll up with skill-building equipment (balance beams, uneven bars, crawl tunnels, parachutes). One week, your future Olympian (walking age to 12 years) learns do to a handstand; the next, he’ll navigate an obstacle course. Suburbs only.

Iron Rooks
A pair of chess fans teaches the rules of the game to elementary school students (and privately coach tykes as young as 4). Critical-thinking skills develop as pieces are introduced as characters facing real-life situations.

Every one’s a class act.

SEE
Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age
What: An exhibit of saber-toothed cats, giant bears, and other creatures unmasks mysteries from long ago.
Why: Large-screen videos bring sights and sounds to life.
When: Fri.-Sept. 6. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., at McFetridge Dr. (312-922-9410).

SHOP
Beta Boutique Kids’ Sample Sale
What: Snag designer clothing (infants-preteens) at 40-90 percent off.
Why: Prime finds from Chatti Patti, Adore la Vie, Lollipop Tots, and more.
When: Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 3449 N. Southport Ave., b/t Cornelia Ave. & Newport St. Call 773-351-1876 for details.

STEEP
Mad Tea Party
What: Play croquet with plastic flamingos and chess with two-foot-tall pieces, decorate tea cups, and eat Wonderland-inspired pastries.
Why: It’s a very important date.
When: Sat., 3 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl., at Michigan Ave. Reservations (required) at 312-649-2349.

Photo: Courtesy of Bubbles Academy; Courtesy of Tumblebear Gymnastics